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What it Means: Another Elliss is a Ute

The University of Utah got more good news on the recruiting trail today when Jonah Elliss, a 6-foot-2, 210 pound linebacker prospect out of Moscow, ID, committed to play for the Utes as part of their 2021 class.

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If that last name sounds familiar, it's because Jonah is the son of one of Utah's all-time great players, Luther Elliss. Colton Swan and the Utah staff have been after Elliss for a while, and he joins Trey Reynolds as the second linebacker commit of this class. Elliss held offers from several other schools- Washington State, Boise State, Louisville, Army, Air Force, Idaho, and Weber State- and if his bloodline is any indication, he has the potential to be a big-time player for the Utes. Not only was his father an All-American that went on to have a long NFL career, but his brother, Kaden, was an outstanding linebacker for the Idaho Vandals that was taken in the 2019 NFL draft and is currently with the New Orleans Saints.


What Utah is Getting

Elliss, at 6-2 210 pounds, brings a solid build that will definitely make him versatile in Utah’s defense. With his family genes, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him grow into a defensive end/outside linebacker for the Utes. Elliss is a very instinctual linebacker and does a terrific job of staying patient to read the flow of the football in a pass or run situation. His pass rushing skills are also intriguing, as the first play on tape he does a nice job of making a move on the running back who’s in pass protection then sacks the quarterback. Elliiss definitely needs to add weight to his frame in order to be a successful edge rusher in the Pac-12. Would also like to see him use more violent hands in his pass rush with a club and rip move or a swim move to ultimately get him in the backfield quicker.


What it Means For the Class

As mentioned above, Elliss is Utah's second linebacker commit of the 2021 class. How many more they will take is somewhat up in the air at the moment, since they're in the mix for some very good prospects. The program will look to take one to two more linebackers, but it could be more if some of the elite prospects they're after decide they want in. Some names to keep an eye on as Utah continues its recruiting efforts are Ethan Calvert and Mason Tufaga.


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