The Utah State quarterback question was answered Monday when Coach Chuck Shelton named sophomore Kirk Johnson as the starter.
Johnson, a 6-5, 220-pounder from Turlock, Calif., won the battle with fellow sophomore Kevin White, the former Logan High and Snow College QB, and will start at Utah Saturday night.Actually, Johnson may not have won the battle as much as White lost by default. White suffered a broken wrist in spring drills and wasn't able to throw all summer. When he finally did start throwing, he suffered tendinitis in his shoulder.
"The tendinitis has put Kevin behind and I don't think he can play a whole game," said Shelton.
According to USU offensive coordinator Pat Behrns, Johnson won the job because he had the "best two-a-days" and "awfully good" scrimmages the past two Saturdays.
Johnson's numbers during the two fall scrimmages were excellent - 25 of 31 completions for 205 yards. White, although he did better last Saturday, had combined totals of 15 of 32 for 194 yards.
Just because Johnson has the No. 1 job for now doesn't mean there can't be a change along the way. White is being kept out of some practices this week to make sure he's ready to play if needed. Also freshman Craig Sorensen, who was moved to quarterback recently, will be getting a lot of work this week.
AGGIE NOTES: The Aggie offensive line was depleted when the White brothers, Shannon (330 pounds) and Shawn (270) quit the team. Both were second teamers . . . Brian Funk has been moved from the defensive line to offense to shore up the line . . . Stephen Robinson, a redshirt freshman, has moved up to first team at outside linebacker ahead of junior Tom Hansen . . . Greg O'Banion is now first team ahead of Joe Moore at right guard . . . Rod Moore has taken over for Tracey Jenkins as the No. 1 split end . . . Todd Richardson has earned the No. 1 fullback spot, while the battle between Brett Payne and Demetrius Brown at halfback is still a tossup.