After one season at Vanderbilt, quarterback Nate Johnson has returned to Utah.
On Tuesday afternoon, Johnson announced his intent to transfer to Utah on social media.
“When they sleep on you, tuck them in. Coming back home,” Johnson wrote.
At Vanderbilt, Johnson saw limited time, playing 22 snaps at quarterback, and three as a running back or wide receiver. He finished the season with 12 passing yards (1 for 3) and 114 rushing yards and a touchdown on 11 carries.
In his last stint with the Utes in 2023, Johnson started three games at quarterback and played in three others, finishing the season with 499 passing yards and three passing touchdowns on 54.2% accuracy.
He also added 235 rushing yards and four scores on 59 carries. He led the Utes to a win over Baylor after being inserted into the game in the second half, scoring a rushing touchdown with 1:59 remaining to tie the game.
At the start of his Utah career in 2022, Johnson was used all over the field, coming in at quarterback on special packages. He threw one passing touchdown, had two rushing touchdowns and had a reception.
When he entered the transfer portal, Johnson told ESPN’s Pete Thamel he is “open to playing either quarterback or wide receiver at his next stop.” And in new offensive coordinator Jason Beck’s offense, he’s expected to have a versatile role like he had in 2021.
He will also provide Utah with another body in the quarterback room, joining Devon Dampier, Isaac Wilson, Brendan Zurbrugg, Jamarian Ficklin and Wyatt Becker.