Utes Early Signing Day Commitments: Live Updates
Dec 18, 2019, 9:15 AM | Updated: Dec 20, 2019, 2:24 pm
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The University of Utah announced their signing class during the early period of National Letter of Intent day.
The Utes filled needs from positions that were occupied by All-Americans and players that made a difference for a football team that has an 11-2 record heading to the Alamo Bowl.
Here is the list of recruits that have signed with the Utes on National Letter of Intent Day. (All ratings and stars are from 247 Sports)
Jake Bentley, Quarterback, South Carolina Transfer
Bentley is a graduate transfer from the University of South Carolina. He was the starting quarterback for the Gamecocks for the last two full seasons before suffering an injury in the first game of the 2019 season, which ended his season. With Bentley participating in just one game, he can use his redshirt and have one year of eligibility remaining and can play immediately for the Utes. Bentley is 19-13 as the starting quarterback for South Carolina. In three seasons (and one game in fourth season) Bentley had 7,527 yards, 55 touchdowns and 32 interceptions.
Welcome to Utah @JakeBentley19! Transfering from South Carolina at QB. #UtahNSD20 #Uboyz pic.twitter.com/7DIQoufp2t
— Utah Athletics (@utahathletics) December 18, 2019
Tennessee Pututau, Defensive Line, Salt Lake City, Utah
Pututau is a return missionary from East High School. He originally signed with the Utes on February 7, 2018 as an outside linebacker. Pututau is a 6’2, 260 lbs. defensive lineman in the 2020 class and was a 3-star recruit and the 12th highest rated prospect from the state of Utah.
Back in 2018, he received offers from Michigan State, Utah State, Arizona, Arizona State, BYU, California, Colorado, Fresno State, Navy, Nevada, Oregon, Oregon State, Tennessee, UCLA, Vanderbilt, Washington and Wisconsin.
Welcome to Utah @Pu2tau! All-state at East HS and one of two Pututaus signing today. #UtahNSD20 #Uboyz pic.twitter.com/sFHbCqpeam
— Utah Athletics (@utahathletics) December 18, 2019
Taniela Pututau, Defensive Line, Salt Lake City, Utah
Pututau is a return missionary that is a 6’3, 228 lbs. tight end turned defensive lineman. He originally committed to Utah on February 1, 2017. In that class, he was a three-star prospect and the 13th rated recruit in the state of Utah.
Back in 2017, he received offers from Air Force, Army, BYU, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon State and Utah State.
Welcome to Utah @Taniela_5!
Follow along all day at https://t.co/IFOT6HXBnN#UtahNSD20 #Uboyz pic.twitter.com/fWvp1oa3Si
— Utah Athletics (@utahathletics) December 18, 2019
Hunter Lotulelei, Offensive Line, West Valley City, Utah
Lotulelei is a return missionary from Highland High School. He is a 6’3, 322 lbs. offensive lineman that was a three-star prospect in 2018. Lotulelei was also the No. 17 offensive guard and the No. 8 recruit out of the state of Utah in the 2018 class.
Both of his cousins played at Utah as standout defensive tackles in Star and Lowell. Star is currently with the Buffalo Bills in the NFL.
Back in 2018, Lotulelei received offers from Colorado, Fresno State and New Mexico.
Excited to have a Lotulelei back on our roster with @Hlotulelei53! All-state at Highland HS. #UtahNSD20 #Uboyz pic.twitter.com/lBkk6dYknH
— Utah Athletics (@utahathletics) December 18, 2019
Money Parks, Wide Receiver, Aledo, Texas
Parks committed to the Utes verbally on November 27. He is a 5’11, 172 lbs. receiver from Aledo, Texas. The three-star recruit is the 65th rated wide receiver and rated No. 50 in the state of Texas. In three seasons at Aledo High School, Parks caught 108 passes for 1,648 yards and 26 touchdowns. Last season, he hauled in 29 receptions for 552 yards and 11 touchdowns.
He received offers from Arkansas, Houston, Illinois, Kansas, Kansas State, Missouri, North Texas, SMU, Texas Tech and UTSA.
This receiver is Money – welcome to Utah @MonterrenParks! #UtahNSD20 #Uboyz pic.twitter.com/H0A1YAI7Li
— Utah Athletics (@utahathletics) December 18, 2019
Ben Renfro, Safety, Magnolia, Texas
Renfro is a 6’1, 190 lbs. wide receiver but is listed as a safety from Magnolia High School in Texas. He is a three-star recruit and is No. 97 safety and 184th ranked prospect in the state of Texas. As a wide receiver in high school, Renfro hauled in 125 receptions for 2,278 yards and 31 touchdowns. Last season, he had 56 catches for 898 yards and 14 touchdowns.
He received offers from Air Force, Army, Montana State and Navy.
Welcome to Utah @Benrenfro5!
Head over to https://t.co/IFOT6HXBnN to learn more about each signee.#UtahNSD20 #Uboyz pic.twitter.com/SqvSZtgg63
— Utah Athletics (@utahathletics) December 18, 2019
Alex Harrison, Offensive Lineman, Bountiful, Utah
Harrison is a 6’4, 333 lbs. offensive lineman from Viewmont High School in Bountiful, Utah. He is ranked fifth in the state of Utah and the 66th ranked offensive lineman as a three-star prospect.
He received offers from Nebraska, USC, Arizona State, BYU, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah State and Washington State.
Three-time all-state and he's staying home. Welcome to @Utah_Football @BigAlHarrison1! #UtahNSD20 Uboyz pic.twitter.com/QdSxnAMDfO
— Utah Athletics (@utahathletics) December 18, 2019
Tyler Wegis, Defensive End, San Juan Capistrano, Calif.
Wegis is a 6’6, 210 lbs. defensive end from San Juan Hills High School in San Juan Capistrano, California. The three-star recruit is the 67th highest rated defensive end and the 135th ranked prospect in the state of California.
He received offers from Boise State, California, Colorado State, Fresno State, Oregon State, Rice, San Diego, South Dakota, Utah State, Virginia and Washington State.
.@TWegis joining the Utes! https://t.co/IFOT6HXBnN #UtahNSD20 #Uboyz pic.twitter.com/gfgzQqwY50
— Utah Athletics (@utahathletics) December 18, 2019
Ty Jordan, All-Purpose Back, Mesquite, Texas
Jordan is a 5’7, 183 lbs. all-purpose back from West Mesquite High School. He is a three star prospect that is ranked No. 8 at his position and 59th in the state of Texas. This past season, Jordan rushed for 453 yards on 77 carries, he caught 41 passes for 378 yards and had 11 total touchdowns (7 rushing, 4 receiving). In 2018, he rushed for 1,236 yards and 16 touchdowns.
He received offers from Tennessee, Texas, USC, Arkansas, Baylor, Boston College, Houston, Illinois, Illinois State, Kansas, Mississippi State, Missouri, Oklahoma State, Oregon, Purdue, SMU, Syracuse, TCU, Texas State, Texas Tech, UCF, Utah State, Virginia Tech and Wisconsin.
.@_ylfotyt from Texas two-stepping to Utah! https://t.co/IFOT6HXBnN #UtahNSD20 #Uboyz pic.twitter.com/PB37OF9rSE
— Utah Athletics (@utahathletics) December 18, 2019
Caine Savage, Athlete, Anaheim, California
Savage is a 5’10, 166 lbs. athlete from Western High School in Anaheim, California. Utah will use him as a cornerback. The three-star prospect is the No. 96 ranked athlete and is No. 114 in the state of California. He originally committed to Arizona State before backing out and choosing Utah. The Utes will play him at cornerback.
He received offers from Washington State, Arizona State, Middle Tennessee State, Montana State, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon State, Rutgers, San Diego State, San Jose State and William & Mary.
Continuing to strengthen the backfield – welcome @LegendaryCaine2! https://t.co/IFOT6HXBnN #UtahNSD20 #Uboyz pic.twitter.com/4G985iMgxu
— Utah Athletics (@utahathletics) December 18, 2019
Graham Faloona, Outside Linebacker, Southlake, Texas
Faloona is a 6’3, 205 lbs. outside linebacker from Southlake Carroll High School in Southlake, Texas. He is a three-star recruit that is rated 116th as an OLB and No. 233 in the state of Texas. In 2018, Faloona had 119 tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack, two pass breakups and two forced fumbles. In three seasons in high school, he racked up 264 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 5 pass breakups, 4 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries with one going for a touchdown.
He received offers from Air Force, Incarnate Word, Navy, New Mexico State, Sam Houston State, Texas State, Tulsa, Utah State and Wyoming.
Another player from Texas to Utah, welcome @faloona_graham! https://t.co/IFOT6HXBnN #UtahNSD20 #Uboyz pic.twitter.com/gsRPR4N6Ma
— Utah Athletics (@utahathletics) December 18, 2019
Kamo’i Latu, Safety, Honolulu, Hawaii
Latu is a 6’1, 178 lbs. safety from St. Louis High School in Honolulu, Hawaii. As a three-star recruit, Latu is the No. 80 rated safety and No. 11 prospect from the state of Hawaii. He has received an invitation to the Polynesian Bowl.
He received offers from USC, Washington, Central Michigan, Colorado, Hawaii, Nebraska, Oregon State, Portland State, Virginia and Washington State.
From the islands to SLC, welcome @15Latu! https://t.co/IFOT6HXBnN #UtahNSD20 #Uboyz pic.twitter.com/QCJZ4muRmJ
— Utah Athletics (@utahathletics) December 18, 2019
Aliki Vimahi, Defensive Lineman, Kahuku, Hawai’i
Vimahi is a 6’4, 247 lbs. return missionary defensive lineman from Kahuku High School in Kahuku, Hawai’i. Back in 2017, he was a three-star prospect ranked No. 22 among defensive ends and No. 4 in recruit in the state of Hawai’i.
He received offers from BYU, Colorado, Oregon State, USC and Virginia.
Welcome to the #UtahFootballFamily, @AlikiVimahi!#UtahNSD20 pic.twitter.com/lQPUgv4rH9
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) December 18, 2019
Jaren Kump, Offensive Lineman, Herriman, Utah
Kump is a return missionary from Herriman High School in Herriman, Utah. In the 2018 class, Kump was a three-star prospect, No. 27 offensive lineman and the No. 7 recruit in the state of Utah. He served his mission in Brazil. Kump is 6’5, 266 lbs.
Back in 2018, he received offers from BYU, Arizona, Arizona State, California, Oregon, UCLA, USC and Utah State.
Herriman product staying home. Welcome @jarenkump68!https://t.co/IFOT6HXBnN #UtahNSD20 #Uboyz pic.twitter.com/ud5iuWZ1iw
— Utah Athletics (@utahathletics) December 18, 2019
Nate Ritchie, Safety, American Fork, Utah
Ritchie is a 6’3, 200 lbs. safety from Lone Peak High School in American Fork, Utah. He is a three-star prospect, the 32nd highest rated safety and the No. 4 recruit in the state of Utah.
He has received offers from Arizona State, UCLA, Stanford, USC, Boise State, BYU, California, Colorado, Colorado State, Kansas State, Utah State and Vanderbilt.
Welcome to the Utes @nateritchie3! https://t.co/IFOT6HXBnN #UtahNSD20 #Uboyz pic.twitter.com/7Ssp5u03x1
— Utah Athletics (@utahathletics) December 18, 2019
Van Fillinger, Defensive End, Draper, Utah
Fillinger is a 6’3.5, 250 lbs. defensive end from Corner Canyon High School in Draper, Utah. He is the eighth highest rated defensive end in the country and the second best prospect from the state of Utah. Fillinger originally committed to Texas on July 18, 2019 before changing his mind on December 1, 2019 after coaching staff changes occurred at Texas. He has been invited to play in both the All-American Bowl and the Polynesian Bowl.
He received offers from Texas, Arizona State, Boise State, California, Colorado, Kansas State, Liberty, LSU, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio State, Oregon, Tennessee, UCLA, USC, Utah State, Vanderbilt, Virginia Tech and Washington.
Van Fillinger is signing with Utah. @van_filli #GoUtes #NSD20 pic.twitter.com/G3VLWCoeB6
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 18, 2019
Sione Fotu, Inside Linebacker, South Jordan, Utah
Fotu is a 6’1, 225 lbs. inside linebacker from Bingham High School in South Jordan, Utah. He is the 32nd highest rated inside linebacker and No. 7 prospect in the state of Utah.
He received offers from California, Washington State, Tennessee, UCLA and Utah State.
Adding to the LB position group, welcome @_sionefotu! #UtahNSD20 pic.twitter.com/BmofYlwVXn
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) December 18, 2019
Connor O’Toole, Tight End, Albuquerque, New Mexico
O’Toole is a 6’3, 205 lbs. tight end from La Cueva High School in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He is a three-star prospect, the 21st rated tight end and the top recruit in the state of New Mexico.
He has received offers from Baylor, Arkansas, Washington State, Arizona, Cincinnati, Colorado, Florida State, Indiana, Kansas State, LSU, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, San Diego State, TCU and Wyoming.
Go Utes 🙌🏻 pic.twitter.com/JQ11OOp1Ii
— Connor O'Toole (@connor_otoole_) December 18, 2019
Xavier Carlton, Defensive End, Draper, Utah
Carlton is a 6’7, 262 lbs. defensive lineman from Juan Diego Catholic High School in Draper, Utah. He is a four-star recruit that is rated No. 11 among defensive ends and No. 3 in the state of Utah. He has received invitations to play in both the Polynesian Bowl and the All-American Bowl. His father Demetrius played for the Utes as a linebacker in 1989.
He received offers from Ohio State, Washington, California, Oregon, UCLA, USC, Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, Fresno State, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Kentucky, LSU, Michigan, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Oregon State, Stanford, Tennessee, Texas, Vanderbilt, Virginia and Washington State.
Signing day continues as @xaviercarlton44 stays in Utah! https://t.co/IFOT6HXBnN #UtahNSD20 #Uboyz pic.twitter.com/zoC8TSvpTF
— Utah Athletics (@utahathletics) December 19, 2019
Solatoa Moea’i, Offensive Lineman, Honolulu, Hawaii
Moea’i is a 6’4, 290 lbs. offensive lineman from Punahou High School in Honolulu, Hawaii. He is a three-star prospect, rated as the 25th offensive lineman and No. 5 recruit in the state of Hawaii. He was invited to the Polynesian Bowl.
Moea’i has received offers from Oregon, UCLA, Arizona State, BYU, Hawaii, Nebraska, Oregon State, Syracuse, UCF, USC, Virginia and Washington State.
Welcome @SolatoaMoeai! https://t.co/IFOT6HXBnN #UtahNSD20 #Uboyz pic.twitter.com/sMsCj0CAqr
— Utah Athletics (@utahathletics) December 19, 2019
Kenzel Lawler, Athlete, Corona, California
Lawler is a 6’3, 190 lbs. athlete from Corona, California. At Eleanor Roosevelt High School, he became a three-star recruit, who was rated the 47th best athlete and No. 64 prospect in the state of California.
He received offers from Arizona, California, Boston College, Hawaii, New Mexico, Oregon State, San Diego State, Syracuse and Washington State.
Final signee in this early signing period, welcome @2020Klaw!
Check out all of our early signees here: https://t.co/jKHzr5P9w3 #UtahNSD20 #Uboyz pic.twitter.com/Yk2W7eIYpy
— Utah Athletics (@utahathletics) December 20, 2019
