SALT LAKE CITY — As the early signing period kicks off Wednesday, the Utah Utes are expecting a solid recruiting haul. According to Dan Sorensen, publisher of UteZone.com, the program has 11 hard commitments, including six players from Texas, as well as a strong possibility of signing five of the top six prospects in Utah. Then there’s quarterbacks Jake Bentley (South Carolina) and Peyton Powell (Baylor), who are joining the the Utes via transfer.
It could all come together Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
“We expect to, by the end of the week, have most all of our slots filled up,” said Utah coach Kyle Whittingham. “We really like where we are right now and what we anticipate adding to the group that’s already committed.”
“We expect to, by the end of the week, have most all of our slots filled up. We really like where we are right now and what we anticipate adding to the group that’s already committed.” — Utah coach Kyle Whittingham
Whittingham added that the transfer portal is an interesting and a serious variable when it comes to recruiting.
“You can set aside two or three (scholarships) to save for the portal like we did last year,” he said. “Or, if you feel really good about the guys you have a chance to sign now, then the portal is not as big of a factor.”
After spring ball, Whittingham explained, some deficiencies may surface. That’s when the coaching staff may have to dip into the transfer portal.
“It certainly has added a different dynamic to the whole recruiting process,” Whittingham said. “But, like I’ve said, we feel really good about the guys that we’ve got lined up to sign this week and so we may not have anything for the portal. We’ll find out.”