RECRUITING: Lincoln County’s Burgess orally commits to play football at Southern Utah

Cody Burgess was one of the most heavily recruited players in the history of Lincoln County football, with schools such as Stanford, Boise State, UNR and UNLV showing early interest.

But in the end, the behemoth senior offensive tackle decided his best offer was his first — Southern Utah.

Burgess orally committed to the Thunderbirds following his official visit to the Cedar City, Utah, campus last weekend. He picked a full scholarship from Southern Utah over an invitation to walk on at UNR.

“It’s taken a lot of pressure off,” Burgess said. “I couldn’t make up my mind for a while, but I’m excited to go over and play for them.”

The 6-foot-7-inch, 270-pound Burgess has been told he will likely remain at offensive tackle at Southern Utah.

He was a dominant left tackle and defensive tackle at Lincoln County, helping the Lynx finish 7-4 and tie for the regular-season Class 2A Southern League title at 6-1.

Burgess came away impressed with Southern Utah’s coaching staff.

“They’re a great bunch of guys, they’re all funny guys,” he said. “They took good care of me. I really appreciated that.”

Burgess will be joined at Southern Utah by Centennial linebacker Matt Holley. The Thunderbirds are also recruiting Las Vegas High
quarterback Emir Lopez, who made an official visit to the school.

“I’m just looking forward to going over and playing some more football,” Burgess said. “It looks like I could have a good future over there.”

WHIPPLE, POULSEN TO REBELS — Pahranagat Valley backfield stars Brady Whipple and Taylor Poulsen have accepted invitations to walk on at UNLV, Panthers coach Ken Higbee said.

Whipple, a 6-2, 185-pound running back/linebacker, rushed for 11 touchdowns and had 16 TD receptions this season. He had 62 tackles and three interceptions.

Poulsen, a 6-2, 175-pound quarterback/linebacker, rushed for 19 TDs and threw for 32. He made 71½ tackles and had three interceptions.

The duo led the Panthers to a 12-0 season, capped by their third 1A state title in four years.

GRAHAM CEREMONY — Silverado senior defensive end Keenan Graham said Monday he will announce his decision between UCLA and Utah in an on-campus ceremony Wednesday morning.

Graham originally committed to UCLA in November but has been considering Utah since making an official visit to the Utes in January. He also visited Nebraska, Wisconsin, Colorado and UCLA.

The 6-3, 220-pound Graham had 14 sacks as a junior and 10 as a senior.

Graham will be joined at the ceremony by cornerback Michael Wadsworth, Silverado coach Andy Ostolaza said. Wadsworth plans to sign with Hawaii.