Quarterback Brian Johnson will sit out as a redshirt for the Utah Utes this football season to allow his surgically repaired knee more time to heal, leaving rivals Brett Ratliff and Tommy Grady to battle for the starting job that Johnson relinquished last year because of his injury. "It could have been well enough to play," Johnson said. "But you have three great quarterbacks. Why risk it? I have a long future ahead of me playing football, I think, so I want to come here and be 100 percent healthy, and if I'm not able to do that, then it's no use to go out there."
All three quarterbacks had taken equal snaps during training camp, and Johnson had looked impressive - especially in the team's first scrimmage last weekend.
However, coach Kyle Whittingham said Johnson still suffers occasional soreness and swelling in his knee, leaving the Utes uncertain how the junior would tolerate the increased workload that would
come with remaining in a race to be the starter.
"It's a medical decision," Whittingham said. "It's not performance-driven."
Johnson did not play during the team's second scrimmage Thursday, while Ratliff and Grady again looked solid. The incumbent starter, Ratliff completed 7 of 16 passes for 116 yards and three touchdowns, while Grady was 11-for-16 passing for 212 yards and three touchdowns.
Whittingham said the Utes expect to decide in the next few days which player will occupy the starting spot on the depth chart.
All three quarterbacks had taken equal snaps during training camp, and Johnson had looked impressive - especially in the team's first scrimmage last weekend.
However, coach Kyle Whittingham said Johnson still suffers occasional soreness and swelling in his knee, leaving the Utes uncertain how the junior would tolerate the increased workload that would
come with remaining in a race to be the starter.
"It's a medical decision," Whittingham said. "It's not performance-driven."
Johnson did not play during the team's second scrimmage Thursday, while Ratliff and Grady again looked solid. The incumbent starter, Ratliff completed 7 of 16 passes for 116 yards and three touchdowns, while Grady was 11-for-16 passing for 212 yards and three touchdowns.
Whittingham said the Utes expect to decide in the next few days which player will occupy the starting spot on the depth chart.
