Casteel a true triple threat for Utes

By J.E.  |   Thursday, March 02, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

Utah Utes
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From a fan's perspective, one of the best things about watching college football is being able to witness the awesome displays of athleticism and versatility put on by some of the most talented players in the country. This versatility is something that is rarely seen in the NFL, where players tend to specialize and settle into one position.

For example, watching ex-Trojan Reggie Bush put on a show while returning punts and kickoffs in addition to the standard handoffs and pitchouts from behind the line of scrimmage was a thing of beauty. But you're crazy if you think the projected #1 overall pick in this year's NFL draft will be playing on special teams beyond his rookie year as a pro.

That's why when a guy like Utah's Brent Casteel comes along, fans should sit up and take notice. Casteel established himself last season as a player to watch on the Utes' squad by making significant contributions as a running back, wide receiver, and kick returner. Before coming to Utah, Casteel was a running back throughout his career at Antioch High School in suburban San Francisco. So it's not at all surprising that he was able to post 208 rushing yards on 35 carries, including a 59-yard touchdown in his college debut against Arizona, as a redshirt freshman in 2005. These numbers made Casteel the Utes' third-leading rusher behind senior starter Quinton Ganther and quarterback Brian Johnson.

What is surprising, however, is that Casteel was utilized primarily as a wide receiver by head coach Kyle Whittingham, and is in fact listed as a WR on the Utah Utes' roster. It is a testament to Casteel's natural athletic ability that he was able to adapt to his new position quickly and make an impact almost immediately. He started several games for the Utes in 2005, hauling in 39 receptions for 426 yards and two touchdowns. Casteel was Utah's fourth most prolific receiver behind team leaders Travis LaTendresse, Brian Hernandez, and John Madsen.

In addition, Casteel was tasked with special teams duties when he started returning kickoffs against TCU in the Utes' third game of the season. He had three returns in that game for a total of 89 yards, including a long of 40, which was enough to make Coach Whittingham use Casteel regularly in that capacity. Over the course of the entire season, Casteel racked up a total of 464 return yards on just 20 chances for a respectable average of 23.2 yards per return.

If there's a knock against Casteel, it's his work ethic. In fact, this lack of dedication was the biggest factor in Casteel's declining playing time towards the end of the season. Coach Whittingham made it known in no uncertain terms that Casteel must exhibit more of a commitment to football and to the team by working harder in preparation for game days.

Overall, however, the quality of Casteel's play last year leaves no doubt that he will continue to get better and better as he gets more experience under his belt. You have to believe that his work ethic will also develop as he gets older and more mature. Casteel's presence in the lineup next season will be even more important to the Utah Utes' success given the fact that Ganther, LaTendresse, and Madsen have all graduated, while Johnson is recovering from knee surgery. If this young man can put it all together in 2006, there's no telling where his talent will take him.
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