Utah Utes football: California corner pledges to sign with U.

Ryan Henderson, a 5-foot-10, 185-pound cornerback from Rancho Verde High School in Moreno Valley, Calif., has give the University of Utah an early recruiting commitment. He plans to sign a letter of intent in February and join the Utes next summer. Henderson, who was determined to play at the Pac-10 level, said Utah's new conference affiliation was a factor. His hometown is just one hour away from Los Angeles.

"The Pac-10 definitely had a big impact on my decision," Henderson said. "... I'm looking forward to it."

Oregon and Miami (Fla.), were other schools he considered.