Utes target their quarterback 

June, 27, 2012
6/27/12
2:42
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While quarterback commitments have come at a rapid pace throughout much of the Pac-12 conference, a few programs have taken their time with the position. Utah -- one of the few conference schools without a quarterback in its 2013 class -- made a move Tuesday night, extending an offer to Conner Manning (El Toro, Calif./El Toro).

With so many terrific quarterbacks from Southern California, Manning is the surprise answer to the question: Which Orange County (Calif.) quarterback holds the record for passing yards in one season? Last season, Manning didn't just break Matt Barkley's record of 3,560 yards, set in 2007. He shattered it, as he completed 62 percent of his throws for 4,219 yards and 41 touchdowns.

At 6-foot-2 and 194 pounds, college coaches have been hesitant to offer the quarterback, despite those prolific numbers. But Utah passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach Aaron Roderick visited Manning this spring and returned a second time with offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Brian Johnson. The two saw enough in Manning to extend an offer.

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