This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Monday was good day to be Jim Harding.
On the same day the Utah offensive line coach was publicly announced as a co-offensive coordinator, he helped secure a commitment from Darrin Paulo, a three-star offensive tackle from Sacramento, Calif.
Paulo becomes one of the biggest additions to Utah's Signing Day class — literally.
The sixth lineman in the 2015 group is listed at 6-foot-5 and 335 pounds. Paulo was a mauler on the offensive line for the 14-1 Grant High Pacers this past season, giving push to a unit that rolled for over 5,000 yards and 64 touchdowns.
Many schools were in the mix, including Oregon and Nebraska — the Cornhuskers and former OSU coach Mike Riley were believed to be at the top of the pack for a time. Paulo's brother, Darryl Paulo, is a defensive lineman at Washington State, which was also a contender for Darrin.
Utah's offensive line class looks to be a strength for Wednesday's Signing Day: Utah has already secured commitments from Johnny Capra, Nick Carman, Keven Dixon, James Empey and Jake Grant. Harding, who recruits the Sacramento area, appears to be securing his future at Utah with a new title and what figures to be a promising new addition.
Paulo has five years to play four seasons, and he should enter the program right away. You can view his Hudl page here.
Matt Piper has a story breaking down who Utah is still in the running for as Wednesday approaches. You can read more on the list of commitments the Tribune has reported on below (click for details).
2015
2016
Kyle Goon
Twitter: @kylegoon