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SALT LAKE CITY — Just days after the end of Utah football’s spring camp, sophomore placekicker Chayden Johnston announced his departure from the program.
Johnston, who was expected to be the team’s starting placekicker this season, announced on Twitter Thursday that he was stepping away from football to focus on a career as a health care professional.
“Thanks to all of those who have supported me on my journey as a football player,” Johnston tweeted. “For myself and my family, it is in my best interest to move onto my next chapter as I pursue my goal to work as a health care professional.”
The former Bingham High kicker competed for the starting job in 2017 but lost the job after missing a 45-yard kick in the team’s opening game that season. Johnston was replaced by former Ute Matt Gay, who went on to lead the team for the last two seasons as a reliable and consistent placekicker.
After Gay’s graduation from the university, Johnston was expected to be in the running for the starting role. In Utah’s spring game, though, he missed a 43-yard field goal attempt — his only attempt of the game.
Johnston was the only placekicker on scholarship on Utah’s roster, but the team could now turn to Jadon Redding, a walk-on freshman from Fredericksburg, Virginia.
Redding played in the annual Red-White game Saturday, but missed a late-game 31-yard field goal attempt.
Johnston thanked the many people who helped him advance in football, including high school coaches, his recruiting coaches and Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham.
— Chayden Johnston (@Chayden_D) April 18, 2019
