Pac-12 Signing Day Recruiting Grades: Southern California Resurgence

Dec 20, 2014; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham looks on against the Colorado State Rams during the second half of the Las Vegas Bowl at Sam Boyd Stadium. Utah won 45-10. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

8. Utah Utes

Rivals Class Rank: No. 41 (Tied with Arizona)

It may not seem like much of a difference given the situations, but when you consider what Kyle Whittingham needs to run his system, his recruiting class was far better than Utah’s despite the fact that they had the same class ranking.

Whittingham loaded up on the offensive line with Keven Dixon, Jr., Johnny Capra, Nick Carman, Darrin Paulo, James Empey, and Jake Grant. Whittingham likes to use a dominant rushing attack, similar to Wisconsin. That makes this a perfect fit.

Whittingham also picked up some skill players to help out, including 4-star defensive back Cory Butler, a pair of 4.5-40 guys in wide receiver Alfred Smith and defensive back Tyron Cisrow, and speedster defensive end Kendall Huey.

The class was perfect for his system. The only thing holding it back, outside of the lack of great superstar talent to bump this class higher, is the fact that Utah is in the Pac-12 South. This may not be enough to compete in that division.

But time will tell.

Grade: B-