Utah did really well this year in-state. It is not always easy to keep local kids at home. Some see the merits of staying close to home and playing in front of family and friends–the home town hero. But others want to leave the nest, regardless of how nice the nest; they get starry-eyed. Interesting to have seen some of those latter types transferring back in recent years.
If you want to see an interesting list, check out where the top 25 California recruits from this year signed:
Top California Football Recruits 2020
Of the top 25 recruits, only 1 (and maybe another) signed with an in-state school. That is nuts. I do not see how Helton still has a job–USC should have its pick of these recruits. Although in-state recruits, California, unlike Utah, is big enough that staying in-state can still feel like you are getting away from the nest.
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