As far as potential goes, the Utes have a squeeze on top talent within the state.
Carlson (6-foot-11, 210 pounds) is the No. 1-ranked prospect in Utah, a consensus four-star recruit, and a Scout top-100 player. He took the Utes over offers from UCLA, Stanford and BYU among others.
"Branden is a 6-11, multi-skilled player who has a great combination of size, hands, running and jumping abilities," coach Larry Krystkowiak said in a school news release. "His tremendous work ethic and determination are to be commended and will be a great asset to our program as we move forward.