This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Utah's offensive line will need to be rebuilt in the coming years. The program needs recruits for the coming class. And a local wouldn't hurt.
The Utes helped address all of these Sunday night with the commitment of Michael Richardson, an offensive lineman from American Fork.
The three-star prospect and top offensive line recruit in-state made his announcement https://twitter.com/Bigmike__70/status/805606357067935745";>via Twitter late in the evening.
"First of all, I'd like to thank all of the coaches and schools that have given me the opportunity and chance to play at the next level," he wrote. "But after much thought and prayer and conversing with my family I have made the decision to commit to the University of Utah."
Listed at 6-foot-5 and 260 pounds, Richardson played defensive end and tackle for a Cavemen team that http://www.sltrib.com/sports/4569358-155/5a-football-american-fork-proud-of";>went to the 5A semifinals. On defense, he was credited with 24 tackles and three sacks this season, according to Maxpreps.
Richardson chose the Utes despite several Pac-12 offers, including from Colorado, Oregon and Arizona State. He's just the second local in the class so far, along with Snow College defensive tackle John Penisini. He's the sixth player in the 2017 class overall.
While the Utes would've rather been playing in the Pac-12 Championship this past week, it's been an opportunity for the coaching staff to get out across the country and recruit. Expect the commitments to start ramping up with just about two months until Signing Day.
Here's the other commitments the Tribune has reported on:
2017
• http://bit.ly/2dwMpf3";>Texas WR Jaylen Dixon
• http://bit.ly/2dJjczi";>Texas WR Tyquez Hampton
• http://bit.ly/2fqQm9P";>California DB Jaylon Johnson
• http://bit.ly/1TTt5JC";>Snow College DT John Penisini
• http://bit.ly/2aqwekI";>Texas QB Jason Shelley
2018
• http://bit.ly/1V3R5qi";>Highland DT Hunter Lotulelei
kgoon@sltrib.com
Twitter: @kylegoon