Justin M. Bowen

Brian Johnson, quarterback from Utah drops back to throw a pass during the UFL workouts at Sam Boyd Stadium on June 13. Las Vegas is one of four teams in the new football league and will have former New York Giant coach Jim Fassel leading the team.

By Steve Silver

Published Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2009 | 2:04 p.m.

Updated Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2009 | 2:17 p.m.

The United Football League's New York franchise signed 19 players today, including former Utah standout quarterback Brian Johnson.

Johnson led the Utes to an undefeated season in 2008, including an upset-victory over fourth-ranked Alabama in the 2009 Sugar Bowl. He earned Sugar Bowl MVP and Mountain West Conference Offensive MVP honors for that season's performance.

Johnson, who will now play for coach Ted Cottrell in the UFL, is the winningest quarterback in Utah history. In his 26-7 college career record, Johnson completed 66 percent of passes for 7,853 passing yards and 57 touchdowns.

Johnson is one of five MWC players heading to New York.

Former Colorado State running back Cecil Sapp, San Diego State cornerback Terrelle Maze, TCU defensive back Brian Bonner and New Mexico kicker Aaron Barrett all signed with the UFL's New York franchise today.

The UFL's inaugural season starts in October and the league is supposed to unveil team names, logos and schedules next week.