Utah Football Adds 39 During Signing Period and Transfer Window

Photo by: Hunter Dyke/Utah Athletics

Utah Football Adds 39 During Signing Period and Transfer Window

12/4/2024 3:53 PM | Football

SALT LAKE CITY – University of Utah Football head coach Kyle Whittingham has announced the addition of 40 newcomers to the 2025 roster during the signing period and the transfer window, continuing to strengthen the squad in all three facets of the game.The total includes 22 high school signees from the early signing period and 18 transfers.

Of the 40 signees, Utah welcomes 20 on offense (4 OL, 5 RB, 5 QB, 5 WR, 1 TE), 16 on defense (7 DB, 6 DL, 3 LB), a kicker, one punter and two future Utes listed as athletes.

The Utah newcomers are also coming to Salt Lake City from all over the country and the world, including California (9), Texas (6), Utah (5), Nevada (3), Hawaii (3), Australia (2), Arizona (2), Florida (2), Colorado (1), Georgia (1), Massachusetts (1), Michigan (1), Missouri (1), Ohio (1), Oklahoma (1) and Virginia (1).

Name	Pos.	Ht.	Wt.	Hometown / Previous School
Milz Asiata	OL	6-5	331	Melbourne, Australia / Aquinas HS
Bryson Baker	WR	6-1	189	Sanger, Calif. / Sanger HS
Wyatt Becker	QB	6-1	180	Pasadena, Calif. / Sierra Canyon HS
Daniel Bray	RB	5-10	180	Fort Worth, Texas / North Crowley HS
JJ Buchanan	ATH	6-4	208	Henderson, Nev. / Coronado HS
Jeremiah Caldwell	DB	6-2	185	Ypsilanti, Mich. / Garden City CC
Mana Carvalho	ATH	5-9	164	Laie, Hawaii / Kahuku HS
Drew Clemens	TE	6-4	209	Kansas City, Mo. / Oak Park HS
Blake Cotton	DB	6-3	190	Sherman Oaks, Calif. / UC Davis
Dillon Curtis	K	6-2	187	Murray, Utah / Murray HS
Devon Dampier	QB	5-10	198	Phoenix, Ariz. / New Mexico
Ryan Davis	WR	5-11	176	Roswell, Ga. / New Mexico
Jamarian "Byrd" Ficklin	QB	6-1	185	Muskogee, Okla. / Muskogee HS
Max Fonoimoana	DL	6-3	220	Laie, Hawaii / Kahuku HS
Devin Green	RB	6-0	210	Sacramento, Calif. / UNLV
Manny Fuller	DB	6-0	182	El Paso, Texas / Del Valle HS
Raycine Guillory	RB	5-9	192	Fort Worth, Texas / Aledo HS
Nick Hallock	OL	6-4	245	South Jordan, Utah / Bingham HS
Lance Holtzclaw	DE	6-3	224	Dorchester, Ma. / Washington
Nate Johnson	QB	6-1	195	Clovis, Calif. / Vanderbilt
Jaxson Jones	LB	6-3	230	Yuma, Ariz. / Oregon
Karson Kaufusi	DL	6-5	267	Holladay, Utah / Skyline HS
Deon Mays	DB	6-1	175	Arlington, Texas / Arlington HS
Sione Motuapuaka	DL	5-11	264	Las Vegas, Nev. / Bishop Gorman HS
Wayshawn Parker	RB	6-0	199	Sacramento, Calif. / Washington State
Orion Phillips	P	6-0	180	Sandringham, Australia / Missouri
Cyrus Polu	LB	6-2	219	St. George, Utah / Desert Hills HS
NaQuari Rogers	RB	5-11	209	Virginia Beach, Va. / New Mexico
Donovan Saunders	CB	6-3	185	San Diego, Calif. / Texas A&M
Pupu Sepulona	DL	6-2	274	Kalihi, Hawaii / St. Louis HS
Soren Shinofield	OL	6-6	285	Greenwood Village, Colo. / Cherry Creek HS
Justin Stevenson	WR	6-1	192	Katy, Texas / Wyoming
Jason Stokes Jr.	DB	6-1	169	Coco Beach, Fla. / Weiss HS
Kalolo Ta'aga	OL	6-7	315	East Palo Alto, Calif. / USC
Semi Taulanga	DL	5-11	336	Santa Ana, Calif. / Mater Dei HS
Christian Thatcher	LB	6-2	201	Las Vegas, Nev. / Arbor View HS
Otto Tia	WR	6-4	220	Layton, Utah / Utah State
Nathan Tilmon	DB	6-3	186	Arlington, Texas / Mansfield Timberview HS
Creed Whittemore	WR	5-11	185	Gainesville, Fla. / Mississippi State
Brendan Zurbrugg	QB	6-2	207	Alliance, Ohio / Oklahoma

BTS of today's festivities! Can't wait to get our new signees on campus soon! #UBOYZ25 ???? pic.twitter.com/Fl7THX3lPy
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) December 5, 2024

Milz Asiata | Offensive Line | 6-5, 331 | Melbourne, Australia | Aquinas HS
High School: Three-star recruit out of Aquinas HS.

Invited to the 2025 Polynesian Bowl.
Played on both the offensive and defensive lines at Aquinas.
Played his first season of American football in 2023 after moving to California from Australia.
Helped Aquinas post a perfect league record and reach the 2024 CIF playoffs.
Full name is Malili Asiata.

Bryson Baker | Wide Receiver | 6-1, 189 | Sanger, Calif. | Sanger HS
High School: Three-star recruit out of Sanger HS.

2023 CMAC MVP.
Two-time All-CMAC first-team selection.
Finished his senior season with 111 carries for 873 yards (18 TD), adding 35 catches for 575 yards (6 TD).
Averaged 7.9 yards per rush and 16.4 yards per catch his senior year.
Had 84 carries for 845 yards (8 TD) with 11 receptions for 204 yards (2 TD) as a junior.
Also had 49 tackles (2.0 TFL) and nine passes defended on the defensive side his last two years of high school.
Competed in track and field.

Wyatt Becker | Quarterback | 6-1, 180 | Pasadena, Calif. | Sierra Canyon HS
High School: Three-star recruit on Rivals starred at the Sierra Canyon School in California, earning Mission League MVP in 2023.

Two-time All-CIF and All-League pick is ranked as the No. 29 quarterback in the Class of 2025 and No. 49 player in California.
Helped the Trailblazers to three straight Mission League titles and threw for 7,149 yards (68 TD) in his career.
Led Sierra Canyon to the 2024 Southern Section Division 1 playoffs, finishing his senior year with 1,833 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Passed 175-for-277 (63.2%) as a junior in 2023, racking up 2,660 yards and 30 touchdowns as Sierra Canyon finished 11-1 and reached the Southern Section semifinals.
Set a school record with seven passing touchdowns during a 2023 win over Saguaro.
Sierra Canyon was the No. 4-ranked team in MaxPreps' final California rankings for 2023.
Began his scholastic career at Notre Dame-Sherman Oaks.

Daniel Bray | Running Back | 5-10, 180 | Fort Worth, Texas | North Crowley HS
High School: Three-star recruit out of North Crowley HS after playing three seasons at Abilene Cooper HS.

Led North Crowley to a district title in 2024, with the state quarterfinals set for Dec. 7.
First-team all-district in 2023 at Cooper HS.
Has tallied 84 carries as a senior, ranking second on the team with 728 rushing yards (8.7 ypc) and 13 touchdowns.
Rushed for 1,359 yards and 22 touchdowns as a junior.
Averaged 8.8 yards per carry his junior season.
Also had 84 carries for 587 yards (8 TD) as a sophomore, adding 219 receiving yards (1 TD).
Also competed in track and field, running a 10.38 in the 100 meters.

JJ Buchanan | Athlete | 6-4, 208 | Henderson, Nev. | Coronado HS
High School: Four-star recruit out of Coronado HS, rated the No. 4 prospect in Nevada.

2024 All-Conference Offensive MVP.
Also earned first-team all-conference as an athlete, wide receiver and safety, and was second-team as a kick returner.
Finished his senior season with 60 tackles (3.0 TFL, 2.0 sacks), a fumble recovery and two pass breakups, to go with 1,023 receiving yards (11 TD).
Had 688 receiving yards on 38 catches (3 TD) as a junior, adding 35 tackles (1.0 TFL), four interceptions and nine passes defended.
Piled up better than 2,000 all-purpose yards during his final two years of prep football.
Was rated by ESPN as the No. 31 athlete in the country entering his senior season.
Named Coronado's Player of the Year by his coaches in 2023.
Earned first-team all-conference and First-Team All-5A Division I honors as a safety in 2023.
Also lettered in basketball.

Jeremiah Caldwell | Defensive Back | 6-2, 185 | Ypsilanti, Mich. | Garden City CC
Prior to Utah: Spent the 2024 season at Garden City CC in Kansas.

Played in all 11 games, contributing 32 tackles (2.0 TFL, 1.0 sack) along with team-bests of seven PBU and six interceptions.
Season-best six tackles came in the win at Coffeyville CC, plus a 29-yard pick-six.
Was in the MAC with Miami (Ohio) for 2023, appearing in five games with six tackles and a PBU.
Began his collegiate career at Louisville, redshirting the 2022 season.

High School: Four-star recruit played wide receiver at Belleville HS in Michigan.

Rated the No. 13 player in Michigan for his recruiting class.
Helped his team to a 13-1 record and state championship as a senior.
Had three touchdown receptions and an interception during the state title game victory.

Mana Carvalho | Athlete | 5-9, 164 | Laie, Hawaii | Kahuku HS
High School: Three-star recruit played on both sides at Kahuku HS, rated the No. 10 prospect in Hawaii.

Named a 2025 Polynesian Bowl All-Star.
Made 48 receptions as a senior for 365 yards (3 TD), averaging 7.6 yards per catch.
Received the 2024 Cover 2 Chad Owens Award as the Hawaii High School Football Special Teams Player of the Year in 2024.
Selected as 2023 All-Hawaii Defensive Player of the Year, Manti Te'o Award winner and All-OIA Open Division First Team.
Part of a 12-2 Kahuku team as a junior that won its third straight Open state title.
Has managed to score touchdowns in his career via rushing, receiving, kick return, punt return and interception returns.
Made five interceptions and had a receiving touchdown, all during a win over Saint Louis as a junior.
Led the Red Raiders as a sophomore with 61 receptions for 766 yards.
Rated as the No. 8 player in Hawaii entering the 2024 season.
Father, Stewart, lettered with the Utes as a running back in 1998 and '99.

Drew Clemens | Tight End | 6-4, 209 | Kansas City, Mo. | Oak Park HS
High School: Three-star recruit out of Oak Park HS, rated the No. 18 prospect in Missouri.

Two-time all-conference selection as a tight end, including an all-league first-team nod in 2024.
Caught 14 passes for 295 yards and seven touchdowns as a junior in 2023.
Helped the Northmen to a district championship in 2023 as the team finished 11-1, including an undefeated regular season.
Also named Academic All-State.

Blake Cotton | Defensive Back | 6-3, 190 | Sherman Oaks, Calif. | UC Davis
Prior to Utah: Played the 2022-24 seasons in the Big Sky at UC Davis, appearing in 33 games with 10 starts.

Totaled 50 tackles in his time with the Aggies, along with nine PBU.
Had six pass breakups as a freshman in 2022, tying for the team lead.
Part of the 2024 squad that reached the NCAA FCS Quarterfinals.
Went off for a career-best eight tackles, plus a PBU, his freshman year against Weber State.
Season-best four tackles as a junior against both California and Idaho.
Contributed three or more takedowns in five games during 2024.

High School: All-Gold Coast League honoree starred at Campbell Hall as a cornerback, wide receiver and punt returner.

Helped the Vikings go 10-1 his senior year in 2021.
Also earned Special Teams Player of the Year.

Dillon Curtis | Kicker | 6-2, 187 | Murray, Utah | Murray HS
High School: Rated a six-star kicker and a five-star punter by Chris Sailer Kicking out of Murray HS.

Invited to the 2025 Navy All-American Bowl.
Two-time all-region and all-state first-team selection.
Two-time Region Special Teams MVP.
Holds the Utah state records for longest field goal (63) and most field goals made in a season (21).
Set another state record with six field goals in a game against Payson in 2024.
Was 39-of-39 on PATs and 21-of-27 on field goals as a senior, knocking in a career-long 63-yarder in 2024.
Averaged 59.1 yards per kickoff his senior season.
Went 16-of-17 on PATs and 6-of-9 on field goals his junior year, sending in a season-long 59-yarder.
Scored a rushing touchdown his junior season off his own blocked kick.
Also competed in soccer and basketball.

Ryan Davis | Wide Receiver | 5-11, 176 | Roswell, Ga. | New Mexico
Prior to Utah: Began his collegiate career at UAB, where he played three seasons before transferring to New Mexico for the 2023 and '24 seasons. Has played in 44 career games with 13 starts, and caught 97 passes for 1,282 yards (13.2) and four touchdowns and a long of 55 yards.

Played in all 13 games for New Mexico in 2024 and posted career-best numbers with 54 receptions for 747 yards (13.8) with three touchdowns and a long of 55 yards.
Played in all 12 games and started one (Wyoming) in 2023 with New Mexico, catching 21 passes for 255 yards and one touchdown. Caught his first career touchdown pass vs. Hawai'i.
Named Mountain West All-Academic in 2023 and named Mountain West Scholar-Athlete in 2023-24, as well as Collegiate Sports Communicators Academic All-District.
Lettered for three years at UAB (2020-22), catching 22 passes in 21 games for 280 yards with a touchdown on a blocked punt return. Redshirted in 2019.

High School: Lettered in football at Blessed Trinity Catholic High School in Roswell, Ga.

Son of Maura Baker and Richard Davis. Has three brothers, Conor, Colin and Quinn, plus one sister, Caitlin.

Devon Dampier | Quarterback | 5-10, 198 | Phoenix, Ariz. | New Mexico
Prior to Utah: Began his collegiate career at New Mexico, where he played in 21 total games in 2023-24, making 13 starts.

Became the first UNM quarterback to ever earn All-Mountain West First-Team honors in 2024.
Led the conference in total offense by piling up 3,934 yards, including 2,768 passing yards, the league's second-highest total.
Rushed for 1,166 yards, which ranked third in the MWC, finished second in the circuit with 19 touchdowns and averaged a league-best 7.52 yards per carry.
Was the first Lobo QB to ever eclipse 1,000 yards rushing and rushed for 100 yards in a game six times in 2024.

High School: Rated as a three-star recruit after a career at Saguaro HS.

Named the 2022 MaxPreps Arizona Player of the Year.
Earned a first-team all-state selection in 2022.
Finished his senior season with 2,300 passing yards while adding 1,300 on the ground.
Led Saguaro to a state runner-up finish in 2022.
Played for Tucson Turf and won the 2022 Miami Battle 7v7 Tournament and a pair of Arizona RedZone 7v7 Tournament.

Jamarian "Byrd" Ficklin | Quarterback | 6-1, 185 | Muskogee, Okla. | Muskogee HS
High School: Three-star recruit out of Muskogee HS.

Named The Oklahoman's 2023 All-State Offensive Player of the Year.
2023 SBLive Oklahoma's Offensive Player of the Year.
2023 Muskogee Phoenix Male Athlete of the Year.
Holds the school record for career passing yards and touchdowns.
Was 171-of-253 passing for 3,249 yards (32 TD) his junior season, adding 947 rushing yards (20 TD) on 6.9 yards per carry.
Helped Muskogee return to the state title game in 2024 and compile the program's first undefeated regular season since 1980, winning the 6A-II District Title.
Has thrown for 2,218 yards and 28 TDs, while rushing for 533 yards and another 12 scores (state title game on Friday).
Led Muskogee to an 11-2 record and a state title in 2023.
2022 Muskogee Phoenix Offensive Player of the Year.
2022 Tulsa World and The Oklahoman all-state selection.
Threw for 2,788 yards (38 TD) and rushed for 308 yards (6 TD) as a sophomore.
Had 2,455 passing yards (21 TD) and 150 rushing yards (4 TD) as a freshman to earn All-Phoenix Newcomer of the Year.
Also competed in basketball and track and field.

Max Fonoimoana | Defensive Line | 6-3, 220 | Laie, Hawaii | Kahuku HS
High School: Three-star recruit out of Kahuku HS, rated the No. 7 prospect in Hawaii.

Invited to the 2025 Polynesian Bowl.
Had 37.5 tackles (13.5 TFL, 8.0 sacks), an interception and two pass breakups his senior season.
Led Kahuku to the state title game in all four seasons of high school with three victories.
Named his team's Most Outstanding Linebacker in 2023.
Also competed in track and field, winning the OIA discus throw title in 2024.
Brother, Brock, signed with Utah before leaving on a church mission and will return for the 2025 season (waiting for confirmation from Sam).
Grandfather, William Cravens, played at Utah from 1960-62.

Manny Fuller | Defensive Back | 6-0, 182 | El Paso, Texas | Del Valle HS
High School: Three-star recruit out of Del Valle HS.

Named 5A Division I Offensive Newcomer of the Year in 2022.
Earned 5A Division I All-District in 2023.
Recorded 58 carries for 408 yards (6 TD) as a senior, also contributing 31 tackles (2.0 TFL) and an interception his senior season.
Had 713 rushing yards (10 TD) with 20 tackles (2.0 TFL), two interceptions and three pass breakups his junior season.
Rushed for 435 yards and eight touchdowns in 2022, adding 17 tackles and an interception.
Ran for 331 yards and five TDs in a win over EP Chapin in Sept. of 2023.
Also competed in track and field.

Devin Green | Running Back | 6-0, 210 | Sacramento, Calif. | UNLV
Prior to Utah: Played his true freshman season at UNLV in 2024, seeing action in 11 games and making two starts

Logged 29 rushing attempts for 123 yards (4.2) with one touchdown and a long of 38 yards, and returned one kickoff for 5 yards.
Helped lead the Rebels to their first bowl win (L.A. Bowl) since 2000 and their first 11-win season since 1984, as part of an offense that ranked fifth in FBS in rushing yards per game (251.2) in the regular season.
Best rushing game came Sept. 7 vs. Utah Tech when he rushed six times for 61 yards and scored his only career touchdown.

High School: Was the highest-rated high school running back signee for UNLV since the launch of 247Sports and was a unanimous three-star recruit by 247Sports, ESPN, On3 and Rivals. Rated the No. 75 running back in the nation and No. 72 overall player in the state of California by ESPN in the class of 2024, coming out of Grant Union HS.

Played his senior season at Grant Union HS in 2023 after transferring from Sheldon HS, also in Sacramento.
Helped the Pacers to the 2023 CIF Division II-AA Northern California Regional Championship before falling in the state title game
Despite playing only the final seven games in his final campaign, he rushed for 613 yards on just 60 carries for a per-carry average of 10.2 yards.
Scored 14 touchdowns on the ground and two through the air as part of his 100 receiving yards.
Also played strong safety and finished with 54 total tackles and two sacks as a senior.
Ran track, competing in the 100m, 200m and 400m.

Raycine Guillory | Running Back | 5-9, 192 | Fort Worth, Texas | Aledo HS
High School: Four-star recruit out of Aledo HS.

First-team all-district selection in 2023.
Nine-time MaxPreps Player of the Game in 2023.
Rushed for 1,299 yards (24 TD) on 161 carries (8.1 ypc) as a junior in 2024, adding 13 catches for 169 yards (2 TD).
Led his team to a Region 1 Area Championship in 2024. (still playing - quarterfinals are 12/7)
Ran for 244 yards and scored 6 TDs in an October win over Richland.
Ranked as the No. 4 player in the Fort Worth-area prior to the start of the 2024 season by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Ran for 1,236 yards (17 TD), averaging 8.47 yards per carry in 2023, adding 175 receiving yards (4 TD).
Helped lead Aledo to the 2023 5A Division I state title.
Had 769 rushing yards (9 TD) and 154 receiving yards (4 TD) in 2022.
Also competed in track and field.

Nick Hallock | Offensive Line | 6-4, 245 | South Jordan, Utah | Bingham HS
High School: Three-star recruit out of Bingham HS, rated the No. 13 prospect in Utah.

Earned all-state in 2023.
Named first-team all-region in 2023.
All-Region honorable mention in 2022.
Led Bingham with 113 pancake blocks as a senior in 2024.
Helped the Miners rack up 1,765 rushing yards in 2024 (160.5 ypg).
Put up another 116 pancakes as a junior, the most on the team, opening holes for the team to tally 2,335 rushing yards (194.6 ypg).
Also competed in wrestling.

Lance Holtzclaw | Defensive End | 6-3, 224 | Dorchester, Ma. | Washington
Prior to Utah: Spent the previous three season with Washington, where he saw action in 26 games.

Collected 13 total tackles, including two sacks and a fumble recovery.
Logged his first career sack in the Huskies win over Washington State in 2023 that clinched their spot in the Pac-12 title game.

High School: Rated as a three-star prospect after prepping at Desert Ridge High School.

Played defensive end and wide receiver at Desert Ridge.
As a senior in 2021, notched 48 total tackles, including 10 sacks, over 12 games.
In an abbreviated, six-game season in 2020, had 27 total tackles, including nine for loss.
Named to the 5A All-Region second team as a defensive lineman as a junior.

Nate Johnson | Quarterback | 6-1, 195 | Clovis, Calif. | Vanderbilt
Prior to Utah: Began his college career with two years at Utah, appearing in 12 games and making three starts, before playing in 10 contests for Vanderbilt in 2024, starting once.

Finished 2024 with 114 yards rushing and one score.
Ran for 286 yards and six touchdowns and added 515 yards passing and four TD passes during his first stint at Utah.
Started the 2023 season by scoring a rushing touchdown in each of his team's first three games.
Threw for a score and ran for another on Sept. 16 vs. Weber State.
Piled up a career-high 79 rushing yards and another score in a Nov. 4 win over Arizona State.

High School: Four-star dual-threat quarterback out of Clovis HS, rated the No. 16 quarterback nationally by 247Sports.

Named TRAC Offensive Player of the Year in his first starting season at quarterback in 2020.
Earned CIF Central Section Athlete of the Year for his football and track accomplishments in 2020-21.
Threw for 1,672 yards (118-of-189) and 12 touchdowns as a senior, adding 94 carries for 812 yards (8.6 ypc) and eight rushing scores.
Recorded 1,022 passing yards, adding 307 rushing yards and 13 total touchdowns (8 passing, 5 rushing) as a junior.
As back-up quarterback his sophomore season, caught 40 passes for 577 yards (14.4 ypc) and six touchdowns, also rushing for 352 yards (9.5 ypc) and two touchdowns.
Invited to the Elite 11 finals.
Also competed in track and field, winning a central section championship in the 100 meter dash.

Jaxson Jones | Linebacker | 6-3, 230 | Yuma, Ariz. | Oregon
High School: Spent his freshman season at Oregon after being rated as a four-star recruit out of Yuma Catholic

Rated as a four-star prospect by the 247Sports Composite and Rivals
Played five games as a senior in 2023, logging 46 tackles, 36 solo tackles, 17.0 TFL, nine sacks and two forced fumbles
Logged 10-or-more tackles in three games, and multiple TFL in four games
Finished junior season with 96 tackles, 17.0 sacks, three fumble recoveries and two field-goal blocks in 2022
Logged 47 tackles, five sacks and a forced fumble as a sophomore in 2021
Helped Yuma Catholic to a runner up finish in the AIA 4A State Football Championship
Also plays basketball at Yuma Catholic
His father, Daniel Jones, played receiver at Utah from 1997-98

Karson Kaufusi | Defensive Line | 6-5, 267 | Holladay, Utah | Skyline HS
High School: Four-star recruit out of Skyline HS, rated the No. 1 defensive tackle and the No. 6 overall prospect in Utah.

Was limited to one game in 2024.
Collected 26 total tackles (3.0 TFL, 1.0 sack) and a fumble recovery as a junior.
Nine stops plus a forced fumble during his sophomore year.
Also played basketball and lacrosse.

Deon Mays | Defensive Back | 6-1, 175 | Arlington, Texas | Arlington HS
High School: Three-star recruit out of Arlington HS.

Had 33 tackles (2.0 TFL) with an interception and two passes defended his senior season.
Also competed in track and field, running a 10.42 in the 100 meters in 2024.

Sione Motuapuaka | Defensive Line | 5-11, 264 | Las Vegas, Nev. | Bishop Gorman HS
High School: Three-star recruit out of Bishop Gorman HS.

Ranked second on the team with 40 tackles (21 TFL, 2.0 sacks) as a senior in 2024, along with one forced fumble and a recovery.
Helped the Gaels win their fourth straight state title as a senior and finish the season 11-1.
Season-best seven stops (2.0 TFL) his senior year came in a dominant win over Liberty.
Was a junior on the Bishop Gorman squad that finished atop the 2023 USA Today Super 25 rankings.
Earned All-Southern Nevada after making 55 tackles (10.0 TFL, 4.0 sacks) during his junior season, plus two forced fumbles and one PBU.
Named 2022 Preseason MaxPreps All-America after an impact freshman season with 11 games played and 40 tackles (21 TFL, 2 sacks).

Wayshawn Parker | Running Back | 6-0, 199 | Sacramento, Calif. | Washington State
Prior to Utah: Spent 2024 at Washington State, playing in all 12 games with seven starts.

Named the Pac-12's Freshman "Top Performer" for 2024.
Rushed 137 for 735 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 5.4 yards per carry and 61.3 yards per game.
Also caught 11 passes for 108 yards and one touchdown.
First collegiate 100-yard game included a season-long 75-yard rush for a touchdown vs. Utah State.
Contributed 96 yards on the ground via eight carries (12 ypc) in his debut vs. Portland State.
Took his first career reception for 52 yards and a touchdown against Portland State as well.

High School: Three-star recruit finished his scholastic career at Grant Union HS after beginning at Elk Grove HS.

Rated by 247Sports as the No. 89 prospect in California for his class.
Rushed for 1,907 yards (24 TD) as a senior, averaging 14 ypc with nine 100-yard games.
Also caught 19 passes for 250 yards and two touchdowns his senior year.
Also was a standout on the track, clocking a 10.9-second 100-yard time.

Orion Phillips | Punter | 6-0, 180 | Sandringham, Australia | Missouri
Prior to Utah: Spent the 2024 season at Missouri after punting for Murray State as a freshman in 2023.

Named Honorable Mention All-Missouri Valley Football Conference in 2023.
His average of 43.1 put him fourth in the MVFC.
Dropped 17 punts inside the 20 and totaled 11 boots of over 50 yards.
Posted a season-long of 71 yards, second-longest in the conference.
Earned the MVFC Specialist of the Week award after placing four punts inside the 20 against Indiana State.

Prior to College: Trained with famed Australian kicking academy ProKick Australia.

Cyrus Polu | Linebacker | 6-2, 219 | St. George, Utah | Desert Hills HS
High School: Four-star and All-State standout from Desert Hills HS was ranked by 247Sports as the No. 3 prospect in Utah.

Played in 10 games with the Thunder his senior season, finishing with 46 tackles, two interceptions and a forced fumble.
Invited to the 2024 Under Armour Next Camp Series, where he was named the Linebacker MVP.
Saw action in 12 games as a junior, making 59 tackles (1.0 TFL) and four interceptions.
Was a sophomore on the 2022 Thunder squad that won the Utah 4A state championship.
Selected All-State First Team in 2022, after leading the squad with 86 tackles (5.0 TFL) and ranking second with 3.0 sacks, while also adding three interceptions.

NaQuari Rogers | Running Back | 5-11, 209 | Virginia Beach, Va. | New Mexico
Prior to Utah: Appeared in 10 games for New Mexico in 2024 after beginning his collegiate career with two seasons at Campbell

Totaled 382 yards on the ground to go with five touchdowns and averaged 5.2 yards per rush in 2023.
Added three catches for 14 yards and another score.
Piled up 829 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns in 17 games at Campbell.
Hauled in 25 passes for 224 receiving yards and one more TD.
Posted a career-high 152 rushing yards and three scores on 9/16/23 against Monmouth.

High School: Prepped at Portsmouth Christian in Virginia.

Helped his team win its first state title in program history in 2021.

Donovan Saunders | Cornerback | 6-3, 185 | San Diego, Calif. | Texas A&M
Prior to Utah: Started his collegiate career by playing in 18 games across two season for Cal Poly before appearing in two contests for Texas A&M in 2024.

Collected a pair of tackles for the Aggies in 2024.
Named All-Big Sky Second-Team in 2023.
Tied for the league lead in passes defensed in 2023 with 14, while his three interceptions tied him for third in the conference.
Collected two INTs and four PBUs as a freshman.

High School: Rated as a three-star recruit during his career at Cathedral Catholic.

Helped his team capture the 2022 CIF-San Diego Section Open Division Championship and post a 12-2 record.
Part of a squad that won the state Division 1-AA title.
Also lettered in basketball and track and field.

Pupu Sepulona | Defensive Line | 6-2, 274 | Kalihi, Hawaii | St. Louis HS
High School: Three-star recruit out of St. Louis HS, rated the No. 7 prospect in Hawaii.

Invited to the 2025 Polynesian Bowl.
Had 18.5 tackles (10.0 TFL, 6.5 sacks) and two pass breakups his senior season.
Recorded five sacks in one game vs. Kamehameha.
Made 3.0 TFL (2.0 sacks) as a junior, along with one pass breakup.
Also competed in basketball and volleyball.
Two-time Gatorade Basketball Player of the Year.
Two-time MaxPreps Hawaii Basketball Player of the Year.

Soren Shinofield | Offensive Line | 6-6, 285 | Greenwood Village, Colo. | Cherry Creek HS
High School: Three-star recruit out of Cherry Creek HS, rated the No. 1 prospect in Colorado.

Helped Cherry Creek to a state championship game appearance in 2023.
Part of an offensive line group that was named 2023 Playmaker's Corner Offensive Player of the Year.
Blocked for an offense that produced 2,278 rushing yards (31 TD) and 1,862 passing yards (21 TD) during his junior season.
Part of an offensive line that was voted 5A Offensive Playmaker of the Year courtesy of Playmaker's Corner.
Also competed in track and field.

Justin Stevenson | Wide Receiver | 6-1, 192 | Katy, Texas | Wyoming
Prior to Utah: Spent 2023 and 2024 at Wyoming, playing in all 12 games during the latter campaign.

Hauled in 17 passes for 204 yards and three scores in 2024, as well as 40 rushing yards.
Set career-highs in Wyoming's week two matchup with Boise State, grabbing four passes for 82 yards and his first collegiate TD.

High School: Rated as a three-star prospect after starring at Paetow High School.

Caught 37 passes for 552 yards and five touchdowns during his career, with a long reception of 54 yards.
He was also utilized as a kick returner and had a 71-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.
Helped lead Paetow to a 15-1 record and a 7-1 district mark during his junior season, as well as a 5A D1 State Championship.

Jason Stokes Jr. | Defensive Back | 6-1, 169 | Coco Beach, Fla. | Weiss HS
High School: Three-star recruit out of Weiss HS.

Garnered 12-6A First-Team All-District honors in 2023.
Named one of the top 100 players in the Austin area in 2024 by the Austin Sports Journal.
Collected 50 tackles and 7 passes defensed in 2024.
Earned 12-6A Academic All-District honors in 2023.
Helped his squad win a district title in 2023.
Credited with 32 tackles, 4 PBUs and 3 INTs as a junior.
Named a "Super Sophomore" by FLX ATX in 2022.
Named one of the top punters in Texas by LoneStarPreps.com.
Also recruited by Florida State, LSU, TCU, Arizona, Texas Tech and Arkansas.

Kalolo Ta'aga | Offensive Line | 6-7, 315 | East Palo Alto, Calif. | USC
Prior to Utah: Spent 2024 at USC but did not see game action.
High School: Three-star recruit played just one season of football at Archbishop Riordian HS, after switching from basketball.

Rated as the No. 43 player in California by 247Sports and the No. 46 offensive tackle in the nation for his class.
Earned All-West Catholic Athletic League Second Team in 2023 and was the recipient of Archbishop Riordian's Tyrone McGraw Award.

Semi Taulanga | Defensive Line | 5-11, 336 | Santa Ana, Calif. | Mater Dei HS
High School: Three-star recruit out of Mater Dei HS.

Part of a Mater Dei squad that won the CIF-SS Division I title in 2024.
Helped Mater Dei to a CIF Open Division state title in 2023.
Won MVP of the 2023 state title game.
Has recorded 26 tackles (7.5 TFL, 3.5 sacks) and an interception and caught a touchdown during his senior season.
Made 38 stops (11.5 TFL, 7.0 sacks), one pass breakup and a forced fumble as a junior.
Notched 14 tackles (2.0 TFL, 1.0 sack), a forced fumble and a pass breakup his sophomore year.

Christian Thatcher | Linebacker | 6-2, 201 | Las Vegas, Nev. | Arbor View HS
High School: Four-star recruit out of Arbor View HS, ranked the No. 5 prospect out of the state of Nevada.

Two-time first-team all-league.
Two-time All-Southern Nevada first-team selection.
First-team all-state in 2022.
Broke the Nevada state record for career tackles (443).
Led his team to a state championship appearance in 2024, posting team-bests for the Aggies with 116 tackles and 13 TFL (1.0 sack).
Had 95 tackles (5.0 TFL, 2.0 sacks) and an interception his junior season.
Recorded 133 stops (13.0 TFL) and a pick-six as a sophomore, leading the state in total tackles.
Also had 99 tackles (9.0 TFL, 4.0 sacks) as a freshman.
Also competed in wrestling.

Otto Tia | Wide Receiver | 6-4, 220 | Layton, Utah | Utah State
Prior to Utah: Spent the previous four years at Utah State, appearing in 33 games and recording 50 receptions for 505 yards and seven TDs.

Had the best season of his collegiate career thus far in 2024, hauling in 44 passes for 434 yards and seven scores.
His seven scoring grabs tied him for fourth in the Mountain West Conference.
Ended the season by setting career-highs in receiving yards (81) and touchdowns (3) against Colorado State.
Found the end zone in five of his final eight games in 2024.

High School: Graded as a three-star prospect and the 21st-best recruit in the state of Utah after a career at Northridge High School

Earned Utah Class 6A first-team all-state honors from the Deseret News.
Was the top receiver for the Knights as a senior in 2019, totaling 39 receptions for 647 yards (16.6 ypc) and three touchdowns.
On the defensive side of the ball, he recorded 18 tackles and 3.0 sacks in five games.
Earned 6A honorable mention all-state honors from the Deseret News as a defensive end following his junior season, tallying 28 tackles, 4.0 sacks, five interceptions and two forced fumbles
Lettered in basketball as well.

Nathan Tilmon | Defensive Back | 6-3, 186 | Arlington, Texas | Mansfield Timberview HS
High School: Three-star recruit out of Mansfield Timberview HS.

Finished his senior year with 53 tackles, 7 TFLs, 2 PBUs, 2 FR and 1 INT.
Recorded 34 tackles, six pass breakups and a fumble recovery his junior year.
Had 44 stops (3.0 TFL) as a sophomore, adding an interception and a fumble recovery.
Also competed in track and field, running a 10.71 in the 100 meters.
Brother, Terrell Tilmon, plays linebacker for Texas Tech.

Creed Whittemore | Wide Receiver | 5-11, 185 | Gainesville, Fla. | Mississippi State
Prior to Utah: Played at Mississippi State in 2023 and '24, appearing in 16 games with five starts.

Totaled 15 receptions for 167 yards (2 TD), averaging 11.1 yards per catch as a Bulldog.
Also had five carries for 101 yards with State, including two touchdowns coming on the ground.
Scored two touchdowns in his collegiate debut, one on a 33-yard reception and another via a 53-yard scamper.
Career-highs both in rushing yards (57) and receiving yards (59) came in his debut vs. SE Louisiana in the 2023 season opener.

High School: Four-star recruit played in Florida at F.W. Buchholz HS, under his father, head coach Mark Whittemore.

Played quarterback in high school with some time on defense as well.
Passed for 2,693 yards and 35 touchdowns as a senior, while rushing for 1,285 yards and 17 touchdowns.
Also made four interceptions in his final season, helping his team to a 10-3 record.
Named Gainesville Sun Big School Offensive Player of the Year as a junior.
Lettered in basketball and track, winning a district title in the 100m dash.

Brendan Zurbrugg | Quarterback | 6-2, 207 | Alliance, Ohio | Oklahoma
Prior to Utah: Spent the 2024 season at Oklahoma, where he enrolled in January 2024. Did not see game action.

High School: Consensus three-star prospect at Alliance (Ohio) High School, rated as the No. 18 dual-threat quarterback prospect in the class by ESPN and Rivals, and as the No. 30 quarterback by On3 and No. 66 by 247Sports...ranked as No. 15 recruit in Ohio by On3, No. 29 by ESPN and Rivals and No. 45 by 247Sports.

2023 Northeast Ohio Inland District Division III Player of the Year.
Passed for 2,322 yards and 26 touchdowns, and rushed for 1,038 yards and 13 TDs as a senior in 2023.
Led the Alliance Aviators to a playoff appearance in his final high school season.
Finished high school career with school records for total yards (6,376), total touchdowns (63), completions (490) and completion percentage (72%).
Rushed for 2,141 yards and 25 touchdowns in his career.
Completed 76% of his passes for 2,184 yards and 23 touchdowns while rushing 109 times for 804 yards (7.4 per carry) and 11 TDs as a junior in 2022.
Passed for 1,815 yards and 14 TDs and rushed for 299 yards and a score as a sophomore in 2021.
Also competed in basketball and track and field.
Earned All-Ohio track honors in 2022 and '23.
Won a regional title in the 300-meter hurdles and finished fifth at the state meet in 2023.
Last name pronounced ZER-brugg.

Over the weekend we wrapped up the first round of #UBOYZ25?? Future lookin ??????????????

??: https://t.co/mUrmUnaEKN #GoUtes pic.twitter.com/SGWnarwFkN
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) December 9, 2024