Utah Football just secured an impressive commitment with the addition of three-star safety Diesel Dart. The 6'1, 175-pound safety from Corner Canyon High School is the younger brother of former Utah high school football legend, and current New York Giants starting quarterback, Jaxson Dart. Diesel is also the son of former Utah defensive back Brandon Dart.
Diesel Dart is the 105th-ranked safety in the class of 2027 and the 19th-ranked player in the state. He's the 12th commit Utah picked up in the 2027 class and the second defensive back. Dart held offers from Michigan, Arizona, Auburn, BYU, and several other programs. He was scheduled to have an official visit with the Cougars this weekend, but canceled and committed to the Utes instead.
Morgan Scalley and Utah's safeties coach, Derrick Odum, were no doubt drawn to Dart's physical play style. He loves contact and relishes any opportunity to make a big hit. Dart can line up all over a defense and make plays. He does a great job tracking ball carriers and sifts through the chaos to limit offenses. Dart flies to the ball quickly and excels at finishing tackles. He takes good pursuit angles and gets around blockers easily.
Dart's athleticism is on full display in coverage. He does a great job reading quarterbacks' eyes and has good hands to make them pay on errant throws. Dart plays the ball well in the air and has the speed to cover both sides of the field. He gives it his all every snap and could see time on special teams early based on his effort alone. Dart will need to add strength to play at the next level, but with time, he could be an elite safety for the Utes.
Last fall, Dart had 48 tackles, two interceptions, five pass breakups, and one forced fumble. He also saw some time on offense, where he had 131 receiving yards and one touchdown. All while helping Corner Canyon to a 12-1 record and a 6A State Championship. Diesel will look to the latest Dart to have an outstanding college career. Jaxon won over 25 games and nearly led Ole Miss to the playoffs. His father, Brandon, played in over 20 games at Utah and had over 190 tackles.
Coach Odum now has Diesel Dart and three-star Darrod Jacobs in his first recruiting class as the Utes new safeties coach. He knows exactly what it takes to succeed up on the hill, having both played and coached at Utah. Both safeties will have the chance to learn from experienced veterans. Jackson Bennee will have two years of starting under his belt by the time both players arrive on campus. The Utes also have safeties like Nate Tilmon, Marcus Wimberly, and Davis Andrews, who should all help the class of 2027 recruits acclimate to college football. Dart will have to work for his spot at Utah, but with his mindset and skill set, he could be a special defensive back for the Utes.