Utah State Insider

Gary Andersen Football Signing Press Conference

2010-02-05T13:00:00.003-07:00

Football Commit List Updated

2010-01-31T09:06:00.008-07:00

# Name Year Signed? Position Height Weight Home State Other Schools Offered
1 Keegan Andersen Fr Y Ath 6-2 191 Utah Unknown
2 McKade Brady Fr N Ath 6-0 170 Utah Transfer
3 Alfred Bowden Jr Y CB 6-0 185 Arizona UTEP
4 Nevin Lawson Fr Y CB 6-0 180 Florida Unknown
5 Dominique Gaisie Jr Y CB 5-9 165 California Washington
7 Gavin Jones Jr Y DB 6-3 185 Utah New Mexico
8 Rashad Stewart Fr Y DB 5-11 180 Florida Unknown
9 JD Oglivie Fr N DB 6-1 170 California FCS Transfer
10 *Jason Fanaika Fr Y DE 6-4 240 Utah Unknown
11 Elvis Matagi Fr N DL 6-2 255 Hawaii UNLV
12 Evan Huahulu Jr Y DT 6-2 330 California SMU
13 Nick Diaz Fr Y K 5-9 180 California Unknown
14 Parker Hausknecht Fr Y LB 6-0 210 Utah Unknown
15 Nate Needham Fr Y LB 6-2 220 Utah Unknown
16 Chris Fox Fr Y LB 6-3 216 Arizona Nevada, UNLV
17 Tavaris McMillan Fr Y LB 6-2 210 Florida Unknown
18 Taani Fisilau Fr Y OL 6-2 303 Utah Unknown
19 Bryce Walker Fr Y OL 6-7 300 Utah Utah
20 *Brandon Taukeiaho Fr Y OL 6-4 295 Utah Unknown
21 Brooks Abel So Y OL 6-6 305 Washington Nevada, Fresno State
22 Jeremy LaPan Jr Y OL 6-6 295 California Arkansas State
23 Alex Hart Fr Y QB 6-3 185 Utah Unknown
24 Jeremy Higgins Fr N QB 6-1 195 Hawaii Unknown
25 *Trevor Brown Fr Y QB 6-5 200 Utah Unknown
26 Joseph Hill Fr Y RB 6-2 185 California Unknown
27 Brian Suite Fr N S 6-3 188 Hawaii Hawaii
28 Jordunn Matinson Fr Y TE 6-5 230 Utah Unknown
29 Xavier Martin Jr Y WR 5-10 200 Maryland Temple
30 Dontel Watkins So Y WR 6-3 200 Tennessee Unknown
31 Travis Reynolds Fr Y WR 6-0 165 Florida Central Michigan
32 Shaan Johnson Fr Y WR 6-2 170 California KSU, SJSU

Potential Recruits

2010-01-29T00:00:00.006-07:00

Tight End
Mark Evans 6-3 220 Woods Cross, Utah

Aaron Muhammed 6-3 225lbs. Tyler College

Rafael Washington 6-5 248lbs. Ventura Community College

Mychal Rivera 6-4 235lbs College Of The Canyons

Projected Spring Depth Chart

2010-01-23T12:47:00.002-07:00

Depth # Name Position Height Weight Yr/Exp Home State
## Keegan Andersen Ath 6-2 191 Fr Utah
## McKade Brady Ath 6-0 170 Fr Utah
1 7 Chris Randle CB 5-10 176 Sr California
1 23 Curtis Marsh CB 6-1 184 Sr California
2 ## Alfred Bowden CB 6-0 185 Jr Arizona
2 ## Dominique Gaisie CB 5-9 165 Jr California
3 10 Chris Harris CB 5-8 170 Jr California
3 36 Quinton Byrd CB 5-10 174 So Florida
4 ## Jermal James CB 5-9 190 Jr California
4 38 Washington Igboeli CB 5-10 170 RsJr Texas
5 33 Cortland Christian CB 5-9 165 RsFr Utah
5 ## JD Oglivie CB 6-1 170 Fr California
1 42 Junior Keiaho DE 6-3 244 Jr Utah
1 37 Quin Garner DE 6-3 236 Jr California
2 47 Levi Koskan DE 6-4 208 Jr Utah
2 98 Steven Clark DE 6-5 258 Jr California
3 97 Robert Tidwell DE 6-4 250 So Texas
1 92 Casey Davis DT 6-3 281 Sr Utah
1 91 Sean Enesi DT 5-10 271 Sr California
2 60 Daniel Gurrola DT 6-2 275 Sr California
2 ## Evan Huahulu DT 6-2 330 Jr Hawaii
3 95 DJ Tialavea DT 6-5 276 RsFr Utah
3 54 Nathan Royster DT 6-0 252 Sr California
4 26 Jerome Barbour DT 6-5 242 Sr California
4 77 Tryn Mesarch DT 6-5 245 RsFr California
5 99 Cedric Reeves DT 6-2 282 Jr California
5 58 Kamaloni Vainikolo DT 6-2 280 Sr Hawaii
53 Alex Marsaw LB 6-1 200 RsFr California
## Nate Needham LB 6-2 220 Fr Utah
59 Nick Ciancone LB 6-4 202 RsFr Utah
89 Patrick Scales LS 6-4 230 Sr Utah
1 9 Bobby Wagner MLB 6-1 217 Jr California
2 15 Reuben Willis MLB 5-10 239 Jr California
3 32 Jacob Atckinson MLB 6-1 208 Jr Texas
4 41 Jordan Glass MLB 6-2 232 Sr California
1 76 Funaki Asisi OG 6-3 295 Jr Utah
1 67 Oscar Molina OG 6-5 265 So California
2 68 Phillip Gapelu OG 6-2 306 Jr California
2 79 Robert Hill OG 6-2 260 Jr Texas
65 Chris Friesen OL 6-5 245 So Texas
66 Eric Schultz OL 6-4 295 RsFr Washington
64 Jaime Markosian OL 6-2 270 RsFr Utah
78 Parker Robertson OL 6-4 280 RsFr Nevada
1 40 Connor Williams OLB 6-3 230 RsFr Ontario
1 44 Devin Johnson OLB 6-3 231 Sr California
2 43 Kyle Gallagher OLB 6-1 203 Jr California
2 20 Maxim Dinka-Mba OLB 5-11 211 Sr Texas
3 51 Jake Doughty OLB 6-0 195 RsFr Utah
1 52 Spencer Johnson OT 6-5 285 Sr California
1 69 Ty Rogers OT 6-4 279 Jr Colorado
2 ## Jeremy LaPan OT 6-6 295 Jr California
2 74 Tariq Polley OT 6-4 315 Sr Georgia
3 63 Tanner Richins OT 6-6 308 Jr Utah
3 75 Tyler Larsen OT 6-4 273 RsFr Utah
1 8 Peter Caldwell P/K 6-4 236 Sr Utah
1 12 Diondre Borel QB 6-0 187 Sr California
2 14 Kane Wilson QB 6-4 215 Fr California
3 7 Jeff Fischer QB 6-0 195 Sr California
4 19 TJ Cannales QB 6-2 185 Fr Utah
5 ## Steven Vincent QB
1 6 Robert Turbin RB 5-10 202 Jr California
2 34 Michael Smith RB 5-9 187 Sr Arizona
3 21 Derrvin Speight RB 5-9 193 Sr Texas
4 30 Kerrwin Williams RB 5-9 180 So Nevada
5 33 Josh Flores RB 5-5 161 Jr Utah
6 ## Troy Hansen RB
1 14 Jamaine Olson S 6-0 183 Jr Oregon
1 27 Rajric Coleman S 6-2 179 Sr Arizona
2 39 Cache Morgan S 5-10 180 S Utah
2 ## Gavin Jones S 6-3 185 Jr Utah
3 28 Brett Smith S 5-11 190 RsFr Utah
3 49 Joey Schrader S 6-0 197 Sr Utah
4 40 Nick Vought S 5-10 190 RsJr Utah
1 90 Kellen Bartlett TE 6-3 244 Jr Missouri
2 88 Tarren Lloyd TE 6-7 247 Jr Utah
1 84 Matt Austin WR 6-3 197 Jr California
1 11 Stanley Morrison WR 5-9 151 Jr Texas
1 ## Xavier Martin WR 5-10 200 Jr Maryland
2 ## Dontel Watkins WR 6-3 200 So Tennessee
2 82 Eric Moats WR 6-0 173 Sr Colorado
2 87 Mikail Morgan WR 6-2 190 So Florida
3 24 Austin Alder WR 5-11 178 Jr Utah
3 2 Cameron Sanders WR 6-0 157 RsFr Oklahoma
3 80 Travis Van Leeuwen WR 6-3 188 RsFr Utah
4 5 Ben Macey WR 6-1 185 So Utah
4 19 Emmanuel Ojeriaki WR 6-2 205 So California
4 ## Travis Reynolds WR 6-0 165 Fr Florida
5 ## Eunique Williams WR 5-10 195 Fr Tennessee
5 23 Josh Johansen WR 5-9 175 So Utah
## Michael Royer
## Zac Vigil

Spring Roster

2010-01-23T11:57:00.003-07:00

# Name Position Height Weight Yr/Exp Home State
2 Cameron Sanders WR 6-0 157 RsFr Oklahoma
5 Ben Macey WR 6-1 185 So Utah
6 Robert Turbin RB 5-10 202 Jr California
7 Jeff Fischer QB 6-0 195 Sr California
7 Chris Randle CB 5-10 176 Sr California
8 Peter Caldwell P/K 6-4 236 Sr Utah
9 Bobby Wagner MLB 6-1 217 Jr California
10 Chris Harris CB 5-8 170 Jr California
11 Stanley Morrison WR 5-9 151 Jr Texas
12 Diondre Borel QB 6-0 187 Sr California
14 Jamaine Olson S 6-0 183 Jr Oregon
14 Kane Wilson QB 6-4 215 Fr California
15 Reuben Willis MLB 5-10 239 Jr California
19 Emmanuel Ojeriaki WR 6-2 205 So California
19 TJ Cannales QB 6-2 185 Fr Utah
20 Maxim Dinka-Mba OLB 5-11 211 Sr Texas
21 Derrvin Speight RB 5-9 193 Sr Texas
23 Curtis Marsh CB 6-1 184 Sr California
23 Josh Johansen WR 5-9 175 So Utah
24 Austin Alder WR 5-11 178 Jr Utah
26 Jerome Barbour DT 6-5 242 Sr California
27 Rajric Coleman S 6-2 179 Sr Arizona
28 Brett Smith S 5-11 190 RsFr Utah
30 Kerrwin Williams RB 5-9 180 So Nevada
32 Jacob Atckinson MLB 6-1 208 Jr Texas
33 Josh Flores RB 5-5 161 Jr Utah
33 Cortland Christian CB 5-9 165 RsFr Utah
34 Michael Smith RB 5-9 187 Sr Arizona
36 Quinton Byrd CB 5-10 174 So Florida
37 Quin Garner DE 6-3 236 Jr California
38 Washington Igboeli CB 5-10 170 RsJr Texas
39 Cache Morgan S 5-10 180 S Utah
40 Nick Vought S 5-10 190 RsJr Utah
40 Connor Williams OLB 6-3 230 RsFr Ontario
41 Jordan Glass MLB 6-2 232 Sr California
42 Junior Keiaho DE 6-3 244 Jr Utah
43 Kyle Gallagher OLB 6-1 203 Jr California
44 Devin Johnson OLB 6-3 231 Sr California
47 Levi Koskan DE 6-4 208 Jr Utah
49 Joey Schrader S 6-0 197 Sr Utah
51 Jake Doughty OLB 6-0 195 RsFr Utah
52 Spencer Johnson OT 6-5 285 Sr California
53 Alex Marsaw LB 6-1 200 RsFr California
54 Nathan Royster DT 6-0 252 Sr California
58 Kamaloni Vainikolo DT 6-2 280 Sr Hawaii
59 Nick Ciancone LB 6-4 202 RsFr Utah
60 Daniel Gurrola DT 6-2 275 Sr California
63 Tanner Richins OT 6-6 308 Jr Utah
64 Jaime Markosian OL 6-2 270 RsFr Utah
65 Chris Friesen OL 6-5 245 So Texas
66 Eric Schultz OL 6-4 295 RsFr Washington
67 Oscar Molina OG 6-5 265 So California
68 Phillip Gapelu OG 6-2 306 Jr California
69 Ty Rogers OT 6-4 279 Jr Colorado
74 Tariq Polley OT 6-4 315 Sr Georgia
75 Tyler Larsen OT 6-4 273 RsFr Utah
76 Funaki Asisi OG 6-3 295 Jr Utah
77 Tryn Mesarch DT 6-5 245 RsFr California
78 Parker Robertson OL 6-4 280 RsFr Nevada
79 Robert Hill OG 6-2 260 Jr Texas
80 Travis Van Leeuwen WR 6-3 188 RsFr Utah
82 Eric Moats WR 6-0 173 Sr Colorado
84 Matt Austin WR 6-3 197 Jr California
87 Mikail Morgan WR 6-2 190 So Florida
88 Tarren Lloyd TE 6-7 247 Jr Utah
89 Patrick Scales LS 6-4 230 Sr Utah
90 Kellen Bartlett TE 6-3 244 Jr Missouri
91 Sean Enesi DT 5-10 271 Sr California
92 Casey Davis DT 6-3 281 Sr Utah
95 DJ Tialavea DT 6-5 276 RsFr Utah
97 Robert Tidwell DE 6-4 250 So Texas
98 Steven Clark DE 6-5 258 Jr California
99 Cedric Reeves DT 6-2 282 Jr California
## Keegan Andersen Ath 6-2 191 Fr Utah
## Alfred Bowden CB 6-0 185 Jr Arizona
## Dominique Gaisie CB 5-9 165 Jr California
## Gavin Jones S 6-3 185 Jr Utah
## Evan Huahulu DT 6-2 330 Jr Hawaii
## Nate Needham LB 6-2 220 Fr Utah
## Jeremy LaPan OT 6-6 295 Jr California
## Xavier Martin WR 5-10 200 Jr Maryland
## Dontel Watkins WR 6-3 200 So Tennessee
## JD Oglivie DB 6-1 170 Fr California
## McKade Brady Ath 6-0 170 Fr Utah
## Jermal James CB 5-9 190 Jr California
## Travis Reynolds WR 6-0 165 Fr Florida
## Eunique Williams WR 5-10 195 Fr Tennessee
## Zac Vigil
## Troy Hansen RB
## Steven Vincent QB
## Michael Royer

The Gary Andersen Coaching Pedigree

2010-01-19T10:08:00.005-07:00

Gary Andersen began his college football career where he was an offensive lineman for the University Of Utah. Andersen was coached by then Utah coach, Jim Fassel. Jim Fassel went on to be the head coach of the New York Giants who appeared in the 2000 Super Bowl. Andersen's position coach, offensive line, at Utah was Ron McBride. Andersen graduated with a degree in Political Science from the University Of Utah.

Ron McBride left Utah after Andersen graduated in 1986 for Arizona to coach under Dick Tomey, the former head coach of San Jose State. As the assistant head coach in 1989, McBride helped lead the Arizona Wildcats to a Copper Bowl win over North Carolina State. In 1990, McBride became the head coach of Utah. After two seasons with Utah, McBride took the Utes to their first bowl appearance in more than a decade in 1993. In all, McBride led Utah to six bowls and eighty-eight wins.

Andersen joined McBride as Utah's defensive tackles and ends coach in 1997. In 1999, Andersen helped lead Utah to its first Mountain West Conference championship. While at his first stint at Utah, Andersen helped lead Utah to two bowls and forty-nine wins, including bowl victories over Fresno State and USC.

In 2003, Andersen became the head coach at Southern Utah where SUU had just three wins in the previous two seasons. In 2003, Andersen led the T-Birds to more wins, four, than it had in the previous two seasons. Andersen was then hired by Urban Myer in 2004 as the defensive line coach. In the 2004 season Andersen helped lead the Utes to an undefeated season and a Fiesta Bowl victory over Pittsburgh. In 2005 Andersen became the defensive coordinator for the Utes under new head coach, Kyle Whittingham. While at Utah during his second stint, Andersen helped lead Utah to forty-nine wins and five bowls, including a Fiesta Bowl victory and a Sugar Bowl victory over Alabama in 2008. In 2008 Andersen was a finalist for the Broyles Award which is given to one of the best assistant coaches in the nation. While at Utah, Andersen was widely known as one of the top recruiters in the nation.

"During his tenure at Utah, Andersen coached 14 first-team all-conference players (three this season), including two Mountain West Conference defensive players of the year in John Frank (1999) and Eric Weddle (2005 and 2006), as well as a consensus All-American in Weddle in 2006. Andersen has also coached seven players drafted in the NFL in Richard Seals, John Frank, Lauvale Sape, Sione Pouha, Jonathan Fanene, Eric Weddle and Paul Soliai, in addition to several other players who made NFL rosters as free agents."

Andersen's four wins in 2009 are just four of many to come while head coach at Utah State.

Football Commitment List Updated

2010-01-17T13:45:00.002-07:00

# Name Year Signed? Position Height Weight Home State Other Schools Offered
1 Keegan Andersen Fr N Ath 6-2 191 Utah Unknown
2 Alfred Bowden Jr Y CB 6-0 185 Arizona UTEP
3 Nevin Lawson Fr N CB 6-0 180 Florida Unknown
4 Dominique Gaisie Jr N CB 5-9 165 California Washington
5 Gavin Jones Jr Y DB 6-3 185 Utah New Mexico
6 Wave Ryder Fr N DB 6-2 190 Hawaii Unknown
7 Jason Fanaika Fr N DE 6-4 240 Utah Unknown
8 Elvis Matagi Fr N DL 6-2 255 Hawaii UNLV
9 Evan Huahulu Jr Y DT 6-2 330 California SMU
10 Nick Diaz Fr N K 5-9 180 California Unknown
11 Parker Hausknecht Fr N LB 6-0 210 Utah Unknown
12 Nate Needham Fr Y LB 6-2 220 Utah Unknown
13 Chris Fox Fr N LB 6-3 216 Arizona Nevada
14 Taani Fisilau Fr N OL 6-2 303 Utah Unknown
15 Bryce Walker Fr N OL 6-7 300 Utah Utah
16 Brandon Paukeiaho Fr N OL 6-4 295 Utah Unknown
17 Brooks Abel So N OL 6-6 305 Washington Nevada, Fresno State
18 Jeremy LaPan Jr Y OL 6-6 295 California Arkansas State
19 Alex Hart Fr N QB 6-3 185 Utah Unknown
20 Jeremy Higgins Fr N QB 6-1 195 Hawaii Unknown
21 Jordunn Matinson Fr N TE 6-5 230 Utah Unknown
22 Xavier Martin Jr Y WR 5-10 200 Maryland Temple
23 Dontel Watkins So Y WR 6-3 200 Tennessee Unknown
24 Shaan Johnson Fr N WR 6-2 170 California KSU, SJSU

Hawaii's benefit to the WAC

2010-01-07T16:27:00.003-07:00

I had a long discussion with a Bronco friend of mine about Hawaii’s benefit to the WAC. This particular friend of mine is pro-WAC.

This previous season (2009), Boise State was able to schedule 13 regular season games and go 13-0 before beating TCU in the Fiesta Bowl. According to the Fiesta Bowl, Boise State and TCU brought $23.8 million to the non automatic qualifying schools as a result of their successful seasons and being ranked high enough in the BCS rankings. One difference between TCU and Boise State was their regular season record. Boise State had one more victory than TCU in the regular season. How is this possible?

According to NCAA rules, teams that play Hawaii on the road are able to make up their travel expenses to and from Honolulu by scheduling another game. The intent is to recuperate the travel costs to and from Hawaii which are an estimated $1 million for most WAC teams. Hawaii is the only football-playing school in the nation where this is possible. What was Boise State’s thirteenth game? Boise State scheduled a home game with FCS UC Davis of the Great West Conference. NCAA rules allow FBS teams to play one FCS team per year which counts towards bowl eligibility. Boise State received an estimated $2.25 million in revenue for this game.

Here comes the math. If Boise State earns $2.25 million for scheduling a home game, spends $1 million on travel expenses to and from Hawaii, pays an FCS team $400,000 to play in Boise, then that leaves an estimated $850,000 that Boise State is able to add to its overall athletic budget. Therefore, Hawaii is worth an estimated $850,000 to Boise State this year.

What else is interesting about this topic is that many teams in 12-team conferences across the nation may end up playing a thirteenth game as a result of a conference championship game. However, in that case, it’s a game in which they must play. They cannot schedule any conference championship game they please. Why is this significant?

Because Boise State is able to schedule a team that gives them a tune-up type of game early in the season as a result of having a more flexible five-game out of conference schedule. Don’t underestimate the importance of having a game which allows second and third string players to receive playing time. Though it may not show outwardly depth allows a team like Boise State to run the marathon that is the college football season and have its starters fresh late in the year, i.e. TCU on January 4.

Boise State is a football program that Utah State is striving to become. Take note, Aggie fans. And note the value of WAC membership which includes Hawaii and the thirteenth game biannually. If Aggie fans can appreciate it, they’ll be one step ahead of Bronco fans when the day of successes comes. The grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence.

Merry Christmas Aggies

2009-12-22T10:22:00.002-07:00

Jermal James

2009-12-21T09:45:00.005-07:00

Jermal James is a 5-9 190lb CB and a transfer from Northern Michigan University. Jermal plans on enrolling in the spring and will be a junior at USU.

The following link is Jermal's profile at Northern Michigan University.

Micheal Royer

2009-12-21T09:36:00.003-07:00

Micheal Royer is a 6-1 180lb DB from Lamoille, Nevada who will be joining the USU football program this spring.

The following link is his rivals.com profile.
http://rivals.yahoo.com/wisconsin/football/recruiting/player-Mike-Royer-59101

JD Ogilvie

2009-12-21T09:24:00.002-07:00

JD Ogilvie, who also goes by Jonathan, will be enrolling at Utah State and joining the football program. JD is a 6-1 170lb DB and a transfer from Valparaiso University where he signed a letter of intent last year. Valparaiso's coach was fired at the end of the season which could've played a factor in JD's decision to transfer to Utah State. JD will be a freshman with four years to play.

Wave Ryder

2009-12-18T20:07:00.003-07:00

According to Tony Jones' blog at sltrib.com, Wave Ryder has verbally committed to Utah State. Note the spelling on the last name.

Wave Ryder is a 6-2 190lb safety out of Kamehameha in Hawaii.

Here is Wave's scout.com profile.

According to pacificathleticalliance.com Wave runs a 4.57 40, benches 225lbs, and has a 33" verticle.

Tony also noted that Travis Reynolds has not officially joined the USU football team. This is correct.

Dominique Gaisie

2009-12-17T23:52:00.004-07:00

Utah State Insider has confirmed that Dominique Gaisie, a 5-9 165lb cornerback out of Mt. San Antonio College is on campus and plans on playing football for USU.

Dominique Gaisie signed with the Washington Huskies of the PAC 10 last season.

Dominique would be a junior in the 2010 football season.

Travis Reynolds

2009-12-17T22:44:00.003-07:00

Utah State Insider has confirmed that Travis Reynolds is enrolling in Spring Semester and is joining the football program this spring.

Travis Reynolds comes to Utah State from Boyd Anderson HS in Florida. He's a 6-0 165lb reciever.

The following link is Utah State's official letter of intent signing last February.

http://www.utahstateaggies.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/020609aab.html

Current Aggie Football Commitments

2009-12-17T09:17:00.005-07:00

# Name Year Signed? Position Height Weight Home State
1 Keegan Andersen Fr N Ath 6-2 191 Utah
2 Alfred Bowden Jr Y CB 6-0 185 Arizona
3 Nevin Lawson Fr N CB 6-0 180 Florida
4 Gavin Jones Jr Y DB 6-3 185 Utah
5 Wave Ryder Fr N DB 6-2 190 Hawaii
6 Jason Fanaika Fr N DE 6-4 240 Utah
7 Elvis Matagi Fr N DL 6-2 255 Hawaii
8 Evan Huahulu Jr Y DT 6-2 330 California
9 Parker Hausknecht Fr N LB 6-0 210 Utah
10 Nate Needham Fr Y LB 6-2 220 Utah
11 Taani Fisilau Fr N OL 6-2 303 Utah
12 Bryce Walker Fr N OL 6-7 300 Utah
13 Brandon Paukeiaho Fr N OL 6-4 295 Utah
14 Brooks Abel So N OL 6-6 305 Washington
15 Alex Hart Fr N QB 6-3 185 Utah
16 Jeremy Higgins Fr N QB 6-1 195 Hawaii
17 Jordunn Matinson Fr N TE 6-5 230 Utah
18 Xavier Martin Jr Y WR 5-10 200 Maryland
19 Dontel Watkins So Y WR 6-3 200 Tennessee

By position:
Athlete-1
Cornerback-2
Defensive Back-2
Defensive End-1
Defensive Tackle-2
Linebacker-2
Offensive Line-4
Quarterback-2
Tight End-1
Wide Reciever-2

Utah State Signs 5 JC transfers

2009-12-16T22:15:00.004-07:00

Dec. 16, 2009

Coach Andersen quotes on the five signings

LOGAN, Utah - Utah State football head coach Gary Andersen announced that five players signed with Utah State on Wednesday, the start of the early signing period. Defensive back Alfred Bowden, defensive tackle Evan Huahulu (pronounced Who-uh-hulu), defensive back Gavin Jones, wide receiver/kick returner Xavier Martin and wide receiver/kick returner Dontel Watkins will join the Aggies' roster for the 2010 season.

"We went into the offseason with the mindset to fill some spots on our football team with some junior college players, and this was a huge, huge step for us to fill those spots by signing these junior college players and have them be mid-year players," Andersen said. "That was something that we put an emphasis on throughout the year. We wanted to find JC guys that were mid-year guys and be able to get them in. I think we won some very aggressive recruiting battles that went right down to the last minute with quite a few of these young men. I think it's great to get these junior college guys at mid-year. It's a huge advantage for them and for us."
Wednesday was the first day of the junior college signing period. Junior college students who will earn their degree in time to enroll at a four-year school in the spring may sign National Letters of Intent through Jan. 15. All five players will attend Utah State this spring and will participate in spring football.

Bowden is a 6-0, 185-pound defensive back and is a Glendale, Ariz. (Deer Valley HS/Phoenix CC) native. Bowden, who will have two years of eligibility for the Aggies, chose USU over other offers including UTEP and Southern Illinois. At Phoenix CC last season, Bowden earned first-team all-Western State Football League honors after snaring a league-high five interceptions to also collect first-team all-Arizona accolades. Bowden logged 52 tackles, including one for loss, this past season in helping the Bears to a 4-6 record. In 2008, Bowden registered one interception, as well as 12 tackles plus one forced fumble.

At Deer Valley HS, Bowden was named the all-Northwest Region player of the year as well as earning first-team all-Northwest Region accolades as a defensive back, wide receiver and punter. He also garnered honorable mention all-state accolades and was named to the Arizona All-Star Team. Bowden was Deer Valley's Athlete of the Year his senior year. As a junior, Bowden was a first-team all-region selection at defensive back after collected honorable mention recognition as a sophomore.

Defensive tackle Huahulu, is 6-2, 330 pounds, and is a native of Anaheim, Calif., (Servite HS/SMU). Hauhulu is transferring to USU from SMU, where he played in one game last season, only seeing action in the Mustangs' season-opener. Hauhulu will have to sit out of competitive action for one year due to transfer rules. As a true freshman in 2008, Huahulu played in nine games for SMU, mostly on field goal tries and PATs.

At Servite HS, Huahulu was a two-star Rivals.com prospect. Huahulu was also a letterwinner in wrestling at Servite, posting a 19-3 record as a heavyweight his senior season and winning the Trinity League championship.

Jones, a 6-3, 185-pounder, is a native of Orem, Utah (Orem HS/Snow College), coming to USU from Snow College, where he recently helped the Badgers win the Top of Mountains Bowl, finishing the season with a 10-2 record. As a sophomore in 2009, Jones earned first-team all-region accolades after registering 46 tackles and six pass break-ups in addition to blocking two punts. For his career at Snow, Jones finished with 90 tackles, 20 pass break-ups and three interceptions.

At Orem HS, Jones earned all-state and academic all-state honors. He had four interceptions in addition to 17 tackles his senior season.

Martin is a 5-10 and 200-pound wide receiver/kick returner, and a native of Joppa, Md. (Joppatowne HS/Grossmont JC), coming to USU from Grossmont JC in California, where he helped the Griffons to an 8-3 record this past season. The Griffins capped their season by defeating El Camino College 27-22 in the US Bank Beach Bowl on Nov. 21. Martin, who will have two years of eligibility with the Aggies, chose USU over other offers from Wyoming, Temple and Arkansas State. Martin originally signed with the University of Maine out of high school. Martin earned first-team all-Super 7 Conference honors as a freshman and second-team all-conference accolades as a sophomore. He finished his Grossmont career with 30 catches for 400 yards with 1,110 all-purpose yards with six TD's.

At Joppatowne HS, Martin was a two-time all-county running back selection in helping JHS to the state playoffs his senior season after making it to the state semifinals as a junior. He rushed for over 1,000 yards his senior season in being named to the Prepstar Top 25 for the state of Maryland. Martin also lettered in basketball, earning defensive player of the year honors as a senior. Martin was also named to the JHS academic honor roll all four years.
Watkins, a 6-3, 200 pound wide receiver/kick returner, is a native of Nashville, Tenn. (Antioch HS/Butler CC), coming to USU from Butler CC, the winningest junior college program in the country with the highest winning percentage since 1998 and the No. 1 program in NJCAA since 2000. Watkins, who chose USU over other offers by Toledo and Troy, will have three years of eligibility for the Aggies, redshirting during Butler's 2008 national championship season. In 2009, Watkins earned first-team all-Jayhawk Conference accolades as a kick returner and honorable mention all-Jayhawk Conference recognition as a wide receiver in helping the Grizzlies to an 8-3 ledger and a No. 10 national ranking. Watkins had a 36.8 yards per kick return average with one TD. He also had 16 receptions for 370 yards (23.1 ypc) with three TD's, as well as three rushes for 21 yards with an additional TD.

At Antioch HS, Watkins was a three-sport letterwinner in football, basketball and track & field. Watkins earned third-team all-state honors in football his senior season, as well as earning all-state recognition for track & field in the long jump.

Utah State finished Andersen's first year at the helm of the USU program with a 4-8 mark, the Aggies' most wins since 2002. Utah State finished 3-5 in WAC action, matching last season for top conference record in USU's five seasons in the league.

Utah State Mid-Year Signings
NAME POS HT WT YR HOMETOWN (Previous School)
Alfred Bowman DB 6-0 185 JR Glendale, Ariz. (Deer Valley HS/Phoenix CC)
Evan Huahulu DT 6-2 330 JR* Anaheim, Calif., (Servite HS/SMU)
Gavin Jones DB 6-3 185 JR Orem, Utah (Orem HS/Snow College)
Xavier Martin WR/KR 5-10 200 JR Joppa, Md. (Joppatowne HS/Grossmont JC)
Dontel Watkins WR/KR 6-3 200 SO Nashville, Tenn. (Antioch HS/Butler CC)
* = will sit out next season due to transfer rules
-USU-

2010 Utah State Football Preview

2009-11-11T21:57:00.005-07:00

2010 Utah State Football Preview
Schedule
Idaho State
BYU
New Mexico State
Idaho
Hawaii
Fresno State
At Oklahoma
At San Diego State
At Boise State
At Nevada
At Louisiana Tech
At San Jose State

Recruiting needs
2 Safeties- 1 Junior College Transfer, 1 High School
2 Defensive Tackles- 2 High School
2 Defensive Ends- 2 High School
2 Linebackers- 1 Junior College Transfer, 1 High School
2 Cornerbacks- 2 High School
1 Quarterback- 1 High School
2 Wide Receivers- 1 Junior College Transfer, 1 High School
3 Offensive Linemen- 2 Junior College Transfers, 1 High School
1 Tight End- 1 High School
1 Running Back- 1 High School
1 Kicker- High School

1 Athlete- High School

Current Verbals
Taani Fisilau OG 6’2” 303lb. Cottonwood HS, Ut.
Bryce Walker OT 6’7” 300lb. Pleasant Grove HS, Ut.
Jordunn Mattinson TE 6’5” 230lb. Spanish Fork HS, Ut.
Jason Fanaika DE 6’4” 240lb. Pleasant Grove HS, Ut.
Nevin Lawson CB 6’0” 180lb. Piper HS, Fl.
Alex Hart QB 6'3" 185lb. Jordan HS, Ut.

Parker Hausknecht LB 6'0" 210lb. Alta HS, Ut.

Gavin Jones CB/S 6'3" 185lb. Snow College JC, Ut.

Nate Needham LB 6'2" 220lb. Pine View HS, Ut.

Keegan Andersen WR/S/LS 6'2" 191lb. Juan Diego HS, Ut.

Jeremy Higgins QB 6'1" 195lb. St. Louis HS, Hi.

Assuming All Of The Above Sign, What’s Left?
2 Defensive Tackles- 2 HS
1 Defensive End- 1 HS
1 LB- 1 JC arriving in January
1 CB- 1 HS
2 WR- 1 JC arriving in January, 1 HS
2 OL- 2 JC arriving in January
1 RB- 1 HS
1 K- 1 HS
1 Ath- 1 HS

Notes:
Keep in mind that Coach Andersen stated that he’d only sign 4-5 JC kids at a recent coach’s luncheon.

Key Recruiting Dates:
Dec. 5, 2009 St. Mary’s home basketball game with football recruits in attendance including junior college transfers who would arrive in January
Dec. 12, 2009 UVU home basketball game with football recruits in attendance including junior college transfers who would arrive in January

Shout to Aggie fans attending those two games
Making a strong impression to these junior college and high school kids is critical to the future success of USU football. Make your presence felt at these games. And make it known that you want these kids at Utah State.
Way Too Early Projected Depth Chart
Defense:
S- Jamaine Olson Jr, Rajric Coleman Jr, Walter McClenton Jr, Gavin Jones Jr
CB- Chris Randal Sr, Curtis Marsh Sr, Quinton Byrd So, Chris Harris Jr
OLB- Connor Williams RsFr, Quinn Garner Jr
MLB- Bobby Wagner Jr, JC transfer
OLB- Kyle Gallagher Jr, Reuben Willis Sr
DE- Junior Keiaho Jr, Robert Tidwell So
DT- Casey Davis Sr, Nathan Royster Sr
DT- Sean Enesi Sr, DJ Tialavea RsFr
DE- Devin Johnson Sr, Levi Koskan Jr
Offense:
WR- Matt Austin Jr, Eric Moats Sr
WR- Stanley Morrison Jr, Cameron Sanders RsFr
WR- Mikhail Morgan So, JC transfer
RB- Robert Turbin Jr, Michael Smith Sr
QB- Diondre Borel Sr, Kane Wilson RsFr
TE- Kellen Bartlett Jr, Tarren Lloyd Jr
OT- Spencer Johnson Sr, Christian Brown-Frazier RsSo
OG- Oscar Molina So, Funaki Asisi Jr
C- David Disman Jr, JC Transfer
OG- Phillip Gapelu Jr, Tyler Larsen So
OT- Ty Rogers Jr, Tariq Polley Sr
Thus, I believe that at least 4 out of 5 JC transfers have a chance to play immediately. Of course, there’s always a chance that a true freshman stands out and finds a way to play in his first year.

-Utah State Insider-

2009-11-10T11:07:00.001-07:00

2009 NCAA football coaches contracts
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/2009-coaches-contracts-database.htm

Patterson's defensive nature rooted in Utah State football

2009-11-10T10:59:00.000-07:00

Kragthorpe: Patterson's defensive nature rooted in Utah State football

The Salt Lake Tribune

Updated: 11/09/2009 07:48:39 PM MST

TCU head coach Gary Patterson, center, smiles as safety Tejay Johnson (3),... (The Associated Press)
They're what Israel Byrd remembers about playing defensive back for Gary Patterson. Those eyes that seemingly glowed with energy and intensity, that captured everything happening on the field, even before the film was processed.
"He didn't miss anything," Byrd said. "He had a lot of passion, a lot of enthusiasm. It was intimidating for young guys at first, but he inspired me a lot."
Patterson was 32 years old, breaking into Division I coaching at Utah State in 1992 after being hired by new coach Charlie Weatherbie just in time for spring practice.
Everything that Patterson is doing as Texas Christian's head coach, while personally calling the game-day schemes for the country's No. 3-ranked defense, was in evidence during those three seasons in Logan. The results were not quite the same, certainly. Even in USU's most recent victory over BYU, the Aggies allowed 619 passing yards to John Walsh in a 58-56 adventure.
Yet there still was every sign that Patterson was on his way.
"I knew this guy was going to be something very special," said Byrd, a senior cornerback when Patterson arrived. "He didn't let anything slide. He was on point. He never let one play or one bad practice get through. That's how he is now. That's why he wins. You want to play for guys like that."
Back then, he just "was looking for a job," Patterson recalled.
After a series of brief stays at small schools, Patterson joined the Oregon Lightning Bolts of the Professional Spring Football League -- remember the Utah Pioneers? -- only to have the league fold without playing any games. USU had a late vacancy, and Patterson had once worked with Dick Bumpas, the Aggies' defensive coordinator.
Bumpas now coaches under Patterson at TCU. "Those guys work so good together schematically, with great game planning," Weatherbie said.
So the defensive approach that quarterback Jordan Wynn and the Utah Utes will encounter Saturday night in Fort Worth, Texas, took hold in Logan, even if there was no USU equivalent of Jerry Hughes or Daryl Washington. The Aggie defense still performed adequately enough to help Weatherbie revive the program with a Big West Conference championship and Las Vegas Bowl victory.
Byrd, who played in the NFL and now coaches the secondary at Washington University in St. Louis, once attended Patterson's clinic presentation. The material was nothing new to him.
"The exact same philosophy, the exact same techniques we were learning in 1992," Byrd said. "This stuff works."
Brent Guy, another member of USU's defensive staff, once described Patterson as "a mad scientist ... a very brilliant defensive mind, very innovative."
After handling the entire secondary for one season, Patterson focused on the safeties after Weatherbie hired DeWayne Walker to coach the cornerbacks. "Really, we've done our secondary that way ever since," Patterson said.
Having come from a junior college, Walker was struck by Patterson's knowledge. "He showed me right away that I had a lot of work to do to be a quality coach," said Walker, now New Mexico State's coach. "He's very smart. He tries to hide that, because he's a blue-collar guy, but he's a very intelligent person."
Even now, Byrd refers to notes he took as an Aggie player. Beyond the X's and O's, he recorded Patterson's mantras including "how to seize the opportunity now," Byrd said. "I've never forgotten that. You can't afford to miss that opportunity."
Last century, it was the Big West title. These days, for Patterson, it is the Bowl Championship Series.
Different stakes, same defensive approach. Funny, how the whole thing seems to work better now, with TCU's athletes.

Can Utah State Slow Down Hawaii Pass Attack?

2009-11-06T16:59:00.003-07:00

Utah State arrives in Honolulu today coming off a loss to Fresno State where USU gave up another lead in the 4th quarter. Standing on the Bulldog Stadium sideline was 1st Team All-WAC candidate, James Brindley and starting cornerback, Kejon Murphy. Murphy was hit in the head again by a teammate in the 1st quarter. Luckily for Utah State, Fresno State didn't want the passing game to be its first and only option.
Hawaii isn't the same powerhouse team that WAC teams are accustomed to. Hawaii is on a 6 game skid. Unfortunately for Utah State, Hawaii likes to pass and pass on nearly every down with sometimes five wide outs on the field. Which begs the question, how will Utah State slow down Hawaii's passing attack, especially with 2 key players from their defensive backfield questionable for Saturday's 8PM MST kickoff?
Gary Andersen entered his position needing to fill holes left buy previous coach, Brent Guy, in the defensive backfield. Coach Andersen moved, then tailback, Curtis Marsh to cornerback to help fill a void left by Roy Hurst. But that still wasn't enough, especially after both James Brindley and Kejon Murphy were injured against Louisiana Tech. Fortunately for USU, Walter McClenton was ready to fill Brindley's large shoes and accumulated 10.5 tackles against Louisiana Tech and 6 tackles against the other Bulldogs in Fresno. Teammate, Rajric Coleman, also stepped up his game by leading the Aggies in tackles, including one interception, against Fresno State. Returning to the field after recovering from injury to help fill the void left by Kejon Murphy is Quinton Byrd, a true freshman who turned heads in fall camp before the season began. The Aggies will need all the help they can get as they face some of the better receivers in the country in Greg Salas and Kealoha Pilares. Salas averages 122 yards receiving per game to go along with 5 touchdown catches. Both have a combined 108 receptions. There's no question that Hawaii will be looking to exploit a mismatch on a wide reciever. Utah State will need every DB they can get.
So who will Utah State put on the field? Here's my best guess.
CB Jr. Curtis Marsh, CB Jr. Chris Randall, Nickel Fr. Quinton Byrd, Safety So. Walter Mclenton, Safety Jr. Rajric Coleman
Utah State will be very happy to see Kejon Murphy and James Brindley suit up for action, because they'll need all the help they can get. Hawaii will want to run a track meet on the islands after Utah State depended on commercial airliners to get to Honolulu stopping for an airport practice in Phoenix on the way after leaving from Logan on Thursday. Will it be enough to slow down the Warriors? Your guess is as good as mine. Utah State will need its own offense to keep the Warrior offense off the field and out of the game. One thing is for sure. Utah State fans will be anxious to see how esteemed defensive coach, Gary Andersen, can slow down Hawaii's passing attack and keep them off the field.

Current Recruits

2009-11-06T16:24:00.003-07:00

Player Position Height Weight HS/JC
Taani Fisilau OG 6'2" 303 Cottonwood HS, Utah
Bryce Walker OG 6'7" 300 Pleasant Grove HS, Utah
Jordunn Mattinson TE 6'5" 230 Spanish Fork HS, Utah
Jason Fanaika DE 6'4" 240 Pleasant Grove HS, Utah
Nevin Lawson CB 6'0" 180 Piper HS, FL
Alex Hart QB 6'3" 185 Jordan HS, Utah
Parker Hausknecht LB 6'0" 210 Alta HS, Utah
Gavin Jones CB/S 6'3" 185 Snow College JC, Utah
Nate Needham LB 6'2" 220 Pine View HS, Utah
Keegan Andersen WR/S/LS 6'2" 191 Juan Diego HS, Utah
Jeremy Higgins QB 6'1" 195 St. Louis HS, HI

TURBO METER

2009-11-06T15:40:00.009-07:00

Introducing the TURBO METER measuring Robert Turbin's rushing yards in his latest performance.