Utah football: John White shares credit for 1,000-yard season

John White is thrilled to break the 1,000-yard mark as a running back, but he knows where to give credit when it's due.

White said not only did Utah's offensive line deserve props for helping him, but so did fullback Shawn Asiata, who opened big holes for him in Saturday's 34-21 win at Arizona.

"I'd like to say it's on me, but it's on them," said White of the offensive line and Asiata. "Shawn is my boy and he helps me out a ton."

Asiata is becoming more of a factor for the Utes. In addition to throwing down some big blocks for White, Asiata also had three catches for 21 yards against the Wildcats.

"They don't expect him to get the ball," White said. "And every time he gets the ball he makes the most out of it."

One yard short

Asiata's emergence in the offense led to Utah coach Kyle Whittingham to remember Utah defensive coordinator Kalani Sitake in his playing days at BYU. Sitake was the team's most valuable running back in 2000.

"He was notorious for busting off 40- and 50-yard runs then getting tackled on the 1-yard line," Whittingham jokingly said.

He knows him now

UCLA quarterback Kevin Prince was on the Utes' recruiting board, Whittingham said, but he can't remember why the Utes didn't pursue him.

"You recruit so many, it's tough to keep them straight," he said.

Utah offensive coordinator Norm Chow, who was at UCLA when Prince was being recruited, said Prince had interest in the Utes.

Prince, who originally committed to Washington, was talked into committing to UCLA by Chow and other coaches. "He is a nice young guy who works hard and does his thing," Chow said.

Of note

The Pac-12 has organized events to honor Veterans Day during games on Saturday with video presentations and pre-game recognitions. … Utah receiver Dres Anderson's father, Willie "Flipper" Anderson, lettered at UCLA.

lwodraska@sltrib.com

Twitter: @lyawodraska