Utes land best class in program history
by JazzyUte on Feb 1, 2012 7:51 PM MST
in Football
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PrintBy all accounts, the 2012 recruiting class will go down as the best in program history. With the signing of Alphonso Marsh, a three-star defensive back out of Compton, California, early Wednesday evening, the Utes wrapped up a stellar class that features 28 new signees.
Kyle Whittingham says it's the best class, at least on paper, he's ever signed.
It's hard to find fault in that statement. Utah put together a diverse and deep class that will help bolster the program as it adjusts further to Pac-12 play.
You have to look no further than their recruitment of offensive linemen. Whittingham mentioned during the signing day press conference that the Utes were often undersized at this spot. That's about to change. Carlos Lozano, a near-400 lbs lineman out of Montebello, California, is certainly going to have a huge impact - in more ways than one.
All told, Utah signed nine offensive linemen in this class and I'm sure every single one of them will be put to good use over the next few years.
Of course, with most recruits, the impact probably won't be felt for a while. In fact, some will go on their Mormon missions before seeing a down at Utah. Still, it's hard not to get excited about this class. It helped fill the needs (quarterback, DB, OL) and did it in impressive fashion. Even better, the Utes dominated the state of Utah - signing five of the ten best prospects locally (BYU only got two).
The future is certainly bright for Utah and you can't help but think the recruiting will only improve the better the Utes become in the Pac-12.
The entire list of Utah commits after the jump...
| Name | Pos. | Hgt. | Wgt. | Yr. | Exp. | Hometown/Last School |
| Brian Allen | WR | 6-3 | 197 | Fr. | HS | La Marque, Texas/La Marque HS |
| J.J. Dielman | OL | 6-4 | 243 | Fr. | HS | Ahwatukee, Ariz./Desert Vista HS |
| Hunter Dimick | DL | 6-3 | 254 | Fr. | HS | Syracuse, Utah/Syracuse HS |
| Moses Folauhola | DL | 6-0 | 252 | Fr. | HS | West Valley City, Utah/Hunter HS |
| Chase Hansen | QB | 6-3 | 203 | Fr. | HS | Highland, Utah/Lone Peak HS |
| Reshawn Hooker | LB | 6-0 | 200 | Fr. | HS | Fontana, Calif./A.B. Miller H.S. |
| Jake Jackson | LB | 6-3 | 205 | Fr. | HS | Encinitas, Calif./La Costa Canyon HS |
| Lio Lafaele | OL | 6-3 | 335 | Fr. | HS | Corona, Calif./Centennial HS |
| Austin Lee | DB | 6-0 | 187 | Fr. | HS | Draper, Utah/Alta HS |
| Niasi Leota | DL | 6-4 | 245 | Jr. | JC | West Valley City, Utah/Mt. San Antonio College |
| Zach Lindsay | OL | 6-7 | 327 | Fr. | HS | Kaysville, Utah/Davis HS |
| Carlos Lozano | OL | 6-6 | 385 | Jr. | JC | Montebello, Calif./East L.A. College |
| Hiva Lutui | OL | 6-2 | 277 | Fr. | HS | Euless, Texas/Trinity High School |
| Alphonso Marsh | DB | 6-2 | 183 | Fr. | HS | Compton, Calif./Dominguez HS |
| Delshawn McClellon | WR | 5-9 | 165 | Fr. | HS | North Long Beach, Calif./Gahr HS |
| Moana Ofahengaue | DL | 6-3 | 205 | Fr. | HS | Saratoga Springs, Utah/Westlake HS |
| Tenny Palepoi | DL | 6-2 | 295 | Jr. | JC | Salt Lake City/Snow College |
| Reginald Porter | DB | 5-11 | 202 | Fr. | HS | Amite, La./Amite HS |
| Nua Poteki | OL | 6-5 | 335 | Fr. | HS | Sandy, Utah/Brighton HS |
| Jeremiah Poutasi | OL | 6-5 | 322 | Fr. | HS | Las Vegas, Nev./Desert Pines HS |
| Marc Pouvave | OL | 6-4 | 336 | Jr. | JC | Chula Vista, Calif./Southwestern College |
| Junior Salt | OL | 6-2 | 340 | Jr. | JC | Glendale, Utah/Mt. San Antonio College |
| Pasoni Tasini | DE | 6-3 | 240 | Fr. | HS | Wailuku, Hawaii/Baldwin HS |
| Justin Thomas | DB | 5-9 | 170 | Fr. | HS | Orange, Texas/West Orange-Stark HS |
| Sione Tupouata | DL | 6-4 | 255 | So. | JC | Oakland, Calif./Snow College |
| Vaha Vainuku | DT | 6-3 | 298 | Fr. | HS | Salt Lake City/East HS |
| Travis Wilson | QB | 6-6 | 207 | Fr. | HS | San Clemente, Calif./San Clemente HS |
| Kelvin York | RB | 5-11 | 230 | Jr. | JC | Prairieville, La./Fullerton College |
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Well done Coach Whit.
Thanks Jazzy and all the Crimson faithful for a fun day. Now back to the lettermen.
I know that it's premature
But I think some will be able to play right away:
Salt/Lozano – Both our Offensive tackles are graduating.
Hansen/Wilson – No need to explain
York – Asisata graduated leaving opening at FB
Thomas/Marsh – Conroy graduated so open position at CB
Lindsay/Poutasi/Lutui – depth at OL
by Utes_real2008champs on Feb 1, 2012 8:32 PM MST reply actions
Salt will be DT
and I’ll put money on York not even being an option at FB
by khaostheory117 on Feb 1, 2012 8:35 PM MST up reply actions
Star made a new best friend in Salt
And if you’ve seen York’s highlight video he would be a major misuse of talent at FB. We do have some options at FB though.
Agree with khaos
York is not a FB. York is a tailback. We do need to find a replacement for Asiata, though. He was one of my favorite players to watch this past season. Spine-crunching hits on nearly every play and one of the main reasons for White’s success.
excited for the class
excited for spring ball and excited for the season! I think we have a chance to be special. We really need a QB though.
If you like my comments, please visit my blog @ nationofsportsdomination.blogspot.com
I believe to acheive the "special" season...
We all know is possible, we need a healthy Wynn. I think with Hays or a true freshmen starter, the season peaks at pretty good.
by notblue19 on Feb 1, 2012 9:25 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
Salt will be money
Salt and I played together in little league football during seventh grade. He was a beast even back then and blocking him in practice was a nightmare. He’ll do great things for us.
Funny thing is, we were both on the B team.
B for Beast?
"Gentlemen, it is better to have died as a small boy than to fumble this football."--John Heisman
"I'm not upset about the U allegations," tweeted Cleveland Indians closer Chris Perez, who pitched at Miami. "I'm mad we didn't win anything while we were cheating."
they were sayin on the radio sean smith told utah if they didnt sign his “brother” utah would nevr hear from him again..anyone heard this?
by kodiek on Feb 1, 2012 11:11 PM MST via mobile reply actions
Two
Chase Hansen (local kid) and Travis Wilson.
According to ESPN
Hansen is No. 43, Wilson is No. 39. If we can keep Hansen from going on his mission, it will make for exciting competition.
by Joseph Silverzweig on Feb 2, 2012 9:25 AM MST up reply actions
Hansen has already said he's delaying his mission.
He’s going to come in during spring, compete for the Job, and go on a mission in 2013.
Confirmed?
I know that he mentioned the possibility of delaying about a month ago but I haven’t heard anything since. Seems like it was reported that the coaches asked him to delay, which is very uncharacteristic of our coaches. Any updates on this? Or was it firm that he was delaying? The coaches obviously feel they could use him right away IF they encouraged him to stick around…
they probably convinced him to stay and enroll for the year so that the riley nelson rules would go into effect.
I don’t know of any tape of Hansen that would show he is ready to be used right away. He’s definitely more of a sign and send
by khaostheory117 on Feb 4, 2012 10:07 AM MST up reply actions
I agree
It’s my belief that the whole ‘you can compete for the starting job’ thing is more a way to keep BYU off of him by getting him to enroll… I’m sure they are hoping to be surprised, but he doesn’t look CFB-ready.
by Joseph Silverzweig on Feb 7, 2012 1:41 PM MST up reply actions
He's come out and said that he's enrolling later this month.
He has said himself that he’s delaying, yes.
And yes to answer KT’s theory this is 95% to enact the Riley Nelson rule, but since the BJ announcement, there’s been some rumors that Chase Hansen might play the 2004 Brian Johnson, or the 2006 Tim Tebow role in an offense similar to what Dan Mullen ran those years.
From the horses mouth.
Enrolling, playing leaving next January
York
York is legit, I think he will take some pressure off white this year. White will start because after the year he had last year, how can you not start him. However, It is always a good to have York take some snaps and allow white to rest a bit. Come late in games we will have 2 backs that will be fresher then the d lines and I see them doing major damage as a tandum. Overall I’m happy, and I think focusing on our O-line will only help us next year and in the future, that was our weakest position last year IMO. (qb was health oriented, O-line was more a talent issue)
by Utahman88 on Feb 2, 2012 12:35 AM MST via mobile reply actions
Congrats.
Utah is on the clock. When do you think that you will win the PAC-12? Will it be 4 years? Will it be more?
by Bisquick_in_da_MGM on Feb 2, 2012 7:45 AM MST reply actions
I predict
We will win 10 Pac-12 championships in a row and not lose a game for the next 6 years.
by Joseph Silverzweig on Feb 2, 2012 9:31 AM MST up reply actions 1 recs
Only 10?
Do you doubt coach Whitt that much, or think he will retire after ten? Besides after a down year Coach Johnson will take over and lead the Utes to ten more!
by notblue19 on Feb 2, 2012 11:05 AM MST via mobile up reply actions
So none?
Just joking. Everyone claim down.
by Bisquick_in_da_MGM on Feb 2, 2012 12:03 PM MST up reply actions
Why would any Major program recruit Mormons?
If they’re going to leave for two years, get out of shape, why waste any time on them? Recruit athletes that don’t do that shit.
Go Cuse. Go Utes. Go Kings (hockey version). Go Panthers (hockey version). Go Marlins. Go Dodgers. I despise the NFL and NBA, so don't bore me.
The out of shape is a problem
As is the lack of practice… but there’s a lot of maturing done from 18 to 20. When I was 18 I was 5’7 and 150. By the time I was 20 I was 5’8" and 180. I’m no football player, but that kind of change can be the difference between a starter and a backup (on a D3 team, in my case. =]). I think that’s particularly true on the O-line. One of the reasons BYU’s line is so consistently good is that they are in their 20s, not their teens.
by Joseph Silverzweig on Feb 2, 2012 12:08 PM MST up reply actions
Because there are some players worth waiting for
You’re stock piling talent for the future. Utah will always recruit LDS athletes and have had some great ones. Bergstrom, Paul Kruger, Scalley, Doug and Jason Kaufusi, Sione Pouha, etc.
I could go on, but to say don’t recruit guys going on missions is quite foolish. I agree that skill set and timing position guys like QBs and RBs might deteriorate more but for linemen it may actually be a positive as their frame fills out.
by UteinBrooklyn on Feb 2, 2012 12:20 PM MST up reply actions
Maturity
Missionaries come back leaders of men and maturity, brains, discipline, willingness to sacrifice for the team. . .
Man, missions can make awesome players out of decent guys. In rich years, it;s like stockpiling wood for a hard winter. Every coach who has no returned missionaries bitches about it. Why is that?
"Gentlemen, it is better to have died as a small boy than to fumble this football."--John Heisman
"I'm not upset about the U allegations," tweeted Cleveland Indians closer Chris Perez, who pitched at Miami. "I'm mad we didn't win anything while we were cheating."
Utah's 2011 roster had 30 players that had completed LDS missions
That is roughly more than a third of scholarship players. I think they’re doing alright.
Love the linemen
The South Pacific warriors on the line always make me soooooo happy!!
"Gentlemen, it is better to have died as a small boy than to fumble this football."--John Heisman
"I'm not upset about the U allegations," tweeted Cleveland Indians closer Chris Perez, who pitched at Miami. "I'm mad we didn't win anything while we were cheating."
Geez the more
you look at the size of those linemen the more you think “if just half of them are studs we will be freaking dangerous”.
"Gentlemen, it is better to have died as a small boy than to fumble this football."--John Heisman
"I'm not upset about the U allegations," tweeted Cleveland Indians closer Chris Perez, who pitched at Miami. "I'm mad we didn't win anything while we were cheating."
If half of them are studs...
That’s our whole O line!!
Huge linemen
I concur. Those linemen are incredibly large. Good thing our qb recruits are tall.
I have always believed games are won in the trenches. So this class bodes well.
by Drum and Feathers on Feb 3, 2012 10:21 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
Just found out my cousin goes to school with Dimick
apparently he’s even more of a beast than he looks
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