The latest on the Utah Utes’ 2023 recruiting class (2024)

Whether it be the middle of the college football season, the dog days of summer or the outset of spring or fall camp, recruiting is an ever-present part of college football.

There is really no such thing as an offseason anymore, and for head coach Kyle Whittingham and company, finding the next batch of Utes is always a priority.

The early signing period is nearly here — recruits can sign from Dec. 21 to Dec. 23.

Here is a look at Utah’s 2023 recruiting class, with prospects listed alphabetically according to reporting by247 Sports,Rivals, On3 and theDeseret News.

Roger Alderman

OL — Sonora High School (Sonora, California)

6-foot-5, 275 pounds

★★★ — 247 Sports

★★★ — Rivals

★★★★ — On3

“We talk about the physical traits, but there’s a lot more that goes into being a good football player. There’s mental toughness, there’s physical toughness — he’s got both of those. He’s humble, he’s likable by his teammates; he just hits all of those points. An athlete, tough, smart, a good teammate. Whoever gets him is getting a gem.” — Sonora High associate head coach Josh Kroeze (per The Union Democrat)

• Chose the Utes over Power 5 offers from Colorado, Oregon State, Arizona State, California, Washington and Washington State, as well as BYU and Utah State, among others.
• Is ranked a top 50 offensive lineman in the country, per 247 Sports, and a top 80 overall player in California.
• On3 considers Alderman the No. 206 overall prospect in the country, a top 15 interior offensive lineman and the 14th-best player in all of California.
• Per Hudl, runs a 5.33 second 40-yard dash. Plays on both sides of the ball, as an offensive guard and a defensive end.

CJ Blocker

CB — New Caney High School (New Caney, Texas)

6-feet, 165 pounds

★★★★ — 247 Sports

★★★★ — Rivals

★★★★ — On3

• Has offers from 16 other FBS programs and a soon-to-be FBS program in Sam Houston State, including Nebraska, Oklahoma, Alabama, TCU, Kansas State, Boston College, Washington State and Purdue.
• Now rated the 33rd-best cornerback prospect in the country and the 52nd-best overall prospect in Texas, by 247 Sports Composite.
• A multi-sport athlete, also competes track and field. Per 247 Sports, ran a 10.78 second 100-meter yard dash as a junior. Also ran a 22.62 second 200-yard dash and leaped 18-feet, 11 inches in the long jump.
• De-committed from Utah after being approached by Alabama, among other schools, but ultimately settled on the Utes.

Kainoa Carvalho

WR — Kahuku High School (Kahuku, Hawaii)

5-foot-7, 165 pounds

★★★ — 247 Sports

★★★ — Rivals

★★★ — On3

“With Kai-Kai, he just works hard. He works for everything he gets. He’s not the biggest guy. Actually, he’sthe shortest on our team, but he just plays with that chip that regardless of size, ‘I’m going to show you how big my heart is.’ And he just gets out there. He’s dynamic. He’s electric, It’s unreal. And he does it with a smile.” — Kahuku head coach Sterling Carvalho (per Bedrock Sports Hawaii)

• A top 10 prospect in Hawaii, Carvalho chose the Utes over offers from Utah State, Hawaii and San Diego State, as well as all three service academies.
• Multi-sport athlete who, per 247 Sports, will not enroll at Utah early in order to compete in track and field in the spring.
• Has played at nearly every skill position on offense and special teams, including receiver, kicker, kick returner and running back.
• Played at Skyridge High in 2020 and nearly returned to play for the Falcons again this season, before changing his mind at the last moment, per Bedrock Sports Hawaii.

Owen Chambliss

LB — Centennial High School (Corona, California)

6-foot-2, 205 pounds

★★★ — 247 Sports

★★★ — Rivals

★★★ — On3

• Holds 12 scholarship offers, including from USC, Oregon State, Minnesota, Kansas and Arizona.
• 247 Sports’ Composite rating considers Chambliss the 52nd-best linebacker in the country and the 42nd-best overall prospect in California.
• Was offered by Utah on June 3 and committed to the Utes on June 20.
• Per On3, remains a notable target for Boise State and Minnesota.
• Rivals considers Chambliss one of the three best prospects in Utah’ class, alongside CJ Blocker and Mack Howard.

Hunter Clegg

★★★★ — 247 Sports

★★★★ — Rivals

★★★ — On3

“(Clegg) displays good athleticism off the edge, showing the ability to play in a two or three point stance. ... Projects as a 3-4 edge rusher at the next level with the ability to develop into an all-conference prospect with a floor of a multi-year starter at a Power Five program. Will add value on multiple special teams units.” — national recruiting analyst Cooper Petagna (per 247 Sports)

• One-time Stanford commit, flipped to the Utes despite offers from 18 additional Power Five programs, including USC, LSU, Michigan, Oklahoma, Wisconsin and Washington, per multiple recruiting services.
• Rated the third-best prospect in the state of Utah and 23rd best edge rusher in the country, per 247 Sports’ Composite.
• Recorded 62 tackles and nine sacks as a senior this past season, per Max Preps, leading American Fork for a 8-4 record.
• Is the third-highest rated commit in Utah’s 2023 class, behind only offensive linemen Caleb Lomu and Spencer Fano.

Spencer Fano

OT — Timpview High School (Provo)

6-foot-5, 270 pounds

★★★★ — 247 Sports

★★★★ — Rivals

★★★★ — On3

“... (Fano) plays with outstanding balance and body control. Can anchor in pass protection and move defenders off the line of scrimmage in the run game. ... Value is in his ability as a protector, has a very controlled and patient game at the tackle position. Will need to continue to grow and develop physically into his frame but possesses the prototypical athletic traits that you look for in the left tackle position. Will more than likely need a year to two years to develop in the weight room but projects to a potential all-conference starter at a Power Five program at the next level.” —national recruiting analyst Cooper Petagna (per 247 Sports)

• Rated the second-best overall prospect in Utah and the 13th best OT tackle prospect in the country, per 247 Sports’ Composite.
• Chose the Utes over offers from 21 other Power Five programs, including most of the Pac-12 and national powers like Michigan, Clemson, Penn State, LSU and Tennessee.
• Is the highest rated commit in Utah’s 2023 class, according to 247 Sports, and the second-highest rated in On3 Sports’ evaluation.
• Played on both the offensive and defensive lines for Timpview, but is highly regarded for his protection abilities.

Brock Fonoimoana

S — Kahuku High School (Kahuku, Hawaii)

6-feet-1, 190 pounds

★★★ — 247 Sports

★★★ — Rivals

★★★ — On3

“He covers the field so well and because of that ability, we can play one high safety. He covers from sideline to sideline and that’s a luxury. Most teams have two high safeties. With Brock back there, you can cover down and send more pressure on the quarterback.” Kahuku coach Sterling Carvalho (per Bedrock Sports Hawaii)

• 247 Sports’ Composite rating lists Fonoimoana as the sixth best overall prospect in Hawaii and the 75th-best safety prospect in the country.
• Fonoimoana chose the Utes over offers from Power 5 schools including Stanford, Oregon State and Virginia, as well as FBS programs such as BYU, San Diego State, Utah State and Hawaii.
• Has played on both side of the ball in high school — as a wide receiver and free safety.
• Stanford is in hot pursuit of Fonoimoana and is viewed as the Utes’ biggest threat.

Johnathan Hall

S —Katy High School (Katy, Texas)

6-feet-1, 200 pounds

★★★ — 247 Sports

★★★ — Rivals

★★★ — On3

• Per 247 Sports’ Composite rating, Hall is the 56th-best linebacker prospect in the country and 98th-best overall prospect in Texas.
• Chose the Utes over offers from 25 other programs, including 16 Power 5 teams, highlighted by LSU and Texas.
• Played heavy minutes at both safety and linebacker as a junior and is a multi-sport athlete (track and field).
• Rivals and On3 consider Hall an almost guaranteed Utah signee.

Mateaki Helu

ATH/LB/RB — Tooele High School

6-foot, 200 pounds

★★★ — 247 Sports

★★★ — Rivals

★★★ — On3

“Really talented football player that was a difference maker on both sides of the ball. Tremendous upside at the next level.” — Stansbury head coach Eric Alder

• Ranked the 10-best prospect in Utah in 2023, and the 89th-overall athlete (ATH) prospect in the country, per 247 Sports’ Composite.
• Carried the ball 120 times for 1,077 yards — 8.97 yards per carry — and 14 touchdowns as a junior in 2021 (for Tooele High)
• This season, with Stansbury, Helu carried the ball 132 times and rushed for 1,060 yards and a team-high 15 touchdowns,, while adding 156 receiving yards and a score.
• Has offers from several FBS programs, including Baylor, BYU, Cal, Nebraska, Oklahoma State, Utah and Utah State.

Mack Howard

QB — Oxford High School (Oxford, Mississippi)

6-foot-2, 185 pounds

★★★ — 247 Sports

★★★ — Rivals

★★★ — On3

“He’s done an excellent job of picking up on what we do. He’s jumped right in and he’s been a great teammate and a great leader. He has a strong arm and impressive accuracy with the football. His footwork also gives him the ability to extend plays and make things happen.” — Oxford High coach Chris Cutcliffe (per SBLive)

• Ranked the 12th-best overall 2023 prospect in Mississippi and the 32nd-best quarterback prospect in the country (pro-style), per 247 Sports’ Composite rating.
• A multi-sport athlete — also plays basketball — Howard passed for 3,475 yards and 47 touchdowns last season while adding six rushing touchdowns,according to the Clarion Ledger.
• Holds scholarship offers from several FBS programs, including Arkansas State, Cincinnati, Houston, Kansas, Louisville, Middle Tennessee State and Utah.

C.J. Jacobsen

TE — Rocky Mountain High School

6-foot-5, 230 pounds

★★★ – 247 Sports

★★★ — Rivals

★★★ — On3

“He’s been 100% all spring and summer. He’s worked really hard in the weight room to get stronger and faster.” — Rocky Mountain High coach Chris Culig

• Is the 47th-best tight end recruit nationally and second-best overall recruit in Idaho, per 247 Sports Composite.
• Holds scholarship offers from more than a dozen schools including Arizona, Arizona State and Washington State, other Power Five schools like NC State, Louisville and Wisconsin, as well as BYU and Utah State.
• Is the son of former Utah tight end Chad Jacobsen, who played for the Utes in the mid-2000s.

Jonah Lea’ea

DE/OLB — Bishop Gorman High School (Las Vegas)

6-foot-4, 230 pounds

★★★ — 247 Sports

★★★ — Rivals

★★★ — On3

“Jonah Lea’ea... certainly has the length, the speed and the determination to dominate at the next level. Excellent first step comes off the edge with purpose and leverage. Runs exceptionally well.” — CBS Sports’ college football recruiting analyst Tom Lemming

• In 12 games played as a senior, Lea’ea recorded Has 39 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, six sacks and 10 quarterback hurries, per Max Preps.
• Holds scholarship offers from nine other schools, including Pac-12 programs Oregon State, Washington State, Cal and Arizona, per 247 Sports.
• Is rated a top 10 prospect in Nevada, per 247 Sports’ Composite, and the 110th-best edge rusher in the country.

Caleb Lomu

OT — Highland High School (Gilbert, Arizona)

6-foot-5, 260 pounds

★★★★ — 247 Sports

★★★ — Rivals

★★★★ —On3

“Caleb’s ability to process information in real time as a tackle, it’s like he isn’t a high school kid. His football IQ is off the charts. He’s a special kid... It’s great when your best players are also your best kids. He doesn’t do the bare minimum, he does it with excellence. He’s been a joy to have and to coach.” —Highland High coach Brock Farrel (per the Gilbert Sun News)

• Is rated a top 4 player in Arizona and a top 20 offensive tackle in the 2023, per 247 Sports’ Composite.
• Chose the Utes over offers from 17 Power Five schools, largely from the Pac-12 and SEC, including USC, Oregon, Ole Miss and Florida.
• Has played primarily as a left tackle (though Lomu has seen time at guard as well).
• Is considered a 4-star recruit by all but one of the four major recruiting services (247 Sports, Rivals, On3 and ESPN).
• Is the top rated recruit in Utah’s 2023 class.

Mikey Matthews

WR — Mission Viejo High School (Mission Viejo, California)

5-foot-10, 185 pounds

★★★ — 247 Sports

★★★ —Rivals

★★★ —On3

“Mikey’s our number one guy. He plays in the slot” —Mission Viejo High coach Chad Johnson (per SBLive)

• Is considered the 86th-best wide receiver prospect in the country and the 46th-best wide receiver in California, per 247 Sports Composite.
• Chose the Utes over offers from eight other Power Five programs, including top 10 programs in Tennessee and Michigan.
• Is 12 games played as a senior, had 61 receptions for 934 yards and 10 touchdowns, per Max Preps.
• Accounted for 2,402 all-purpose yards in his high school career, averaging 102.5 yards per game and scoring 28 total touchdowns.

Michael Mitchell

RB — Middleburg High School (Middleburg, Florida)

6-feet, 195 pounds

★★★★ — 247 Sports

★★★ — Rivals

★★★★ — On3

“I believed I was going to commit in a couple of months but I felt like I was ready and I felt like I knew where my home was and I kept talking to Coach (Kyle Whittingham) and it happened.” — Michael Mitchell (per News4Jax)

• Rated the 27th-best running back prospect in the country and the 75th-best overall prospect in Florida, by 247 Sports’ Composite.
• Has offers from 20 schools, including Power 5 programs in Iowa State and Washington State.
• A multi-sport athlete — competes track and field — Mitchell rushed for 1,378 yards and 18 TD in eight games played as a sophom*ore, per 247 Sports.
• Was the 6A Player of the Year as a junior, as well as a first team player as voted by the Florida Athletic Coaches Association.

Stanley Raass

DL — Kahuku High School (Kahuku, Hawaii)

6-foot-1, 290 pounds

★★★ — 247 Sports

★★★ — Rivals

★★★ — On3

• Ranked the ninth-best 2023 prospect in Hawaii and 169-best defensive line prospect in the country, per 247 Sports’ Composite
• Had eight tackles and 1.5 sacks in 2021 while playing for the Skyridge Falcons, according to the Deseret News, and had 31 tackles and four sacks in three seasons.
• Transferred to Kahuku High School in Hawaii for his senior season.
• Holds scholarship offers from five FBS programs: BYU, Utah, Oregon State, San Diego State and Hawaii.
• Is the son of former BYU defensive lineman John Raass.

Smith Snowden

CB — Skyridge High School (Lehi)

5-foot-10, 175 pounds

★★★★ — 247 Sports

★★★★ — Rivals

★★★ —On3

“He’s a great blend of confidence and humility. He believes that in any situation that he’s the best on the field and he can go make a play that can help the team and he’s been doing it since he was a sophom*ore,” said Lehman. “He also really cares about people on a genuine level. He loves his teammates, he loves his coaches. He really wants to be a good person. He’s just really likeable and good to be around.” — Skyridge coach Jon Lehman

• A top five prospect in Utah and the 43rd-best cornerback prospect in the country, per 247 Sports’ Composite.
• Chose the Utes over offers from nine other Power Five programs, including six other Pac-12 schools and Tennessee, per multiple recruiting services.
• Was named the Deseret News’ Mr Football for 2022.
• Finished the season with 28 tackles, six interceptions, 14 pass breakups and two defensive touchdowns. Was rarely challenged defensively as an outside cornerback this year, which was a significant reason Skyridge’s coaching staff put him in more nickel back situations (to broaden his impact on the field).

Dijon Stanley

ATH — Granada Hills High School (Granada Hills, CA)

6-foot-1, 175 pounds

★★★ — 247 Sports

★★★ — Rivals

★★★ — On3

“Dijon Stanley is really impressive. I don’t recall anyone at Granada ever being that fast.” — Granada Hills coach Tom Harp(per Los Angeles Daily News)

• Per 247 Sports’ Composite rankings, Stanley is the 52nd-best prospect in California and the 52nd-best athlete in the 2023 class.
• According to the Los Angeles Times, in addition to football, Stanley competes in track and field. As a sprinter, he ran a 46.94 400-meter during the spring.
• Has offers from several FBS programs, including Utah, BYU, Colorado, Colorado State, Michigan, Nevada, San Diego State, San Jose State, UNLV, Washington and Washington State.

Daidren Zipperer

WR — Lakeland High School (Lakeland, Florida)

6-foot-1, 175 pounds

★★★ — 247 Sports

★★★ — Rivals

★★★ — On3

“Zipperer is kind of a later bloomer, (but) he really made a lot of progress. He’s a good player.” — Lakeland coach Bill Castle (per SBLive)

• A multi-sport athlete (plays basketball) and the younger brother of University of Florida tight end Keon Zipperer.
• Ranked the 196th-best wide receiver in the county and the 195th-best overall prospect in Florida, per 247 Sports’ Composite rating.
• Had 17 catches for 277 receiving yards and two touchdowns as a junior last season, while playing in the second-highest classification in Florida.
• Has offers from 11 FBS programs, including Kentucky, South Carolina, Pittsburgh and BYU.

Utah’s recruiting efforts aren’t limited to only high school prospects. The Utes have utilized the transfer portal under Whittingham over the years and have done so again this year.

Levani Damuni

LB — Stanford

6-foot-2, 242 pounds

• Led Stanford with a team-high 76 tackles this season, while adding two forced fumbles, a sack and an interception.
• Racked up 205 tackles, three sacks, two pass breakups, two forced fumbles and two interceptions in a four-year stint with The Cardinal (Damuni hardly played 2019, before becoming a regular contributor the last three years).
• Was a 4-star recruit (according to Rivals), coming out of high school and was considered one of the best overall prospects in Utah (the fifth-best recruit by Rivals, sixth by 247 Sports and PrepStar, 10th by Scout and 12th by ESPN).

Logan Fano

EDGE —BYU

6-foot-4, 230 pounds

• A 4-star recruit coming out of Timpview High School, Fano had offers from Michigan, Wisconsin, Arizona, Arizona State, Utah State, Oregon State, Washington State, Nebraska, Colorado and Virginia, according to 247 Sports.
• Never played in a competitive football game for BYU, after suffering an ACL injury earlier this year, during the spring.
• As a senior at Timpview, Fano recorded 70 tackles, 12 sacks and an interception. Over the course of his high school career he tallied 132 tackles, 17 sacks and three interceptions, as well as a defensive touchdown.