Class of 2009 Timpview safety Craig Bills and Adam Timo of Snow Canyon both committed to BYU a year ago after their sophomore seasons and would likely have more recruiting attention. Timo, a 7-2 high jumper, climbed to No. 6 on the Northwest Hot 100 list while Bills is currently ranked No. 14.

Tidwell says Utah players are better, but they are also receiving outstanding coaching, and that's made one of the differences. He didn't discount the fact that recruiters like Crowton, who know Utah, have impacted how other recruiters get tuned in to the Beehive State.

The Ute success and BYU's most recent winning trend have given Utah prepsters credibility, that this is the place, ripe for the harvest.

"The quality of Utah athletes has improved," said Tidwell. "The coaching has improved every year. With our recent success, with Utah athletes on our roster that have Division I scholarships, I think other schools are saying, 'there's something going on here.'

"When Gary Crowton comes in from LSU and offers, it does awaken or arouses attention from schools like Miami and Florida."

Tidwell said BYU's 2008 class might be an example. Two players, both from Bingham High, tight end Austin Holt and kicker Justin Sorensen, were invited to the U.S. Army All-Star game that was televised nationally from Texas and Utah got some recognition for it.

"It's a combination of a lot of things," said Tidwell.

The combines and all-star games like the Army game have Utah athletes who are making an impact.

BYU targets LDS athletes, a pool not limited to in-state recruiting. Tidwell believes this pool "is as good this year as any time in my eight years at BYU."

"Last year with Holt and Sorensen, it was a good Utah recruiting class, but this year is also very good and stocked with good players."

Tidwell believes the demand for high-caliber players who have a reputation for good behavior and character has also grown.

When Stanford, a school that has high academics and strong character traits as part of its recruiting strategy, sees we have offered a Utah kid, "they've been on our heels," said Tidwell.

"I think the competition for the type of recruit we like will be tougher each year," he said.

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E-mail: harmon@desnews.com