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The University of Utah Athletics
Utah Football Announces Early Commits
12/19/2018 7:00 AM | Football
Utes sign 12 recruits to National Letters of Intent
SALT LAKE CITY—The Utah football program doubled down on early signing day this year, adding 12 new recruits on the first day that freshmen and midyear junior college transfers could sign National Letters of Intent. A year ago—the first year of the early signing date—Utah signed six recruits.
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"We feel good about the quality and number of players we signed today," said Utah coach Kyle Whittingham. "We'll complete our 2019 recruiting class between now and the traditional signing period in February, but this is a solid start. The offensive and defensive lines are usually a priority for us and this year was no exception. We were also able to fill needs at several other positions."
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The early high school signing period runs through Friday, Dec. 21, while midyear JC transfers may sign early through Jan. 15. The traditional February national signing day for the 2019 class falls on Feb. 6 with that signing period ending on Apr. 1.
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Today's commitments include four offensive linemen, two defensive linemen and two defensive backs, while the positions of linebacker, wide receiver, running back and punter all gained one player. Including three players coming off church missions who originally signed in 2016, all but one of the signees is a freshman. Linebacker Manny Bowen, a Penn State graduate transfer, has one year of eligibility remaining.
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The other early commitments are wide receiver Donte Banton, running back Micah Bernard, punter Ben Lennon, offensive linemen Falcon Kaumatule, Sataoa Laumea, Johnny Maea and Marist Talavou, defensive linemen Keaton Bills and Semisi Lauaki, safety Aaron Lowe and cornerback LaCarea Pleasant-Johnson.
Biographical information on each recruit can be found after the roster below.
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Donte Banton
Wide Receiver
6-0, 189, Fr.
HS
Lauderhill, Fla.
Deerfield Beach HS
Three-star recruit by 247Sports and Rivals … led all wide receivers in the 40-yard dash (4.58) at The Opening Miami Regional (2018) … helped Deerfield HS (Fla.) to district football titles in 2017 and 2018 … attended Boyd Anderson HS as a sophomore and played on the football team … name is pronounced don-tay.
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Keaton Bills      Â
Defensive Line Â
6-4, 260, Fr.
HSÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
Draper, Utah
Corner Canyon HS
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Originally signed in 2016 before serving a church mission … Deseret News 4A first-team all-state in 2015 at Corner Canyon HS … Salt Lake Tribune all-state second team defensive lineman and honorable mention offensive lineman … Region 7 Defensive MVP … first-team all-region in 2014 and second-team all-region in 2013 ... No. 2 defensive end in the state of Utah by Scout and No. 15 overall prospect by Rivals … three-star recruit by Scout, Rivals and 247Sports … 141 career tackles with 8.0 sacks … 69 tackles, 6.0 sacks and 10 quarterback hurries as a senior … 46 tackles and 4.0 sacks in 2014 included an 11-tackle, two-sack performance against Woods Cross … 26 tackles and a sack as a sophomore … also played baseball … son of Steve and Karen Bills.
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Micah Bernard
Running Back
5-11, 188, Fr.
HS
Long Beach, Calif.
Gahr HS
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2017 All-CIF Southern Section Division 10 … 2017 Cal-Hi junior all-state … two-time all-area, earning first-team honors and Area Offensive Player of the Year as a junior in 2017 … three-star recruit by Rivals and 247sports … 100 carries for 716 yards and nine touchdowns as a Gahr HS senior in 2018 … averaged 7.2 yards per carry and 71.6 yards per game … also had 606 yards receiving with six touchdowns for 1,322 all-purpose yards … 259 carries for 2,411 yards and 27 TD as a junior, when he averaged 9.3 yards per carry and 200.9 yards per game … 10 100-yard rushing games in 2017 … also had 23 receptions for 191 yards receiving as a junior … SoCal Prep Legends Boys Athlete of the Week after a 224-yard rushing, three touchdown performance against St. Anthony … participated in track and basketball.
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Manny Bowen
Linebacker
6-2, 231, Sr.
TR
Barnegat, N.J.
Penn State
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Played in 35 games with 21 starts in three seasons at Penn State (2015-17) ... career stats include 134 tackles (12.5 TFL, 3.5 sacks), three pass breakups and two forced fumbles … 51 tackles (3.5 TFL, 1.5 sacks) in nine games in 2017 ranked fifth on the team … also had a pass breakup and a forced fumble … season-high nine tackles and a forced fumble against Ohio State … 68 tackles in 2016 with 8.5 TFL (tied for second on the team) and 2.0 sacks … two pass breakups … career-high 12 tackles against Ohio State … 2016 Academic All-Big Ten … played as a true freshman in 2015 and produced 18 tackles (0.5 TFL), a forced fumble and a fumble recovery … ECAC Rookie of the Week for his six tackles and a fumble recovery against Army … Class B South Defensive Player of the Year as a junior at Barnegat HS (N.J.) … two-time first-team Shore Conference All-Class B South … All-Group 3 and all-Ocean County … two-time first-team Press of Atlantic City All-Star … 51 tackles (10.0 TFL, 1.0 sack), two fumble recoveries and a forced fumble as a senior … 639 all-purpose yards, included 204 rushing (4 TD), 313 receiving (1 TD), 65 kick return and 57 punt return … 78 tackles (15 TFL, 2.5 sacks) four interceptions, two passes defended, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries as a junior … … 862 all-purpose yards included 479 receiving (8 TD), 124 rushing (2 TD), 175 kick return, 71 punt return and 71 interception return … attended Central Regional HS as a sophomore and Southern Regional HS as a freshman … also played basketball … son of Richard Bowen and Monica Clarke … two brothers and two sisters … full name is Richard Emmanuel Bowen (pronounced bo-en).
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Listen to "Manny Bowen - Utah Linebacker - 11-28-18" on Spreaker.
Falcon Kaumatule
Offensive Line
6-8, 232, Fr.
HS
Las Vegas, Nev.
Bishop Gorman HS
Played defensive end and tight end at Bishop Gorman HS (Nev.) … 17 tackles (2.0 TFL, 1.5 sacks), a forced fumble and a touchdown reception as a junior in 2017 … helped lead Bishop Gorman to two state championships (2017-18) … honorable mention IHL all-star as a sophomore at Punahou HS (Hawaii) in 2016, playing offensive and defensive line … three-star recruit by 247sports and Rivals … also played basketball … brother Luke played football at Stanford … brother Canton played football at Oregon and Central Florida … full name is Noah Falcon Kaumatule (pronounced cow-muh-tool-ay).
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Semisi Lauaki                            Â
Defensive Line               Â
6-2, 235, Fr.   Â
HSÂ Â Â Â Â Â
Hawthorne, Calif.
Leuzinger HS
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Originally signed in 2016 before serving a church mission … first-team all-Pioneer League defensive tackle as a senior in 2015 … first-team all-Pioneer League offensive lineman as a junior … started on both sides of the ball for Leuzinger HS (Calif.) … invited to play in the Polynesian All-American Bowl … three-star defensive tackle by Rivals and Scout … 41 tackles (2.0 sacks) and a forced fumble as a senior … also threw shot (43'0.00' best) and discus … son of the late Amaleki and Fauniteni Lauaki … legal guardians are Ed and Lizette Russell … name is pronounced sa-meese-ee lao-walk-ee.
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Sataoa Laumea
Offensive Line
6-5, 300, Fr.
HS
Rialto, Calif.
Eisenhower HS
Four-star recruit by 247Sports … first-team all-area and first-team All-Citrus Belt League as a junior in 2017 … 2017 Cal-Hi Sports junior all-state … invited to the 2019 Polynesian Bowl … four-year varsity player for Eisenhower HS … also played defensive tackle with 19 tackles (4.0 TFL, 2.0 sacks), a forced fumble and blocked PAT as a senior … 21 tackles (6.0 TFL, 6.0 sacks), two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery as a junior … Eisenhower won the 2018 Division 10 CIF SS Championship… also participated in track and field (shot and discus) … name is pronounced sah-tah-oh-ah lau-may-uh.
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Ben Lennon
Punter
6-2, 185, Fr.
HS
Viewbank, Australia
Swinburne University
Has four years to play four on his NCAA clock … played four seasons of Australian rules football in the Australian Football League from 2014-17 … forward was selected in the first round of the 2013 AFL draft with the No. 12 overall pick by the Richmond Tigers … played in 21 career games with 10 goals … 2015 AFL Rising Star nominee... earned All-Australian honors representing the Victorian Metro region at the 2013 AFL Under 18 Championships … 2013 AIS-AFA Academy program … spent three years in TAC Cup (2011-13) with the Northern Knights … as a prep, attended Swinburne University … son of Stephen and Lesley Lennon … two sisters … sister Grace is a professional golfer … hometown Viewbank is located in Victoria, Australia.
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Aaron Lowe
Defensive Back
6-0, 179, Fr.
HS
Mesquite, Texas
West Mesquite HS
First-team All-District 7-5A safety in 2018… three-star recruit by 247Sports and Rivals … 74 tackles (4.0 TFL, 1.5 sacks), three interceptions and a forced fumble as a senior at West Mesquite HS (Texas) in 2018 … season-high 15 tackles against Timber Creek … began his high school career as a wide receiver but switched to defense at the end of his junior season … also ran track.
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Johnny Maea
Offensive Line
6-4, 305, Fr.   Â
HSÂ Â Â Â Â Â
Salt Lake City
East HS
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Originally signed in 2016 before serving a church mission … 2015 first-team All-USA Utah Football Team as a senior at East HS … Salt Lake Tribune second-team all-state in 2015 … rated the No. 7 overall recruit in the state of Utah by Scout coming out of high school … selected to the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl and Polynesian All-American Bowl … East won the 2015 4A state championship … attended two other high schools in Utah (played as a freshman at Hunter HS, did not play his sophomore year at West) … full name is Johnny Vaoita Maea (pronounced ma-ay-ah).
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LaCarea Pleasant-Johnson
Defensive Back
6-1, 161, Fr.
HS
Phoenix, Ariz.
Mountain Pointe HS
The No. 15-ranked recruit in Arizona by 247Sports … No. 12 recruit by azcentral … three-star cornerback by 247Sports and Rivals … 51 tackles (1.5 TFL), four interceptions and 15 passes defended as a senior at Mountain Pointe HS in 2018 … 20 tackles (1.0 TFL), an interception and 10 passes defended as a junior… also played receiver in 2017 and had 27 catches for 436 yards and four touchdowns … ran track … son of the late Jaquel Pleasant was born in Yakima, Wash … name is pronounced la-car-ee-ay.
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Marist Talavou
Offensive Line
6-2, 320, Fr.
HS
Norwalk, Calif.
St. John Bosco HS
Three-star recruit by 247Sports and Rivals … will play in the 2019 Polynesian Bowl … helped St. John Bosco HS to the CIF-Southern Section Division 1 title in 2016 and runner-up finishes in 2017 and 2018 … name is pronounced mare-ist tal-uh-vo.
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Squad.#UBoyz #UtahNSD19 pic.twitter.com/jWBBNM6Iw3
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) December 19, 2018
"We feel good about the quality and number of players we signed today," said Utah coach Kyle Whittingham. "We'll complete our 2019 recruiting class between now and the traditional signing period in February, but this is a solid start. The offensive and defensive lines are usually a priority for us and this year was no exception. We were also able to fill needs at several other positions."
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The early high school signing period runs through Friday, Dec. 21, while midyear JC transfers may sign early through Jan. 15. The traditional February national signing day for the 2019 class falls on Feb. 6 with that signing period ending on Apr. 1.
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Today's commitments include four offensive linemen, two defensive linemen and two defensive backs, while the positions of linebacker, wide receiver, running back and punter all gained one player. Including three players coming off church missions who originally signed in 2016, all but one of the signees is a freshman. Linebacker Manny Bowen, a Penn State graduate transfer, has one year of eligibility remaining.
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The other early commitments are wide receiver Donte Banton, running back Micah Bernard, punter Ben Lennon, offensive linemen Falcon Kaumatule, Sataoa Laumea, Johnny Maea and Marist Talavou, defensive linemen Keaton Bills and Semisi Lauaki, safety Aaron Lowe and cornerback LaCarea Pleasant-Johnson.
Biographical information on each recruit can be found after the roster below.
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| Name (pronunciation) | Pos. | Hgt. | Wgt. | Yr. | Exp. | Hometown/Last School |
| Donte Banton (don-tay) | WR | 6-0 | 189 | Fr. | HS | Lauderhill, Fla./Deerfield Beach HS |
| Micah Bernard (muh-ky) | RB | 5-11 | 188 | Fr. | HS | Long Beach, Calif./Gahr HS |
| Keaton Bills | DL | 6-4 | 260 | Fr. | HS | Draper, Utah/Corner Canyon HS |
| Manny Bowen (bo-en) | LB | 6-2 | 231 | Sr. | TR | Barnegat, N.J./Penn State |
| Falcon Kaumatule (cow-muh-tool-ay) | OL | 6-8 | 232 | Fr. | HS | Las Vegas/Bishop Gorman HS |
| Semisi Lauaki (sa-meese-ee lao-walk-ee) | DL | 6-2 | 235 | Fr. | HS | Hawthorne, Calif./Leuzinger HS |
| Sataoa Laumea (sah-tau-ah lau-may-uh) | OL | 6-5 | 300 | Fr. | HS | Rialto, Calif./Eisenhower HS |
| Ben Lennon | P | 6-2 | 185 | Fr. | HS | Viewbank, Australia/Swinburne Univ. |
| Aaron Lowe | DB | 6-0 | 179 | Fr. | HS | Mesquite, Texas/West Mesquite HS |
| Johnny Maea (ma-ay-ah) | OL | 6-4 | 305 | Fr. | HS | Salt Lake City/East HS |
| LaCarea Pleasant-Johnson (la-car-ee-ay) | DB | 6-1 | 161 | Fr. | HS | Phoenix, Ariz./Mountain Pointe HS |
| Marist Talavou (mare-ist tal-uh-vo) | OL | 6-2 | 320 | Fr. | HS | Norwalk, Calif./St. John Bosco HS |
Donte Banton
Wide Receiver
6-0, 189, Fr.
HS
Lauderhill, Fla.
Deerfield Beach HS
Three-star recruit by 247Sports and Rivals … led all wide receivers in the 40-yard dash (4.58) at The Opening Miami Regional (2018) … helped Deerfield HS (Fla.) to district football titles in 2017 and 2018 … attended Boyd Anderson HS as a sophomore and played on the football team … name is pronounced don-tay.
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New chapter of life starts now ???????? https://t.co/jYGS7rvxZn
— Donte Banton (@chosen1_tae) December 19, 2018
Keaton Bills      Â
Defensive Line Â
6-4, 260, Fr.
HSÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
Draper, Utah
Corner Canyon HS
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Originally signed in 2016 before serving a church mission … Deseret News 4A first-team all-state in 2015 at Corner Canyon HS … Salt Lake Tribune all-state second team defensive lineman and honorable mention offensive lineman … Region 7 Defensive MVP … first-team all-region in 2014 and second-team all-region in 2013 ... No. 2 defensive end in the state of Utah by Scout and No. 15 overall prospect by Rivals … three-star recruit by Scout, Rivals and 247Sports … 141 career tackles with 8.0 sacks … 69 tackles, 6.0 sacks and 10 quarterback hurries as a senior … 46 tackles and 4.0 sacks in 2014 included an 11-tackle, two-sack performance against Woods Cross … 26 tackles and a sack as a sophomore … also played baseball … son of Steve and Karen Bills.
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This dude is a monster! Fired up to have him a part of the family!! https://t.co/M4xQX0Tesr
— Morgan Scalley (@SafetyPride) December 19, 2018
Micah Bernard
Running Back
5-11, 188, Fr.
HS
Long Beach, Calif.
Gahr HS
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2017 All-CIF Southern Section Division 10 … 2017 Cal-Hi junior all-state … two-time all-area, earning first-team honors and Area Offensive Player of the Year as a junior in 2017 … three-star recruit by Rivals and 247sports … 100 carries for 716 yards and nine touchdowns as a Gahr HS senior in 2018 … averaged 7.2 yards per carry and 71.6 yards per game … also had 606 yards receiving with six touchdowns for 1,322 all-purpose yards … 259 carries for 2,411 yards and 27 TD as a junior, when he averaged 9.3 yards per carry and 200.9 yards per game … 10 100-yard rushing games in 2017 … also had 23 receptions for 191 yards receiving as a junior … SoCal Prep Legends Boys Athlete of the Week after a 224-yard rushing, three touchdown performance against St. Anthony … participated in track and basketball.
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Im really a Ute???? pic.twitter.com/tJMVnlztY6
— Micah Bernard (@Icey_MB) December 19, 2018
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Let me get out there tonight coach?????? pic.twitter.com/Gys6BsjQe9
— Micah Bernard (@Icey_MB) November 25, 2018
Manny Bowen
Linebacker
6-2, 231, Sr.
TR
Barnegat, N.J.
Penn State
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Played in 35 games with 21 starts in three seasons at Penn State (2015-17) ... career stats include 134 tackles (12.5 TFL, 3.5 sacks), three pass breakups and two forced fumbles … 51 tackles (3.5 TFL, 1.5 sacks) in nine games in 2017 ranked fifth on the team … also had a pass breakup and a forced fumble … season-high nine tackles and a forced fumble against Ohio State … 68 tackles in 2016 with 8.5 TFL (tied for second on the team) and 2.0 sacks … two pass breakups … career-high 12 tackles against Ohio State … 2016 Academic All-Big Ten … played as a true freshman in 2015 and produced 18 tackles (0.5 TFL), a forced fumble and a fumble recovery … ECAC Rookie of the Week for his six tackles and a fumble recovery against Army … Class B South Defensive Player of the Year as a junior at Barnegat HS (N.J.) … two-time first-team Shore Conference All-Class B South … All-Group 3 and all-Ocean County … two-time first-team Press of Atlantic City All-Star … 51 tackles (10.0 TFL, 1.0 sack), two fumble recoveries and a forced fumble as a senior … 639 all-purpose yards, included 204 rushing (4 TD), 313 receiving (1 TD), 65 kick return and 57 punt return … 78 tackles (15 TFL, 2.5 sacks) four interceptions, two passes defended, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries as a junior … … 862 all-purpose yards included 479 receiving (8 TD), 124 rushing (2 TD), 175 kick return, 71 punt return and 71 interception return … attended Central Regional HS as a sophomore and Southern Regional HS as a freshman … also played basketball … son of Richard Bowen and Monica Clarke … two brothers and two sisters … full name is Richard Emmanuel Bowen (pronounced bo-en).
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I am not concerned with the probability or profitability of a situation. My focus lies on the POSSIBILITY!
— Manny Bowen (@mannybowen43) December 12, 2018
Listen to "Manny Bowen - Utah Linebacker - 11-28-18" on Spreaker.
Falcon Kaumatule
Offensive Line
6-8, 232, Fr.
HS
Las Vegas, Nev.
Bishop Gorman HS
Played defensive end and tight end at Bishop Gorman HS (Nev.) … 17 tackles (2.0 TFL, 1.5 sacks), a forced fumble and a touchdown reception as a junior in 2017 … helped lead Bishop Gorman to two state championships (2017-18) … honorable mention IHL all-star as a sophomore at Punahou HS (Hawaii) in 2016, playing offensive and defensive line … three-star recruit by 247sports and Rivals … also played basketball … brother Luke played football at Stanford … brother Canton played football at Oregon and Central Florida … full name is Noah Falcon Kaumatule (pronounced cow-muh-tool-ay).
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Its official! The Falcon has landed in Utah! pic.twitter.com/jloW0GTSsJ
— Luke Kaumatule (@tonganironman) December 19, 2018
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@BishopGormanHS alum now Utes ???????? @utahathletics @utahbaseball
— Tyler Wagner (@_TylerWagner_) December 19, 2018
Semisi Lauaki                            Â
Defensive Line               Â
6-2, 235, Fr.   Â
HSÂ Â Â Â Â Â
Hawthorne, Calif.
Leuzinger HS
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Originally signed in 2016 before serving a church mission … first-team all-Pioneer League defensive tackle as a senior in 2015 … first-team all-Pioneer League offensive lineman as a junior … started on both sides of the ball for Leuzinger HS (Calif.) … invited to play in the Polynesian All-American Bowl … three-star defensive tackle by Rivals and Scout … 41 tackles (2.0 sacks) and a forced fumble as a senior … also threw shot (43'0.00' best) and discus … son of the late Amaleki and Fauniteni Lauaki … legal guardians are Ed and Lizette Russell … name is pronounced sa-meese-ee lao-walk-ee.
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So happy to have this dude back!! Going to have a special career as a Ute! https://t.co/G8AVITIslX
— Morgan Scalley (@SafetyPride) December 19, 2018
Semisi Lauaki and Coach Porter...Congrats on signing with Utah pic.twitter.com/c6awuh3nDn
— Leuzinger HS (@LeuzingerHS) February 3, 2016
Sataoa Laumea
Offensive Line
6-5, 300, Fr.
HS
Rialto, Calif.
Eisenhower HS
Four-star recruit by 247Sports … first-team all-area and first-team All-Citrus Belt League as a junior in 2017 … 2017 Cal-Hi Sports junior all-state … invited to the 2019 Polynesian Bowl … four-year varsity player for Eisenhower HS … also played defensive tackle with 19 tackles (4.0 TFL, 2.0 sacks), a forced fumble and blocked PAT as a senior … 21 tackles (6.0 TFL, 6.0 sacks), two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery as a junior … Eisenhower won the 2018 Division 10 CIF SS Championship… also participated in track and field (shot and discus) … name is pronounced sah-tah-oh-ah lau-may-uh.
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???? pic.twitter.com/IfzwzoZ9Af
— Sataoa Laumea (@LaumeaSataoa) December 19, 2018
Ben Lennon
Punter
6-2, 185, Fr.
HS
Viewbank, Australia
Swinburne University
Has four years to play four on his NCAA clock … played four seasons of Australian rules football in the Australian Football League from 2014-17 … forward was selected in the first round of the 2013 AFL draft with the No. 12 overall pick by the Richmond Tigers … played in 21 career games with 10 goals … 2015 AFL Rising Star nominee... earned All-Australian honors representing the Victorian Metro region at the 2013 AFL Under 18 Championships … 2013 AIS-AFA Academy program … spent three years in TAC Cup (2011-13) with the Northern Knights … as a prep, attended Swinburne University … son of Stephen and Lesley Lennon … two sisters … sister Grace is a professional golfer … hometown Viewbank is located in Victoria, Australia.
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"My emotions were dictated purely around how many kicks I had on a Saturday."https://t.co/lwk3JSEkKI
— AFL Players (@AFLPlayers) October 22, 2018
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Always been told I have a good head for radio... but thanks to the fellas at SFG for having me on yesterday, I had a ball https://t.co/d1Du4XulzM
— Ben Lennon (@BenLennon95) December 19, 2018
Aaron Lowe
Defensive Back
6-0, 179, Fr.
HS
Mesquite, Texas
West Mesquite HS
First-team All-District 7-5A safety in 2018… three-star recruit by 247Sports and Rivals … 74 tackles (4.0 TFL, 1.5 sacks), three interceptions and a forced fumble as a senior at West Mesquite HS (Texas) in 2018 … season-high 15 tackles against Timber Creek … began his high school career as a wide receiver but switched to defense at the end of his junior season … also ran track.
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Feels amazing to officially be a Ute!
— al (@Aaron19Lowe) December 19, 2018
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Safety Pride in full effect with this young man!!!! Welcome to the family! https://t.co/Tufr2mqxeF
— Morgan Scalley (@SafetyPride) December 19, 2018
Johnny Maea
Offensive Line
6-4, 305, Fr.   Â
HSÂ Â Â Â Â Â
Salt Lake City
East HS
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Originally signed in 2016 before serving a church mission … 2015 first-team All-USA Utah Football Team as a senior at East HS … Salt Lake Tribune second-team all-state in 2015 … rated the No. 7 overall recruit in the state of Utah by Scout coming out of high school … selected to the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl and Polynesian All-American Bowl … East won the 2015 4A state championship … attended two other high schools in Utah (played as a freshman at Hunter HS, did not play his sophomore year at West) … full name is Johnny Vaoita Maea (pronounced ma-ay-ah).
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WELCOME HOME ELDER JOHNNY MAEA! Job Well Done! RetUrn with Honor! 6'6 250 ! He lost 95 lbs. #PANAMAMISSION ???? #GOUTAHUTES THANK U COACHES @UtahCoachWhitt and @SafetyPride for The Utes ?? LOVE! #UTESFAMILY @EastFB2018 #53MAEA pic.twitter.com/Tj1pmPNMgt
— Malakai Sesi Vailahi (@CoachMoVailahi) November 22, 2018
LaCarea Pleasant-Johnson
Defensive Back
6-1, 161, Fr.
HS
Phoenix, Ariz.
Mountain Pointe HS
The No. 15-ranked recruit in Arizona by 247Sports … No. 12 recruit by azcentral … three-star cornerback by 247Sports and Rivals … 51 tackles (1.5 TFL), four interceptions and 15 passes defended as a senior at Mountain Pointe HS in 2018 … 20 tackles (1.0 TFL), an interception and 10 passes defended as a junior… also played receiver in 2017 and had 27 catches for 436 yards and four touchdowns … ran track … son of the late Jaquel Pleasant was born in Yakima, Wash … name is pronounced la-car-ee-ay.
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Speed on the edges!! Welcome LPJ!! https://t.co/LBG15AFs8l
— Morgan Scalley (@SafetyPride) December 19, 2018
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Commitment Letter To You ...?? pic.twitter.com/WxpR7ikeLa
— LPJ?? (@LacareaP31) November 7, 2018
Marist Talavou
Offensive Line
6-2, 320, Fr.
HS
Norwalk, Calif.
St. John Bosco HS
Three-star recruit by 247Sports and Rivals … will play in the 2019 Polynesian Bowl … helped St. John Bosco HS to the CIF-Southern Section Division 1 title in 2016 and runner-up finishes in 2017 and 2018 … name is pronounced mare-ist tal-uh-vo.
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Extremely honored to host Head Coach Kyle Whittingham, Coach Harding, and Coach Fred on another home visit. #GoUtes???? pic.twitter.com/WpGMcyM4G9
— Marist Talavou (@MaristTalavou68) December 12, 2018
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