Utah continues to make an early push for in-state talent in the 2028 recruiting class, and Crimson Cliffs safety Slade Stevenson is the latest prospect to receive an offer from the Utes.
The sophomore defensive standout picked up his first collegiate offer from Utah following his visit for Saturday night’s matchup against Kansas. For Stevenson, the opportunity was one he won’t forget.
“This is a day I’ll never forget. Receiving my 1st offer and having it come from the University of Utah is special. This one means a lot,” Stevenson told me.
Stevenson was in attendance for Utah’s first-ever stadium whiteout at Rice-Eccles Stadium, an experience that made an already memorable weekend even more special.
“Being a part of the first-ever stadium whiteout made the whole experience even more special. The game day atmosphere was amazing.”
During his visit, Stevenson spent the most time with Utah defensive coordinator Colton Swan, who personally extended the offer. He also had the opportunity to connect with several other members of the program.
“Coach Swan mostly and my offer came directly from him. I also had a great time with Mikey Jacobsen, Coach Fogal, and Mason Yellico.”
Utah’s defensive staff has been impressed with Stevenson’s film and development. The Utes see him as a versatile defensive prospect with the potential to play either safety or outside linebacker as he continues to grow.
“They told me they love my film and my progress. They see the potential for me to play a couple of different positions depending on how much I continue to grow physically but that I fit either SAF or OLB very well.”
Stevenson also made it clear that Utah isn’t simply extending an early offer. The coaching staff has emphasized how highly they think of him and how serious they are about his recruitment.
“They said I’m exactly the type of player they’re looking for in recruiting. They said they are very high on me and want this offer to mean just as much to me as it does to them.”
That message was followed by a clear indication of how aggressively Utah plans to pursue the young defensive standout over the next two years.
“They made it clear that they’re going to recruit me very hard over the next two years because they truly want me to be a part of their program.”
The interest appears to be mutual.
Stevenson has already developed a strong appreciation for Utah’s defensive identity, player development, and the direction of the program under Morgan Scalley.
“I love the way Utah develops players, the coaches and staff, the culture, and the direction of the program. I love their defensive scheme and I see myself fitting it very well.”
With two years of high school football still ahead of him, Stevenson is only beginning his recruitment. But with Utah becoming the first program to extend an offer, the Utes have already made a significant early impression on the Crimson Cliffs standout.