This is an early breakdown of the numbers to expect at each position. These numbers don't figure in the return missionaries, so I'll go back and take a look at who SHOULD be coming back from those. We'll do a breakdown with names to watch, soon, but for now, I wanted to list this out and give you guys the line of thinking as they pursue their 2019 class:
QB (1)
Depending on Jayden Daniels, this position could potentially not be filled, until late. However, we've been told that Daniels' camp has told others that Utah is in the lead. We'll see if that holds, but he's been tough to get a hold of.
RB (1-2)
The Utes will likely need one HS and one JuCo back. Its best to plan on Moss having another 1,000 yard season and think he'll be NFL-bound. That way, they won't be caught off guard, late. I also won't be surprised to see one of the nation's top RBs eventually take notice of Moss' season and give the Utes a long hard look--like an Austin Jones. George Holani is currently more likely, though, which is a very nice option.
OL (3-4)
It wasn't a need in 2018, but it is now. It's especially important that they lock in some elite guys, after Angilau and Sewell both spurned them. Julius Buelow could be Harding's redemption, in 2019.
TE (0-1)
Maybe a "can't miss" guy comes along or maybe they take an athlete and give him an opportunity to prove himself at TE, first. The likelihood though is, this position isn't a need.
WR (2-3)
The Utes are loaded here, but WR is so crucial to this offense that they'll load up as much as possible. No Samson, your brother Puka Nacua isn't too good for the Utes. I expect more guys to enter the picture with solid interest, when the offense shows how potent it can be.
DE (1-2)
Not a huge need, unless the current guys don't perform. Some in the program also believe that Anae could leave after a strong year, but he has to refine his edge containment, first. Also, do we honestly think CJ Alatini will stay commited to BYU?...
DT (1-2)
Utah's stacked here and there's not much of a need. Lucky for them, at least one of the top in-state kids will be mission bound (Simote Pepa).
LB (2-3)
They've reloaded, but there's a lot of upperclassmen. This recruiting cycle will be all about getting some solid HS prospects. To me, this position is a success if they can at least land Lolani Langi.
CB (2-3)
How good of a year will Julian Blackmon have? That's the big question, because he screams NFL talent. They could go after a JuCo if Blackmon leaves, but for now they need to hit the HS ranks. Texas' Alex Hogan just listed the Utes in his top seven.
S (1-2)
So often, they find success by moving a WR or CB to the S position. I expect that to happen again, but with Blair and Hansen graduating, they need another hybrid S/LB. Also, watch them emphasize Marcus Williams to top prospect, Chris Adimore.
We'll go more in-depth on positions soon, but this gives you an idea what they're looking for as recruiting eventually heats up.
QB (1)
Depending on Jayden Daniels, this position could potentially not be filled, until late. However, we've been told that Daniels' camp has told others that Utah is in the lead. We'll see if that holds, but he's been tough to get a hold of.
RB (1-2)
The Utes will likely need one HS and one JuCo back. Its best to plan on Moss having another 1,000 yard season and think he'll be NFL-bound. That way, they won't be caught off guard, late. I also won't be surprised to see one of the nation's top RBs eventually take notice of Moss' season and give the Utes a long hard look--like an Austin Jones. George Holani is currently more likely, though, which is a very nice option.
OL (3-4)
It wasn't a need in 2018, but it is now. It's especially important that they lock in some elite guys, after Angilau and Sewell both spurned them. Julius Buelow could be Harding's redemption, in 2019.
TE (0-1)
Maybe a "can't miss" guy comes along or maybe they take an athlete and give him an opportunity to prove himself at TE, first. The likelihood though is, this position isn't a need.
WR (2-3)
The Utes are loaded here, but WR is so crucial to this offense that they'll load up as much as possible. No Samson, your brother Puka Nacua isn't too good for the Utes. I expect more guys to enter the picture with solid interest, when the offense shows how potent it can be.
DE (1-2)
Not a huge need, unless the current guys don't perform. Some in the program also believe that Anae could leave after a strong year, but he has to refine his edge containment, first. Also, do we honestly think CJ Alatini will stay commited to BYU?...
DT (1-2)
Utah's stacked here and there's not much of a need. Lucky for them, at least one of the top in-state kids will be mission bound (Simote Pepa).
LB (2-3)
They've reloaded, but there's a lot of upperclassmen. This recruiting cycle will be all about getting some solid HS prospects. To me, this position is a success if they can at least land Lolani Langi.
CB (2-3)
How good of a year will Julian Blackmon have? That's the big question, because he screams NFL talent. They could go after a JuCo if Blackmon leaves, but for now they need to hit the HS ranks. Texas' Alex Hogan just listed the Utes in his top seven.
S (1-2)
So often, they find success by moving a WR or CB to the S position. I expect that to happen again, but with Blair and Hansen graduating, they need another hybrid S/LB. Also, watch them emphasize Marcus Williams to top prospect, Chris Adimore.
We'll go more in-depth on positions soon, but this gives you an idea what they're looking for as recruiting eventually heats up.
