Corner Canyon HS, Draper, Utah four-star strong side defensive end Van Fillinger decided to stay home for college and signed with the Utah Utes. Fillinger originally committed to the Texas Longhorns, but he backed off that pledge after defensive coordinator Todd Orlando was fired. Fillinger had his choice of many blue-blood programs, but he decided to be a Hometown Hero.
Fillinger, an All-American Bowl participant, has nice size at 6-3.5, 250 pounds. He shows the ability to play across the defensive line. I like how well he uses his hands to shed blocks and make plays in the backfield.