Utah State football announces 2019 signing class

Utah State University Football defeats Tennessee Tech University 73-12 on Sept. 13, 2018 at Maverik Stadium in Logan, Utah. (Megan Nielsen)

LOGAN, Utah – Utah State head football coach Gary Andersen announced his first signing class on Wednesday, as part of the National Signing Day. The class, which includes 30 total players, is comprised of 26 high school athletes and four junior college transfers.

In all, Utah State’s 2019 recruiting class is ranked as the second-best in the Mountain West by 247Sports Composite and ESPN.

Of the 30 players, 14 signed with Utah State in December and 16 more signed in February.

Overall, six of the players are currently enrolled at Utah State for the spring 2019 semester, while three others will serve two-year LDS Church Missions before beginning their collegiate careers.

The state of Utah produced the most signees with 12, followed by seven players from California, four from Washington, two each from Oregon and Texas, and one player each from Idaho, Maryland and Ohio.

The greatest emphasis in Andersen’s first recruiting class was on defense with five players each at defensive back and linebacker. USU also signed five players on the offensive line, and three players each at quarterback, wide receiver and on the defensive line. Rounding out the class is one running back, one tight end, one long snapper and one kicker/punter, while one player is currently listed as an athlete and another is listed as either a tight end or linebacker.

In all, Utah State’s 2019 class includes 13 recruits on defense, 13 recruits on offense, and two specialists, to go along with two athletes who could play on either side of the ball.

This national letter-of-intent signing period for football began on Wednesday, Feb. 6, and concludes on Friday, March 29.


UTAH STATE FOOTBALL SIGNEES
Name   Pos.   Ht.   Wt.   Yr.   Exp.   Hometown  (High School/Last School)
Ashton Adams+ OL 6-4 300 Fr. HS Salem, Ore. (South Salem HS)
Aaron Bredsguard+ DL 6-3 225 Fr. HS Bountiful, Utah (Viewmont HS)
Pierce Callister+ K/P 6-0 170 Fr. HS Ogden, Utah (Weber HS)
Josh Calvin+ QB 6-3 190 Fr. HS Bellflower, Calif. (Mayfair HS)
Ajani Carter WR 6-1 185 Fr. HS Houston, Texas (North Shore HS)
Aric Davison+^ OL 6-3 305 Fr. HS Richland, Wash. (Richland HS)
Jack Drews TE/LB 6-3 230 Fr. HS Ramona, Calif. (Ramona HS)
Kanen Eaton WR 6-4 180 Fr. HS Vancouver, Wash. (Columbia River HS)
Cash Gilliam^ DB 6-0 195 Jr. JC Dayton, Ohio (Wayne HS/Arizona Western JC)
Keith Harris+ DB 5-11 170 Fr. HS Lawndale, Calif. (Leuzinger HS)
Hunter Hill OL 6-5 285 Fr. HS Orem, Utah (Orem HS)
Oakley Hussey ATH 6-3 200 Fr. HS Idaho Falls, Idaho (Hillcrest HS)
Cam Lampkin+ WR 5-11 165 Fr. HS Mesquite, Texas (Poteet HS)
Garrett Larson QB 6-4 185 Fr. HS Kaysville, Utah (Davis HS)
Christian LaValle+^ LB 6-0 230 Fr. HS Mission Viejo, Calif. (Mission Viejo HS)
Troy Lefeged Jr.^ DB 6-0 185 Jr. JC Montgomery Village, Md. (Avalon HS/Fullerton JC)
Cooper Legas QB 6-2 210 Fr. HS Orem, Utah (Orem HS)
Sonny Makasini Jr.* OL 6-3 315 Fr. HS Provo, Utah (Timpview HS)
Mosese Manu+^ TE 6-4 260 Jr. JC West Bountiful, Utah (Bountiful HS/Mt. San Antonio JC)
Sione Moa+* LB 6-1 210 Fr. HS North Ogden, Utah (Weber HS)
Kaleo Neves LB 6-2 215 Fr. HS Provo, Utah (Timpview HS)
Bronson Olevao* DB 6-1 185 Fr. HS Salt Lake City, Utah (Highland HS)
Jackson Owens+ OL 6-5 290 Fr. HS Sandy, Utah (East HS)
Dean Rice+ DL 6-4 280 Fr. HS Yuba City, Calif. (River Valley HS)
Dominic Tatum^ DB 6-2 180 Fr. HS Culver City, Calif. (Culver City HS)
Simon Thompson+ LB 6-3 210 Fr. HS Salem, Ore. (West Salem HS)
Jesse James Vasquez+ LS 6-1 225 Fr. HS Thousand Oaks, Calif. (Oaks Christian School)
AJ Vongphachanh DL 6-3 230 Fr. HS Pasco, Wash. (Chiawana HS)
Jaylen Warren RB 5-8 225 Jr. JC Salt Lake City, Utah (East HS/Snow JC)
Jaymason Willingham+ LB 6-3 215 Fr. HS Steilacoom, Wash. (Steilacoom HS)
+ Announced during early signing period.
^ Enrolled at Utah State for the 2019 spring semester.
* Will serve a two-year LDS Church Mission before enrolling at Utah State.

ASHTON ADAMS OL • 6-4 • 300 • FR • HS • Salem, Ore. (South Salem HS)
High School: A three-star offensive lineman that is rated as the 10th-best recruit in the state of Oregon according to 247Sports.com… Earned Oregon Class 6A first-team all-Mid Valley and all-Mountain Valley honors from the Statesman Journal as a prep senior at South Salem High School in Salem, Ore… Helped pave the way for 11 different rushers to accumulate 940 yards on 247 carries (3.8 ypc) during the season… Blocked for a quarterback that passed for more than 1,350 yards and 13 touchdowns, and completed more than 50 percent of his passes… Anchored an offensive line that helped the Saxons average 268.1 yards of offense per game with 163.6 rushing yards as South Salem HS totaled just under 1,000 rushing yards in nine games… As a junior, he helped the offense average 283.5 yards per game, guiding the Saxons to over 2,100 yards rushing in 10 games… Was a three-year starter for South Salem HS… Also wrestled for three years and earned first-team all-conference honors as a junior as he placed sixth at the state championship.
Personal: Son of James Adams, and Veronica and Abe Hillebrand… Has one sister… Plans on majoring in business at Utah State.

AARON BREDSGUARD DL • 6-3 • 225 • FR • HS • Bountiful, Utah (Viewmont HS)
High School: A three-star defensive lineman and the 34th-best recruit in the state of Utah according to 247sports.com… Earned Utah Class 5A first-team all-Region 5 and all-area honors, along with being named honorable mention all-state, at defensive end as a prep senior at Viewmont High School in Bountiful, Utah… As a senior, recorded 59 tackles, including a team-best 11.0 sacks, to go along with three interceptions… Also caught three passes for 56 yards (18.7 ypc) while playing tight end for the Vikings… Helped lead the Vikings to a 7-4 overall record and appearance in the 2018 5A state playoffs as a senior… Recorded a season-high 11 tackles against Corner Canyon HS in the first round of the state playoffs… Tallied at least three tackles in each game… Earned second-team all-region honors as a junior… As a sophomore in 2016, racked up a career-high 15 tackles in the Vikings’ 28-25 win over Granger HS as he earned second-team all-region honors as a linebacker… Ended his prep career with 144 total tackles… Also plays baseball in high school and earned second-team all-region honors as both a pitcher and first baseman as a junior.
Personal: One of four children of Bob and Denell Bredsguard… Plans on majoring in English at Utah State… Last name is pronounced Breads-guard.

PIERCE CALLISTER K/P • 6-0 • 170 • FR • HS • Ogden, Utah (Weber HS)
High School: The 42nd-best recruit in the state of Utah according to 247Sports.com… Earned Utah Class 6A second-team all-state honors from the Deseret News at punter as a prep senior at Weber High School in Pleasant View, Utah… Averaged 40.7 yards per punt and had 13 punts downed inside the 20-yard line, helping the Warriors to an appearance in the Region 1 Championship game… Also kicked off 52 times, averaging 53.9 yards per kickoff… Was 17-of-21 (.809) on extra points and made seven field goals with a long of 47 yards during his senior campaign… Earned second-team all-state honors at kicker during his junior season, as he was 38-of-42 (.904) on extra points and 5-of-7 (.714) on field goals… Also kicked off 67 times, averaging 52.4 yards per kick…Is also a three-year letterwinner in soccer for Weber HS.
Personal: Son of Jeff Callister and Michelle Howell… Has two siblings… Plans on majoring in engineering at Utah State.

JOSH CALVIN QB • 6-3 • 190 • FR • HS • Bellflower, Calif. (Mayfair HS)
High School: A three-star recruit and the 38th-best dual-three quarterback in the state of California according to 247sports.com… Earned California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) first-team all-Suburban League honors at quarterback as a prep senior at Mayfair High School in Lakewood, Calif., as he led the Monsoons to a 9-3 record and the Suburban League title for the second consecutive season… As a senior, he completed 118-of-220 passes (53.6) for 2,010 yards with 23 touchdowns and just five interceptions, and rushed for 136 yards on 14 carries (9.7 ypc) and one touchdown… Named the Long Beach Offensive Player of the Week by The Press-Telegram after a season-opening 50-14 win at Woodrow Wilson HS, where he went 12-of-14 passing for 258 yards and five touchdowns… Threw for a career-high 412 yards against St. Francis HS, as he was 18-of-26 passing for 412 yards with three touchdowns… Transferred from La Mirada High School after his sophomore year and took full advantage of his first season as a starter, throwing for 1,981 yards and 21 touchdowns against just four interceptions, and also ran for two touchdowns… In his first season at Mayfair HS in 2017, he led the Monsoons to the Suburban League title and to the CIF-SS Division 9 semifinals… Also plays basketball for the Monsoons.
Personal: Son of Christopher and Patricia Calvin… Dad played football at Grambling State and uncle played football at Adams (Colo.) State… Plans on majoring in education at Utah State.

AJANI CARTER WR • 6-1 • 185 • FR • HS • Houston, Texas (North Shore HS)
High School: A three-star recruit according to 247sports.com… A two-year letterwinner at wide receiver for North Shore High School in Houston, Texas, recording career numbers of 33 receptions for 495 yards and seven touchdowns… Started all 16 games as a prep senior and earned Texas All-District 21-6A honors as he caught 24 passes for 426 yards (17.7 ypr) and six touchdowns…
Was named the Houston Chronicle Player of the Week after catching the game-winning 45-yard touchdown pass as time expired to lift North Shore HS to a stunning 41-36 win against then-undefeated Duncanville HS in the Texas Class 6A Division I title game… MaxPreps tabbed the 16-0 Mustangs the top high school football team in the country, while USA Today Sports ranked them No. 2 in the nation at the end of the season… Also plays baseball and competes on the track & field team, helping his 4x200m relay team win the state championship in 2018.
Personal: Son of Zigwon and Le’Keisha Carter… Has five siblings… First name is pronounced Ah-john-e.

ARIC DAVISON OL • 6-3 • 305 • FR • HS • Richland, Wash. (Richland HS)
High School: A three-star offensive lineman and the 36th-best recruit in the state of Washington according to 247sports.com…Prepped at Richland (Wash.) High School, where he was a four-year starter for the Bombers, leading them to the state playoffs his first three seasons… Richland HS played well enough in the offensive trenches to help its quarterback pass for 1,957 yards, while its top running back racked up 658 yards on the ground in 2018… Earned Tri-City Herald All-Area first-team and second-team all-conference honoree as a defensive lineman following his junior season as he helped the Bombers finish the 2017 season with a perfect 14-0 record as they captured the 4A state championship with a 28-21 win against Woodinville HS… Richland HS racked up some impressive offensive numbers during his junior campaign, throwing for 48 touchdowns and averaging 251.1 yards passing per game, while rushing for an additional 1,991 yards and 27 touchdowns… Richland HS posted a 46-6 record during his four seasons anchoring the offensive trenches… Also plays basketball in high school.
Personal: One of three sons of Bill and Christy Davison… Enrolled at Utah State in January of 2019 and is majoring in electrical engineering… First name is pronounced Eric.

JACK DREWS TE/LB • 6-3 • 230 • FR • HS • Ramona, Calif. (Ramona HS)
High School: Earned California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) first-team all-valley honors at linebacker and a two-time Defensive Player of the Year as both a junior and senior for Ramona (Calif.) High School… Recorded 88 tackles, including 15.0 tackles for loss, during his senior season, to go along with two fumble recoveries… Also carried the ball nine times for 36 yards with one touchdown and caught five passes for 52 yards… Was also named to the Elite 11 by The San Diego Union Tribune… Earned second-team all-CIF honors as a junior after recording 113 tackles, which included 2.0 sacks and 6.0 tackles for loss, to go along with five quarterback hurries as he helped the Bulldogs to a Palomar League Championship and to the finals of the Division II CIF Championships… Recorded double-digit tackles in four games, including a career-high 15 stops against Vista HS… Had 14 tackles, including 1.0 tackles for loss, against Mt. Carmel HS… Added 10 tackles each against Westview HS and Steele Canyon HS… Offensively, caught four passes for 55 yards… Registered 51 tackles, which included 4.0 sacks and 6.5 tackles for loss, during his sophomore season, while adding one forced fumble and one fumble recovery… Had a season-high 10 tackles against Point Loma HS and a career-high 2.0 sacks and 2.5 tackles as part of his nine total stops against Del Norte HS… Added two receptions for 23 yards on offense… Finished his prep career with 292 tackles, which included 9.0 sacks and 47.0 tackles for loss, and four fumble recoveries.
Personal: One of three sons of Jeremy and Anne Michelle Drews… His dad played football at Utah from 1992-94 and his brother, Christian, played football at Utah from 2014-18.

KANEN EATON WR • 6-4 • 180 • FR • HS • Vancouver, Wash. (Columbia River HS)
High School: A three-star recruit and the 47th-best wide receiver in the state of Washington according to 247sports.com… Earned Washington Class 2A second-team all-Greater St. Helens League honors as both a wide receiver and defensive back as a prep senior in 2018 at Columbia River High School in Vancouver, Wash… Helped Columbia River HS finish second in the league in both 2016 and 2017… Despite missing four games due to injury as a senior, finished the season with 372 yards receiving and four touchdowns, to go along with 22 tackles and two interceptions on the other side of the ball… Had 783 yards receiving and eight touchdowns, to go along with four more touchdowns on the defensive side of the ball, as well as 38 tackles and six interceptions during his junior campaign… Named MVP of his team following his junior year, as well as earning all-league honors both offensively and defensively… Finished his prep career with 1,155 yards receiving and 12 touchdowns… Earned the Coaches Award following his junior season in 2017… Is also a member of the Columbia River HS track & field team, competing in both the 100m and 200m races… Has anchored the 4x100m relay team two consecutive years.
Personal: Son of Maurice Eaton and Jessica Strange… Has a brother that plays football at the University of Montana…. Plans on majoring in marketing with a minor in finance at Utah State… First name is pronounced Kay-nun.

CASH GILLIAM DB • 6-0 • 195 • JR • JC • Dayton, Ohio (Wayne HS/Arizona Western JC)
Junior College: Earned all-Western States Football League second-team honors at safety as a sophomore at Arizona Western Junior College in Yuma, Ariz… Played in eight games as a sophomore for the Matadors and recorded 46 tackles, which included 2.5 tackles for loss, while adding a team-best seven pass breakups, to go along with two interceptions and one forced fumble… Recorded a season-high 11 tackles against Georgia Military College and had two pass breakups, to go along with one interception against Scottsdale CC… Also had an interception against Lackawanna College in the El Toro Bowl.
Previous School: Spent two years at Kentucky as he redshirted in 2016 before appearing in six games and recording three tackles during the 2017 campaign.
High School: A consensus three-star recruit that was ranked as the 46th-best cornerback in the nation by Rivals.com, the 59th-best cornerback in the nation by ESPN.com and the 87th-best cornerback in the nation by Scout.com… Earned Associated Press Southwest District and All-Ohio first-team honors, along with being named the Great Western Ohio – Central Conference Defensive Player of the Year at defensive back as a prep senior at Wayne High School in Huber Heights, Ohio… During his senior season, he recorded 77 tackles, including 1.5 sacks, to go along with two interceptions and two forced fumbles… Had a season-high 10 tackles against Centerville HS… Helped lead the Warriors to an undefeated regular season, their second-straight regional title, and appearance in the D-1 state championship game… Wayne HS finished the 2015 season ranked eighth nationally and second in the state of Ohio… Was part of a Warriors defense that held nine of its 10 opponents to 17 points or fewer… Recorded 46 tackles and intercepted two passes as a junior.
Personal: Son of Donna Ellis and Raymond Gilliam… Is currently enrolled at Utah State and majoring in journalism… Last name is pronounced Gill-ee-um.

KEITH HARRIS DB • 5-11 • 170 • FR • HS • Lawndale, Calif. (Leuzinger HS)
High School: A three-star recruit according to 247sports.com… Earned California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) first-team all-Bay League honors at cornerback as a prep senior at Leuzinger High School in Lawndale, Calif… As a junior, played at Whittier (Calif.) High School, where he recorded 26 tackles (23-solo, 3-assist), including 1.0 sacks, to go along with two interceptions… Offensively, caught 27 passes for 340 yards (12.6 ypr) as a prep junior with one touchdown, and carried the ball 18 times for 142 yards (7.9 ypc) and one touchdown… Also competes in track & field for Leuzinger HS, running the 200m, 400m, 4x100m relay and 4x400m relay.
Personal: Son of Keisha Thomas… Plans on majoring in kinesiology at Utah State.

HUNTER HILL OL • 6-5 • 285 • FR • HS • Orem, Utah (Orem HS)
High School: A three-star offensive lineman that is rated as the eighth-best recruit in the state of Utah and the 75th-best offensive tackle in the nation according to 247sports.com… Helped Orem HS win the 2017 and 2018 4A state championships… Earned Utah Class 4A first-team all-state honors from the Deseret News after racking up 81 pancake blocks and not allowing a single sack during his senior season at Orem (Utah) High School… Orem HS went 12-2 overall and 5-0 in league play to capture the Region 10 title in 2018… Helped pave the way for an offense that averaged a state-leading 53.8 points per game… The Tigers scored 50 or more points 10 times on the season, including a 75-0 demolishing of Uintah HS… Had 33 pancake blocks as a junior as he earned honorable mention all-state and second-team all-region honors.
Personal: One of three children of Jeremy and Sara Hill… Plans on majoring in kinesiology at Utah State.

OAKLEY HUSSEY ATH • 6-3 • 200 • FR • HS • Idaho Falls, Idaho (Hillcrest HS)
High School: Earned Idaho Class 4A first-team all-state honors at running back as a prep senior at Hillcrest High School in Idaho Falls, Idaho… Was also named the 4A High Country Offensive Player of the Year and All-Area Player of the Year by The Post Register after leading the Knights to a 4A state title with a 55-21 victory over Bishop Kelly HS… Had 15 carries for 173 yards and a season-high-tying three touchdowns in the championship game… Helped Hillcrest HS to an undefeated conference season and a district title, as well, as the Knights finished the season with a 12-1 record… Rushed for a team-high 1,459 yards on 159 carries (8.6 ypr/105.2 ypc) with 16 touchdowns… Had seven 100-yard rushing games, including a career-high 243 yards on 17 carries (14.3 ypc) with three touchdowns against Sandpoint HS… Also had a season-long 70-yard rush against Sandpoint HS… Added 20 rushes for 202 yards (10.1 ypc) on two touchdowns against Nampa HS in the 4A state semifinals… Also caught 31 passes for 379 yards (12.2 ypc/28.2 ypg) and seven touchdowns during the season… Caught a season-high two touchdowns against Star Valley HS and had a season-high eight receptions for 97 yards and one touchdown against Madison HS… Returned seven kickoffs for 59 yards… Defensively, recorded five tackles, including four solo stops during the season.
Personal: One of four sons of Pono and CaTrina Hussey… His dad played football at both Ricks (Idaho) College and Idaho State… Plans on majoring in biology/exercise physiology with a minor in chemistry at Utah State… Last name is pronounced Huss-ee.

CAM LAMPKIN WR • 5-11 • 165 • FR • HS • Mesquite, Texas (Poteet HS)
High School: A three-star recruit according to 247sports.com… Earned Texas 5A-1 Region II First-Team All-District 7 honors at wide receiver as a prep senior at Poteet High School in Mesquite, Texas… Caught 26 passes for a team-high 608 yards (23.4 ypc/55.3 ypg) and six touchdowns and carried the ball seven times for 57 yards (8.1 ypc/5.2 ypg) and one touchdown.. Also returned four kickoffs for 249 yards (62.3 ypr) and scored on a career-long 99-yard kickoff return against Lee HS… Returned four punts for 56 yards (14.0 ypr) with a long of 45 yards… Had a season-high seven catches for 162 yards against John Tyler HS and had a career-long 73-yard touchdown reception against Wylie East HS… Scored a season-high two touchdowns against West Mesquite HS as he caught three passes for 65 yards in the game… Defensively, recorded 17 tackles (13-solo, four-assist), including 1.0 tackles for loss… Recorded a season-high five tackles against West McKinney North HS and returned an interception 30 yards for a touchdown against McKinney North HS… Also earned Texas 5A-1 Region II First-Team All-District 7 honors during his junior season, as he caught 26 passes for 493 yards (19.0 ypc/44.8 ypc) and three touchdowns and carried the ball 46 times for 208 yards (4.5 ypr/18.9 ypg) and three touchdowns… Had 12 carries for 86 yards and scored a touchdown against Midlothian HS… Had four receptions for a career-high 178 yards against Forney HS… Caught seven passes for 72 yards and two scores against Lovejoy HS, and had four catches for 101 yards against Royse City HS… Also played quarterback in four games and passed for 214 yards (19.5 ypg) with one touchdown and one interception… Also plays basketball and competes in the hurdles, long jump and triple jump for the track & field team.
Personal: Son of Yvette McCullar… Brother, Daiquain Jackson, plays football at the University of Tulsa… Plans on majoring in sports communications at Utah State.

GARRETT LARSON QB • 6-4 • 185 • FR • HS • Kaysville, Utah (Davis HS)
High School: Earned Utah Class 6A all-area and all-region honors as he completed 160-of-298 (.537) passes for 1,877 yards with 15 touchdowns as a prep senior at Davis High School in Kaysville, Utah… Was also named his team’s captain and team MVP as he broke a 105-year old school record with his 1,877 passing yards as he helped the Darts to a 7-4 record before losing to Lone Peak HS, the eventual state champions, in the quarterfinals of the state tournament… Led Davis HS to its first playoff victory in six years with a 27-14 win against Hunter HS… Had a career-high four touchdown passes against Clearfield HS, as he was 18-of-33 passing for 225 yards… Threw for a career-high 246 yards against Fremont HS, as he was 25-of-46 passing with two touchdowns… Also had two touchdown passes against Layton HS, as he was 19-of-34 passing for 215 yards… Was 17-of-29 passing for 210 yards and one touchdown against Lone Peak HS… Had two touchdown passes against Bountiful HS… Also plays basketball for the Darts… Is a member of the Honor Roll and Honor Society.Personal: One of four children of Greg and Julie Larson… Both of his parents are Utah State graduates… His dad furthered his education at Harvard Business School… Plans on majoring in business at Utah State.

CHRISTIAN LAVALLE LB • 6-0 • 230 • FR • HS • Mission Viejo, Calif. (Mission Viejo HS)
High School: A three-star recruit that is rated as the 31st-best linebacker in the country and the 84th-best overall prospect in California by 247Sports.com… Started 39 games and recorded 367 tackles, including 60.0 tackles for loss, during his high school career… Earned California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) first-team all-state honors at linebacker as a prep senior at Mission Viejo (Calif.) High School in 2017, as he recorded 132 tackles, which included 1.0 sacks and 22.0 tackles for loss, while adding one interception… Also registered a forced fumble and three fumble recoveries… Helped Mission Viejo HS to a 12-1 record and a league championship as the Diablos posted a perfect 5-0 mark… Was a team captain… As a senior, he recorded double-digit tackles in six of eight games, including a season-high 17 stops against Santa Margarita HS… Also had one sack, six tackles for loss, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery as part of his 13 total tackles against Trabuco Hills HS, where the Diablos shut out the Mustangs in a 63-0 rout… Offensively, he caught six passes for 149 yards (24.8 ypr) as a prep senior with two touchdowns, along with six carries for 41 yards… Recorded 120 tackles as a junior, which included 1.0 sacks and 20.0 tackles for loss, and had six double-digit tackle outings, including a career-high 18 stops against Servite HS… Also added three quarterback hurries during the year, to go along with 11 receptions for 207 yards on offense with five touchdowns… Recorded 115 tackles, including 4.0 sacks and 18.0 tackles for loss, as a sophomore, as he helped the Diablos win the CIF state championship… Also competed in track & field in high school, where he won the 2017 CIF state discus title with a personal-best throw of 55.67 meters (182-7).
Personal: One of three children of Jim and Laura LaValle… Is currently enrolled at Utah State and majoring in exercise science… Last name is pronounced Luh-Val.

TROY LEFEGED JR. DB • 6-0 • 185 • JR • JC • Montgomery Village, Md. (Avalon HS/Fullerton JC)
Junior College: Earned Southern California Football Association (SCFA) first-team all-conference honors as a safety following his sophomore season at Fullerton (Calif.) Community College as he played in 10 games and recorded 37 tackles, to go along with four pass breakups, two interceptions, one blocked kick and one touchdown… Had eight tackles, including 1.0 tackles for loss, and intercepted a pass against Cerritos JC… Had five tackles and returned an interception 27 yards for a touchdown against Palomar JC… Added seven tackles against Mt. San Antonio JC and recorded six tackles, to go along with a pass breakup against Ventura JC.
Previous School: Spent his freshman season at Bowie State (Md.) University, where he played in 11 games and recorded 17 tackles, which included 1.0 tackles for loss, while adding one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and one pass breakup… Had a season-high five tackles, including 1.0 tackles for loss, against Lincoln (Pa.) College.
High School: Earned second-team all-county honors at defensive back as a prep senior at Avalon High School in Wheaton, Md… Member of two-time state championship team (2014 and 2015).
Personal: One of six children of Troy Lefeged and Avery Kelly… Is currently enrolled at Utah State and majoring in business… Last name is pronounced Lef-ridge.

COOPER LEGAS QB • 6-2 • 210 • FR • HS • Orem, Utah (Orem HS)
High School: A three-star recruit that is rated as the 39th-best dual-threat quarterback in the country and the 19th-best overall prospect in Utah by 247Sports.com… Played in 43 games during his high school career and produced 12,780 total yards (297.2 ypg) with 9,770 yards passing, 2,770 yards rushing and 240 yards receiving… Also accounted for 124 total touchdowns (101-passing, 22-rushing, 1-receiving) as he helped Orem HS win the 2017 and 2018 4A state championships… For his career, he was 555-of-858 (.647) passing for 9,770 yards with 101 touchdowns and 26 interceptions, while carrying the ball 295 times for 2,770 yards (9.4 ypc) and 22 touchdowns… Was named the 4A Most Valuable Player by the Deseret News following his senior season as he produced 5,415 yards of offense… Was 237-of-340 (.697) passing for 4,338 yards (309.9 ypg) with 48 touchdowns, including five of at least 70 yards, and just 11 interceptions… Threw for a career-high 438 yards against Santa Margarita HS, as he was 24-of-37 passing with four touchdowns… Had multiple touchdown passes in all 14 games and threw for over 300 yards in eight of those games… Also rushed for 1,077 yards on 93 carries (11.6 ypc/76.9 ypg) with 15 touchdowns and had four 100-yard rushing games during the season… Rushed for a career-high 190 yards on 16 carries and one touchdown against Santa Margarita HS, as he accounted for 628 yards of total offense and five touchdowns in the game… Had 5,191 yards of offense during his junior season as he earned first-team all-state honors from the Deseret News… Was 241-of-364 (.662) passing for 4,115 yards (293.9 ypg) with 45 touchdowns and just nine interceptions, while also rushing for 1,076 yards on 113 carries (9.5 ypc/76.9 ypg) and seven touchdowns… Threw for at least 300 yards in seven games and had multiple touchdown passes in 12 games, to go along with six 100-yard rushing games… Has won five state championships thus far in his high school career with two in football (2017, 2018), two in track & field throwing the javelin (2017, 2018) and one in wrestling (2018) at 195 pounds.
Personal: One of four children of Adam and Jen Legas… Last name is pronounced Lay-gah.

SONNY MAKASINI JR. OL • 6-3 • 315 • FR • HS • Provo, Utah (Timpview HS)
High School: A three-star offensive lineman out of Timpview High School in Provo, Utah, that is ranked as the 33rd-best recruit out of the state of Utah according to 247sports.com… Recorded 62 pancake blocks during the season… Anchored an offensive line that helped the Thunderbirds average 409.9 yards of offense per game with 170.4 passing yards and 239.5 rushing yards… Timpview HS had three games with over 500 yards of offense on the year… As a junior, helped lead the offense to 227.7 yards per game, including 108.3 rushing yards per game.Personal: One of seven children of Sonny and Martha Makasini… Will serve a two-year LDS Church Mission before enrolling at Utah State… Name is pronounced Sunny Mah-kuh-see-knee.

MOSESE MANU TE • 6-4 • 260 • JR • JC • West Bountiful, Utah (Bountiful HS/Mt. San Antonio JC)
Junior College: Played two seasons at Mt. San Antonio Junior College in Walnut Creek, Calif… During his sophomore season in 2015, played in five games for the Mounties and caught nine passes for 42 yards (7.0 ypr)… During his freshman season at Mt. SAC in 2014, he caught four passes for 42 yards (10.5 ypr), which included a career-high three receptions for a career-best 25 yards against Citrus JC.
High School: Played football and basketball at Bountiful (Utah) High School.
Personal: One of three children of Salesi Manu and Lile Tua’one… Enrolled at Utah State in January of 2019, following his two-year LDS Church Mission in Tonga, and is majoring in sociology… Name is pronounced Mow-seh-seh Mah-new.

SIONE MOA LB • 6-1 • 210 • FR • HS • North Odgen, Utah (Weber HS)
High School: Ranked as the 25th-best recruit out of the state of Utah according to 247sports.com… Earned Utah Class 6A honorable mention all-state and first-team all-Region 1 honors while playing wide receiver and outside linebacker as a prep senior at Weber High School in Pleasant View, Utah… During his senior season, he ranked second on the team with 27 catches for 370 yards and two touchdowns, to go along with 58 tackles, including 6.0 sacks, to rank second on the team… Helped lead Weber HS to a 7-4 overall record and appearance in the 2018 6A state playoffs… Recorded one sack in six different games… Recorded a career-high 11 tackles in the Warriors’ 35-14 win over Granger HS… Best receiving game of the season was against Alta HS, as he caught five passes for a career-high 102 yards… Caught a career-best seven passes for 99 yards and a touchdown during his junior season against Davis HS… Finished his prep career with 84 receptions for 1,015 yards and five touchdowns, to go along with 62 tackles… Also plays basketball and competes in the 100m and 200m on the track & field team for Weber HS… Is a member of the Honor Roll.
Personal: Son of Ben and Christina Moa… His dad played football at Utah… Also has two uncles that played football at BYU and Utah… Will serve a two-year LDS Church Mission before enrolling at Utah State… Name is pronounced See-oh-neh Mo-ah.

KALEO NEVES LB • 6-2 • 215 • FR • HS • Provo, Utah (Timpview HS)
High School: Ranked as the 32nd-best recruit out of the state of Utah according to 247sports.com… Recorded 28 tackles, including a team-best 11.5 sacks as part of 11 tackles for loss, in eight games as a prep senior at Timpview High School in Provo, Utah… Recorded a season-high seven tackles, including 4.5 sacks, against American Fork HS… Recorded six tackles, including a season-high five tackles for loss and three sacks, against Alta HS.
Personal: One of five children of Uani and Dana Neves… Has a twin sister, Kealani… His dad played football at both Ricks (Idaho) Junior College and at Utah under current USU head coach Gary Andersen… Plans on majoring in business at Utah State… Name is pronounced Kuh-lay-o Nev-s.

BRONSON OLEVAO DB • 6-1 • 185 • FR • HS • Salt Lake City, Utah (Highland HS)
High School: Earned Utah Class 5A second-team all-state honors from the Deseret News at safety and first-team all-region accolades at both safety and running back as a prep senior at Highland High School in Salt Lake City, Utah… Offensively, he threw for 187 yards and three touchdowns, to go along with 702 rushing yards (11.7 ypc/70.2 ypg) and nine more scores, including rushing for 100 yards three times… Rushed for a season-high 199 yards on 23 carries (8.7 ypc) and a season-high-tying three touchdowns, to go along with one interception against Lehi HS… Had a season-long 85-yard touchdown reception, as well, and a season-high seven tackles against Pine View HS… Also plays basketball.
Personal: One of five children of Kautai and Tiare Olevao… His dad played football at Utah and his sister, Lana, plays basketball at Dixie State… Will serve a two-year LDS Church Mission before enrolling at Utah State… Last name is pronounced Oh-leh-vow.

JACKSON OWENS OL • 6-5 • 290 • FR • HS • Sandy, Utah (East HS)
High School: A three-star offensive lineman and the 17th-best recruit in the state of Utah according to 247sports.com… Earned Utah Class 6A honorable mention all-state honors from the Deseret News at offensive tackle as a prep senior at East High School in Salt Lake City, Utah… Helped lead the Leopards to a 7-3 overall record and appearance in the 6A state playoffs… Paved the way for East HS running back Tutu Spann to record a 6A-best 16 rushing touchdowns in 2018… As a senior, helped the Leopards average nearly 200 rushing yards per game… East HS averaged 36.2 points per game in 2018 and scored more than 50 points in four games, including three straight… Competed in the 50m, 100m and 200m relay as he helped his swimming team win the 2018 state championship… Also throws the javelin, shot put and discus for the track & field team… Won 11 letterman awards overall during his high school career.
Personal: One of three children of Jarrod and Carrie Owens…. Dad was an offensive lineman at Oregon State… Plans on majoring in business at Utah State.

DEAN RICE DL • 6-4 • 280 • FR • HS • Yuba City, Calif. (River Valley HS)
High School: Earned California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) all-Capital Valley Conference and all-Metro first-team honors as a prep senior at River Valley High School in Yuba City, Calif., where he was a three-year letterman for the Falcons… Was selected to play in the Optimist All-Star game following his senior season… Played on the defensive line and at tight end, helping River ValleyHS to a 7-6 record during his senior season, as the Falcons advanced to the semifinals of the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs… River Valley HS played well enough in the offensive trenches to help its quarterback pass for 2,180 yards, while its top running back racked up 812 yards (8.8 ypc/73.8 ypg) on the ground… Defensively, he recorded 19 tackles, which included 2.0 tackles for loss, and a fumble recovery… As a tight end, he added three receptions for 42 yards and one touchdown… Earned honorable mention all-Metro honors from the Sacramento Bee as a defensive lineman following his junior season as he had 16 tackles, which included 2.0 sacks… Added six receptions for 54 yards on offense… River Valley HS racked up some impressive offensive numbers during his junior campaign, throwing for 26 touchdowns and averaging 175.0 yards passing per game, while rushing for an additional 2,643 yards and 27 touchdowns… Also plays basketball in high school.
Personal: One of four children of Victoria Rice…. His uncle played football at BYU… Plans on majoring in business at Utah State.

DOMINIC TATUM DB • 6-2 • 180 • FR • HS • Culver City, Calif. (Culver City HS)
High School: A three-star recruit that is ranked as the 117th-best athlete in the country and the 140th-best overall prospect in the state of California by 247sports.com… Earned California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Southern Section Ocean League first-team honors at defensive back as a prep senior at Culver City (Calif.) High School… Recorded 94 tackles, which included 10.0 tackles for loss, to go along with seven pass breakups, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries, returning one for a touchdown… Also added two receptions for 25 yards and one touchdown as a wide receiver… Helped the Centaurs to a 12-3 record and a CIF Southern Section Division 7 Championship in 2018… Recorded double digits in tackles three times during his senior season, including a career-high 13 stops against Lawndale HS, while adding 10 tackles each against Dorsey HS and Northview HS… Returned a fumble 32 yards for a touchdown against Palos Verdes HS and caught a 16-yard touchdown against Peninsula HS, while adding an interception and seven tackles on defense… Played receiver and safety as a junior at Bishop Alemany HS in Mission Hills, Calif., recording 43 tackles, which included 2.0 tackles for loss… Is also a member of the track & field team.
Personal: One of two sons of JerRon and Anthea Tatum… Father was a wide receiver for Utah State in 2000… Related to former Oakland Raider Pro Bowler Jack Tatum, who was a College Football Hall of Famer at Ohio State.

SIMON THOMPSON LB • 6-3 • 210 • FR • HS • Salem, Ore. (West Salem HS)
High School: A three-star recruit that is rated as the 102nd-best athlete in the country and the eighth-best overall prospect in Oregon by 247Sports.com… Earned Oregon Class 6A first-team all-Mid Valley honors from the Statesman Journal at quarterback as a prep senior at West Salem High School in Salem, Ore… Was also named the Mountain Valley Conference Offensive Player of the Year, as he threw for 2,403 yards (218.4 ypg) and 30 touchdowns with 12 interceptions, as well as 571 rushing yards on five touchdowns… Threw for a career-high 475 yards on 23-of-29 passing against Mt. View HS… Eclipsed the 300-yard passing mark in two games as a senior… Threw a career-high seven touchdowns on 13-of-19 passing against Bend HS, and had at least one touchdown toss in 10 of his 11 games… Ran for a season-high 117 yards and one touchdown against Grant HS… Threw for 196 yards on 16-of-22 passing and had four touchdowns in a first-round playoff win against Southridge HS… Also earned first-team all-conference honors at safety during his senior season as he recorded 54 tackles (29-solo, 25-assist), which included one interception and one forced fumble… Earned second-team all-conference honors during his junior campaign, as he logged 68 tackles, to go along with four interceptions, three pass breakups and two fumble recoveries… Also competes in track & field in high school as he captured the 6A championship in the 110-meter hurdles as a junior to help propel West Salem HS to the state championship.
Personal: Son of Abby Bush… Has two brothers and two sisters… One of his brothers plays football at George Fox University in Oregon… Plans on majoring in business at Utah State.

JESSE JAMES VASQUEZ LS • 6-1 • 225 • FR • HS • Thousand Oaks, Calif. (Oaks Christian School)
High School: Ranked as the 11th-best long snapper in the nation by 247sports.com… Was a three-year letterwinner at Oaks Christian School in Westlake Village, Calif., helping the Lions to a 32-7 record, including three-straight Marmonte region titles… Ranked 17th by the Kornblue Snapping Fab 50… Received an invitation to participate in the 2018 Blue-Grey All American Bowl, the Hawaii Tiki Bowl and the National Underclassmen Committee All-American Game… Recorded five tackles and had one fumble recovery during his senior season, as he helped the Lions to the District 2 California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Championship and an undefeated league season… Was a perfect 110-of-110 on snaps, which included two game-winning field goals, and downed 15 punts… Named his team’s Special Teams MVP and won the Lions Heart Award following his senior season… Was a perfect 100-of-100 on snaps during his junior campaign, which included three game-winning field goals, and downed 10 punts… Added three tackles… Also competed in track & field and lacrosse in high school, helping his lacrosse team to back-to-back league championships in 2017 and 2018, and a CIF Championship in 2018… Was a three-time Scholar-Athlete and received the Presidential Academic Award.
Personal: One of two sons of Mike and Corinne Vasquez… Cousin, Kylie Fehrman, plays basketball at Indiana University-South Bend… Plans on majoring in exercise science at Utah State… Last name is pronounced Vas-kez.

AJ VONGPHACHANH DL • 6-3 • 230 • FR • HS • Pasco, Wash. (Chiawana HS)
High School: A three-star recruit that is rated as the 122nd-best linebacker in the country and the 22nd-best overall prospect in the state of Washington by 247sports.com… Earned Washington Class 3A/4A first-team all-state honors as a senior at Chiawana High School in Pasco, Wash., after recording 113 tackles, including eight sacks… Also scored nine total touchdowns, including one pick-six… Helped lead the Riverhawks to an 8-3 overall record in 2018, including 7-1 in district play, good enough for first place… Earned all-conference accolades his sophomore, junior and senior seasons at Chiawana HS… Also plays baseball for the Riverhawks.
Personal: One of two children of Chith and Mireya Vongphachanh… Last name is pronounced Vong-puh-chawn.

JAYLEN WARREN RB • 5-8 • 225 • JR • JC • Salt Lake City, Utah (East HS/Snow JC)
Junior College: A three-star recruit that is rated as the fourth-best junior college running back in the nation by 247Sports.com…Named the 2018 NJCAA National Offensive Player of the Year and an NJCAA first-team All-American after helping lead Snow College (Ephraim, Utah) to an 8-3 record and No. 9 national ranking… Helped the Badgers reach the Graphic Edge Bowl in Cedar Falls, Iowa… As a sophomore in 2018, racked up 1,435 yards rushing on the season… Led the nation with 159.4 yards rushing per game… Ranked second nationally with an average of 8.6 yards per carry and third with 15 touchdowns on the season… Posted a season-high 237 yards rushing in the Badgers’ 56-43 win at Trinity Valley… Against Phoenix CC, ran for 210 yards on just eight carries, averaging a season-high 26.3 yards per carry… Totaled a season-high four touchdowns in Snow College’s 64-17 win over Pima JC.
High School: Tabbed the 2016 Deseret News’ Mr. Football and the Salt Lake Tribune Player of the Year after leading East (Salt Lake City, Utah) High School to an undefeated 14-0 season and second consecutive Class 4A state championship… Helped the Leopards lead the nation in rushing with 6,797 yards (485.5 ypg)… Totaled 3,099 yards rushing to shatter the 37-year-old single-season state rushing record, while becoming the first player in the history of Utah high school football to ever reach the 3,000-yard plateau… Tied a single-season state record with 38 rushing touchdowns as a senior in 2016… Became the first player to ever rush for 100 yards or more in 14 games… Rushed for at least 200 yards in 12 games, including 11 straight to end the season… Tabbed the Deseret News’ 4A MVP as a junior in 2015 after rushing for 1,984 yards and 19 touchdowns as the Leopards captured their first state title since 1996.
Personal: Son of Derrick and Neta Warren.

JAYMASON WILLINGHAM LB • 6-3 • 215 • FR • HS • Steilacoom, Wash. (Steilacoom HS)
High School: A three-star recruit that is rated as the 83rd-best athlete in the country and the eighth-best overall prospect in the state of Washington by 247Sports.com… Earned first-team all-area honors by The News Tribune at linebacker as a prep senior at Steilacoom (Wash.) High School in Lacey, Wash., as he helped the Sentinels to a 10-2 record and a league title after going 6-0 in the South Puget Sound League… Was also named to The Seattle Times’ all-state football team and was named South Puget Sound League 2A Defensive MVP as a prep senior as he recorded 124 tackles, which included 15.0 sacks and 22.0 tackles for loss… Also registered two forced fumbles as he was named a member of the USA Today All-State team… Offensively, he rushed for a team-high 1,198 yards on 142 carries (8.4 ypc), caught six passes for 142 yards and scored 16 touchdowns… Ran for a career-high 221 yards against Clover Park HS and recorded a career-tying-high 16 tackles against Cascade Christian HS… Led the Sentinels in rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, yards per carry, tackles, tackles for loss and sacks during his senior season… Was selected to play for the U.S. U-18 National Team at the International Bowl IX… Earned South Puget Sound League Sound Division first-team honors as a junior, as he recorded a team-high 120 tackles (59-solo, 61-assist), which included 2.0 sacks and 8.0 tackles for loss, to go along with two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery… Rushed for 739 yards on 113 carries (6.5 ypc) and recorded 10 touchdowns… Steilacoom HS also won the South Puget Sound title in 2017… As a sophomore, he recorded 96 tackles, which included 4.0 sacks… Also competes in basketball and is on the track & field team.
Personal: One of two sons of James and Kendra Willingham… His grandfather was a quarterback at the University of Washington

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