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PROVO — One of the top-rated recruits in the state of Utah won't be going far to continue his college career.
Timpview forward Jake Wahlin announced his commitment to BYU on Tuesday afternoon, formalizing the decision on a socially-distanced Instagram Live streamed from his home in Provo.
"I don't really have a script or anything," Wahlin said. "I'm excited that we're able to do this. It's been the most exciting time in my life, but also very stressful.
"As blessed as I am, it's not as easy as it seems. But after a lot of prayer and consideration, I think it's time to announce I'm going to Brigham Young to play for the Cougars."
The No. 3-rated recruit in Utah’s Class of 2021 by 247 Sports, Wahlin chose the Cougars over offers from Arizona State and Utah State, among others. The 6-foot-7, 180-pound forward also had interest from San Diego State, UC Santa Barbara, Dixie State, New Mexico and San Diego but has been considered a favored target for BYU since picking up an official offer from Mark Pope’s staff on Sept. 8.
Wahlin is the top-rated in-state recruit in the Class of 2021, trailing only Wasatch Academy's Nolan Hickman and Robbie Armbrester, who have committed to Kentucky and Houston, respectively.
"One of the big things was to be around these guys," Wahlin said, pointing to his family, all dressed in BYU gear. "For them to be able to watch me down the road is a blessing. But coach Pope really got me fired up. I remember really well the Gonzaga game, when the fans and coach Pope were on the court. I thought, 'How can you not want to be a part of this?'"
Wahlin is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and will likely serve a two-year church mission prior to enrolling at BYU.
The project swing forward/combo guard averaged 13.7 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.5 blocks per game as a junior for the Thunderbirds, when he led a team featuring all juniors and underclassmen to the Class 5A state championship game against Springville.
