Football: Utes bolster roster with new recruits
By: Cody Brunner
Issue date: 2/7/08 Section: Sports
Getting help on the offensive side of the ball was of the utmost importance to the U football coaches this recruiting season, and it looks as though their hard work paid off on National Signing Day.
Eleven of the 15 players who signed national letters of intent to play for the Utes next season are offensive players and two more could play either offense or defense.
"You recruit based on needs, and we felt the need to get certain positions filled on offense," Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham said. "We held true to our philosophy of recruiting the best players, regardless of position, and we became a more athletic team with this class."
The Utes attempted to shore up their lack of size and playmaking ability at receiver by recruiting the position heavily, and it resulted in five signings.
Utah received intent letters from Mt. San Antonio College-transfer Aiona Key (6-4, 209 lbs.) and Pasadena City College-transfer David Reed (6-foot, 184 lbs.), as well as high-school athletes Kendrick Moeai (6-5, 200 lbs.), Ryan Lacy (5-10, 183 lbs.) and Luke Matthews (6-1, 205 lbs.).
"We signed five very athletic, talented wide receivers," Whittingham said. "Aiona Key can jump 7'3" in the high jump. David Reed set a junior college record with 111 catches last season. There will be plenty of depth at the position in the coming years."
The Utes also picked up a number of talented big boys on the offensive lineman. Prized center Sam Brenner, who is listed in the top 10 at his position by a number of recruiting websites, agreed to play football at the U next year.
Other big pickups on the offensive line include Zach Davila (6-4, 315 lbs.), Derek Tuimauga (6-4, 335 lbs.) and Sealver Siliga (6-3, 345 lbs.). Siliga has played on both the offensive and defensive line, but it is uncertain where the Bingham High School product will end up at the college level.
The Utes got another pleasant surprise earlier this week when Dudley LaPorte, a 6-foot-3, 240-lb. tight end from Santa Barbara Community College, dropped into their laps. LaPorte was being recruited by Ole Miss, but when the school dropped its offer, LaPorte committed to the U.
Eleven of the 15 players who signed national letters of intent to play for the Utes next season are offensive players and two more could play either offense or defense.
"You recruit based on needs, and we felt the need to get certain positions filled on offense," Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham said. "We held true to our philosophy of recruiting the best players, regardless of position, and we became a more athletic team with this class."
The Utes attempted to shore up their lack of size and playmaking ability at receiver by recruiting the position heavily, and it resulted in five signings.
Utah received intent letters from Mt. San Antonio College-transfer Aiona Key (6-4, 209 lbs.) and Pasadena City College-transfer David Reed (6-foot, 184 lbs.), as well as high-school athletes Kendrick Moeai (6-5, 200 lbs.), Ryan Lacy (5-10, 183 lbs.) and Luke Matthews (6-1, 205 lbs.).
"We signed five very athletic, talented wide receivers," Whittingham said. "Aiona Key can jump 7'3" in the high jump. David Reed set a junior college record with 111 catches last season. There will be plenty of depth at the position in the coming years."
The Utes also picked up a number of talented big boys on the offensive lineman. Prized center Sam Brenner, who is listed in the top 10 at his position by a number of recruiting websites, agreed to play football at the U next year.
Other big pickups on the offensive line include Zach Davila (6-4, 315 lbs.), Derek Tuimauga (6-4, 335 lbs.) and Sealver Siliga (6-3, 345 lbs.). Siliga has played on both the offensive and defensive line, but it is uncertain where the Bingham High School product will end up at the college level.
The Utes got another pleasant surprise earlier this week when Dudley LaPorte, a 6-foot-3, 240-lb. tight end from Santa Barbara Community College, dropped into their laps. LaPorte was being recruited by Ole Miss, but when the school dropped its offer, LaPorte committed to the U.
Be the first to comment on this story