The Utah Utes earned a recruiting victory over rival BYU on Sunday when Northridge senior Chris Washington, one of the top-rated safeties in the west, committed to Utah. Washington, a 6-foot-2, 195-pound receiver and safety for the Knights, was highly sought after by both programs but ultimately decided to go with the Utes because he was more comfortable with Utah.
"My sister [Kelli] already goes to school there and it just felt like a better fit," he said.
Washington said Utah's recent defensive success also played a part in his decision. He was recruited by Utah defensive coordinator Gary Andersen.
"They're nationally ranked right now and the safeties are always a strong part of the team and that is my position," he said. "I'm definitely excited."
Washington said his commitment was solid.
"It would have to take a lot to pull me away," he said.
Washington is the ninth commitment for the Utes' 2009 recruiting class. Two other Utahns who have committed to the Utes are Jordan offensive lineman Vyncent Jones and defensive end James Aiono, who is at Snow College after attending Murray High.

Here is the list of oral commitments for 2009 so far. It doesn't include receiver Travis Cobb, who gave the Utes an oral commitment then decided to keep looking.
Vyncent Jones, 6-3, 270-pound offensive lineman out of Jordan High
Jarrad Stewart, 5-10, 180-pound safety out of Pearland, Texas
Chris Brown, 6-1, 185-pound running back out of Newbury Park, Calif.
C.J. Porter, 6-1, 185-pound receiver out of Concord, Calif.
Jamal Smith, Oxford, Calif., 6-2, 185-pound receiver out of Oxford, Calif.
Eric Dago, 6-foot-4, 210-pound defensive end out of Houston, Texas
James Aiono, Snow College, 6-3, 275-pound defensive end out of Murray High, now at Snow College
Colby Goodwin, a 6-foot-5, 202-pound tight end out of Cypress, Texas
Chris Washington, 6-foot-2, 195-pound safety out of Northridge High

- Lya Wodraska