Utah Utes football: Ute newcomers see 'bonus' in starting college early

Published: Thursday, March 29 2012 4:01 p.m. MDT

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Summary

Less than a week after helping lead Lone Peak High to the 5A state basketball title earlier this month, Chase Hansen was navigating his way through the large University of Utah campus as he began taking classes and practicing with the Ute football team.

"You get a bonus semester of school, a bonus spring football — everything is a bonus," he said. "Oftentimes these guys that come early have a degree in hand and are halfway to a master's degree by the time their eligibility runs out because of the extra schooling."

Whittingham is concerned that everything is "accelerated" from the way it used to be, noting that 10 or 15 years ago, programs would know just a handful of recruits two weeks before the signing day and now all the recruits are locked up before the season even starts.

But he can't see players starting school any sooner than they are now.

"I don't see kids skipping their senior years to go to college," he said with a laugh. "I don't see it going beyond this. We're maxed out as far as that goes. I certainly don't want to accelerate it any more."

email: sor@desnews.com

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Chris B

Salt Lake City, UT

Welcome Chase! Great choice of school. You'll love the BCS!

4:44 p.m. March 29, 2012
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Duckhunted

highland, utah

Was there a non BSC school that thought Chase would play for them?? Chris B. Be nice to our little sisters!!

5:23 p.m. March 29, 2012
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StGtoSLC

SALT LAKE CITY, UT

Watched a little bit of practice today. The two frosh definitely have a ways to go in blitz recognition and such, but they looked good. Jordan's throws looked just as solid, possibly more, than Poinsettia Bowl form. I can't see it as More..

7:51 a.m. March 30, 2012
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