Just before this afternoon's meetings, Coach Carroll made a quick trip the hospital, where he visited with Stafon Johnson for a few minutes, and he has some encouraging news from the outing.

"He looked great and his spirits were remarkably good," Carroll said of Johnson, who underwent emergency throat surgery on Monday. "He really misses everyone and sends everyone good wishes for this week. He's very thankful for the support from everyone."

During the visit, Johnson wrote Carroll a note that said, "I'm going to be back soon. I miss you guys already."

Carroll's time with Johnson ended so the coach could return to campus for football meetings, but only after he accidentally made Johnson laugh a few times, an apparent no-no for someone just out of surgery.

"They kicked me out then," Carroll said with a smile.