We’ve now hit the dead period, but make no mistake, there’s nothing “dead” about it when it comes recruits committing.
Here’s a potential numbers breakdown for this year’s overall class to keep in mind. These numbers include current commits):
OFFENSE-
QB - 1 (COMMITTED: Shelley)
RB - 1-2 (Most likely 1)
WR- 3-4 (COMMITTED: Hampton and Dixon)
TE- 1 (COMMITTED: Ben Moos)
OL- 4-5 (COMMITTED: Richardson and Umana; Hoping for two JC guys)
DEFENSE-
CB- 4 (COMMITTED: Johnson and Lewis)
S- 1 (They’re recruiting as though Williams is gone and hoping he returns)
LB 1-2 (A need, but not pressing as Utah moves towards their 5-down CU game scheme)
DT- 2-3 (COMMITTED: Penisini; They’ll take all of Tufele, Elliss, and Penisini)
DE- 1-2 (Not a huge need because of numerous quality in-house options, plus a healthy Fitts)
With that said, here’s an altered Big Board, after all the happenings from last week:
1) Jay Tufele, DT - No change to the number one recruit on Utah’s big board, Tufele is the highest priority and will remain on top until his decision. The top recruit in Utah and a Rivals Top 100 prospect, Tufele is being courted mainly by Ohio State, Michigan, USC, and Utah. He’s a frequent unofficial visitor to the University of Utah campus, and if he were to commit to Utah, he’d be in the conversation for immediate playing time. One important thing to note is that family circumstances could be another factor in keeping him home. He’s planning on announcing his commitment on January 7th at the Army All-American Bowl game.
Derek’s Review of Jay Tufele:
Complete package at the DT position. There's no debate why he is regarded as one of the top prospects for this entire class. Jay has great speed and explosion, however what I like most about his is his football IQ. He does a great job getting pre-snap reads and knows how to adjust in an instant. That is what makes Jay a complete DL threat.
2) Eno Benjamin, RB - The four-star Army All-American running back officially visited Utah for the Oregon game and came away impressed with the way the Utes utilize their running backs. A one-time Iowa commit, Benjamin put up ridiculous numbers in his high school career. Home school Texas has gotten into the mix with the hiring of Tom Herman and recently offered, but Utah will be in it with Benjamin until the end. He’s also announcing at the All-American Bowl.
Kenneth’s Review of Eno Benjamin:
Good vision, shifty, can run away from people in the open field, fierce runner that punishes people, can catch out the backfield, really amazed at how well he moves and runs away from people.
3) Tayler Katoa, LB - Katoa is a quarterback and linebacker for Layton High School, but the Utes are recruiting him as a linebacker/defensive end. At 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds, he has the ideal size at the position. The key for Katoa is that he wishes to enroll early at his school, play a season and then leave for a mission. That situation favors Utah over his other suitors, Washington and USC. Currently, we’re hearing it should come down to Utah and the Trojans. Katoa is on record saying the Utes’ “Hometown Heroes” has really resonated with him. He took his last official visit to Utah this past weekend and by all accounts loved his trip. A decision from Katoa will come via Twitter on Wednesday, December 14th.
4) Ty Jones, WR - A new addition, rocketing up our our Hot Board is... Ty Jones, the Provo wide receiver who is currently committed to Washington. He’s shot up our ranking to the number four position because of the newfound interest in Utah, the school he originally committed to. The interest in the Utes arises with the hiring of Guy Holliday. Jones officially visited the Utes in the final weekend before the dead period and the word from our sources is that things went extremely well with the three-star wideout. Another note worth mentioning is that Jones is possibly an early-enrollee. The 6-foot-4 Jones is the number one receiving prospect in Utah.
5) Corrion Ballard, FS - A prospect from Blinn College in Texas, Ballard is one of the best junior college safety prospects in the nation. After his visit to Salt Lake City, he said that Utah is his outright leader, but wanted to do his due diligence and check out his other top schools (Texas Tech, UNLV, Oklahoma State). A midyear enrollee, Ballard’s decision is looming. Don’t be surprised if it’s Utah, with or without a NFL decision from Marcus Williams. Expect a final word from him to come midweek.
***Alex’ Note: Bumped down slightly because we’re hearing from sources that Williams leaving, might not be done deal, just yet.
Kenneth’s Review of Corrion Ballard:
Good cover safety, can come down and play man on slots. Plays the post well, that can help over the top. Fierce blitzer when they send him on them, usually shifty enough to get through. Not afraid to come up and make a hit.
6) Noah Elliss, DT - A “take no matter what” type of prospect, Elliss has the potential to be as disruptive in the backfield as his father Luther was. Formerly of Judge Memorial Catholic High School which is a block away from Utah’s campus, Elliss now goes to Valor Christian High School in Colorado. Elliss has been elusive with the media, but our sources close to him believe that his recruitment will come down to USC, Michigan and Utah. The draw to Utah is, obviously, the family ties, the successful defensive line history, and the chance for early playing time. It was recently reported by Ute Nation that Elliss would be receiving an in-home visit from the staff and that he will use his final official visit for Utah at the end of January. A decision won’t come from from the legacy prospect until late in the process.
Derek’s Review of Noah Elliss:
Man, Elliss would make Paul Soliai and Sealver Siliga proud, not to mention his old man! Noah at 6'5 and 330 lbs is a road block in the middle of the trenches. He is very agile and has surprisingly good bend and leverage for as large of a human this kid is.
7) Jordan Agasiva, OL - A soon-to-be Pima Community College graduate, Agasiva whittled down his finalists to three schools—Utah, TCU, and Oregon State. The three-star lineman is an early-enrollee, so a final decision is imminent, though Utah appears to be the favorite. With Sam Tevi, JJ Dielman and Isaac Asiata graduating, an Agasiva commitment would soften the blow of those losses.
Derek’s Review of Jordan Agasiva:
Juco product that could come in and make an immediate impact at the RT or LG position. He is very well balanced and his attention to technique makes him a candidate to be an early contributor. To me he is a hybrid O-lineman that can play the guard or tackle position at the next level.
8) Jordan Lolohea, DE - Lolohea goes to East High School, which is within earshot of Rice-Eccles Stadium, so he’s very familiar with the roars of the crowd when Sack Lake City gets in the opponent’s backfield. The three-star defensive end will be embarking on a mission before his college days, but before then, he’ll be choosing between the hometown Utes and Washington. He claimed a month ago that the Huskies lead because they’re telling him that they have a strong Polynesian community… we’ll just let him find out the truth on that during his visit. For what it’s worth, Jordan’s father was a Ute and he grew up a Utah diehard.
Derek’s Review of Jordan Lolohea:
He is my DL pick of this class, this guy to me can do more for Utah than any other DL in this class. Why? Because it is a replica of the speed and power that former Ute Nate Orchard brought. His burst off the line is college ready and his ability to be stout in the run makes him an instant impact player at the college level especially in a Utah uniform.
9) CJ Verdell, RB - Verdell is a longtime Oregon pledge, but is taking another look around following the Helfrich firing. Remember the picture of Fred and Kyle Whittingham boarding the private jet just hours before the dead period started? Yeah, they were visiting Verdell, an Army All-American, in San Diego. Verdell has received offers from most of the Pac-12, but is listening to Utah’s pitch because of their continued success running the football.
10) Elijah Blades, CB - Blades—Rivals no. 88 ranked prospect in the nation—visited Utah early in the season, but has publicly stuck by his Florida commitment throughout the recruiting process. That hasn’t stopped Utah from pitching a chance to potentially start early on in his career or at least be in the rotation. Cornerbacks Coach Sharrieff Shah already struck gold in Jaylon Johnson, his sights are now set on the stud corner, Blades. The are circumstances in Blades’ recruitment where Utah has seen an opportunity and we’re gaining more and more confidence lately, that that could eventually pay off.
Kenneth’s Review of Elijah blades:
Tall and lengthy. Athletic with good body control. Competes well for balls in the air.
Here’s a potential numbers breakdown for this year’s overall class to keep in mind. These numbers include current commits):
OFFENSE-
QB - 1 (COMMITTED: Shelley)
RB - 1-2 (Most likely 1)
WR- 3-4 (COMMITTED: Hampton and Dixon)
TE- 1 (COMMITTED: Ben Moos)
OL- 4-5 (COMMITTED: Richardson and Umana; Hoping for two JC guys)
DEFENSE-
CB- 4 (COMMITTED: Johnson and Lewis)
S- 1 (They’re recruiting as though Williams is gone and hoping he returns)
LB 1-2 (A need, but not pressing as Utah moves towards their 5-down CU game scheme)
DT- 2-3 (COMMITTED: Penisini; They’ll take all of Tufele, Elliss, and Penisini)
DE- 1-2 (Not a huge need because of numerous quality in-house options, plus a healthy Fitts)
With that said, here’s an altered Big Board, after all the happenings from last week:
1) Jay Tufele, DT - No change to the number one recruit on Utah’s big board, Tufele is the highest priority and will remain on top until his decision. The top recruit in Utah and a Rivals Top 100 prospect, Tufele is being courted mainly by Ohio State, Michigan, USC, and Utah. He’s a frequent unofficial visitor to the University of Utah campus, and if he were to commit to Utah, he’d be in the conversation for immediate playing time. One important thing to note is that family circumstances could be another factor in keeping him home. He’s planning on announcing his commitment on January 7th at the Army All-American Bowl game.
Derek’s Review of Jay Tufele:
Complete package at the DT position. There's no debate why he is regarded as one of the top prospects for this entire class. Jay has great speed and explosion, however what I like most about his is his football IQ. He does a great job getting pre-snap reads and knows how to adjust in an instant. That is what makes Jay a complete DL threat.
2) Eno Benjamin, RB - The four-star Army All-American running back officially visited Utah for the Oregon game and came away impressed with the way the Utes utilize their running backs. A one-time Iowa commit, Benjamin put up ridiculous numbers in his high school career. Home school Texas has gotten into the mix with the hiring of Tom Herman and recently offered, but Utah will be in it with Benjamin until the end. He’s also announcing at the All-American Bowl.
Kenneth’s Review of Eno Benjamin:
Good vision, shifty, can run away from people in the open field, fierce runner that punishes people, can catch out the backfield, really amazed at how well he moves and runs away from people.
3) Tayler Katoa, LB - Katoa is a quarterback and linebacker for Layton High School, but the Utes are recruiting him as a linebacker/defensive end. At 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds, he has the ideal size at the position. The key for Katoa is that he wishes to enroll early at his school, play a season and then leave for a mission. That situation favors Utah over his other suitors, Washington and USC. Currently, we’re hearing it should come down to Utah and the Trojans. Katoa is on record saying the Utes’ “Hometown Heroes” has really resonated with him. He took his last official visit to Utah this past weekend and by all accounts loved his trip. A decision from Katoa will come via Twitter on Wednesday, December 14th.
4) Ty Jones, WR - A new addition, rocketing up our our Hot Board is... Ty Jones, the Provo wide receiver who is currently committed to Washington. He’s shot up our ranking to the number four position because of the newfound interest in Utah, the school he originally committed to. The interest in the Utes arises with the hiring of Guy Holliday. Jones officially visited the Utes in the final weekend before the dead period and the word from our sources is that things went extremely well with the three-star wideout. Another note worth mentioning is that Jones is possibly an early-enrollee. The 6-foot-4 Jones is the number one receiving prospect in Utah.
5) Corrion Ballard, FS - A prospect from Blinn College in Texas, Ballard is one of the best junior college safety prospects in the nation. After his visit to Salt Lake City, he said that Utah is his outright leader, but wanted to do his due diligence and check out his other top schools (Texas Tech, UNLV, Oklahoma State). A midyear enrollee, Ballard’s decision is looming. Don’t be surprised if it’s Utah, with or without a NFL decision from Marcus Williams. Expect a final word from him to come midweek.
***Alex’ Note: Bumped down slightly because we’re hearing from sources that Williams leaving, might not be done deal, just yet.
Kenneth’s Review of Corrion Ballard:
Good cover safety, can come down and play man on slots. Plays the post well, that can help over the top. Fierce blitzer when they send him on them, usually shifty enough to get through. Not afraid to come up and make a hit.
6) Noah Elliss, DT - A “take no matter what” type of prospect, Elliss has the potential to be as disruptive in the backfield as his father Luther was. Formerly of Judge Memorial Catholic High School which is a block away from Utah’s campus, Elliss now goes to Valor Christian High School in Colorado. Elliss has been elusive with the media, but our sources close to him believe that his recruitment will come down to USC, Michigan and Utah. The draw to Utah is, obviously, the family ties, the successful defensive line history, and the chance for early playing time. It was recently reported by Ute Nation that Elliss would be receiving an in-home visit from the staff and that he will use his final official visit for Utah at the end of January. A decision won’t come from from the legacy prospect until late in the process.
Derek’s Review of Noah Elliss:
Man, Elliss would make Paul Soliai and Sealver Siliga proud, not to mention his old man! Noah at 6'5 and 330 lbs is a road block in the middle of the trenches. He is very agile and has surprisingly good bend and leverage for as large of a human this kid is.
7) Jordan Agasiva, OL - A soon-to-be Pima Community College graduate, Agasiva whittled down his finalists to three schools—Utah, TCU, and Oregon State. The three-star lineman is an early-enrollee, so a final decision is imminent, though Utah appears to be the favorite. With Sam Tevi, JJ Dielman and Isaac Asiata graduating, an Agasiva commitment would soften the blow of those losses.
Derek’s Review of Jordan Agasiva:
Juco product that could come in and make an immediate impact at the RT or LG position. He is very well balanced and his attention to technique makes him a candidate to be an early contributor. To me he is a hybrid O-lineman that can play the guard or tackle position at the next level.
8) Jordan Lolohea, DE - Lolohea goes to East High School, which is within earshot of Rice-Eccles Stadium, so he’s very familiar with the roars of the crowd when Sack Lake City gets in the opponent’s backfield. The three-star defensive end will be embarking on a mission before his college days, but before then, he’ll be choosing between the hometown Utes and Washington. He claimed a month ago that the Huskies lead because they’re telling him that they have a strong Polynesian community… we’ll just let him find out the truth on that during his visit. For what it’s worth, Jordan’s father was a Ute and he grew up a Utah diehard.
Derek’s Review of Jordan Lolohea:
He is my DL pick of this class, this guy to me can do more for Utah than any other DL in this class. Why? Because it is a replica of the speed and power that former Ute Nate Orchard brought. His burst off the line is college ready and his ability to be stout in the run makes him an instant impact player at the college level especially in a Utah uniform.
9) CJ Verdell, RB - Verdell is a longtime Oregon pledge, but is taking another look around following the Helfrich firing. Remember the picture of Fred and Kyle Whittingham boarding the private jet just hours before the dead period started? Yeah, they were visiting Verdell, an Army All-American, in San Diego. Verdell has received offers from most of the Pac-12, but is listening to Utah’s pitch because of their continued success running the football.
10) Elijah Blades, CB - Blades—Rivals no. 88 ranked prospect in the nation—visited Utah early in the season, but has publicly stuck by his Florida commitment throughout the recruiting process. That hasn’t stopped Utah from pitching a chance to potentially start early on in his career or at least be in the rotation. Cornerbacks Coach Sharrieff Shah already struck gold in Jaylon Johnson, his sights are now set on the stud corner, Blades. The are circumstances in Blades’ recruitment where Utah has seen an opportunity and we’re gaining more and more confidence lately, that that could eventually pay off.
Kenneth’s Review of Elijah blades:
Tall and lengthy. Athletic with good body control. Competes well for balls in the air.
