Utah has landed a commitment from Houston (Texas) Blinn College safety Maurice Evans.

The 6-foot-2, 190-pound defensive back revealed his commitment on Saturday. He’s viewed as one of the top junior college safeties in the Class of 2024 and chose the Utes over interest from Washington State, Memphis, Temple, and Coastal Carolina, among others.

Evans played in nine games for the Buccaneers both this season and last season. He posted 76 total tackles, one tackle for loss, two pass breakups, and a forced fumble. For his efforts this season, Evans was named to the Southwest Junior College Football Conference (SWJCFC) First Team.

He doesn’t have a Composite ranking, but the evaluators at 247Sports have Evans rated as a 3-star prospect and the No. 5 safety in the 2024 JUCO class. He’s the No. 62 overall prospect.

According to UteZone’s Steve Bartle, Evans will join the program next summer. He’ll have three years to play two with the Utes, and joins the safety room at a time of serious transition. Both Cole Bishop and Sione Vaki — key figures in the back end of the Utah defense — are off to the NFL.

If Evans can step in right away and contribute, it would be huge for the Utes.

His pledge brings the 2024 class to 12 known commits. You can see Evans’ highlight tape below, via Hudl: