Wednesday, during the Utah Elite football camp, Brighton (Sandy, Utah) linebacker Cody Barton's dream came true. Barton was offered a scholarship and the opportunity to continue a long family legacy, following in his parents' and older brother Jackson's footsteps. Barton did exactly what he told UteZone previously that he would do, as he committed right on the spot.

One year ago today, Utah Head Coach Kyle Whittingham called Kavika Fonua and his injured cousin, Barton, into his office. Fonua received an offer, but Barton-who was battling a back injury-was told to keep working hard and that he would soon be in the same position. At the conclusion of today's camp, a healthy Barton was asked to meet Whittingham after camp. Just like that-after an injury-riddled junior year-Whittingham stuck to his word and Barton was given his coveted offer.

For Barton, there was no hesitation. "I just told him I wanted to be a Ute and committed," he said.

The offer and ensuing commitment was a big relief for Barton. "At first when we came in there, I was just waiting and waiting for it," he said. "It seemed like it was taking a long time and then when he offered, it just felt like all this weight had fallen off my shoulders. It felt good."

Utah defensive coordinator Kalani Sitake and defensive line coach Ilaisa Tuiaki were Barton's recruiters throughout the process and the entire time, they gave him encouragement, believing in his abilities. "We're good friends and they just told me, 'be patient, keep working hard. Just be patient, it'll come,' and they were right," said Barton.

Missing the majority of his junior year was a huge motivation for Barton. "Sitting from the sidelines changed my mind on what hard work really was and what I needed to do to get healthy and become a really good player," he said.

His injury dealt with a problem with his lower vertebra, but Barton insists that it is a problem that he can play through. He says it's the same kind of injury that former Ute Eric Weddle has never missed a beat with. In order to get his back right and in playing condition, Barton sought out another former Ute. "I started working out at John Madsen's place and he just got me way strong," said Barton, who has put on nearly 20 pounds of muscle this offseason.

Now with his back stronger, the commitment over, and everything looking up, Barton has one thing to tell Ute Nation. "Get ready for me," he said.