In the days leading up to his eventual decision to sign with the University of Utah last month, Harvey Langi's thoughts just kept going back to his seven younger siblings.
If he signed with USC, who would be there to look after them? If he wasn't around being the bossy big brother, would one of them one day be sitting in an office taking a drug test to save their high school football season? It's unlikely, but it's a risk Langi wasn't willing to take.
Utah's move to the Pac-12 and the opportunity for immediate playing time definitely factored into his decision to stay close to home, but being a role model to his younger siblings probably tipped the scale.
Three months ago he might not have been so passionate about the role. Perspectives can change quickly when the blue and red lights are flashing because of you.
Back in mid-October, Langi and three of his friends were caught trespassing in a home under construction in South Jordan. The police officers smelled marijuana at the scene, and Langi caved into the pressure of the moment and admitted to smoking — even though a drug test the following week indicated he hadn't been smoking.
With such a bright future ahead of him, the highly-touted Bingham running back allowed himself to be put in a very vulnerable situation.
"That was an eye opener, and what I learned from that is you have your true friends and then you have friends who are just there to bring you down," said Langi. "Friends are a big impact in a teenagers life."
Langi is the first to admit he was idiot for going into the South Jordan home that October evening, and he's committed to helping his younger siblings make better choices.
As for himself, Langi's already loving his decision to stay close to home. Having graduated from Bingham High School early, Langi is already enrolled at the University of Utah and is taking two classes a day. It's been less than a month but he already feels like a Ute.
"I'm loving it here. I love every minute living up here. There's no second thought, no doubt. Every day I wake up I can't wait to put on a Ute shirt or Ute sweatshirt and head to class," he said. "It's a family thing already. I have a passion for this school already. I feel great about my choice."
Langi will make his declaration official when he signs his national letter of intent during today's signing day. It's really just a formality at this point.
The coming months are all about adjusting to college life and fulfilling his own expectations for his freshman season.
Langi is the first to admit that the opportunity to start as a true freshman weighed heavily in his decision to sign with the University of Utah. With the graduation of Matt Asiata and Eddie Wide, and a career-ending injury for Sausan Shakerin, Langi is expected to compete with Harbor College (Calif.) transfer John White and Texas prep standout Jarrell Oliver (Dulles HS) for the Ute starting job.
Many believe he's fast enough and strong enough to handle the rigors of the job immediately.
"Everyone knows that the running back spot is up for grabs for anyone who will work hard for it. I knew if I came in here and busted my butt, maybe I can have that chance," said Langi. "I just really need to buy into things if I really want the spot."
At USC, it might've been years before Langi cracked the depth chart at running back, and there were even rumblings about moving him to linebacker. That uncertainty is all behind him, and he's hopeful about a bright future with the Utes.
If he signed with USC, who would be there to look after them? If he wasn't around being the bossy big brother, would one of them one day be sitting in an office taking a drug test to save their high school football season? It's unlikely, but it's a risk Langi wasn't willing to take.
"That's another reason I wanted to stay. I have young brothers that I need to set straight, and I don't want to be in that same situation, ever," said Langi.
Utah's move to the Pac-12 and the opportunity for immediate playing time definitely factored into his decision to stay close to home, but being a role model to his younger siblings probably tipped the scale.
Three months ago he might not have been so passionate about the role. Perspectives can change quickly when the blue and red lights are flashing because of you.
Back in mid-October, Langi and three of his friends were caught trespassing in a home under construction in South Jordan. The police officers smelled marijuana at the scene, and Langi caved into the pressure of the moment and admitted to smoking — even though a drug test the following week indicated he hadn't been smoking.
With such a bright future ahead of him, the highly-touted Bingham running back allowed himself to be put in a very vulnerable situation.
"That was an eye opener, and what I learned from that is you have your true friends and then you have friends who are just there to bring you down," said Langi. "Friends are a big impact in a teenagers life."
Langi is the first to admit he was idiot for going into the South Jordan home that October evening, and he's committed to helping his younger siblings make better choices.
As for himself, Langi's already loving his decision to stay close to home. Having graduated from Bingham High School early, Langi is already enrolled at the University of Utah and is taking two classes a day. It's been less than a month but he already feels like a Ute.
"I'm loving it here. I love every minute living up here. There's no second thought, no doubt. Every day I wake up I can't wait to put on a Ute shirt or Ute sweatshirt and head to class," he said. "It's a family thing already. I have a passion for this school already. I feel great about my choice."
Langi will make his declaration official when he signs his national letter of intent during today's signing day. It's really just a formality at this point.
The coming months are all about adjusting to college life and fulfilling his own expectations for his freshman season.
Langi is the first to admit that the opportunity to start as a true freshman weighed heavily in his decision to sign with the University of Utah. With the graduation of Matt Asiata and Eddie Wide, and a career-ending injury for Sausan Shakerin, Langi is expected to compete with Harbor College (Calif.) transfer John White and Texas prep standout Jarrell Oliver (Dulles HS) for the Ute starting job.
Many believe he's fast enough and strong enough to handle the rigors of the job immediately.
"Everyone knows that the running back spot is up for grabs for anyone who will work hard for it. I knew if I came in here and busted my butt, maybe I can have that chance," said Langi. "I just really need to buy into things if I really want the spot."
At USC, it might've been years before Langi cracked the depth chart at running back, and there were even rumblings about moving him to linebacker. That uncertainty is all behind him, and he's hopeful about a bright future with the Utes.
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