It’s still early in the recruiting process for the 2016 class, but at least in results, Utah and BYU are taking different approaches to finding players.
Of the 17 players who have committed to play for the Utes, 15 come from outside the Beehive State (Provo wide receiver Ty Jones has committed as part of the 2017 class). On the other hand, eight of the Cougars’ 13 commitments to date are players from Utah.
Many of the country’s high schools don’t open their seasons until this week, but teams across the state of Utah kicked off last Friday. Here’s a rundown of how those from the Beehive State who have committed to Utah or BYU fared in their season openers. Until National Letters of Intent are signed next spring, these commitments are merely verbal, and players are free to commit elsewhere.
UTAH
Kahi Neves, QB/LB, Timpview
Playing in his first game for the Thunderbirds after transferring from Brighton, Neves struggled some at quarterback, going 10-of-15 for 132 yards, no touchdowns and an interception. Timpview did all of its scoring damage on the ground in a 35-0 win over West, and Neves contributed 32 yards on 12 carries with no scores. Neves plans on graduating early and enrolling at the U. in the spring.
Julian Blackmon, S/WR, Layton
The safety/wide receiver made his biggest impact on the ground as he scampered 71 yards for a touchdown in the Lancers’ 41-25 victory over Weber. Blackmon’s score capped a 21-point run for Layton in the second quarter after it had fallen behind 14-0 in the first.
Ty Jones, WR, Provo
Of all the U.’s Beehive State commitments, the junior had the strongest opening night, finishing with six receptions for 85 yards and a touchdown, plus a two-point conversion. His effort helped the Bulldogs knock off Cedar 40-16.
Utes’ other commits:
Micah Croom, S, La Mirada High School (California): Starts season on Aug. 28.
Alec Dana, WR, Chaffey College (California): Starts season on Sept. 5.
David Fangupo, DT, Cerritos College (California): Starts season on Sept. 5
Cole Fotheringham, TE, San Clemente High School (California): Starts season on Aug. 28.
Jay Griffin, WR/CB, Huntsville High School (Texas): Starts season on Aug. 28.
Davir Hamilton, WR/LB, Verbum Dei High School (California): Starts season on Aug. 28.
Tyler Huntley, QB, Hallandale High School (Florida): Starts season on Aug. 29.
Scott Peck, OL, Central Valley High School (Washington): Starts season on Sept. 4.
Thomas McDonald, RB, Grossmont College (California): Starts season on Sept. 5.
Lorenzo Neal, DT, St. Thomas High School (Texas): Starts season on Aug. 28.
Tucker Scott, OL, San Clemente High School (California): Starts season on Aug. 28.
Demari Simpkins, WR, Hallandale High School (Florida): Starts season on Aug. 29.
Handsome Tanielu, DT, Snow College (Utah): Starts season on Aug. 29.
Mitch Wishnowsky, P, Santa Barbara City College (California): Starts season on Sept. 5.
BYU
Jaren Hall, QB, Maple Mountain
Hall did it all in the Golden Eagles’ 21-18 win over Woods Cross. He went 16-of-26 for 173 yards and accounted for all three of Maple Mountain’s touchdowns, two passing and one rushing. He didn’t throw any interceptions and added 32 rushing yards on eight carries.
Drew Jensen, S/QB, Brighton
The Bengals’ senior will have an interesting season as it relates to his future on the collegiate level. He was recruited as a safety but will play quarterback in 2015. Because of the demands of the position, he likely won’t play much defense. Last Friday, Jensen struggled against Herriman, going just 8-of-24 for 142 yards with a touchdown and three interceptions.
Darius McFarland, DE, Box Elder
Primed to play defensive end for the Cougars when his days with the Bees are over, the 6-foot-3, 245-pound McFarland made an impact on offense with a 2-yard touchdown run. Facing a quality Logan team, Box Elder nearly knocked off the Grizzlies, falling 38-37 in double overtime.
Skyler Southam, K, Wasatch
The U.S. Army All-American was solid for the Wasps in their opener last Friday, making field goals of 22 and 33 yards, along with three extra points. His effort helped Wasatch defeat Ogden, 33-14.
Atunaisa Mahe, DL, West Jordan
The lineman helped the Jaguars rack up 33 points in their 10-point loss to Juan Diego.
Solofa Funa, LB, Spanish Fork
Helped the Dons keep the Mountain View offense scoreless through three quarters en route to a 27-9 victory.
Keenan Pili, LB, Timpview
Had four tackles as the Thunderbird defense shut out West, 35-0.
Britton Hogan, TE/DE, Olympus
A future long snapper for the Cougars, Hogan had one catch for eight yards and two tackles as the Titans defeated Cottonwood 33-14. The victory capped a big week for Hogan, who had committed to Bronco Mendenhall and company earlier in the week.
Jackson McChesney, RB, Lone Peak
Caught a touchdown pass as the Knights rolled to a 31-0 win over Bountiful.
Cougars’ other commits
Wayne Rigby, DL, Highland High School (Idaho): Starts season on Aug. 28.
Jonah Trinnaman, WR, Snow College (Utah): Starts season on Aug. 29.
Freddy Livai, DE, A.B. Miller High School (California): Starts season on Aug. 28.
Aleva Hifo, CB, Heritage High School (California): Starts season on Aug. 28.
Utah and BYU did have one commit each from outside the state who opened their seasons last week. Utes commit Devonta’e Henry-Cole, a running back out of Florida, helped St. Thomas Aquinas beat Dillard 24-0. Cougar commit Hank Tuipulotu, a wide receiver out of South Carolina, finished with four receptions for 42 yards as his Nation Ford squad fell to South Pointe 30-7.
Ryan McDonald is a sports reporter at DeseretNews.com. Follow him on Twitter @ryanwmcdonald.