Utah Bolsters Pass Rush With Transfer Lance Holtzclaw

SALT LAKE CITY – It’s been an eventful weekend for Utah football. The program landed two commitments Friday, then lost two pledges over the last 24 hours, but have added to the commit list yet again today.

Washington edge Lance Holtzclaw announced Sunday morning that he has committed and signed with the Utes.

This also came after Utah lost a pledge in receiver Joseph Williams, who visited Colorado and ultimately flipped his commitment to the Buffs.

Lance Holtzclaw Commits To Utah

𝑺𝒊𝒈𝒏𝒆𝒅 ✍️ @lancefrmdabean #GoUtes | #UBOYZ25 pic.twitter.com/QQUMv8uBaL

— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) December 22, 2024

A 6-foot-3, 224-pound edge, Holtzclaw showed promise this past season as a pass rusher. In 13 games with the Huskies, he’s totaled 13 tackles, 2 sacks, along with 16 total pressures.

One of the bigger needs in the transfer portal window has been bolstering the defensive end room. Connor O’Toole and Van Fillinger have both exhausted their eligibility, while Kaeo Akana hit the transfer portal.

Among the first transfer portal additions was former Oregon pass rusher Jaxson Jones. Utah has now added a former Washington Husky in Holtzclaw to the mix.

Wayshawn Parks Commits To Utah

𝑺𝒊𝒈𝒏𝒆𝒅 ✍️ @WayshawnParker #GoUtes | #UBOYZ25 pic.twitter.com/aEeytO6uiM

— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) December 20, 2024

Parker follow coach Atuaia to Utah and that’s a big win for the Utes. Parker is coming off of a fantastic freshman campaign at Washington State.

He finished the 2024 season with 735 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns, while adding another touchdown and 108 yards on 11 receptions.

He narrowed down his recruitment to Arizona and Utah, and the Utes will get the last word before his decision.

This is a significant win for the Utes, who needed a bonafide stud after the departures from the group this season.

Na’Quari Rogers Commits To Utah

𝑺𝒊𝒈𝒏𝒆𝒅 ✍️ @NaquariR #GoUtes | #UBOYZ25 pic.twitter.com/GT3mpIDJz8

— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) December 20, 2024

The former New Mexico running back was one of the first players extended an offer by the new offensive staff.

Though not the lead back for the Lobos, Rogers was a consistent source of production. He played an important role as a complementary piece in the rushing attack.

The 5-foot-11, 208-pound back finished the season with 74 carries for 382 yards and 5 touchdowns.

Kalolo Ta’aga Commits To Utah

Utah Man Am I… #GodsPlan #TaagaEmpire #Committed #GoUtes! pic.twitter.com/b8dx6vfLzr

— ✝️ Kalolo Ta’aga ✝️ (@LoloTaaga) December 19, 2024

It’s always a good thing to keep the offensive line stocked with promising big men. Utah added another one in USC transfer Kalolo Ta’aga.

He was a priority recruit for Utah in last year’s cycle. Ta’aga committed to the Trojans over the Utes in the final days before the early signing period.

Now, Utah welcomes the 6-foot-7, 315-pounder to the O-Block. Ta’aga has a very high ceiling, given his combination of athleticism and frame.

He will need further development but given what Utah has in place at tackle already, it’s an ideal situation for him and Utah.

Blake Cotton Commits To Utah

Let’s get it! @Utah_Football pic.twitter.com/oxcKSBHvlH

— Blake_Cotton_ (@BCotton0) December 18, 2024

After officially visiting Utah at the start of the week, Cotton has given his pledge to the Utes.  With his addition, Utah continues to improve the defensive secondary’s depth and flexibility.

At 6-foot-3 and 190 pounds, Cotton is the third defensive back of similar stature. Over the course of his three-year career at UC Davis, Cotton has limited opponents to under 48% completion percentage when targeted and has notched 9 pass deflections.

He comes to Utah with three seasons of experience under his belt and one season of eligibility remaining.

Donovan Saunders Commits To Utah

Im finally home, lets work‼️🏝️ pic.twitter.com/5enHNL01RI

— Donovan Saunders (@Don_Saunders_) December 16, 2024

Checking in at 6-foot-3 and 195 pounds, Saunders has an exciting blend of size and athleticism for the cornerback position.

Perhaps the most interesting thing about his recruitment is that Saunders was a top priority for Utah in last year’s portal cycle. He ultimately landed at Texas A&M but he visited Salt Lake City and was considered a top option for Utah. Now, he ends up at Utah after a year in College Station.

Saunders is the second cornerback to commit to since the portal opened. Utah has worked swiftly to address the cornerback room with size and athleticism. Saunders is a very good addition to the room.

Creed Whittemore Commits To Utah

UTAHHH!! Let’s do it pic.twitter.com/tdgQhtZ18U

— Creed Whittemore (@c_whit115) December 15, 2024

On Sunday, the Utes continued their roll after picking up their fourth addition of the weekend. Former Mississippi State receiver Creed Whittemore announced his commitment to the program.

Whittemore is a 5-foot-11, 185-pound pass catcher is a prototypical slot receiver. He’s totaled 15 receptions for 167 yards and two touchdowns.

He was previously considered a four-star talent from high school in Gainesville, FL.  He comes to Utah with three seasons of eligibility remaining after redshirting this season.

Jaxson Jones Commits To Utah

Time to get after it Utes fans !❤️ pic.twitter.com/KhcZ8HlPkv

— Jaxson Jones (@JaxsonJones80) December 15, 2024

Jones was a member of Oregon’s 2024 class and appeared in just one game this season. The 6-foot-3, 230-pounder has a lot of potential and ties to the program. His father Daniel Jones played receiver at Utah from 1997-98.

As a recruit, Jones showed a lot of promise as a linebacker and edge rusher. Jones was a high three-star prospect last year and committed to Oregon after backing off of a pledge to Washington. He held offers from Michigan and USC among others.

Orion Phillips Commits To Utah

I’m excited to announce I have committed to the University of Utah to continue my football career. Thank you to @JakeCookus @ShaneSmithUtah @UteReef33 @Colton_Swan for the visit and @JohnnyPKA with @ProkickAus for the help! Go Utes!! pic.twitter.com/L0MqVNi8rU

— Orion Phillips (@OrionPhillips14) December 14, 2024

After losing their own punter to the portal, and ultimately the Texas Longhorns, Utah wasted little time to address the position.

Utah landed the commitment of former Missouri punter Orion Phillips.

A native of Australia, Phillips averaged 43.5 yards per punt, including a long of 71 yards. Phillips also pinned 12 punts inside the 20-yard line.

Jeremiah Caldwell Commits To Utah

 

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A post shared by Jeremiah Caldwell (@_.rockk2)

Caldwell will join Utah after a year at Garden City CC. He was once a four-star composite prospect in the 2022 recruiting class.

Hailing from the state of Michigan, Caldwell’s high school recruitment boiled down to Louisville, Kentucky, Michigan State, and Iowa State.

He ultimately committed to Louisville but transferred after a year to Miami (OH). After a season there, he moved to Garden City CC.

At 6-foot-2, 185 pounds, Caldwell played both cornerback and safety. He finished this past season with 32 tackles, 6 interceptions, and 7 pass breakups.

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Utah currently has seven total additions and remains heavily involved with several other targets. The program hosted several players over the weekend and will continue to welcome prospects to campus in the coming days.

Steve Bartle is the Utah insider for KSL Sports. He hosts The Utah Blockcast (SUBSCRIBE) and appears on KSL Sports Zone to break down the Utes. You can follow him on X for the latest Utah updates and game analysis.

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