Utah Utes Flip Miami 2016 RB Commit Zach Moss

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

The Utes took advantage of a pipeline to Florida and Miami’s firing of Al Golden to land Hallandale 2016 running back Zach Moss on Monday.

On paper, everything is trending up for Moss. The 5’10”, 205 pound, running back is part of Hallandale High School’s amazing 10-2 season that includes a second round 27-20 playoff win over a tough American Heritage squad with a Friday showdown against Bishop Moore. Before the playoffs began, the Florida native had rushed 100 times picking up 786 yards with 11 touchdowns.

In April, Moss verbally committed to the Miami Hurricanes opting to stay closer to home. Over time, the Utes continued to recruit Moss while landing verbal commitments from teammates Tyler Huntley (QB) and Demari Simpkins (WR). Utah landed their third running back of the 2016 recruiting class over offers from Cincinnati, Louisville, Appalachian State, Tennessee, and Kentucky.

Moss made his commitment public via Twitter posting, “I’ve committed to the University of Utah” in all caps.

Utah is still not out of the woods yet with Moss, at least in theory. Moss has a January official visit set with Kentucky and has let it be known that playing in the SEC is a prospect that intrigues him. Moss is set to visit Utah on Dec. 11.

The Utes now have 23 verbal commitments to their 2016 recruiting class with eight coming from California, five from in-state schools, and a well-developed Florida base adding five total players. The class is fairly balanced with 13 players committed to playing offense with a couple of key recruits like Kahi Neves, Davir Hamilton, and Demari Simpkins able to play multiple positions if needed.

Utah 2016 Verbal Commitment List (23)

DB Micah Croom, 6’2”, 190 lbs, La Mirada HS, La Mirada, California

FS Ohaji Hawkins, 6’2”, 169 lbs, Winter Haven Senior, Winter Haven, Florida

DE Leki Fotu, 6’6”, 255 lbs, Herriman HS, Herriman, Utah

DE Semisi Laukai, 6’4”, 240 lbs, Leuzinger HS, Lawndale, California

DT David Fangupo, 6’1”, 290 lbs, Cerritos C.C., Norwalk, California

DT Handsome Tanielu, 6’2”, 305 lbs, Snow College, Ephraim, Utah

LB Alema Pilimai, 6’4”, 200 lbs, Tustin HS, Tustin, California

LB Kurtis Taufa, 6’2”, 230 lbs, Snow College C.C., Ephraim, UT

RB Devontae Henry-Cole, 5’9”, 190 lbs, St. Thomas Aquinas, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

RB Thomas McDonald, Grossmont C.C., El Cajon, California

RB Zack Moss, 5’10”, 205 lbs, Hallandale HS, Hallandale, FL

QB Tyler Huntley, 6’1”, 175 lbs, Hallandale HS, Hallandale, Florida

QB Kahi Neves, 6’3”, 235 lbs, Brighton HS, Salt Lake City, Utah

QB Troy Williams, 6’2”, 210 lbs, Santa Monica C.C., Santa Monica, California

WR Julian Blackmon, 6’1”, 175 lbs, Layton HS, Layton, Utah

WR Alec Dana, 6’3”, 190 lbs, Chaffey HS, Ontario, California

WR R.J. Hubert, 5’11”, 178 lbs, Moapa Valley HS, Overton, Nevada

WR Demari Simpkins, 6’0”, 176 lbs, Hallandale HS, Hallandale, Florida

TE Cole Fotheringham, 6’5”, 220 lbs, San Clemente HS, San Clemente, California

OG Tucker Scott, 6’5”, 265 lbs, San Clemente HS, San Clemente, California

OT Scott Peck, 6’6”, 296 lbs, Central Valley HS, Veradale, Washington

K/P Mitch Wishnowsky, 6’4”, 220 lbs, Santa Barbara C.C., Santa Barbara, California

ATH Davir Hamilton, 6’3”, 200 lbs, Verbum Dei HS, Los Angeles, California

 

Photo credit: hspnsports.com; No. 4 Zach Moss gets his stiff arm ready fighting for more yards.