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SALT LAKE CITY — It didn't take long to notice that something was wrong on the field with Kenan Johnson.
The Georgia Tech transfer had done enough to earn a starting spot opposite of proven Utah corner Zemaiah Vaughn, but in an instant during Utah's shutout win over Southern Utah on Thursday, Johnson's season had come to a quick end.
An apparent leg injury that left the corner lying on the field by the Utah sideline early in the game.
The injury did not involve contact by another player, but was one that left Johnson unable to walk off the field without others propping him up. Minutes later, after a trip to the medical tent and then later the locker room, Johnson emerged on crutches and a brace on one of his knees.
All that was left was Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham confirming the obvious, of which he did later Monday morning during his regular availability with media.
"That's season ending," Whittingham said. "If there is a silver lining, he will be able to get another year. We haven't had that discussion yet, it just depends on what he what he wants to do and how he wants to handle it. But from what feedback I have gotten, it would be pretty much be a slam dunk to get him another year."
Johnson's status was all but confirmed after the game Thursday, with Whittingham candidly saying the injury "doesn't look good." But the head coach wanted to ensure Johnson was fully tested Friday before any definitive statements could be made.
Whittingham said Smith Snowden, who is the team's designated nickel, played well and could move outside if the team needed him to, but Elijah Davis filled in well in Johnson's absence and will be a contender to start in the position. Additionally, Cam Calhoun, the Michigan transfer who had surgery over the offseason, will join the team this week and will be in the mix.
The trio will likely be in contention for the spot, but Whittingham said it's tough to project until they get into practice this week.
Outside of Johnson, Whittingham said Aliki Vimahi, who also left the game early in what was feared to be a season-ending injury, will be able to return to the team this season. The timeline remains to be seen, but Whittingham said he expected Vimahi to be back on the field at some point.
