Ive known several LDS athletes who have been visited by coaches. When the coaches hear the athlete wants to serve a mission, they are pretty blunt in telling them the school isn’t interested.
Whittingham is one of the few coaches who supports athletes going on missions. I know one person Utah is currently recruiting. They have said they support a mission, but do want him to join the team for one season before going.
As much as I don’t like Utah, the staff supports LDS athletes. So, yes, I can understand why they would choose Utah.