Matt Asiata continued to make progress as the Utes closed in on their final week of preparation for next week's season opener at Oregon State.
The positive thing, noted Utah coach Kyle Whittingham, is that the highly touted running back's sprained left foot is healing. It's not tightening up or anything after practicing on it. "Each day appears to be a step in the right direction," said Whittingham, who added that Asiata is showing improvement each day since resuming practice on Monday. "If he continues to see that progress, there's no question he'll play,"
Whittingham said. "If we have a setback, we'll have to re-evaluate."
Asiata is competing against Darryl Poston, Ray Stowers and Darrell Mack for the starting tailback position.
Whittingham had hoped to fill the position by today, but Asiata's injury has complicated matters. So, too, has the competition. "It may not happen until game day. We may not announce until game day," Whittingham said. "We're going to do it on our timeline. Obviously sooner rather than later is what we hoped," he continued.
"But as long as all four are playing at a high level, we've got to continue to analyze."
Whittingham insists the sorting out process has not been a distraction for the Utes.
"The guy we do put out there is going to be a quality guy," Whittingham said. "We know that much."
The possibility that multiple backs will see action exists, though Whittingham is not a big fan of it. He wants one guy to pull away from the pack — something only reps in practice or games may accomplish.
In the meantime, he
explained, the Utes are crossing their fingers and hoping that Asiata doesn't have any sort of setback. "So far, so good," Whittingham said of what he calls the "gradual return" of the junior college All-American.
Asiata, who suffered the mild foot sprain nearly two weeks ago, acknowledged the injury has gotten better each day. He's just trying to get reps now.
Though he'd like to be the starter, Asiata said it doesn't matter who gets the call as long as the outcome of the game is successful.
BOONE RETURNS: Offensive lineman Jason Boone stopped by practice for the first time since tearing the ACL in his left knee earlier this month. He'll have the injury surgically repaired today. "I love these guys, you know. It's hard to come out here and see them," said Boone, who is hoping to recover in five months or so and participate in NFL tryouts. "I feel like I let them down, kind of."
Boone, an all-conference candidate at left tackle, is having a difficult time dealing with the situation. A medical hardship is being filed, but the chances aren't good for the fifth-year senior to receive it — even though he had a torn meniscus as a redshirt in 2003. "This is my year, my team. It just hurts," Boone said. "But I'm definitely going to be here. I'm going to be part of the team. I want to see them succeed."
Boone will travel with the Utes this season and offer insights to the offensive line.
ONE WEEK TO GO: Just one week remains before Utah faces Oregon State in Corvallis. Senior safety Steve Tate said it's imperative that the Utes don't plateau in the remaining days. They must peak at the right time. "I'm pleased with where we are right now," Tate said. "But in a sense, I'm still glad we've got seven days." The time, he added, is beneficial as far as finalizing a scheme, a game plan, building confidence and taking advantage of more film study.
EXTRA POINTS: Whittingham said Wednesday's practice was a "grinder day" and more mentally than physically challenging for the players, who are increasingly eager for next week's game ... Junior receiver Bradon Godfrey hyper-extended his knee "a little bit" in practice. He said it's all good, though, and he'll be ready to go ... The Utes will practice again this afternoon at the McCarthey Practice Fields.
E-mail: dirk@desnews.com