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Last week, coach Kyle Whittingham flew to Hawaii, with stops in Southern California on the way there and on the return trip as well.
While the beach days beckon, the trips have been all business. Utah has a week-and-a-half to signing day, and Whittingham is leading the final push. The Utes have only a few more scholarships to give out in a class ranked No. 33 by Rivals and No. 35 by 247 Sports, but also have to focus on keeping their commits committed leading up to Feb. 3.
"It's ongoing," he said. "There's a few guys we're still battling out for, and a few commits you want to hang on to. It's all happening at once."
What helps the Utes in the recruiting battles, Whittingham said, is that Utah's coaching staff has remained relatively set while six other Pac-12 teams lost one or both coordinators. While the Utes went through defensive coordinator John Pease's retirement (his third), Morgan Scalley's promotion and both Lewis Powell and Fred Whittingham getting switched into new duties early in the month, the abbreviated shuffle allowed Utah to hit the recruiting trail quickly with a degree of stability some other programs are still looking for.
The only outside hire Utah made this year was picking up BYU receivers coach Guy Holliday.
Whittingham said he's been pleased with early returns in Holliday's recruiting efforts, but is looking forward to seeing what Holliday can do with Utah's current receivers.
"He's done a great job wherever he's been," Whittingham said. "His guys have always performed, he's sent players to the NFL. He's been very consistent throughout his career."
The returning Utes have begun winter conditioning, along with six early enrollees who will be available for spring ball: quarterback Troy Williams, quarterback Tyler Huntley, offensive lineman Scott Peck, offensive lineman Jake Grant, receiver Demari Simpkins and punter Mitch Wishnowsky.
One of Utah's biggest priorities is getting Williams and Huntley up to speed on the playbook — along with returning quarterback Brandon Cox. They'll see most of the reps this spring.
"When spring ball does start, we want them to hit the ground running," Whittingham said. "The learning curve already has to have taken place by then."
Utes stand out in senior exhibitions
Utah was well-represented in the weekend's senior football exhibitions, as quarterback Travis Wilson, linebacker Gionni Paul and center Saiosi Aiono all made appearances in either the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl or the East-West Shrine Game on Saturday.
Wilson started for the American roster in the Collegiate Bowl, completing 7 of 10 passes for 66 yards. He also had 13 yards rushing, leading a field goal drive on his opening possession.
Paul was an active player for the East team, notching four tackles in the Shrine game in his native Florida. Aiono was a blocker on a few of Vernon Adam's drives as the former Duck threw three touchdown passes. Safety Tevin Carter didn't play in the game, though he practiced during the week.
The Utes have more former stars in exhibitions this week: Jason Fanaika and Jared Norris will suit up, practice and play for the North squad in this week's Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., which will air Saturday at 12:30 p.m. MST on NFL Network.
Twitter: @kylegoon