SALT LAKE CITY — College football fans, rejoice! The season is finally here!

As such, the nation’s 38th ranked recruiting class officially begins its time as Utes. In what Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham has called his best class ever, who might just be ready to break out?

Note: While it should be acknowledged that JC transfers and or commits are a part of the reason the Utes were so successful at signing day, they are not a part of this list.

10. Maxs Tupai: #92, DE, 6'1, 257 (Murray HS, Utah)

Tupai, a four-star recruit per ESPN, was a big-time recruiting victory for the Utes, as Oklahoma, USC, and UCLA were all in the mix. A late signee, Tupai's pledge was the cherry on top of an already loaded class.

His spot on this list is probably too low in terms of his sky-high ceiling, but is based on the assumption that in all likelihood, he'll redshirt this season. Tupai hasn't quite managed to crack the two-deep on a loaded defensive line, but if he does end up seeing time, expect production.

9. Nygel King: #18, DB, 6'0, 171 (Klein Oak HS, Texas)

A three-star recruit from one of football's recruiting hotbeds, King has turned heads in fall camp. Cornerbacks coach Sharrieff Shaw praised the young newcomer early on, saying King had "really shown up" and was "tough as nails."

Similar to Tupai, King is likely a nice player down the road for the Utes and would be capable of coming in and playing right away if not for the marquee names and experience ahead of him on the depth chart.

8. Bradlee Anae: #56, DE, 6'3, 243 (Kahuku HS, Hawaii)

Anae, a Hawaii product, finds himself one of six freshman already on the two-deep depth chart for the Utes. While not a lot has been said about Anae, Whittingham mentioned earlier this season that Anae was one of the newcomers who had impressed him.

While three prominent ends feature ahead of him in Hunter Dimick, Kylie Fitts and Pita Taumoepenu, Anae figures to be called on periodically to spell Dimick, behind whom he is listed at left end. The separation between himself and Maxs Tupai is probably wholly dependent on whether or not Anae produces as a backup this season.

7. Demari Simpkins: #17, WR, 5'10, 184 (Hallandale HS, Florida)

Listed as the backup slot receiver behind junior Kyle Fulks, Simpkins has really impressed co-offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick.

"Demari Simpkins is a guy who shows up every day," said Roderick. "He's very smart for a freshman kid, to be where he's at right now, pushing for playing time."

Simpkins will remind folks a lot of former Ute Brent Casteel. A little undersized, he's fearless going over the middle, but also possesses the speed to make plays over the top.

6. Donovan Thompson: #3, LB, 5'10, 230 (Miami Central HS, Florida)

Thompson, a late commit to the Utes right at the signing deadline, is a dynamic playmaker at middle linebacker. In what could be an interesting year at the position after the departures of Gionni Paul and Jared Norris, Thompson should have a fair crack at adequate playing time, especially considering the positive things Whittingham has had to say about him.

"He's really started to do some good things," Whittingham said. "He does a great job on special teams play. He's a very active, instinctive linebacker and that's really starting to show up."

5. Zack Moss: #2, RB, 5'10, 213 (Hallandale HS, Florida)

Moss, yet another Florida product, was initially a verbal commit to Miami who also strongly considered Tennessee before choosing Utah. What may surprise fans most about the youngster is his size: Already built like an NFL running back at the tender age of 18, he's capable of delivering blows to opposing defenders while also possessing the speed and shiftiness to elude people at the second level.

While the 5th slot on this list feels right for the time being, Moss is capable of doing just about anything he sets his sights on as a Ute. His size and speed cannot be overstated, and his ceiling may be just about as high as any former Ute running back in history.

4. Tyler Huntley: #1, QB, 6'1, 190 (Hallandale HS, Florida)

Perhaps the next great Florida Ute, Huntley boasts a big arm and playmaking ability, factors the coaches say set him apart during spring ball and fall camp, and he'll benefit from the opportunity to back up the more experienced Troy Williams.

Provided Williams' good health, the young Floridian can spend this season playing clean-up time and learning the offense in preparation for a career of huge possibility at the U.

"With Tyler you get some playmaking ability that is really outstanding," Roderick said.

3. Terrell Burgess: #26, KR/DB, 6'0, 181 (San Marcos HS, California)

Already named the primary returner as a true freshman, Burgess is what the coaches call a proven commodity at the position.

"Terrell Burgess was an outstanding kickoff return guy in high school," Whittingham said. "His performance and what we saw on tape when we recruited him prompted us to make him the primary return guy."

Burgess returned three kicks for touchdowns as a junior in high school, with a 33.2-yard average. If he can successfully transition from high school to Division I football, it may not be long before teams are kicking away from him.

2. Julian Blackmon: #23, KR/DB, 6'1, 180 (Layton HS, Utah)

Blackmon is truly one of the best athletes on the team, having impressed coaches from day one.

"Julian Blackmon has proven to be one of the most pleasant surprises in camp, the way he's responded to the transition to Division I football, as a corner as well as a kick returner," Whittingham said.

Blackmon gets the nod ahead of Burgess purely for how highly he's been spoken of by coaches, both playing cornerback and returning kicks. His playing time at corner will be scanty, but provided the opportunity, he's sure to impress.

1. Leki Fotu: #99, DT, 6'5, 300 (Herriman HS, Utah)

When discussing newcomers who had impressed in camp, Fotu was almost always the first name off Whittingham's lips. This ranking may be a surprise now, but after having the opportunity to watch Fotu in camp, it won't be for much longer.

Fotu is undoubtedly one of the most talented freshman to have arrived at the University of Utah. While talent doesn't guarantee success, the Utes' pedigree for success developing defensive lineman provides some assurance.

Since arriving at Utah, Fotu has added weight, while saying that he's maintained his speed. He's also in the midst of transitioning from end to tackle, a transition he says is going well.

"The whole transition from end to tackle, I'm not really worried about it," Fotu said. "I'm just happy to play and happy to be on the defensive side."

Stephen Lindsey is a student at the University of Utah currently working as an intern with KSL.com in Salt Lake City. Contact him at th3sl3@gmail.com or interact via his twitter handle, @th3sl3

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