New player, same results
Casteel making a name for himself
By: Matt Patton
Issue date: 9/6/05 Section: Sports
|
Only this year the man behind the uniform isn't Steve Savoy-it's Brent Casteel.
The departure of both Savoy and Paris Warren-who combined for more than 2,000 receiving yards and 23 touchdowns last year-left a void at the receiver position.
In the third quarter of Friday night's game, Casteel quickly made his case to be considered as one of the new go-to receivers, as he bounced off Wildcat defenders and ran 59 yards to the end zone, giving the Utes a 17-10 lead.
"I knew something was going to happen out of that play," Casteel said. "Once (the quarterback) pitched that ball, it was up to me to do something. It feels good to get that feeling back when you get in the end zone."
His touchdown ignited the sold out Rice-Eccles Stadium crowd and helped bring the momentum back to the team by once again giving the Utes the lead.
Casteel finished the night with 105 all-purpose yards, with most of his action coming in the second half.
"My role tonight was small, but I turned it into some big plays," he said.
Although Casteel did well in spring drills, there was plenty of competition for starting receiver positions. He came into the game primarily as the backup H receiver and knew if he did play he would have to split time with Travis LaTendresse, John Madsen and Brian Hernandez.
His involvement and time on the field during the first half was limited, but it worked out to the Utes' benefit.
"I think I had the advantage coming out in the second half because I had fresh legs," Casteel said. "The coaches knew what time to play me."
His speed-he has a 4.49 second 40-yard dash time-and athleticism were evident throughout the game, making him a viable offensive threat whenever and wherever he was on the field.
Aside from his touchdown run, Casteel made some big catches. He helped a drive continue late in the third quarter as he caught a dart from Johnson up the middle that made its way between two members of the Wildcat secondary for a gain of 29 yards.
In the fourth quarter, he made an acrobatic grab at the line of scrimmage, and although it was for no gain, the catch kept the ball from going into a crowd of Arizona defenders eager to intercept.
Casteel's play in the second half seemed to be sufficient to open up more space for Quinton Ganther, and the offense moved the ball enough to give them a large lead and hold off Arizona toward the end of the game.
In his first game as a starter, Brian Johnson seemed pleased to have another target to look for besides Ganther and the usual group of receivers.
"Brent Casteel is a star in the making," Johnson said. "He played really well tonight."
mpatton@chronicle.utah.edu