While working on a feature last week about University of Utah defensive end Paul Kruger, from Orem's Timpanogos High, I asked Utes coach Kyle Whittingham about his philosophy regarding Utah County recruits.

Seemingly, BYU should have a big advantage in its home county. But Whittingham, the former Cougar, doesn't see it that way. After all, the Utes lured Kruger away from Utah County, and are probably in the lead for the services of his brother, David Kruger, who is a senior at Timpanogos this year.

"We've made some hay down there the past few years," Whittingham said. "We would like to think we can get some guys out of there once in a while.

"The guys we have had from down there in the past have been very productive for us, for the most part."

Last year, Utah lured one of the nation's more highly touted quarterbacks, Griff Robles of Spanish Fork, away from UC.

Key contributors on Utah's roster this year from Utah County include American Fork receiver Derrek Richards, Provo lineman Corey Seiuli and Pleasant Grove tight end Colt Sampson (injured).

Other Utah County Utes include Lone Peak's Nate Empey, Timpanogos' Isley Filiaga, Lone Peak's Clint Mower and Orem's Tobias Titus, Zeke Tuineu-Wily and Peter Tuitupou.

Obviously, BYU doesn't concede Salt Lake County to the Utes, either. BYU is also getting a non-LDS kid from out of the Utah's shadow this year, having received a commitment from West High running back Garrett Nicholson.

The Cougars are also pursuing Alta's Sausan Shakerin, whose cousin, Bo Nagahi, played for Utah.