4-star RB Ca’lil Valentine sets official visit to Pac-12 program

Chandler (Ariz.) four-star running back Ca’lil Valentine made his first trip to Utah on April 22. Less than two months later, he will be returning to Salt Lake City.

Valentine is taking an official visit to the Utes from June 16-18, he told On3. It marks the first scheduled official for the 6-foot-0, 175-pound recruit.

“Utah stood out to me,” Valentine said about his visit last month. “It was a really good time when I went down there. I didn’t expect it, so they definitely blew away my expectations… When I finally went down there, it was a good place to be at. I was talking to the coaches. It’s just great to be able to take another visit there. The first time I went to take my unofficial, my mom wasn’t with me, so that’s another reason why I’m taking an official there, so she can be able to come and my little brother too.”

Running backs coach Quinton Ganther is Valentine’s main contact with the program. They have already built a strong relationship.

“Real close,” Valentine said about his connection with Ganther. “Coach Ganther’s a real good dude. He’s down-to-earth, he’s not always talking about football. He also talks to me about how I’m doing, what’s going on at school, outside of school. He’s definitely a guy that cares for his players not only in football, but also outside of football. I really like that. It really stands out.”

Valentine is excited to return to Utah

On his official, Valentine is excited to learn more about Utah’s academic offerings. He also looks forward to seeing more of the Utes’ campus.

Utah, who currently has three commitments in its 2024 recruiting class, is coming off back-to-back Pac-12 Championships and Rose Bowl appearances. Head coach Kyle Whittingham and his staff also notched a top-25 class last cycle.

“I definitely like the coaching staff,” Valentine said. “The coaching staff is amazing. Coach Whittingham, Coach Q, everybody’s amazing. It’s just a great group of guys that are always willing to help me, always willing to reach out.”

Valentine is the No. 338 overall prospect and No. 29 running back in the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He is also the No. 8 player in Arizona.

On3 rates Valentine higher than other recruiting services, according to the Industry Comparison. Per the 2024 On300, he is the No. 264 overall prospect, No. 20 running back and No. 6 player in Arizona.

In addition to Utah, Valentine has taken unofficial visits to four other programs this spring. They are Arizona (March 18), Arizona State (April 15 and March 15), Miami (March 31) and Oregon (Jan. 28).

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