Today the Utes will hold their first scrimmage of the season and it might be the most important development of the fall. If all goes well, Utah coach Kyle Whittingham hopes that a leader emerges in Utah's 3-way battle for the top spot. The practice will be held this afternoon at McCarthey Practice Fields and is closed to the public.
Brian Johnson will look to win back his job from Brett Ratliff, who replaced him after an injury in the second to last game of the season. Ratliff stepped in and led the Utes to a 2-0 record, including a win over rival BYU and Georgia Tech in the 2005 Emerald Bowl. Johnson, in his first season as starting quarterback, put up impressive numbers but struggled mightily throughout some key moments during the season. Throw in Tommy Grady, a transfer from Oklahoma, and you've got yourself a real fight to lead the Utes.
Currently Brett Ratliff is the favorite, however Johnson's injury has healed a considerable amount since November and a good showing this afternoon could change that. Grady, unless he wows the coaches today, is most likely looking at a backup roll to either Ratliff or Johnson -- that is if he doesn't transfer in the coming weeks. While right now the position is up in the air, by the end of the day there could be a true leader.