SALT LAKE CITY —As Utah football attempts to bounce back from a disappointing 2024 campaign, one of the team’s key defensive leaders, free safety Tao Johnson, is stepping into a bigger role — both in performance and presence.

After moving to the spot last season, he enters his second season at free safety and third as a starter. Johnson has high expectations and has enjoyed the increased competition in camp this fall.

He’s also taken on the responsibility of not just sharpening his own craft, and helping elevate the standard across the secondary.

Utah safety Tao Johnson sees a difference this year

After back-to-back seasons falling below the program’s championship expectations, Johnson feels the pressure — and embraces it.

“It feels critical, especially for myself, a lot of older g

See Full Page