Three Utah Signees Who Will Make an Immediate Impact in 2024
Utah had themselves a very productive early signing day. The team added to some of their most needed position groups, while also dominating in-state recruiting by signing three of the top-five Utah prospects from this year's class.
While each and every incoming player, high school recruit or transfer, has the ability to make a name for themselves on the Utah squad, there are some who might have the ability to expedite the process.
The following list is composed of three early signing day additions who have a strong probability of making an immediate impact in 2024.
Isaiah (Ike) Garcia (OT) Corner Canyon
Garcia is arguably the most likely candidate to make an early impact for the Utes. At 6-foot-5 290-pounds, Garcia is a plug-and-play athlete for the Utes offensive line in 2024.
With left guard Keaton Bills leaving for the NFL Draft, and right tackle Sataoa Laumea declaring for the Senior Bowl, the Utes have multiple holes to fill before the 2024 season begins.
As the top-ranked player in Utah for the 2024 recruiting class, Garcia may be able to follow in the footsteps of last year’s No.1 recruit in the state of Utah, Spencer Fano (Timpview HS).
Fano was a year-one starter for the Utes and achieved 247Sports Freshman All-American Honors for his impressive season at left tackle. The tackle started every game of the season for the Utes and only gave up two sacks.
Garcia and Fano have several similarities in the way they play the tackle position. Both are technically sound and physically imposing beasts to line up against. Moreover, Utah offensive line coach Jim Harding is one of the best in the business at developing talent in the offensive trench.
Jeilani Davis (S) Mater Dei
Davis, a three-star prospect from Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, California, is a dark horse pick to be an immediate contributor for the Utes program.
While he might be a sleeper candidate to make an instantaneous impact on the defensive end, Davis is as ready for the next level as safety prospects come. Originally committing to Utah as a strong safety, but also well versed at playing free safety, Davis comes from one of the best high school football programs in the country.
Davis was no stranger to big plays during his high school career. As a senior on one of the country’s premier high school defenses, Davis secured five interceptions to go along with five pass deflections.
Many scouts have praised Davis for his methodical approach to the safety position. Additionally, the incoming freshman from Inglewood has been held in high regard for his high motor and ability to make plays.
The high turnover of the Utes’ safety room also adds to the likelihood that Davis will be able to contribute next season. The Utes are set to lose both of their starting safeties, Cole Bishop and Sione Vaki, to the 2024 NFL Draft. The squad also saw multiple safeties enter the transfer portal.
Between his high floor and the lacking Utah safety depth, Davis stands as a strong contender to see significant playing time during the 2024 season.
Carsen Ryan (TE) Transfer from UCLA
Ryan should be able to make an immediate impact thanks to how frequently Utah implements the tight end position.
Ryan fits well within the pre-existing Utah tight end room. With a large 6-foot-4, 255-pound frame, he is a formidable threat in both the pass-catching and run-blocking game. A player that excels in the latter is exactly what Utah needs.
Utah lost Thomas Yassmin, after the tight end used his final year of eligibility, and have yet to find out the status of Brant Kuithe for the 2024 season. With the status of Kuithe unknown, Landen King is the most experienced tight end on the Utes’ roster and exists primarily as a downfield threat. Utah does have senior Miki Suguturaga on the roster, a former defensive lineman who excels at run blocking, however, Suguturaga is not the most experienced pass-catcher. With a well-rounded, athletic skill set, Ryan can be a large offensive contributor in 2024.
Ryan recorded 13 catches for 205 yards and three touchdowns with UCLA in 2023, and those numbers should all expect to see a bump with Cam Rising throwing the former Bruin the ball in 2024.
