The University of Utah got a big signing day surprise today, with the commitment of Manvel HS linebacker, Justin Medlock. The former Miami commit visited Utah back on December 6th and the decision came down to the wire. Medlock took unofficial visits to Utah, Miami, SMU, and TCU. The Utes were actually later to the party, as they offered him at the end of November, even before his Miami decommit. Medlock is a three-star inside linebacker, ranked no. 11 at the position by Rivals. He held over 30 offers from the “who’s who” of college football.

This late development comes on the heels of Utah’s Devin Lloyd being a consensus All-American and Nephi Sewell being named All-Pac-12. It speaks volumes to how Utah linebackers coach Colton Swan has begun to be viewed nationally.

Film Evaluation

He’s an athletic, downhill linebacker who explodes through contact and wants to finish on his terms. Smart and slippery at point of attack. Playmaker who frequently seems to find himself in the right spot. Draws comparisons to Gionni Paul.

-Westlee Tonga, Utah tight end 2010-2014

What this signing means for Utah

Even with Devin Lloyd going pro and Sewell also weighing that option, the Utah linebacker group is loaded. Karene Reid would likely fill one of the two spots, if both starting backer head to the NFL Draft, but there will be a healthy competition for the other spot. There’s no doubt that Swan has become one of the absolute best linebacker coaches in the country.