Skip To Main Content
Skip To Main Content

Utah Tech University Athletics

Utah Tech Football Adds 20 to 2024 Signing Class

utfb_2024signclass
Brooklyn Fehr / Utah Tech Athletics

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)
 

utfb_2024nsdblakejensen











 
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."
 

utfb_2024nsdcamdensmith











 
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."

 

utfb_2024nsdbrandonjackson











 

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."
 


utfb_nsd2024clarencepututau











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."
 

utfb_2024nsdbanksjackson










 
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."
 

utfb_2024nsdtymccutcheon










 
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."
 

utfb_2024nsdzaydencook










 
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."
 

utfb_2024nsdlakeikolomalu










 
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."
 


utfg_2024nsdromeotiumalu










 
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."
 

utfb_2024nsdaliwilliams










 
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."

 

utfb_2024nsdfurioushoskins










 
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."
 
 

utfb_2024nsdkarlosrayford










 
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 ."



utfb_2024nsdspencerrich









 
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."
 

utfb_2024nsdelijahwood










 
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."
 

utfb_2024nsddanewhalen










 
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."
 

utfb_nsd2024rambomageo










 
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."
 

utfb_nsd2024fakatoumafi










 
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."
 

utfb_2024nsdlukemacphail










 
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."
 


utfb_2024nsdcalebcanada










 
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."


 

utfb_2024nsdeniolafalayi










 
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."



utfb_oatis













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."



utfb_jenkins













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."



utfb_chatman













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."



utfb_clinton













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."



utfb_parker













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."




utfb_sweeten













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."



utfb_hicks













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."



utfb_slaughter













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."



utfb_zarate













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."
 
Print Friendly Version