2014 RB commits to Utes

As a sophomore, Kearns (Utah) running back Amone Finau wasn't on a lot of recruiting radars. However, after a strong showing at several camps this spring, Finau earned a big-time Pac-12 offer and committed soon after.

Finau turned heads at the All-Poly camp, where his performance caught the eye of several colleges. "I thought that it was a lot of good competition. My line did a good job of blocking, so I couldn't have done it without them," Finau said.

After receiving his scholarship offer at the All-Poly camp, it didn't take long for Finau to commit to his local favorites. "Utah was the first to offer me. Other schools were talking to me, but I just told them that I was going to stick with the U because of my family and it's close to home," he explained. "The U has a good program and it's close to home, so my family can come watch me."

Finau has developed a strong relationship with Utah tight ends coach Ilaisa Tuiaki, who worked with him at both the All-Poly Camp and the Utah elite camp. "He was a good coach. He showed me a lot of new things like using my vision and stuff. I think he's a good person. He told me a lot of stuff not only about football but the education side also," he said.

Finau, who played in four games for Kearns as a sophomore before injuring his MCL, is looking to have a big junior season on both sides of the ball. However, the Utes are looking at him primarily at running back, which is a position Finau believes he can excel at in college. "My strengths are I can run the ball and I have great vision," he said.

Finau, who will only be 17 when he graduates, plans on playing for Utah for two years before leaving on an LDS mission. In the meantime, the talented back maintains that although it's early, his commitment is solid. "I'm going to stick with the U because I like that school. My family likes it too," he said.