This is the second part of a three part series written by Brian Flach (MNUte) previewing Utah recruiting heading into National Signing Day on Wednesday, Feb. 1.
With less than a week until National Signing Day, Utah is in a position to make a very strong closing push to finish up the recruiting season. This is a three part look at where the Utes are currently sitting, who’s visiting this weekend, and who’s strongly in contention for the Utes.
Now, let’s take a look at the prospects on tap for the Utes this weekend.
Jay Tufele, 4-5 star DT: A Bingham prospect, Tufele would be the crowning jewel of Utah’s class. At the Army All American game, Tufele was dominant and did not lose a single one on one rep, earning himself a fifth star from Scout. Tufele is probably the quickest DT in this class and would immediately get serious reps with the Utes next year. He has his top five listed but the whisperings are that it’s between OSU, USC and the Utes. The Utes had the lean before his visit to USC last weekend which was supposedly incredible. But the Utes get the last chance to sway him before NSD and I think they’ll come away with Tufele.
George Moore, Four-star JUCO OT: Moore would be an amazing get for the Utes. He’s long, strong, and loves playing through the whistle and putting his matchup in the dirt. Even better, he’s the humble momma’s boy type who will fit Utah’s family first mentality to a tee. Snagging him and plugging him in at RT would allow Barton and Agasiva to take the LT and LG spots, clarifying and solidifying Three-positions along the line. However, Auburn just offered and the Utes are also battling ASU, Oregon, and Baylor among others for his services. I think with a good visit the Utes can sway him but this is one of those recruits who’s not giving anything away.
Noah Elliss, Three-Four-star DT: The son of former Ute Luther Elliss, Noah would be a great pickup for the Utes. Unfortunately, he just announced a final three of Colorado, Mississippi State, and Nebraska yesterday. So this feels like more of a token visit for the program that put his dad on the map.
Jordan Lolohea, Three-star DE: Similar to the other recruits coming in this week, Lolohea is a coveted prospect who you wont be able to read until he signs his letter of intent. He’s in the mold of Pita T. in that he’s a bit smaller, but a fast weakside DE. His final four is down to BYU, Oregon, Utah, and Washington with the consensus being that he’s a Washington lean.
Miki Suguturaga, Three-star DE: another recruit that doesn’t talk to the media much or make his intentions known, Suguturaga looks the part and his film shows a strong, tough, strongside DE. He has the size and bulk (6’5, 260) to Switch between DE and DT depending on the package you want. Not the fastest out there, but think of the Dimick/Orchard type player and you’ve got this kid. He’s down to Virginia, Vandy, WSU, and Utah, and I think Utah will come away with his services.
Mo Unutoa, Three-star OT/OG: Unutoa is the prospect you hear about and then forget about until you watch him play. Not a sexy WR or DB recruit in the least, but he mows people over and has the frame (6’5, 270) to add a healthy 30 pounds and become an absolute monster. I think he’s best suited for guard, but he does have the length to bump out and play tackle as well. He’s choosing between Utah, BYU, Oregon, Oregon State, Virginia, and WSU. To be honest, it’s anyone’s guess what he chooses.
Taniela Pututau, Three-star S: Pututau just announced that it’s down to Utah and Oregon State, so this visit will be very important in swaying this kid. He has great ball skills from playing receiver as well in high school and he has the eyes to make up for his lack of top end speed. I think the Utes get him and slowly mold him into a hybrid FS/SS.
Aliki Vimahi, Three-star DE: the top rated DE in Hawaii and a former USC recruit, Vimahi is the halfway point between Lolohea and Suguturaga. He has the quickness to play on the weakside and the strength to play strongside. Nice initial get off and I think he would be a good addition to the team. He’s down to Utah, Virginia, and Georgia Tech. Of the three, I think Tech lands him, but here’s to hoping Utah sways him the other way.
Your thoughts? Besides Tufele, which of the recruits are you hoping the staff wins over this weekend the most? Let us know in the comments below.