Coach Jim Boylen did not want to get caught up in trying to guess which of his new recruits is more likely to make an impact sooner rather than later, but did offer a capsule review of all five of the players who signed binding letters of intent during the early signing period this week.

-- Guard Jordan Cyphers, 6-4, Southeast HS, Wichita, Kansas

"Cyphers is the best long-range shooter I saw this summer. Shooting is a big part of what we're doing. He's long, he can run, and he's athletic. ... He can catch-and-shoot, and also defend. That's a hard combination to find."

-- Center Jason Washburn, 6-11, Central HS, Battle Creek, Michigan

"Washburn can block shots, run and rebound. That can get him on the floor here. ... Has an unbelievable motor, and is a runner and shot-blocker."

-- Guard Chris Hines, 6-0, Klein Forest HS, Houston, Texas

"Hines has the toughness and the ability to create and also receive. He's a good shooter to get him on the floor here. ... A tough nut, who can guard."

-- Guard Jace Tavita, 6-4, Brighton HS, Sandy, Utah

"Tavita can push the ball. He's the best guard I saw in the summer at getting into the paint and creating, and then pushing the ball in transition. We want to run, he has length and a nose for the ball and some toughness."

-- Forward Josh Sharp, 6-7, Lone Peak HS, Highland, Utah

"Sharp is the best-conditioned guy I've seen in high school. He's a runner, he's long and he's athletic. That fits into what we're doing. We want to run and we want to push the ball. He can guard three positions, maybe four. ... That fits into what we're doing."

In sum, Boylen said he's especially encouraged by a class that was rated second-best in the Mountain West Conference by the Rivals recruiting service. He also singled out Brighton's Lindon Johnson and Lone Peak's Quincy Lewis as being coaches who helped develop their players to the point that they can play for the Utes (though Sharp is expected walk-on before serving an LDS Church mission).

“To me, they all fit into what we’re doing,” he said. “Toughness, defense, running and shooting are kind of our four things. ... That’s what I want. That’s what I think can win here, that’s what we’re going to recruit to, and I feel like I got five guys who value the defensive end of the floor and then they all have their individual strengths."