Nate Johnson Gives Utes ‘Swiss Army Knife’ All Over Football Field
Jul 2, 2025, 4:08 PM
Utah QB turned WR Nate Johnson makes an appearance onb the 60 in 60 watchlist. (Photo Credit: Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.)
(Photo Credit: Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.)
SALT LAKE CITY – Former quarterback Nate Johnson gets the chance to make an impact all over the field in his second go-around with the University of Utah Utes.
Fresh off of spending 2024 in the SEC with Vanderbilt, Johnson returns to Salt Lake with an expanded role and a new opportunity to contribute.
Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham compared Johnson’s abilities to a Swiss Army knife.
“He can play wide receiver, running back, quarterback,” Whittingham said. “You name it, he can do it. We’re excited about having Nate back in the program and plan on using him in a multitude of ways.”
About Utah’s Nate Johnson
Listed at 6’1 and 202 pounds, Johnson is an explosive athlete with the ability to change a game any time he touches the football.
247Sports.com rated him as the No. 16 quarterback in the country after a career at Clovis High School in California. Johnson was named TRAC Offensive Player of the Year and earned CIF Central Section Athlete of the Year following his junior year.
He accounted for 2,484 yards on offense as a senior.
Johnson completed 118 of 189 passes for 1,672 yards and 12 touchdowns. The dual-threat QB added 812 yards (8.6 yards per carry) and eight TDs on the ground.
RELATED: Johnson Excited To Be A Playmaker With Utah Football
Redshirt Freshman QB Nate Johnson, a composite 4⭐️ QB in the Class of 2022, runs it in from 27 yards out to give Utah a 14-3 lead over Florida 🏈pic.twitter.com/swxsD3pQa7
— 247Sports (@247Sports) September 1, 2023
Johnson played four games as a freshman at Utah in 2022, maintaining his redshirt status. He completed one pass, a 16-yard touchdown, and ran for 51 yards and two scores.
He played seven games in 2023, completing 39 of 72 passes (54.2 percent) with three touchdowns, while adding 232 yards and four TDs on the ground. His 193 yards through the air were the most for a Utah freshman since 2012.
Johnson appeared in ten games with Vanderbilt in 2024. He completed one pass for 12 yards and gained 114 yards and a touchdown on the ground.
What is the 60 in 60?
Hans and Scotty highlight college football players in the state of Utah with their annual 60 in 60 watchlist.
Check back after the 2025 College Football season to see the final 60 in 60 list.
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