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2008 conference record: 8-0, 1st

Returning starters

Offense: 4, defense: 7, punter/kicker: 0

Top returners

RB Matt Asiata, LT Zane Beadles, LE Koa Misi, NT Derrick Shelby, NT Kenape Eliapo, LB Stevenson Sylvester, LB Mike Wright, LB Nai Fotu, FS Robert Johnson, SS Joe Dale

Key losses

DE Paul Kruger, CB Sean Smith, CB Brice McCain, DT Greg Newman, QB Brian Johnson, RB Darrell Mack, WR Freddie Brown, WR Bradon Godfrey, WR Brent Casteel, K Louie Sakoda, RT Dustin Hensel, RG Robert Conley

2008 statistical leaders (*returners)

Rushing: Matt Asiata* (707 yards)
Passing: Brian Johnson (2,972 yards)
Receiving: Freddie Brown (900 yards)
Tackles: Mike Wright* (81)
Sacks: Paul Kruger (7.5)
Interceptions: Sean Smith (5)

Spring answers

1. Shelby is a multitasker: Derrick Shelby moved from defensive tackle to defensive end this spring and emerged as one of coach Kyle Whittingham's best players. Whittingham even said he thought Utah would have the best defensive ends in the conference. We know Koa Misi, last year's starter, will be one of them, but whether Shelby keeps his spot on the end or moves back inside is yet to be determined with the fall arrival of James Aiono and the emergence of Nai Fotu from linebacker. The one thing the Utes do know is they have four strong candidates to start at end.

2. Cornerback battles: With both Sean Smith and Brice McCain gone, the Utes' cornerback position, traditionally one of the strong spots of the defense, has been hotly contested. Brandon Burton and R.J. Stanford had strong springs and earned the confidence of both their coaches and safeties.

3. Pleased with receiver depth: After losing the top three receivers from a year ago, a few new ones emerged and gave the Utes some confidence that their receiving corps will rebound. Leading the way was Aiona Key, David Reed and Jereme Brooks. Freshman Luke Matthews and DeVonte Christopher, who was a quarterback, also showed well and will give the corps depth.

Fall questions

1. A three-man race: Early in the spring it looked as though Corbin Louks had the inside track for the starting quarterback role, but junior college transfer Terrance Cain and freshman Jordan Wynn have made it a three-man race heading into the fall, according to Whittingham. All three players played well in the spring game, and while it's probably still Louks' position to lose, the race has gotten significantly tighter.

2. Right side of O-line in flux: The Utes had to make a couple changes to the offensive line to compensate for the injury to starter Neli A'asa, who missed most of spring camp with a knee injury. Junior Zane Taylor, last year's starting center, moved to right guard for A'asa leaving Tyler Williams and Tevita Stevens to battle for the starting center spot. Tony Bergstrom looks like he'll be the starting right tackle. None of this is set in stone, though with the return of A'asa still up in the air.

3. Kicking woes: The most underrated positions to fill for the Utes this fall is at kicker and punter. Louie Sakoda had been the team's most reliable scorer that finding a replacement with the same accuracy and efficiency has been difficult. Ben Vroman is the leader at kicker, but Sean Sellwood will have to duke it out with incoming freshman Nick Marsh for the punting duties in the fall.