Utah Utes football DB wants to be next in the 'Safety Pride' line

The Utah Utes football team is starting to clarify where it stands at several positions. While they're set at quarterback with Cam Rising, there are other positions that are a bit up for grabs.

The Utes' running back position is especially open. Guys are trying to step up but so far, no one has really set themselves apart. And then there's the defensive backfield.

It's a bit different when talking about the Utah Utes football team's defense. It was the strength of the squad in 2023, and it stands to reason it's going to be good again in 2024. One of the reasons why the Utah Utes football defense will be impressive is guys like Tao Johnson.

Utah Utes football defensive back wants to honor the past

Johnson came to Salt Lake City bouncing between the wide receiver and cornerback position. However in 2023, he found out that he liked the safety position best. And it appears the Utes like him there best as well.

Johnson had 33 tackles, 1 fumble recovery and 5 passes defended in 2023. His 65.6 PFF overall rating had him fifth on Utah's defense among players who played 500 or more snaps.

That's why Johnson believes he's ready to step into more of a leadership role and take over the "Safety Pride" spot in 2024.

"I think free safety and just safety in general is my position," Johnson said earlier this summer. "Playing all of those other positions has helped me and just growing throughout camp- I've never got it. That's just my thing, I've never got it, and just trying to grow in different areas. It gets down to the littlest things. Every day I'm working on something new and just trying to build on it and become a better player."

We'll see just how good Johnson can be early on. The Utah Utes football team kicks off the season in just over two weeks against Southern Utah.