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Utah football coach Kyle Whittingham put the finishing touches on the 2009 recruiting class today when he received signed letters of intent from 17 players - bringing the total to 23 scholarship newcomers. The 2009 recruiting class includes 16 freshmen and seven junior college transfers.
The defense added 13 players, while the offense gained 10 with the new group of signees. The Utes loaded up on defensive backs (6) and defensive linemen (5). On offense, Utah added three wide receivers and three offensive linemen.
"Once again, we feel as though we were able to put together a solid recruiting class," said Whittingham. "Our philosophy has always been to recruit the best players, regardless of position, and this year was no different. We feel that this class will add significantly to our effort to increase team speed and athleticism across the board."
The Utes also signed two quarterbacks, both of whom are already on campus. Freshman Jordan Wynn (Oceanside, Calif./Oceanside HS) graduated early and enrolled at the semester break, as did junior college transfer Terrance Cain (Houston, Texas/Blinn JC). Defensive back Kameron Yancy (Los Angeles, Calif./Pierce College) is also registered for classes, while three other juco transfers will enroll for the second session of the semester and participate in spring ball. They are: defensive back Maxwell Lacy (Pasadena, Calif./Compton College), receiver Antoine "Shaky" Smithson (Baltimore, Md./East Los Angeles CC) and receiver Ray Magee (San Diego, Calif./Fullerton JC).
Whittingham also likes the geographical makeup of the class. Instate recruits led the way with seven, followed closely by Texas (6) and California (5). Florida, Arizona, Hawaii, Maryland and Nevada are all represented by one player.
"Recruiting the best players in Utah is always our top priority and we are very pleased with our in-state signees," said Whittingham. Among them is Snow College defensive end James Aiono (West Valley City), who was recognized as the No. 1 junior college recruit in the nation by Rivals.com. Other big instate catches for the Utes were linebacker LT Filiaga (Provo/Bingham HS), defensive lineman Latu Heimuli (Salt Lake City/Highland HS), offensive lineman Vyncent Jones (Sandy/Jordan HS), offensive lineman Percy Taumoelau (Glendale/Cottonwood HS), defensive back Chris Washington (Layton/Northridge HS) and linebacker Jason Whittingham (Provo/Timpview HS).
Whittingham views Texas and California as fertile recruiting grounds and he was pleased with the Utes' success in those states. "We feel we had a productive year in Texas, signing six players, and our California recruiting efforts have always brought talent into our program."
