This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated.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.

Utah received a commitment Thursday afternoon from Ayala High safety Philip Afia, the 77th-ranked prospect in California, according to his Rivals.com bio.

Afia is rated a three-star prospect by both Rivals and Scout.

Utah graduates senior safety starters Brian Blechen and Tevin Carter this season. Afia would join a youthful mix that includes junior Charles Henderson and true freshmen Andre Godfrey and Marcus Williams.

Ayala head coach Randy Reams said Afia was late to football, picking up the sport as a freshman.

His greatest strength is roaming center field as a free safety, but Reams added that "Philip likes to come downhill and lay the wood on some kids."

According to his Ayala bio page, Afia has 42 tackles and two interceptions this season, as well as a reception for 15 yards, a kickoff for a touchback, and a 37-yard punt. He kicked and punted more often as a sophomore and junior, Reams said.

Officially Committing to the University Of Utah🏈🙌 so blessed to have this opportunity #GoUtes pic.twitter.com/WzxAC2AbCY

— ⭐️KingOfTheJungle⭐️ (@PhilipAfia) October 30, 2014

It's the day before Halloween and we got an early treat. It's a GREAT day to be a UTE! #KiYi #LightTheU #SafetyPride

— Fred Whittingham Jr. (@FWhittinghamJr) October 30, 2014

The Tribune will update this story when possible.

Here's a list of the Utah football commits the Tribune has reported on. Click for details:

2015

2016

2017

— Matthew Piper

mpiper@sltrib.com

Twitter: @matthew_piper