They wanted to win the game, of course, but for literally every player who participated in last weekend’s Las Vegas Bowl, there was another agenda, as well.
To show what they can do.
“Every game, you’re putting your résumé on film,” Utah defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley noted simply.
Miles Battle wanted to show NFL personnel that he can play on Sundays.
Tao Johnson wanted to show Utah coaches that he can play literally anywhere in their defensive backfield.
So, how did the theoretical job interviews, go then?
Well, Utah dropping an unsightly 14-7 decision to Northwestern was not an ideal outcome, but considering the Wildcats only managed 291 total yards, and 226 through the air, the Utes’ defense came away looking pretty good.
Battle, a 6-foot-4, 205-pounder from Houston, came to the Utes for his senior season after appearing in 46 games with four starts at Ole Miss from 2018-22. He said he chose the Utes because “they checked every box” in terms of what he was looking for in a program where he could make a good impression while closing out his collegiate career.
“Just seeing what the program offered and what they stood for and everything that they do as a team and how it translates to the next level was what really stood out to me,” Battle said, “and what really was a driving force for me to pick Utah.”
He wound up appearing in all 12 regular-season games for the Utes this season, and started against Weber State, as part of a three-man rotation on the outside with Zemaiah Vaughn and JaTravis Broughton.
(Trent Nelson | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Utes cornerback Miles Battle (1) celebrates the win as the Utah Utes host the Florida Gators, NCAA football in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023.
He had some tough moments early, such as getting beat deep for a huge gain in the final seconds vs. Baylor, enabling the Bears one final shot at the end zone. But he also improved as the season went on, recording a pair of pass breakups vs. Cal, getting an interception and a 24-yard return against Arizona State, and notching a season-high six tackles at Washington.
Scalley lamented not having more time with Battle.
“Man, what a joy it’s been to have him for a year. I wish we had him longer [because of] the development that you’ve seen in him,” said Scalley. “… He’s a long-limbed corner that NFL scouts are intrigued with.”
While other Utah players skipped the Las Vegas Bowl to begin their NFL prep work, Battle saw the matchup at Allegiant Stadium as another chance for him to make an in-game impression.
“It was a no-brainer for me to play in the bowl game,” he explained. “It’s another opportunity for put good [things] on film for NFL scouts. And also for the Senior Bowl games — like the Reese’s or the East-West Shrine Bowl — for them to see me out there playing one more time. Just being able to put that film on there for them is great.
“… I know they’re looking at me, and I’m just trying to put on the best show so I can get in!” he added.
Battle wound up with four tackles and a pass break-up against Northwestern. This past Tuesday, he officially declared for the draft.
Johnson, meanwhile, has more time with the Utes ahead.
And a role change of some kind figures to be in his future.
How extensive a change remains to be seen.
An incredible high school athlete, Johnson played quarterback for Thunder Ridge High School in Idaho, while also participating in varsity basketball and track & field, where he became 5A state champion in the 100-meter dash (10.82), and took third in the 4x100 relay and long jump.
In 2022, with the Utes, he appeared in five games as a wide receiver and on special teams. But in 2023, as a redshirt freshman, he not only made the switch to defense, but appeared in every game, and was the team’s primary nickel back.
But he also took some snaps at free safety. And started cross-training as an outside corner. And also as a strong safety.
It was a ton of work learning the various nuances of each position, but he happily did it.
“It’s a lot, but I have to tell myself that, in the end, it’s gonna help,” Johnson said. “I’m just learning and taking it slow, day by day. It takes a lot of extra effort, but it’s been good for me. It’s probably the best thing that’s happened to me.”
Head coach Kyle Whittingham, while discussing Johnson’s growth midseason, noted that he was likely to take over at either one of the outside corner spots or at free safety next season.
Considering that Battle and starting safeties Cole Bishop and Sione Vaki have all declared for the draft, while outside corner Broughton has entered the transfer portal, the 6-1, 192-pound Johnson is definitely destined for bigger things than manning the slot.
“I’m a DB. When people ask me what I play, I say, ‘DB.’ I play corner, slot/nickel, free and strong [safety],” Johnson said. “I try to be able to do it all, and I take pride in trying to be versatile.”
He finished the regular season with 33 tackles, five pass breakups, 1.5 tackles for loss, and one fumble recovery. In the bowl game, he contributed three tackles and a pass breakup.
Battle marveled at Johnson’s ability to take on so much, and to get so good at everything that was asked of him.
“His versatility really stands out to me,” said Battle. “… For him to be able to play different positions — corner, nickel, or even free safety — being able to play all those and know all the [responsibilities], it’s just a testament to his game and his knowledge.”
Northwestern running back Anthony Tyus III (27) is tripped by Utah cornerback Tao Johnson (15) during the first half of the Las Vegas Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker)
Asked if he has a preference where he plays primarily, Johnson began reciting the components of each job that he enjoys.
As a corner, there’s a heavy responsibility being “on an island,” going one-on-one (or “mano a mano” as he put it) against wide receivers. Then again, there’s big responsibility as a safety, too, flying around all over the field and “cleaning stuff up.”
Johnson increasingly saw action as a safety when the Utes started limiting Vaki’s defensive snaps a bit on account of the role he was playing giving some extra juice to the offense.
Did we mention that Johnson was a prep quarterback and a freshman wideout for the Utes?
Are some offensive snaps in the picture next season, too?
“I don’t know! We’ll see. Maybe!” Johnson replied, laughing.
The bowl game didn’t give him a chance to show off that part of his game.
But it’s apparently never too early to start looking ahead.
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