Football | 2/7/2024 5:30:00 PM
First year Utah Tech head football coach
Lance Anderson announced on Wednesday the addition of 20 more players to his inaugural 2024 signing class. Wednesday's group joins nine other student-athletes who signed during the December early signing period.
"I feel really great about our recruiting class overall," Coach Anderson said. "We addressed needs at every position and we are bringing in some very talented kids who are going to help us in the fall."
The Trailblazers signed 10 high school players, five of whom are defensive linemen in Utah prep products
Blake Jensen (American Fork HS
), Clarence Pututau (Woods Cross HS) and
Zayden Cook (Payson HS), along with defensive tackle
Brandon Jackson from South Oak Cliffs HS in Dallas, Texas.
Utah Tech inked six prepsters on the offensive side of the ball, including quarterbacks
Banks Jackson(Spanish Fork, Utah/Maple Mountain HS) and
Ty McCutcheon (Ewa Beach, Hawai'i/Punahou HS), as well as McCutcheon's high school teammate in running back
Alaimaikekaimalie Williams (Manoa Valley, Hawai'i/Punahou HS) and athlete
Furious Hoskins from Palo Verde HS in Las Vegas.
The Blazers also brought in four offensive linemen, all three of whom have Utah ties, highlighted by
Camden Smith from St. George-area Pine View HS, and Las Vegas HS left tackle Karlos Rayford. In addition, Snow College transfers
Lakei Kolomalu(Springville, Utah/Springville HS) and
Romeo Tiumalu (Ewa Beach, Hawai'i/Bishop Gorman [NV] HS) will head south to St. George to play for the Trailblazer program.
Utah Tech's class includes eight mid-year transfers, with three of those tranfers on the offensive side in Syracuse quarterback
Luke MacPhail, UMass tight end
Eniola Falayi, and San Diego State offensive lineman
Rambo Mageo.
The Trailblazers added five more transfers on defense, including linebackers
Spencer Rich (Memphis) and
Elijah Wood (San Jose State), defensive linemen
Dane Whalen (Nicholls State) and
Tomasi Malafu Fakatoumafi (Williams College), and corner back
Caleb Canada (Mississippi Valley State).
"The offensive and defensive lines are where we signed the most guys, and for me that's where things really start, Coach Anderson noted. "If we want to be a physical, tough football team, if we want to run the football on offense and stop the run on defense, we got to have great linemen and I think we did a great job in addressing those positions with this recruiting class.
"We signed at least one person at every position," Anderson added. "All these guys are quality guys, guys who are really going to help us and develop into good football players. We're sure excited about the future going forward"
Utah Tech signed nine high school student-athletes this past December, four of whom hail from the state of Utah. That early class also featured six players on offense, including two running backs, two wide receivers and two offensive linemen. The Trailblazers also added three defensive backs to round out the early class.
Utah Tech, which will be eligible for NCAA Division I FCS postseason play for the first time in program history this upcoming fall, closed its final D-I transition season in 2023 with a 2-9 overall record, which included a 1-5 mark in UAC play.
UTAH TECH FOOTBALL 2024 NATIONAL SIGNING DAY CLASS
NAME |
POS. |
HT. |
WT. |
HOMETOWN/PREVIOUS SCHOOL |
Blake Jensen |
DE/OLB |
6-3 |
235 |
American Fork, Utah/American Fork HS |
Camden Smith |
OL |
6-3 |
290 |
Washington, Utah/Pine View HS |
Brandon Jackson |
DT |
6-2 |
285 |
Dallas, Texas/South Oak Cliff HS |
Clarence Pututau |
DE |
6-1 |
265 |
Woods Cross, Utah/Woods Cross HS |
Banks Jackson |
QB/WR |
6-3 |
180 |
Spanish Fork, Utah/Maple Mountain HS |
Ty McCutcheon |
QB |
6-3 |
185 |
Ewa Beach, Hawai'i/Punahou HS |
Zayden Cook |
DL |
6-2 |
260 |
Goshen, Utah/Payson HS |
Lakei Kolomalu |
OL |
6-3 |
295 |
Springville, Utah/Springville HS/Snow JC |
Romeo Tiumalu |
OL |
6-2 |
275 |
Ewa Beach, Hawai'i/Bishop Gorman (NV) HS/Snow JC |
Alaimaikekaimalie Williams |
RB |
6-0 |
210 |
Manoa Valley, Hawai'i/Punahou HS |
Furious Hoskins |
ATH |
6-1 |
210 |
Las Vegas, Nev./Palo Verde HS |
Karlos Rayford |
OL |
6-4 |
307 |
Las Vegas, Nev./Las Vegas HS |
Spencer Rich |
LB |
6-1 |
225 |
Brentwood, Tenn./Brentwood HS/Memphis (MYTR) |
Elijah Wood |
LB |
6-3 |
205 |
Elk Grove, Calif./St. Mary's HS/San Jose State (MYTR) |
Dane Whalen |
DL |
5-10 |
280 |
Osage City, Kan./Osage City HS/Nicholls State (MYTR) |
Rambo Mageo |
OL |
6-5 |
315 |
Laie, Hawai'i/Cathedral Catholic (CA) HS/San Diego State (MYTR) |
Tomasi Malafu Fakatoumafi |
DT |
6-3 |
300 |
Hau'ula, Hawai'i/Punahou HS/Butler CC/San Bernardino Valley CC/Williams College (MYTR) |
Luke MacPhail |
QB |
6-4 |
212 |
Winthrop, Mass./Dexter Southfield HS/Syracuse (MYTR) |
Caleb Canada |
CB |
6-3 |
205 |
Jackson, Miss./Ridgeline HS/Delta State/Mississippi Valley State (MYTR) |
Eniola Falayi |
TE |
6-5 |
240 |
Boston, Mass./Williston Northampton HS/UMass (MYTR) |
Ben Acker-Oatis |
OL |
6-2 |
293 |
Salt Lake City, Utah/Syracuse HS (December Signee) |
Demarion Jenkins |
WR |
5-9 |
160 |
Belle Grade, Fla./Pahokee HS (December Signee) |
Asa Chatman |
RB |
5-10 |
185 |
Lake Elsinore, Calif./Murrieta Valley HS (December Signee) |
Charles Richard Clinton II |
WR |
6-2 |
180 |
Long Beach, Calif./Long Beach Poly HS (December Signee) |
Kyle Parker |
DB |
5-10 |
161 |
Long Beach, Calif./LB Millikan HS (December Signee) |
Jace Sweeten |
S |
6-3 |
195 |
St. George, Utah/Crimson Cliffs HS (December Signee) |
Easton Hicks |
RB/KR |
5-10 |
190 |
Riverton, Utah/Riverton HS (December Signee) |
Foster Slaughter |
S |
6-1 |
175 |
Perris, Calif./Los Alamitos HS (December Signee) |
Jacob Zarate |
OL |
6-6 |
280 |
St. George, Utah/Crimson Cliffs HS (December Signee) |
Blake Jensen
Defensive End/Outside Linebacker / 6-3 / 235
American Fork, Utah / American Fork HS
Was an all-Region 3 selection for the Cavemen.
Why Blake chose Utah Tech: "I chose Utah Tech because it felt like home, the coaches are awesome, and the players as well."
Camden Smith
Offensive Line / 6-3 / 290
Washington, Utah / Pine View HS
Was a three-time Utah 4A selection and three time all-region pick ... earned first team all-state honors in 2023 ... also recruited by Utah, Utah State, Air Force, Navy and Idaho State.
Why Camden chose Utah Tech: "I chose Utah Tech because I can tell that the culture is shifting in a very good direction and I'm excited to be a part of this new era Utah Tech is headed into."
Brandon Jackson
Defensive Tackle / 6-2 / 285
Dallas, Texas / South Oak Cliff HS
Helped lead SOCHS to a state championship appearance ... also recruited by Missouri Southern, CSU-Pueblo and Southeast Oklahoma.
Why Brandon chose Utah Tech: "I chose Utah Tech because it feels like home."
Clarence Pututau
Defensive End / 6-1 / 265
Woods Cross, Utah / Woods Cross HS
Was a second team all-state selection for the Wildcats ... also recruited by Southern Utah and Idaho State.
Why Clarence chose Utah Tech: "I chose Utah Tech because of the academics and the football program."
Banks Jackson
Quarterback/Wide Receiver / 6-3 / 180
Spanish Fork, Utah / Maple Mountain HS
Earned first team all-region, first team all-Utah Valley, and honorable mention all-state honors at QB for MMHS ... set school records for rushing and total offense ... was an academic all-state selection ... also recruited by Weber State.
Why Banks chose Utah Tech: "I chose Utah Tech because it was the right place for me."
Ty McCutcheon
Quarterback / 6-3 / 185
Ewa Beach, Hawai'i / Punahou HS
Three-star recruit and first team all-conference pick ... was selected to play in the 2023 Polynesian Bowl ... also recruited by Arizona, Washington State, Utah State and Texas State.
Why Ty chose Utah Tech: "I chose Utah Tech because of the city of St. George and the connection to the coaching staff."
Zayden Cook
Defensive Line / 6-2 / 260
Goshen, Utah / Payson HS
Was a second team all-state and all-region pick for the Lions ... also recruited by Black Hills State.
Why Zayden chose Utah Tech: "I chose Utah Tech because of the location and the coaches."
Lakei Kolomalu
Offensive Line / 6-3 / 295
Springville, Utah / Springville HS / Snow College
Played two seasons at Snow JC ... was a first team all-state and all-region selection at guard for Springville HS ... also recruited by Weber State, New Mexico, Stephen F. Austin, Texas State and Texas-San Antonio.
Why Lakei chose Utah Tech: "I chose Utah Tech because of the coaches and players."
Romeo Tiumalu
Offensive Line / 6-2 / 275
Ewa Beach, Hawai'i / Bishop Gorman (NV) HS / Snow College
Played two seasons at Snow JC ... lettered in football at Bishop Gorman HS in Las Vegas ... also recruited by Central State and Oklahoma Panhandle State.
Why Romeo chose Utah Tech: "I chose Utah Tech because it is a great place to call home and they have the right resources."
Alaimaikekaimalie Williams
Running Back / 6-0 / 210
Manoa Valley, Hawai'i / Punahou HS
Led the state in rushing and broke the Hawai'i state HS rushing record.
Why Alaimaikekaimalie chose Utah Tech: "I chose Utah Tech because the coaches been loyal since the beginning."
Furious Hoskins
Athlete / 6-1 / 180
Las Vegas, Nev. / Palo Verde HS
Earned Nevada 5A first team all-state honors at both receiver and cornerback ... was PVHS's first 1,000 receiver in more than a decade ... also recruited by Colorado, Southern Oregon and UNLV.
Why Furious chose Utah Tech: "I chose Utah Tech because of the great atmosphere and the coaches seem genuine like they are trying to win football games, and I love winning."
Karlos Rayford
Offensive Line / 6-4 / 307
Las Vegas, Nev. / Las Vegas HS
Earned multiple varsity letters in football at LVHS ... is listed on the honor roll and was named November 2022 Student of the Month.
Why Karlos chose Utah Tech: "I chose Utah Tech because it's not too far from home. The business and computer science programs offered there are really great for my career plans outside of football ."
Spencer Rich
Linebacker / 6-1 / 225
Brentwood, Tenn. / Brentwood HS / Memphis
Originally signed at Memphis and was part of the Tiger program for three seasons ... appeared in nine games combined during the 2022 and 2023 campaigns ... registered one tackle vs. Bethune-Cookman (9/2/23) ... earned 6A all-state and 6A region defensive player of the year honors while at Brentwood HS ... also recruited by Memphis, Murray State, Bryant, Grambling State, Mississippi Valley State, Southern, and Wagner.
Why Spencer chose Utah Tech: "I chose Utah Tech because I loved St. George and I am excited about the new coaching staff."
Elijah Wood
Linebacker / 6-3 / 205
Elk Grove, Calif. / St. Mary's HS / San Jose State
Originally signed at San Jose State and was part of the Spartan program for four seasons ... saw time in 20 games with one start over that span ... played in all 12 games with two starts in 2022 and tallied 29 total tackles (14 solo) with 1.0 TFL ... was a two-time all-Tri-City Athletic League pick at St. Mary's HS, where he played outside linebacker, corner, safety, wide receiver and tight end, and saw time as a return specialist ... collected second team all-league honors as a senior after he racked up 53 tackles along with three interceptions and eight PBUs ... also recruited by San Jose State, Weber State, Southern Utah, Portland State, Wyoming, Nevada, UC Davis and Eastern Washington.
Why Elijah chose Utah Tech: "I chose Utah Tech because it provided me with the best opportunity, it fit my needs, and I wanted to be a part of something new and fresh."
Dane Whalen
Defensive Line / 5-10 / 280
Osage City, Kan. / Osage City HS / Nicholls State
Played in a combined 14 games with two starts over two seasons at Nicholls State ... tallied 23 total tackles with 1.0 TFL and 0.5 sacks in 2023 ... collected a season-high seven tackles in the season finale at Southern Illinois (11/25) ... was a three-time first team all-state and four-time all-league selection at Osage City HS ... earned 2020 District Defensive MVP honors and was a Kansas 2A Defensive POY finalist ... was named to the Principal's Honor Roll all four years of high school ... also recruited by Nicholls State, Central Arkansas, Arkansas Tech, Wagner, Houston Christian and Lamar.
Why Dane chose Utah Tech: "I chose Utah Tech because of the great facilities and I really like the new coaches coming in."
Rambo Mageo
Offensive Line / 6-5 / 315
Laie, Hawai'i / Cathedral Catholic (CA) HS / San Diego State
Originally signed at San Diego State but did not appear in any games in his two seasons with the Aztec program ... played his senior season at Cathedral Catholic HS, where he helped lead the Dons to a 12-2 record and a CIF state title ... CCHS finished fifth overal in the state in the final MaxPreps rankings ... also played at Kissimmee Tohopekaliga (FL) HS as a junior ... also recruited by San Diego State.
Why Rambo chose Utah Tech: "I chose Utah Tech because they shown me the opportunities I can achieve on and off the football field. From the amazing facilities and views to the great coaching staff, I can't wait to be a part of a team that I call family."
Tomasi Malafu Fakatoumafi
Defensive Tackle / 6-3 / 300
Hau'ula Hawai'i / Punahou HS / Butler CC / San Bernardino Valley College / Williams College
Appeared in one game at Williams College in 2018 ... also had stops at Butler CC (1 game in 2022) and at San Bernardino Valley College (9 games) this past season ... was an all-conference selection while at Punahou HS ... also recruited by Weber State, Utah State, South Dakota State, Idaho State, Maine, Northern Arizona, UT Martin, Austin Peay, McNeese, Nevada and Montana State.
Why Tomasi chose Utah Tech: "I chose Utah Tech because Coach Anderson believed I can come in and make a big impact in the middle immediately, and Coach Cowser is a master at his craft. I want to get developed by Coach Cowser as much as possible."
Luke MacPhail
Quarterback / 6-4 / 220
Winthrop, Mass. / Dexter Southfield HS / Syracuse
Originally signed at Syracuse and was part of the Orange program for four seasons ... appeared in four games overall during the 2022 and 2023 campaigns ... rated the No. 19 player in Massachusetts and the No. 100 pro-style quarterback in the country by 247Sports.com while at Dexter Southfield HS ... Led DSHS to a 23-11 record, including a 14-4 mark over his last two seasons ... 2019 New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) Class B Player of the Year ... Four-time All-NEPSAC First Team selection ... Holds the NEPSAC career records for passing yardage (7,195) and touchdown passes (85) ... Threw for 2,545 yards and set the NEPSAC single-season record with 32 TD passes as a senior ... Boston Globe and Boston Herald All-Scholastic honoree ... Team MVP ... Two-time captain ... also recruited by Syracuse, Appalachian State, Southern Mississippi, Elon, UAlbany and Gardner Webb.
Why Luke chose Utah Tech: "I chose Utah Tech because of Offensive Coordinator Greg Stevens."
Caleb Canada
Corner Back / 6-3 / 205
Jackson, Miss. / Ridgeline HS / Mississippi Valley State
Played at Mississippi Valley State in 2023, where he played in 10 games and finished with 29 tackles (19 solo) and 0.5 TFLs ... spent his sophomore year at Delta State, where he tallied 14 tackles, 1.0 sack and 1.5 TFLs in 11 games ... played his freshman year at Coahoma CC ... prepped at Ridgeline HS ... also recruited by Mississippi Valley State, Delta State and Nevada.
Why Caleb chose Utah Tech: "I chose Utah Tech because of the open arms and unconditional hospitality by the whole Utah Tech coaching staff."
Eniola Falayi
Tight End / 6-5 / 240
Boston, Mass. / Williston Northampton HS / UMass
Originally signed at UMass and was part of the Minutemen program for three seasons ... appeared in 19 games combined during the 2022 and 2023 campaigns and made three career receptions for 26 yards ... was a two-way player at WNHS and was a three-star recruit ... was an all-Erickson League selection ... also recruited by UMass, Coastal Carolina, Boston College, UConn, Michigan, Maine and Duquesne.
Why Spencer chose Utah Tech: "I chose Utah Tech because of the great culture on the field and endless resources off the field."
Ben Acker-Oatis (December signee)
Offensive Line / 6-2 / 293
Salt Lake City, Utah / Syracuse HS
Was an all-area, all-region and all-state selection at offensive line ... also recruited by BYU, Utah, Utah State, Weber State, UNLV, Montana, Montana State and Idaho State.
Why Ben chose Utah Tech: "I chose Utah Tech because of the atmosphere."
Demarion Jenkins (December signee)
Wide Receiver / 5-8 / 160
Belle Grade, Fla. / Pahokee HS
Was listed as a Palm Beach top-20 player ... also recruited by Arizona State, Charlotte, UMass, Western Kentucky, Western Michigan, Miami (OH), Liberty, Bethune Cookman, Bowling Green, Middle Tennessee and Wofford.
Why Demarion chose Utah Tech: "I chose Utah Tech because of the environment and the loved they continuously showed me."
Asa Chatman (December signee)
Running Back / 5-10 / 185
Lake Elsinore, Calif. / Murrieta Valley HS
Earned three varsity letters in football ... was a two-time Big West League selection and was named to the 2022 CaliHiSports.com All-State team ... will graduate as the MVHS career rushing touchdown leader ... also recruited by Colorado State, Montana State and Georgetown.
Why Asa chose Utah Tech: "I chose Utah Tech because I believe this is the best place to start my journey to the NFL. The coaches are good people and the all-around environment seems welcoming."
Charles Richard Clinton II (December signee)
Wide Receiver / 6-2 / 180
Long Beach, Calif. / Long Beach Poly HS
Was a two-time all-conference selection in 2022 and 2023 ... also recruited by Oregon State, Fresno State, UNLV, Weber State and Southern Utah.
Why Charles chose Utah Tech: "I chose Utah Tech because of the love and welcoming I received from Coach [Jamison] Clark, the previous coaching staff, and my new head coach, Coach Anderson."
Kyle Parker (December signee)
Defensive Back / 5-10 / 161
Long Beach, Calif. / LB Millikan HS
Was a three-year varsity letter winner ... also recruited by Fresno State, UNLV, Air Force, Nevada and Weber State.
Why Kyle chose Utah Tech: "I chose Utah Tech because it provided me with the best opportunity and it's in a great community."
Jace Sweeten (December signee)
Safety / 6-3 / 195
St. George, Utah / Crimson Cliffs HS
Helped lead the Mustangs to back-to-back Utah 4A state titles ... was a two-time first team all-state selection and finished his prep career as the CCHS leader in interceptions ... also recruited by Idaho State.
Why Jace chose Utah Tech: "I chose Utah Tech because I love the coaches and I love the culture they have."
Easton Hicks (December signee)
RB/KR / 5-10 / 190
Riverton, Utah / Riverton HS
Earned ATH second team all-state and Region 3 MVP honors, and was a first team all-region pick ... rushed for more than 1,000 yards during his junior season ... closed his prep career at the all-time RHS kick return leader ... also recruited by Utah State, Southern Utah, Black Hills State and Puget Sound.
Why Easton chose Utah Tech: "I chose Utah Tech for a variety of reasons. A big part of me choosing Utah Tech was because of the good way I was recruited by Coach [Jamison] Clark. I love the team culture here, and I see the growth that is happening. I believe in the program and that it will be successful. The location also played a part in choosing Utah Tech."
Foster Slaughter (December signee)
S / 6-1 / 175
Perris, Calif. / Los Alamitos HS
Earned three varsity letters in football ... was rated as the top defensive back in the CIF section ... also recruited by San Diego State, San Jose State, Michigan State, Purdue, and Nevada.
Why Foster chose Utah Tech: "I chose Utah Tech because I felt a strong and positive connection with the staff and especially Coach Anderson. His vision is unmatched. When I entered the school I saw myself here."
Jacob Zarate (December signee)
Offensive Line / 6-6 / 280
St. George, Utah / Crimson Cliffs HS
Helped lead the Mustangs to back-to-back Utah 4A state titles ... was a three-time all-region 9 selection ... also recruited by Utah, BYU, Utah State, Southern Utah, Arizona, Hawai'i, Nevada, Montana and Snow College.
Why Jacob chose Utah Tech: "I chose Utah Tech because it was close to home, and I wanted to get on the field fast."