For the second consecutive year, Utah football has produced a top-30 recruiting class.
The way coach Kyle Whittingham sees it, the fact that the Utes have sent so many players to the National Football League plays a big role in that success. Seven Utah players were drafted in 2020 and a program-record eight players were selected in 2017. The Utes’ 21 draft picks the past four years are also the most in the Pac-12 ahead of Washington’s 20.
“Recruits take note of that. We’ve had more players drafted than any team in the Pac-12 over the last (four) years. That’s absolutely a selling point,” Whittingham said. “Why wouldn’t it be? When recruits get here, they should want two things — a degree and a chance to play at the next level. Our coaches are doing a great job of offering both of those things to them.”
On Wednesday, the first day of the early signing period Utah added 18 more players to the program.
And many of those recruits will be joining their teammates on campus soon.
Whittingham said Thursday that 10 of the 18 that signed Wednesday will enroll early, in January, including four that are already in the program.
One of those early enrollees is four-star quarterback Peter Costelli.
“It’s a big benefit for any position but in particular the quarterback spot,” Whittingham said of enrolling early. “That’s going to be a big advantage for Pete. He’s going to be here for spring ball — hopefully there is a spring ball. … We’re excited that Pete decided to go that route.”
“Recruits take note of that. We’ve had more players drafted than any team in the Pac-12 over the last (four) years. That’s absolutely a selling point.” — Kyle Whittingham
The quarterback position is an intriguing one as the Utes head into the offseason. It’s unclear whether grad transfer Jake Bentley, who has started three games this season, will return. Meanwhile, Cam Rising, who won the starting job during the fall and suffered a shoulder injury in the season opener on Nov. 21 against USC, is not expected to be healthy enough to participate in spring drills. The Utes also have freshman Cooper Justice.
Quarterback could be a position of need for the Utes moving forward, depending on what Bentley decides, Whittingham said. Running back and wide receiver are also positions the program will be targeting in the coming months, he said.
“We’ve got to continue to address needs as they arise,” Whittingham said Thursday, adding that there’s no time frame for adding more players. There could be more signings in February or there could be transfers that join the program.
“The portal has new players every day,” Whittingham said. “We could add players shortly here or it may not be until summertime.”
With 14 players enrolling early, Whittingham said that’s “probably the highest number we’ve ever had.” He added that it’s a growing trend around the country.
And, Whittingham said, there are plenty of benefits to players arriving early on campus, such as getting a head start on academics, an opportunity to participate in spring practices, and acclimating to the program.
“When you come into the fall, you already have a great foundation built. You’ve already been exposed to everything. It’s not brand new in the fall,” Whittingham said. “When you get ready for the season, you’re much further advanced. Winter conditioning is also a big benefit, getting integrated with your teammates and working out with the guys. It’s a much better way to develop your body than if you’re at home trying to do it on your own.”
Due to the pandemic and the absence of in-home visits and on-campus visits with recruits, this recruiting period was certainly unusual. But Whittingham is pleased with the way things turned out.
“The result,” he said, “is very good.”