Rivals250 ATH makes shocking commitment

Rivals250 athlete and Army All American Chase Hansen has shocked the state of Utah with his pledge to suit up for Kyle Whittingham and the University of Utah. It has been a widely held belief that Hansen, the son of a proud BYU alumnus, was headed down the same path as his father did to play for BYU.

"I committed last night," said Hansen. "I talked to coach Whit about it for a while, but it was down to BYU, Utah and Stanford. I decided I want to stay in state and be close."

Though Hansen holds offers from BYU, Utah and Utah State, Stanford said an offer was on the table if he showed up at their high school camp, with one caveat that he play defense.

Being pigeon-holed doesn't sit well with a competitor like Hansen, the starting quarterback for Lone Peak. The chance to compete at the quarterback in a school tied in with a big time conference like the Pac-12 was ultimately too big an opportunity to turn down.

"It came to a point where I felt really good about my decision," noted Hansen about the events leading up to his commitment. "I called coach Whit last night and let him know I want to be a Ute. Now I'm super excited about it all and it's kind of wild with everybody trying to get a hold of me and I'm so excited about it all, I can't wait."

Being that Hansen lives so close to the influence of rivals BYU, the news of his commitment is already sending shockwaves through the minds of stunned fans and observers who thought a BYU commitment was just a formality.

"I feel like a lot people were surprised," he said. "When I told some people they were shocked about it and I can see why."

A lot of people expected me to go to BYU. But my family and people who are close to me told to make the best decision for myself and my own future. It's my future and when I came to my decision it just felt like Utah was the perfect place for me not just football wise, but it really is a great place with a lot of things going on and its moving in an awesome direction. There's a lot excitement there and I felt a lot of support from my family and friends."

One of the biggest factors that Hansen pointed out for him was Utah's new membership in the Pac-12. Getting to that point was a process for the senior to be, but Hansen feels at peace now with his choice.

"It's the pac-12. Its big, it's exciting. I still think BYU is going in another direction of their own which is awesome, but I felt like the Pac-12 was a cant miss experience and an opportunity with other aspects about Utah that I thought would be perfect."

There were points where it felt like I as obligated to go one way or another. When I narrowed it down it almost became harder. I couldn't make my decision until I spent an entire week just really taking time to go through all the steps and make a mature decision."

Hansen said he is one hundred percent committed to play for Utah. "I feel like there's no better decision. I feel like this is where I want be, the coaches have really just had an effect on me and my decision and I think it's the perfect place for me. I don't see myself every changing my mind at al."

Hansen is a member of the LDS church and plans on leaving right out of high school on a two year mission.