This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Since the Utes had room under the 25 scholarship cap, they've gone ahead and signed Pita Tonga (6-2, 270), a defensive tackle from Highland H.S., Thor Katoa (6-2, 220), a linebacker out of Pine View H.S., Kyle Christiansen (6-4, 320), a defensive tackle out of Mountain Crest H.S., and Amone Finau (6-2, 180) out of Kearns H.S. Finau could play running back, safety or receiver. The players will still go on missions as planned and their National Letters of Intent still become void after a year, meaning they must re-sign with the Utes when they return and they still have the option of going elsewhere.The Utes decided to go ahead and sign the players so they could publicize the signings since they had enough scholarships available to do so. The Utes still have one scholarship available. Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said they'll use it on the "best player available." - Lya Wodraska