The Utes aren't backing down from those high hopes, either. Calling his 2008 squad the "most talented" he has had, Utah coach Kyle Whittingham made it clear Monday at the Mountain West Conference meetings that winning the conference title is his team's top priority.

"We want an MWC championship, that has eluded us the last three years, but we have our sight set on that and anything short of that . . . no one is playing for second place," Whittingham said. "That is the focal point for us."

Johnson backed up his coach and believes Utah has the talent to make 2008 a better year than 2007, when the Utes went 9-4 and won their seventh straight bowl game.

"We have the potential to do something special," he said. "But it's all up to us and what we make of it. We have to find ways to motivate ourselves week in and week out and if we find that motivation, then things should take care of themselves."

Wilson out

Receiver Marquis Wilson, who was suspended for spring practice then reinstated for summer workouts, won't be allowed to play with the Utes in 2008, Whittingham said.

Wilson, who was suspended for spring practice before the 2007 season, too, had 18 catches for 285 yards and three touchdowns last year. He hasn't fulfilled the requirements needed to be fully reinstated for the season, Whittingham said. He has been given the option of redshirting and staying with the Utes or transferring. Whittingham said Wilson indicated to him he wanted to remain with the Utes.

Individually speaking

The Utes were represented on the All-Mountain West team by offensive lineman Robert Conley, defensive lineman Paul Kruger and defensive backs Brice McCain and Robert Johnson. Louie Sakoda was the conference's Special Teams Player of the Year and selected as the preseason kicker and punter.

lwodraska@sltrib.com

MWC preseason poll

Team (first votes) Points

1. BYU (29) 299

2. Utah (5) 274

3. TCU 239

4. New Mexico 197

5. Wyoming 156

6. Air Force 141

7. San Diego State 92

8. Colorado State 73

9. UNLV 59