Reader comments
16 in-state gridders sign to play for Cougars, Utes and Aggies
87 comments | Read story
Region 9 Fan | 7:45 a.m. Feb. 7, 2008
Congrats to all the signees. Has anyone heard about Pine View's QB Nick
Marinko and where he is going to play? He had Madden like numbers throughout the
season (until the Timpview game).
Anonymous | 8:14 a.m. Feb. 7, 2008
It's obvious that UTAH won the in-state recruiting battle as well as the
out of state. BYU has a solid class, take nothing away from it, but Utah has the
better class on paper. I guess we won't really know who is the better class
for a few years but as for now you can Chalk a W up to Utah on this one.
Comments continue below
Go Utes! | 8:54 a.m. Feb. 7, 2008
Sounds like a good year for the Cougs and the Utes. Our high school players are
fortuante that we have two great in-state Div. 1 football programs. All that
said: Go Utes!
Ernest T. Bass | 8:59 a.m. Feb. 7, 2008
Byu got everyone they wanted.
Nevada | 9:08 a.m. Feb. 7, 2008
Cougar coach Bronco Mendenhall reiterated that his recruiting base is the
Beehive State... Mid-Major forever and no, no, never a BCS bowl. Nuff Said
Fair and Balanced | 9:19 a.m. Feb. 7, 2008
More stuff about Hinkley and Delta, too!!!
Camille Protti | 9:39 a.m. Feb. 7, 2008
How come you only mentioned names of those being recruited by BYU and U of U?
What about Utah State- don't they count? I know of an awesome football
player recuited by the Aggies coming from Hunter High. Since you didn't
bother to mention him I will: He's #87 Harold Moleni. At least ABC 4 news
sports at 5:30pm mentioned the names recruited by USU. Come on be FAIR!
re: Troutman | 9:45 a.m. Feb. 7, 2008
Amen! I've cancelled subscriptions to most of the SLC/Provo newspapers for
this very reason. Do they honestly think that no one who attended USU or is an
Aggie fan lives in their readership area? Very short-sighted. Disappointing.
HS FOOTBALL FAN | 9:45 a.m. Feb. 7, 2008
Where is the Brady kid from Sky View going? I watched him twice and he is a
very good player. Anyone know? Thanks in advance.
To Troutman | 9:53 a.m. Feb. 7, 2008
Are you also upset that they didn't talk about Weber State?
I'm a USU alumni, but I understand that these guys are in a business and will write what is of most interest to their readers. Few people down here care what our terrible USU football team is up to.
I'm a USU alumni, but I understand that these guys are in a business and will write what is of most interest to their readers. Few people down here care what our terrible USU football team is up to.
come on | 9:53 a.m. Feb. 7, 2008
As soon as USU has somewhat of a decent football program, I wouldn't be
complaining much about hearing names you'll never hear of again.
Anonymous | 10:00 a.m. Feb. 7, 2008
Let the "SLC-Provo" media cover "SLC-Provo" teams. If you
want Logan news, go to the Logan media (if they have media).
Dave | 10:12 a.m. Feb. 7, 2008
Mckade Brady (Sky View) is considering an offer from Navy. He will be making a
trip to Annapolis within the next week. Good enough for Navy but not USU,
Hmmmm..?
Comer | 10:27 a.m. Feb. 7, 2008
Notice how you hear nothing about the Comer kid from Springville. Is he a gamble
or what's the deal? He didn't do much in high school.
correction to Dave | 10:47 a.m. Feb. 7, 2008
Its good enough for Navy and TOO GOOD for USU...
Minerman | 11:02 a.m. Feb. 7, 2008
In response to Ernest T. Bass...BYU got EVERYONE they wanted huh? If
you'd actually read the article, you'd have read the quote where
Mendenhall openly admitted that they missed out on two BIG TIME players in the
state of Utah, that went to...wait for it....wait for it...UTAH! Seriously, can
you read? Or do you just like making blind, idiotic statements?
Here's another shocker for ya...Not everyone in Utah who is offered a scholarship to BYU wants to go there! Not even everyone who's mormon (like me) wants to go to the Y. BYU had a good class, but don't be stupid. Given the choice, you'd rather have those two players on your sideline than ours.
Here's another shocker for ya...Not everyone in Utah who is offered a scholarship to BYU wants to go there! Not even everyone who's mormon (like me) wants to go to the Y. BYU had a good class, but don't be stupid. Given the choice, you'd rather have those two players on your sideline than ours.
Dave | 11:07 a.m. Feb. 7, 2008
To correction, I stand corrected and Amen!!
HS FOOTBALL FAN | 11:13 a.m. Feb. 7, 2008
Dave,
Thanks for the info. Did none of the instate schools offer Brady? One of the games I watched he went against the kid from West #7 that is going to BYU and the Brady kid was much better head to head. But given the chance to go to Navy he would get a very good education and be on a good team. Thanks again.
Thanks for the info. Did none of the instate schools offer Brady? One of the games I watched he went against the kid from West #7 that is going to BYU and the Brady kid was much better head to head. But given the chance to go to Navy he would get a very good education and be on a good team. Thanks again.
Time Will Tell | 11:22 a.m. Feb. 7, 2008
These commitments don't mean squat. It is a total crap shoot, in terms of
who will be good and who won't, some players who are supposed to be great,
turn out to be duds. Let me know in 3 years how these boys shake out, today no
one knows.
Troutman | 11:27 a.m. Feb. 7, 2008
I Stand All Amazed, at the lack of Fair and Balanced from not only the media but
anyone that is a sports fan
South and West of Cache Valley! It is always on BYU fans terms, or the Utes Fans terms, never any Fair and Balanced Fair Play against USU, Weber, SUU, or UVU! All most USU old Alumni want is to play on a Fair and level playing field. The Utes have generally allowed that with a few exceptions! The Y, since they have become Holier than Thou about since 1978, the last time USU beat the Y in Provo, since then the games have never been on a level playing field. It is always from the Y, you play us here or somewhere else or we won't play you. And to the USU so-called Alumni that said negatives about USU football, you are one of the reasons for USU's lack of success, because you have probably sent some of your money to the Y because of the Mormon factor instead of supporting USU in every way possible. A true Aggie would never make that kind of comment that you did! Go Aggies Go, Hey! Hey! Hey!
South and West of Cache Valley! It is always on BYU fans terms, or the Utes Fans terms, never any Fair and Balanced Fair Play against USU, Weber, SUU, or UVU! All most USU old Alumni want is to play on a Fair and level playing field. The Utes have generally allowed that with a few exceptions! The Y, since they have become Holier than Thou about since 1978, the last time USU beat the Y in Provo, since then the games have never been on a level playing field. It is always from the Y, you play us here or somewhere else or we won't play you. And to the USU so-called Alumni that said negatives about USU football, you are one of the reasons for USU's lack of success, because you have probably sent some of your money to the Y because of the Mormon factor instead of supporting USU in every way possible. A true Aggie would never make that kind of comment that you did! Go Aggies Go, Hey! Hey! Hey!
Monks | 11:27 a.m. Feb. 7, 2008
Did Kato get talked to by Weber or ISU? the recruiting info on him is pretty
sparse and a bit of a conundrum. For example, USU wants him to walk on? I swear
when I read that I nearly fell out of my chair.
GungaDin | 11:34 a.m. Feb. 7, 2008
USU won't recruit in Cache Valley (and Utah as a whole usually) because
everyone knows that good football players all come from California or Texas. No
way could some kid from Utah be any good. I mean come on, Kevin Curtis, Haloti
Ngata, Chris Cooley, etc. etc. were just aberrations.
There's no way Cache Valley kids are any good. Just because 2 of the final 4 teams in the state 4A playoffs and the 3A champ were from up there doesn't mean they have anyone that can play.
By the way, can anyone give me an update on Timpview's recruiting class? They had a good one last year.
There's no way Cache Valley kids are any good. Just because 2 of the final 4 teams in the state 4A playoffs and the 3A champ were from up there doesn't mean they have anyone that can play.
By the way, can anyone give me an update on Timpview's recruiting class? They had a good one last year.
GungaDin | 11:41 a.m. Feb. 7, 2008
By the way, my earlier comments were tongue-in-cheek for those of you who live
in the "all things are to be taken literally" world.
BYU wins | 11:46 a.m. Feb. 7, 2008
I think it is obvious that BYU won the recruiting battle between Utah. Any fool
that claims that just because BYU lost a few players to Utah, therefore they
lost the state is just lame. BYU got better quality Utah state players than the
Utes. Also, it looks like BYU got 7 recruits from the state. From what I read,
the Utes got 5. BYU wins.
Dave | 11:50 a.m. Feb. 7, 2008
Kado Brady was invited to walk on at USU, but no other offers I'm aware of.
Kado is a quality kid and a great football player and could have put some
rear-ends in the seats for the Ag's. USU has had a poor history of
recruiting local kids. Their last two NFL draftees, Curtis(SLC) and Cooley
(Logan) are kicking butts and taking names in the NFL. Riley Nelson (Logan High)
gets screwed by pulling him out of his grayshirt year to play, starts four games
for USU and was their second leading rusher for the year. Starts four games and
is the second leading rusher? Does this tell you anything about the program?
RE:Troutman | 11:50 a.m. Feb. 7, 2008
I stand all amazed that all three USU fans found this forum, and that they have
the opposable digits required to type. Three fans in here equalls three fans
more than pay to watch the football team in Logan. I like Brent Guy, he will do
good things eventually; but until then USU is the little brother that BYU,Utah,
and the media are completely justified in ignoring. As far as fair and balanced
goes, if BYU charters a bus to Logan, they will be lucky to recoup that cost
alone from USU's attempted "gate recipts". Yet if the Aggies get
their beat-down in Provo, they make several hundred thousand dollars and get one
week worth of the media exposure you crave that they don't get otherwise.
The same goes for when the Aggies go to Utah. How is that fair? Lastly, BYU is
Holier than Thou? No one brought religion into this conversation until you did.
Grow up!
Tarheel Ute | 12:01 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008
I haven't seen any of the local papers in Colorado covering this
Utah's in-state signees for USU and Weber either... hmmmm..
UTES WIN | 12:06 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008
RE: BYU WINS - Take a second look pal, The kids Utah got from the state were the
3 of the top five rated players in the state. The only one we didn't get
was Holt. Overall, all of the recruiting publications that rank these kids and
teams have the UTES, that is right, The UTES as the NUMBER ONE RANKED class in
the Mtn. West and the second best nation wide among non BCS schools. Go check it
on rivals.com before you run your mouth!
GO UTES!!!!!!!!!!
Earnest T. Bass - You didn't get everyone you wanted either....USC got the one you wanted most!!!!
GO UTES!!!!!!!!!!
Earnest T. Bass - You didn't get everyone you wanted either....USC got the one you wanted most!!!!
Timpview update | 12:19 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008
Timpview had 2 guys who signed w/ BYU (Alisa, Bills) and 3 guys signed w/ Snow
(Ercanbrack, Meecham, Hallaismia). They have 1 or 2 guys that will walk-on at
BYU (Unga)
A lot of their stars were underclassman w/ 3 Juniors (Bills, Cricton, Suafilo) who hold BYU offers. Bills already committed, Suafilo will probably go somewhere big (LSU) and Cricton will have options, but I believe will choose BYU or Utah.
Timpview had 2 sophomore starters (Kaufusi, Badger). Kaufusi has been offered and committed to BYU. Badger is still young obvsiously but I don't think he's been offered yet.
A lot of their stars were underclassman w/ 3 Juniors (Bills, Cricton, Suafilo) who hold BYU offers. Bills already committed, Suafilo will probably go somewhere big (LSU) and Cricton will have options, but I believe will choose BYU or Utah.
Timpview had 2 sophomore starters (Kaufusi, Badger). Kaufusi has been offered and committed to BYU. Badger is still young obvsiously but I don't think he's been offered yet.
Recruiting Class Rank | 12:42 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008
All of the recruiting publications I have read have BYU ranked above Utah. They
are both very close in terms of their ranking though.
RE:utes win | 12:44 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008
Just for Gee-Whiz, Scouts.com another completely arbitrary beauty pagent, has
BYU ranked ahead of Utah, and BYU is the 2nd highest of non-BCS schools on their
poll. What's this prove? NOTHING!! All that matters is SCOREBOARD!
P.S.......Harvey is still running......
P.S.......Harvey is still running......
Anonymous | 12:40 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008
Is Kaufusi the son of Steve Kaufusi?
Re: Utes Win | 1:08 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008
Another beauty-pagent,scout.com says that it is BYU first in the MTW and then
Utah. What does this prove? zero, zip, less than nothing. All that matters, as
Urban was so fond of pointing out, is scoreboard.
P.S....Harvey is still running....
P.S....Harvey is still running....
Reality Check | 1:18 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008
In response to UTES WIN:
I think that you should check more than one site before stating that "all of the recruiting publications" have the Utes ranked higher than BYU. From what I can tell, you only checked one site out. Scout.com has BYU ranked ahead of Utah, as does ESPN.com. The reality, these rankings are insignificant, especially when you are talking about being ranked in the 50-60 range. As Bronco Mendenhall pointed out 14 of the 22 starters on a nationally ranked team last year had zero stars when they came out of High School. Everyone is arguing about who won, when in reality it is all a matter of opinion, that even the so called "experts" don't agree on.
But please, don't try to change the facts and tell us that everyone agrees UTAH won, when you don't have the facts to support it.
I think that you should check more than one site before stating that "all of the recruiting publications" have the Utes ranked higher than BYU. From what I can tell, you only checked one site out. Scout.com has BYU ranked ahead of Utah, as does ESPN.com. The reality, these rankings are insignificant, especially when you are talking about being ranked in the 50-60 range. As Bronco Mendenhall pointed out 14 of the 22 starters on a nationally ranked team last year had zero stars when they came out of High School. Everyone is arguing about who won, when in reality it is all a matter of opinion, that even the so called "experts" don't agree on.
But please, don't try to change the facts and tell us that everyone agrees UTAH won, when you don't have the facts to support it.
Re: RE troutman | 1:20 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008
So does that mean that BYU and Utah don't deserve any coverage in
basketball because USU has dominated the state since the moment Stew arrived on
the scene. There are plenty of proud AGGIE alum and fans across the state. If
this is a business and it is, it seems like you try and cater to your
customers.
To Tarheel Ute: I don't see anyone outside of utah covering anyone in Utah because in football they are all irrelevant, and the U and Y can't be seen by anyone
To Tarheel Ute: I don't see anyone outside of utah covering anyone in Utah because in football they are all irrelevant, and the U and Y can't be seen by anyone
Re: UTES WIN | 1:23 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008
You're being just as ridiculous as "BYU WINS."
Scout (which is as cited as much or more than rivals.com) has BYU ranked higher than Utah. So I guess you're statement, "all of the recruiting publications that rank these kids and teams have the UTES as the number one class" is incorrect, right?
Also, I believe rivals.com has an error in BYU's total point calculation. BYU has more 4 and 3 star recruits than the 50th ranked team, yet somehow BYU is 88th? Obviously that is a mistake.
In reality, this was a great year for both teams. I think it was a little better than usual for the Utes, which is great. I don't think either team obviously won the in-state battle.
Scout (which is as cited as much or more than rivals.com) has BYU ranked higher than Utah. So I guess you're statement, "all of the recruiting publications that rank these kids and teams have the UTES as the number one class" is incorrect, right?
Also, I believe rivals.com has an error in BYU's total point calculation. BYU has more 4 and 3 star recruits than the 50th ranked team, yet somehow BYU is 88th? Obviously that is a mistake.
In reality, this was a great year for both teams. I think it was a little better than usual for the Utes, which is great. I don't think either team obviously won the in-state battle.
TIRED OF BYU | 1:20 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008
I agree with UTES WIN , the utes did get the best instate guys we got the best
RB, DL and we got the top instate OL-Derek Tuimauga. so with this class and with
the WR we are looking pretty good, byu is too busy worrying about numbers and
how many recruits they get they dont go after quality (except for holt and
sorrenson) they just go after quantity...They pick lineman that are not even
rated or they give the scholies to those who are realated to the coaches..thats
the way BYU rolls.....GO UTES.............
Amazed! | 1:39 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008
The Brady kid was offered a full ride from Navy, a preferred walk-on from BYU,
Utah and USU. He could have signed at Snow or Southern Utah, and had interest
from Washington, Washington State and Oregon. I am sure he will make up his mind
as soon as he returns from his Navy trip.
utah state | 1:52 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008
When they win a couple of decent games in Logan maybe people in Salt Lake would
care, but until then no one cares about Utah State, but congrats to Harold
Moleni, I am excited for him.
TIRED OF BYU | 1:58 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008
I agree with UTES WIN ....the utes did get the best. The Utes got the best RB DL
and they got the best OL in state-Derek Tuimauga. Byu just goes after quantity
but not quality for the exception of Holt and sorrenson, BYU does not have any
rated linemen, they give their scholies to the kids who are related to the
coaches..thats how they roll, way to go UTES you guys have the best recuriting
class
Ernest T. Bass | 2:03 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008
Coach bronco gets everyone he wants. He even said so and he's too good to
lie.
SJ Bobkins | 2:06 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008
Is it Utah State or Cal-State Logan? The Aggies have to paint a positive picture
for the local kids and be able to draw them away from BYU and Utah to succeed.
Start with the fact their games CAN be seen on TV unlike the MWC Presidents evil spawn "the mnt" offers BYU and yutz fans.
Utah State didn't even visit or contest for most of the players the other two schools signed in-state. Heavens you have to at least try and build a relationship with the high school coaches. It's not as if Utah has a lot of high schools, and Brent Guy can't make it to all of them. When you look deep enough to what makes a loser a loser, you find lack of effort, as we see in this example. USU has to win with Utah kids or not win at all.
Start with the fact their games CAN be seen on TV unlike the MWC Presidents evil spawn "the mnt" offers BYU and yutz fans.
Utah State didn't even visit or contest for most of the players the other two schools signed in-state. Heavens you have to at least try and build a relationship with the high school coaches. It's not as if Utah has a lot of high schools, and Brent Guy can't make it to all of them. When you look deep enough to what makes a loser a loser, you find lack of effort, as we see in this example. USU has to win with Utah kids or not win at all.
RE: Tarheel Ute | 2:05 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008
Ok, to use your same logic, I don't see any stories about CU or CSU here in
Utah... big dummy.
Utahn | 2:15 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008
Looks like BYU cleaned up in-state once again. Is anyone surprised?
Haha | 2:27 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008
Utes Suck!
Tired of Timpview | 2:48 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008
Who cares where all your transfer athletes are going to play next year? Nobody
in Utah County, that's for sure.
RE: Utahn | 2:54 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008
Check that again bud, UTAH cleaned up the in-state kids. You may have signed two
more in state kids, BUT UTAH GOT THE BEST OF THE BUNCH!!!!!
USU is horribel | 2:58 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008
I agree USU should get in-state talent.
Mark Ercanbrack was the best skill player I have seen at the high school level (Just my opinion, folks, so relax).
I can't fathom how USU didn't offer him.
Mark Ercanbrack was the best skill player I have seen at the high school level (Just my opinion, folks, so relax).
I can't fathom how USU didn't offer him.
'96 Aggie Alum | 3:06 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008
The indignant comments by some Aggie fans remind me once again why USU will
never be anything more than a tackling dummy for the bigger schools.
USU fans continue to delude themselves into thinking that if they could only just find the right coach or the right players regular victories against Utah and BYU and a BCS Bowl invite are just around the corner.
In reality, USU football is seriously hampered by its facilities and budget and will never be anything more than a lower-tier WAC program unless big changes are made. The Aggies would do better to drop to 1-AA, where they would be much more competitive.
But since the program can make more money by being an also-ran in FBS football than by winning FCS championships, they will continue to wallow in mediocrity.
USU fans continue to delude themselves into thinking that if they could only just find the right coach or the right players regular victories against Utah and BYU and a BCS Bowl invite are just around the corner.
In reality, USU football is seriously hampered by its facilities and budget and will never be anything more than a lower-tier WAC program unless big changes are made. The Aggies would do better to drop to 1-AA, where they would be much more competitive.
But since the program can make more money by being an also-ran in FBS football than by winning FCS championships, they will continue to wallow in mediocrity.
Add your comment
Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.
Words Remaining
E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.
Derek Tuimauga, left, Iona Pritchard, Austin Holt and Justin Sorensen from Bingham High School all signed national letters of intent Wednesday afternoon.
Related content
- The natural beauty of a wreath 4:26 p.m.
- 4 detained in Russian club fire 4:15 p.m.
- A.F., Houston in Armed Forces Bowl 4:08 p.m.
- Museum claims it owns a Titian 4:03 p.m.
- BYU and Utah's bowl games 3:54 p.m.
- Saints stay perfect, beat Redskins 3:31 p.m.
- An orchestra of guitars 3:24 p.m.
- Raiders stun Steelers 2:53 p.m.
- Panthers beat Bucs 16-6 2:52 p.m.
- Colts beat Titans 27-17 2:49 p.m.
- Y., U. to learn bowl destinations
- The forgotten ship: USS Utah
- Utahns want health care reform bills
- BYU professor killed in crash
- BYU basketball: Cougars crush Dons
- Tiger's SUV, personal life are a wreck
- Branch president without a congregation
- Jazz upset by Wolves
- Kurt Bestor: Joy for the world
- Urn of baby rests with sailors
- Why is Y. ignoring spew of hatred?
314 - Letters: Liberal because LDS253
- Y. profs: Beck not all-knowing209
- Hate not limited to 1 in-state rivalry189
- Aggies shoot past Cougars179
- N.Y. Senate rejects gay marriage130
- George lost in rivalry hatefest113
- Unbeaten BYU takes trip to Logan105
- Harpring's NBA career is over95
- Ed Smart 'appalled' at testimony94
The San Francisco Chronicle is reporting (perhaps speculating) that Utah...
I got some e-mail from Aggie fans regarding a column I wrote last week...
Latest comments
Could be worse... Id rather play Oregon State... I just did not want Arizona...
To Gramma224: There are no proposals before congress to turn our healthcare...
...of the great Homer J. Simpson: "Booor-ring!!" (BYU in yet ANOTHER Las...
@bowls I have a stat for you too. BYU 26, UTAH 23. Is that good enough for...
Some of you people are not realizing how much the tax payers (those who go...
I can see how people can get desensitized to "the sky is falling" rant that...
Good job boys! I know you'll do the state and the MWC proud in the Vegas...
We went to a Bestor Christmas Concert in Cedar City a few years ago. I loved...
No mention anywhere of a performance in SLC area. Googled everywhere....
Yes, BYU is going back to Vegas for the fifth year in a row. Let's not...
Advertisements
So typical of the Wasatch SLC-Provo Media. DO you ever wonder why Aggies dislike the SLC-Provo media? Don't wonder anymore, or try to make excuses, we are getting sick and tired of always being left out. And until we have the same type of FAIR and BALANCED reporting, we will always be on your case about un-reporting things relating to USU! COME on, Fair and Balanced should be you guys and gals motto, when that happens it truly shows your professionalism, when it doesn't, you should know the backlash.
Jim Nantz has been the only Fair and Balanced reporter from this STATE, even if he did work at KSL, he gave equal time to all the Universities in the State. That is why he moved on and was chosen by the National Media because they saw his fair and balanced reporting. Rod Zundel of KSL is a close second!