Darryl Poston finally did it.
For the first time in his college football career, the running back finished a game at full speed.
In Utah's 45-7 win over Northern Arizona, Poston led all rushers with 72 yards — exactly twice as many as he accumulated through 16 previous games in injury-plagued stints with the Utes and USC.
"I've been through a lot of injuries, a lot of downfalls and things like that," Poston said. "But Saturday was actually a day I got to perform. I was actually 100 percent."
The realization, thereof, was brought to light when Poston's parents mentioned it to him after the game.
"I realized it then," Poston said. "I'm like that is true."
The trials and tribulations began at USC, following a stellar career at nearby Edison High. The Huntington Beach, Calif., product ran for a school record 3,419 yards and 29 touchdowns before signing with the Trojans.
A knee sprain and a back injury limited him to just seven games and 12 carries over two seasons (2001-02) at USC. He did, however, score a pair of touchdowns.
Poston eventually transferred to Utah and resumed his career in 2004. A season-ending knee injury, though, reduced his first season with the Utes to one game and one carry, a 3-yard run against Texas A&M.
A bout with mononucleosis plagued him throughout the 2005 campaign. Poston saw action in seven games and netted just 19 yards on six carries.
Poston's various injuries led to an NCAA medical extension and more eligibility. A slight hamstring strain provided a little scare as camp concluded but didn't keep him out of the UCLA game. Poston wound up with plenty of reps but few carries in the opener.
That changed against NAU when a conscious effort was made to get the ball in Poston's hands. He led all rushers in the game and had more carries (11) than anyone else.
A 1-yard touchdown run highlighted the effort and gave Utah its first score.
"I felt like I was able to contribute a lot on Saturday," Poston said. "It felt good."
And now that he's healthy, his confidence has soared.
"I expect more," Poston said. "My goal is to contribute and help the team win in anyway possible."
There's some payback involved. Poston's injury-riddled college career led to self-imposed feelings of frustration.
"I felt like I was just abusing my privileges and stuff like that like I didn't deserve a scholarship because I wasn't able to play," Poston said. "So it was a blessing to be able to perform."
Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said Poston did a nice job. He said that Poston and teammate Mike Liti, who combined for 140 yards and two touchdowns last weekend, give Utah an effective 1-2 combination.
Poston, he continued, needs to keep playing like he did in his first collegiate start against NAU.
"He's a tremendous talent," Whittingham said. "He's a back that has home-run capabilities and can go the distance. He's got great speed where he can go the distance on any particular snap."
As such, Whittingham is hopeful Poston will be in the lineup for the next 10 games.
It's more than just a wish for Whittingham and his staff, who have stood by Poston and his potential throughout the lengthy list of injuries.
"No question about it," Whittingham said. "He's been through more than any college football player I've ever come across, as far as injuries and rehab and setbacks and so forth."
Poston was eager to review film of his performance in Utah's first win of the season — to see what he's capable of when healthy.
It's rare but valuable footage as the Utes prepare to face Utah State on Saturday.
EXTRA POINTS: Utah coaches said they won't change their game plan Saturday in the wake of star receiver Tony Pennyman's dismissal from USU. ... Safety Steve Tate, who missed last week's game with a sprained knee, confirmed he will play this weekend against USU. Middle linebacker Joe Jiannoni (foot) participated in practice, but receiver Bradon Godfrey (ankle) was sidelined on crutches. Citing a new team policy, Whittingham won't comment on injuries until Thursday. ... Defensive tackle Kelly Talavou is Utah's leading tackler with 14 stops after two games.
E-mail: dirk@desnews.com