Utah pleased with 'balanced' class

"Another solid class."

That's how Utah coach Kyle Whittingham described the 15 players the Utes signed to letters-of-intent Wednesday.

"There is a good blend of all types of players in different positions," he said. "Last year our recruiting was heavy on front line. Two years ago we recruited heavy with skill positions. This year's class is balanced."

Five linemen and five receivers are among the 11 high school and four junior college players Utah signed. Five of the recruits are local products — Alta running back Sausan Shakerin: Timpanogos defensive lineman Dave Kruger: Bingham offensive lineman Derek Tuimauga; Copper Hills wide receiver Kendrick Moeai and high school teammate Sealver Siliga, a lineman.

The Utes also did well in neighboring Nevada. They signed quarterback DeVonte Christopher, the state's player of the year.

"He's a tremendously talented kid," Whittingham said. "He reminds us of Brian (Johnson) and Pat White at West Virginia. That's the style of player he is."

Utah picked up five wide receivers as well. Besides Moeai, junior college stars Aiona Key and David Reed also signed on the dotted line. Key began his college career at Boise State and Reed set a national juco record with 111 receptions last season. Prep standouts Ryan Lacy of California and and Luke Matthews of Arizona are track stars as well — as is Key, who has cleared 7-foot-3 in the high jump.

Tight ends Dudley LaPorte of Santa Barbara City College and California high schooler Siaki Cravens also bring plenty of athleticism to the Utes. Whittingham said LaPorte was a "pleasant surprise" after committing at the 11th hour, choosing Utah over Ole Miss.

Midyear signee Lamar Chapman, a first-team juco All-American cornerback at El Camino College, is another athlete of note.

In the trenches, the Utes picked up plenty of size and strength. Offensive linemen Sam Brenner of California and Zach Davila of Arizona bring some out-of-state bulk to the program.

"I think we've got a team now that we've assembled that's got a lot of good depth and a lot of good athleticism," Whittingham said.

"That's what football is all about these days. Speed, there's no substitute for it and I think that is a key factor in having success."

The Utes had hoped and still plan to bring 17 new faces into the program — perhaps signing two more players as late as August. They wound up without any recruits, thus far, from focal recruiting points Texas and Hawaii.

"Everything goes in cycles. Some years the in-state cycle is bigger and some years it's California," Whittingham said.