SALT LAKE CITY — When Utah was hit with an injury to starting running back Matt Asiata, coach Kyle Whittingham simply reached over to the conveyer belt and pulled off junior Eddie Wide.
Wide responded with three consecutive 100-yard rushing games as the Utes head into today’s game against Air Force.
The cycle of recruiting to performance on the field is working like clockwork at Utah. The recruiting has been enhanced by Utah’s success, including last season’s 13-0 run and 31-17 victory over Alabama in the Sugar Bowl that shocked college football.
“Without a doubt,” Whittingham said when asked if the national exposure from last season added even more to his recruiting program. “I think we received three or four new commitments right after the Sugar Bowl game. We’re striving for depth, and that comes back to recruiting.”
Wide already was on the roster, but the Utes have a string of eight consecutive bowl wins that have added recruiting value in the past.
“At first I didn’t know that much about Utah,” said Wide, who played high school ball in Las Vegas. “I remember they had a good season and a bowl win and that put Utah on the map for me. I did some research, and it was the team for me.”
At 5-feet-10 and 195 pounds, Wide does things differently than Asiata, who, at 5-11, 230, is a big, power running back. But the bottom line has been the same.
“Matt was powerful, while I have quick feet,” Wide said. “I’m more of a slasher-type back. Speed is my power.”
After last year’s BCS season, the Utes have roared back and are 5-1 (2-0 Mountain West) and ranked No. 19 this week.
“We’ve reached the point where we don’t have to explain who we are in our recruiting,” Whittingham said. “We pretty much can get in any door to see a player in the country.”
Air Force coach Troy Calhoun says the Utah formula is a model.
“I remember when a coach said that if you have a really great year, then watch four years later to have a really great year again,” Calhoun said. “You can just tell that Utah has made a dedicated effort. In the long haul, it’s absolutely recruiting.”
Irv Moss: 303-954-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com
