2017 USU football signing class

<strong>ELTORO ALLEN</strong>

<strong>RB | 5-10 | 195 | JR | JC | Elk Grove, Calif. (Elk Grove HS/Riverside CC)</strong>

Junior College: Earned California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) National Division Central League second-team honors in the Southern California Football Association (SCFA) at running back as a sophomore at Riverside (Calif.) City College as he rushed for 1,001 yards on 149 carries (6.7 ypc / 83.4 ypg) and eight touchdowns… Ranked among the top 10 running backs in the CCCAA for yards per carry with his 6.7 average… Helped the Tigers to a 10-2 record and an appearance in the SFCA Southern California Regional Championship game… Had five 100-yard rushing games during his sophomore season, including a career-high 187 yards on 27 carries (6.9 ypc) and one touchdown against Saddleback JC… Carried the ball a career-high 28 times for 140 yards (5.0 ypc) and one touchdown against Mt. San Antonio JC… Had six carries for 124 yards (20.7 ypc) and a career-high two touchdowns against LA Harbor JC… Rushed for 115 yards on 10 carries (11.5 ypc) and scored on a career-long 77-yard run against Chaffey JC… Rushed for 112 yards on 11 carries (10.2 ypc) against El Camino JC… Had three rushes of at least 50 yards during the season… Added four receptions for three yards on the year… Carried the ball 27 times for 109 yards (4.0 ypc) during his freshman season at Riverside CC.

High School: Earned California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Sac-Joaquin Section second-team honors at running back as a prep senior at Elk Grove (Calif.) High School as he helped the Thundering Herd to a 10-3 record and to the semifinals of the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Playoffs… Also earned first-team all-Delta League and second-team all-Metro honors from the Sacramento Bee during his senior season as he rushed for 1,211 yards on 116 carries (10.4 ypc / 93.2 ypg) and 18 touchdowns, and had six 100-yard rushing games… Rushed for a career-high 193 yards on a career-high-tying 18 carries (10.7 ypc) and a career-best four touchdowns against Wood HS in the second round of the CIF Playoffs… Gained 184 yards on just five carries (36.8 ypc) and two touchdowns against Vintage HS… Scored three touchdowns against Franklin HS as he rushed for 153 yards on 18 carries… Added 143 yards on 12 carries and three touchdowns against Monterey Trail HS, and had 135 yards rushing on 16 carries and one touchdown against Pleasant Grove HS… Had a career-long rush of 88 yards against Damonte Ranch HS as he gained 112 yards on just four carries and scored two touchdowns… Also returned a kickoff 85 yards for a touchdown against Damonte Ranch HS… In all, he returned nine kickoffs for 234 yards (26.0 ypr) and one punt for 70 yards on the season… His punt return was against Lincoln HS and went for a touchdown… Defensively, he posted 58 tackles (29-solo, 29-assist), including 4.0 tackles for loss, to go along with one fumble recovery, which he returned 32 yards for a touchdowns against Jesuit HS… Had a career-high 14 stops against Monterey Trail HS and added 10 tackles against Grant HS… Played in the 2014 Sacramento Bee Optimist All-Star Game and received the 2014 Honor Bowl Athlete Award from the Sacramento Bee… During his junior season, he rushed for 193 yards on 22 carries (8.8 ypc) and two touchdowns, highlighted by a five-carry, 89-yard game with two touchdowns against Sheldon HS… Added 42 tackles on defense, including forcing two fumbles.

Personal: Son of Eltoro Allen and Christina Rivera… Has one sister… Plans on majoring in communications at Utah State.

Head Coach Matt Wells on Eltoro Allen: “Eltoro has the ability to hit a home run with his speed and he has really good hands coming out of the backfield. He is a more than willing blocker in pass protection and will compete immediately for playing time.”

<strong>DEVON ANDERSON</strong>

<strong>DE | 6-3 | 270 | SO | JC | Baltimore, Md. (Overlea HS/Dodge City CC)</strong>

Junior College: Recorded 27 tackles (14-solo, 13-assist), which included 4.5 sacks and 13.0 tackles for loss, to go along with two quarterback hurries and one forced fumble at defensive end as a freshman at Dodge City (Kan.) Community College… Helped the Conquistadors to a 7-4 record and a three-way tie for second place in the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference (KJCCC)… Dodge City CC finished the season ranked No. 15 in the final National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Poll… Posted a season-high five tackles, which included 1.0 tackles for loss, against Iowa Western CC… Added four stops, including a season-high 2.5 tackles for loss, against Independence CC, and had 1.0 sacks and 1.5 tackles for loss as part of his four total tackles against Fort Scott CC… Redshirted during the 2015 season and was named the Defensive Scout Player of the Year on his team… Was on the Dean’s List.

High School: Earned Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA) Small School honorable mention all-state honors at defensive tackle as a prep senior at Overlea High School in Baltimore, Md., as he recorded 77 tackles (46-solo, 31-assist), which included 12.0 sacks and 24.0 tackles for loss, to go along with two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery… Had 10 or more tackles in five games during his senior season, including a career-high 14 stops against Hereford HS, which included 2.0 sacks and a career-high 5.0 tackles for loss… Recorded 12 tackles, including a career-high 3.0 sacks and 5.0 tackles for loss, against Western Tech &amp; Environmental Science, and had 10 tackles, including 3.0 sacks and 5.0 tackles for loss against Dundalk HS… Also had 10 tackles, including 1.0 sacks and 3.0 tackles for loss, against Pikesville HS, and 10 tackles with 1.0 sacks against Perry Hall HS… Added eight receptions for 96 yards on offense as he was named a first-team all-county tight end… Earned first-team all-county honors during his junior season as he recorded 104 tackles, which included 10.0 sacks and 30.0 tackles for loss, to go along with three forced fumbles… Also wrestled in high school as he posted a 70-5 record and placed fifth in the state at the 225-pound weight class during his senior season.

Personal: Son of Charles Turner and Chandra Dawn Anderson… Has two brothers and one sister… First name is pronounced Duh-von… Plans on majoring in social work at Utah State.

Head Coach Matt Wells on Devon Anderson: “Devon has a lot of upside at defensive end. He plays with a tremendous motor and willingness to get to the football, and will compete immediately for playing time.”

<strong>ROMAN ANDRUS</strong>

<strong>OL | 6-4 | 280 | JR | JC | El Dorado Hills, Calif. (Oakridge HS/Snow JC)</strong>

Junior College: Played in 10 games on the defensive line for Snow Junior College in Ephraim, Utah, during the 2016 season and recorded 18 tackles, which included 1.5 sacks… Helped the Badgers to an 8-2 record. Previous School: Spent two seasons at BYU as he redshirted in 2012 and appeared in one game on the defensive line against Wagner in 2015, but did not record any stats.

High School: Prepped at Oakridge High School in El Dorado Hills, Calif., where he played just one year of football as a senior in 2011 and recorded 54 tackles (32-solo, 22-assist), which included 4.5 sacks and 5.0 tackles for loss, to go along with two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and four passes defended… Had a season-high 10 stops, which included 2.0 tackles for loss, against Sheldon HS… Added seven tackles, including a season-best 3.0 tackles for loss, against Cordova HS… Also had four tackles, including a forced fumble and fumble recovery against Vista del Lago HS… Played basketball as both a junior and senior in high school… Also competed in track &amp; field and was the MVP of his track team his senior season as he competed in the discus and shot put.

Personal: Son of Alan and Kahna Andrus… Has three brothers and three sisters… His dad played basketball at both Utah Valley and Hawai’i… Served a two-year LDS Church Mission in Monterrey, Mexico… Plans on majoring in biology at Utah State… Last name is pronounced Anne-drus.

Head Coach Matt Wells on Roman Andrus: “Roman is a big, strong and smart offensive lineman. We are anxious to see Roman’s development this spring.”

<strong>HENELI AVENDANO</strong>

<strong>OL | 6-3 | 305 | FR | HS | Sandy, Utah (Jordan HS)</strong>

High School: Earned Utah Class 5A first-team all-state honors from the Deseret News and second-team all-state honors from the Salt Lake Tribune at defensive tackle as a prep senior at Jordan High School in Sandy, Utah… Was also named to the USA Today High School Sports 2016 American Family Insurance All-USA Utah Football second team at defensive tackle as a prep senior as he recorded 36 tackles (28-solo, 8-assist), which included 5.0 tackles for loss, as he helped the Beetdiggers to an 8-3 record… Posted a season-high eight tackles, including a season-best 2.0 tackles for loss, against Roy HS… Also had eight tackles, including 1.0 tackles for loss, against Bingham HS… Played center and right tackle on offense and led the team in pancake blocks as both a junior and senior as Jordan HS averaged 45.5 points per game in 2016 and 553.1 yards of total offense with 322.5 passing yards and 230.6 rushing yards… Helped anchor an offensive line that paved the way for some huge offensive production as the Beetdiggers scored a whopping 91 points against Taylorsville HS and put up 63, 60, 42 and 40 points in other games… Jordan HS also scored 40 points against eventual 5A champion and nationally ranked Bingham HS… Jordan HS played well enough in the offensive trenches to help its quarterback pass for 3,507 yards and rush for an additional 1,420 in 2016, while its top running back racked up 886 yards on the ground… Also participated in wrestling and baseball in high school.

Personal: Son of Nina Bloomfield… Has four brothers and sisters… One of his sisters played softball at Howard College… Name is pronounced Hen-eh-lee Ah-ven-da-no… Would like to major in either engineering or business management… Plans on serving a two-year LDS Church Mission before enrolling at Utah State.

Head Coach Matt Wells on Heneli Avendano: “Heneli has tremendous balance, strength and toughness, and does a great job of getting to the second level. He can also snap, which is an added bonus, and possesses great leverage.”

<strong>ROB CASTANEDA</strong>

<strong>OL | 6-4 | 305 | JR | JC | Round Rock, Texas (Round Rock HS/Ellsworth CC)</strong>

Junior College: Earned National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) honorable mention All-American honors as an offensive lineman following his sophomore season at Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls, Iowa… Also earned Iowa Community College Athletic Conference (ICCAC) first-team all-region honors as a sophomore during the 2016 season as he helped the Panthers average 354.6 yards per game with 208.3 yards passing and 146.3 rushing yards… Ellsworth CC finished it 2016 season by winning its third-straight Graphic Edge Bowl by defeating Rochester Community &amp; Technical College, 55-32. Previous School: Began his collegiate career at Texas Tech, where he redshirted in 2014 and played in all 13 games in 2015 along the offensive line.

High School: Was named the Texas 6A Region II District 13 Offensive Lineman of the Year as a prep senior at Round Rock (Texas) High School as he graded out at 93 percent and recorded 68 knockdowns and 49 pancakes.

Personal: Son of Robert and Misty Castaneda… Has three brothers… Played at the same junior college as fellow 2017 signee Lou Compton… Last name is pronounced Cast-uh-ned-uh… Plans on majoring in psychology at Utah State.

Head Coach Matt Wells on Rob Castaneda: “Rob is a versatile offensive lineman that can play multiple positions. He already has Division I game experience, which will make his transition at Utah State much easier.”

<strong>HENRY COLOMBI</strong>

<strong>QB | 6-3 | 190 | FR | HS | Hollywood, Fla. (Chamindae Madonna College Prep)</strong>

High School: Earned first-team all-county honors at quarterback from the South Florida Sun Times as a prep senior at Chamindae Madonna College Prep in Hollywood, Fla., as he was 72-of-100 (.720) passing for 1,520 yards with 14 touchdowns and just three interceptions and carried the ball 26 times for 590 yards (22.7 ypc) with five touchdowns… Helped the Lions to a 10-5 record and an appearance in the state championship game… Had four 200-yard passing games during the season and threw multiple touchdowns in four games… Was 12-of-15 passing for 263 yards and two touchdowns against North Miami Beach HS and was 7-of-8 passing for 251 yards and three touchdowns against Somerset Academy HS… Also had a pair of 100-yard rushing games, including 101 yards on five carries and two touchdowns against North Miami Beach HS, and four carries for 104 yards and one touchdown against Everglades Prep Academy… Was Named Florida’s 4A Player of the Year at quarterback as a junior at Chamindae Madonna College Prep as he accounted for 3,564 yards and 37 touchdowns… Earned first-team all-state and first-team all-county honors as a junior and was named the Offensive Player of the Year in Broward County as he was 181-of-262 (.691) passing for 3,044 yards with 34 touchdowns and nine interceptions and carried the ball 43 times for 520 yards and three scores… Had nine 200-yard passing games and four 300-yard passing games as a junior… Threw for a career-high 425 yards against Dade Christian HS as he was 23-of-35 passing with a career-high-tying four touchdowns… Had at least three touchdown passes in nine games and four touchdown passes in four games… Completed 22-of-28 passes for 404 yards and three touchdowns against Key West HS… Also played basketball in high school… Was a member of the honor roll.

Personal: Son of Henry and Josie Colombi… Has two brothers and one sister… His dad played football at Ole Miss… Last name is pronounced Cuh-lum-bee… Plans on majoring in business at Utah State.

Head Coach Matt Wells on Henry Colombi: “Henry has good arm strength and is very accurate. He possesses better mobility than he is given credit for, and he plays with a lot of moxie. Henry will be a winning quarterback at Utah State.”

<strong>LOUY COMPTON</strong>

<strong>LB | 6-2 | 220 | JR | JC | Waterford, Mich. (Waterford Mott HS/Ellsworth CC)</strong>

Junior College: Earned National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) second-team All-American honors at defensive end following his sophomore season at Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls, Iowa… Also earned Iowa Community College Athletic Conference (ICCAC) first-team all-region and first-team all-conference honors as a sophomore during the 2016 season as he recorded 60 tackles (46-solo, 16-assist), including 14.5 sacks, which ranked fourth nationally, and 18.0 tackles for loss… Also had three forced fumbles, two pass breakups and two fumble recoveries… Had a season-high eight tackles, including 1.0 sacks and 6.0 tackles for loss against Highland CC… Added eight tackles, including 2.0 sacks and 2.5 tackles for loss, against Iowa Central CC, while adding a forced fumble… Ellsworth CC finished it 2016 season by winning its third-straight Graphic Edge Bowl by defeating Rochester Community &amp; Technical College, 55-32… Earned second-team all-conference honors during his freshman season at Ellsworth CC as he recorded 29 tackles (17-solo, 12-assist), while adding 8.0 sacks and 14.0 tackles for loss, to go along with three forced fumbles… Had a season-high six tackles against both Iowa Western CC and Globe Institute of Technology, and recorded a season-high 4.0 tackles for loss as part of his five total tackles against Butler CC.

High School: Earned Michigan Class 1 all-Metro North honorable mention honors at defensive end as a prep senior at Waterford Mott (Mich.) High School… Was a two-year team captain and two-year starter for the Corsairs and helped his team clinch the Kensignton Lakes Athletic Association (KLAA) North Division title and a playoff berth during his senior season in 2014… For his career, he recorded 101 tackles, which included 25.0 sacks and 41.0 tackles for loss.

Personal: Son of Louy Compton and Tanesha Goode… Has five brothers and sisters… Played at the same junior college as fellow 2017 signee Rob Castaneda… Plans on majoring in criminal justice.

Head Coach Matt Wells on Louy Compton: “Louy has great pass-rushing skills. He is a force off the edge and can also drop into coverage, which is a unique blend.”

<strong>CHANDLER DOLPHIN</strong>

<strong>OL | 6-4 | 285 | FR | HS | Sandy, Utah (Alta HS)</strong>

High School: Earned Utah Class 4A first-team all-state honors from both the Salt Lake Tribune and Deseret News as an offensive guard as a prep senior at Alta High School in Sandy, Utah, as he led his team with 55 pancake blocks… Was also named to the USA Today High School Sports 2016 American Family Insurance All-USA Utah Football second team and earned first-team all-region honors… Helped the Hawks to a Region 7 Championship during his senior season and an 11-2 overall record as they advanced to the semifinals of the state playoffs… During his senior season, Alta HS averaged 523.3 yards per game with 246.8 rushing yards and 276.5 passing yards per game… Helped pave the way for the Hawks’ starting quarterback, who threw for nearly 3,600 yards, while their starting running back rushed for over 2,600 yards… Was the Student Body President at Alta HS and a member of the honor roll… Also played basketball in high school.

Personal: Son of Robert and Traci Dolphin… His two brothers and one sister… His uncle, Kevin Rice, played football for Utah State… Plans on majoring in business.

Head Coach Matt Wells on Chandler Dolphin: “Chandler has really improved as an offensive lineman and plays we great aggression.”

<strong>ALFRED EDWARDS</strong>

<strong>OL | 6-7 | 290 | FR | HS | Redlands, Calif. (Redlands Senior HS)</strong>

High School: Earned California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Division 5 all-Southern Section first-team honors as an offensive lineman as a prep senior at Redlands (Calif.) Senior High School as he helped the Terriers average 32.3 points and 412.2 yards of total offense per game with 236.5 passing yards and 175.7 rushing yards… Helped three of his teammates achieve milestones in 2016 as the Terriers’ starting quarterback threw for nearly 3,000 yards, while their starting running back rushed for over 1,700 yards, and their top receiver caught 71 passes for over 1,000 yards… Also earned first-team all-Citrus Belt League honors and all-area honors from the Press Enterprise as a prep senior as he was named his team’s Most Valuable Offensive Lineman… Was named second-team all-Citrus Belt as a sophomore.

Personal: Son of Alfred, Jr. and Rochelle Edwards… His sister, Alisha, is a track &amp; field athlete at UCLA… Plans on majoring in human movement science.

Head Coach Matt Wells on Alfred Edwards: “Alfred has tremendous length for an offensive tackle, and he possesses great feet and athleticism.”

<strong>JAMAAL EVANS</strong>

<strong>ATH | 6-3 | 225 | FR | HS | Las Vegas, Nev. (Centennial HS)</strong>

High School: Earned Nevada Division 4A first-team all-state honors at quarterback from the Las Vegas Review-Journal as a prep senior at Centennial High School in Las Vegas, Nev., as he was 127-of-213 (.596) passing for 2,148 yards with 21 touchdowns and just four interceptions… Also earned first-team all-Northwest League honors as a senior as he rushed for 608 yards on 107 carries (5.7 ypc) and 15 touchdowns… Recorded seven 200-yard passing games and seven games with multiple touchdown passes as a senior… Accounted for a career-high six touchdowns against Green Valley HS as he was 12-of-16 passing for 241 yards and two touchdowns, and rushed for a career-high 146 yards and a career-best four touchdowns on a career-high 23 carries… Also had six total touchdowns against Faith Lutheran HS as he was 20-of-27 passing for 217 yards and three touchdowns, and gained 95 yards on 12 carries with three more scores… Added a trio of 300-yard passing games during the season as he threw for 334 yards and a career-best four touchdowns against Shadow Ridge HS as he completed 13-of-25 passes… Had a career-high 350 passing yards and three touchdowns against Las Vegas HS as he completed 17-of-29 passes… Was 23-of-33 passing for 328 yards and three touchdowns against Desert Pines HS… Earned first-team all-state honors as a junior and was named all-Northwest League Offensive MVP at quarterback as he was 119-of-211 (.564) passing for 1,807 yards with 20 touchdowns and only three interceptions, while also rushing for 565 yards on 122 carries (4.6 ypc) and 16 touchdowns… Had four 200-yard passing games as a junior and multiple touchdown passes in five games, including a career-high five touchdown passes against Bonanza HS as he was 11-of-22 passing for 192 yards… Had four touchdown passes against Legacy HS as he was 16-of-28 passing for 233 yards… Added two 100-yard rushing games, which included a career-high 182 yards on 23 carries and a career-best four rushing touchdowns against Desert Oasis HS… Also had four rushing touchdowns against Canyon Springs HS as he rushed for 140 yards on 19 carries… Had 27 carries for 115 yards and one touchdown as a sophomore, and was 16-of-35 passing for 208 yards and two touchdowns… Was also a two-year starter on the Bulldogs’ basketball team.

Personal: Son of Leon and Alfreda Evans… Has one brother… Played at the same high school as fellow 2017 signee Savon Scarver.

Head Coach Matt Wells on Jamaal Evans: “Jamaal is extremely athletic and could see time at a variety of positions during his Aggie career. He is a very confident player with a tremendous upside.”

<strong>DEANTE FORTENBERRY</strong>

<strong>CB | 5-11 | 195 | JR | JC | Oakland, Calif. (Pittsburgh HS/CC of San Francisco)</strong>

Junior College: Earned California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) National Division all-Bay 6 League first-team honors in the Northern California Football Association (NCFA) at defensive back as a sophomore at City College of San Francisco as he recorded 52 tackles (34-solo, 18-assist), to go along with four interceptions, 10 pass breakups and one blocked kick… Had a career-high 12 tackles, including 0.5 tackles for loss, and one interception against Butte JC… Added 10 tackles and one pass breakup against Santa Rosa JC… In all, he recorded at least six tackles in four games… Earned CCCAA first-team All-American and first-team all-region honors as a freshman as he helped City College of San Francisco to the 2015 CCCAA state championship and the National Junior College Championship… Recorded 48 tackles (36-solo, 12-assist), to go along with 20 pass breakups, 10 interceptions and one forced fumble… Had 240 interception return yards with two touchdowns… Recorded five or more tackles in five games, including a season-high eight stops against Fresno CC… Also had a career-best five pass breakups and a career-high two interceptions against Fresno CC, as he returned one of those interceptions 77 yards for a touchdown and the other 47 yards… Added two interceptions against Santa Rosa JC… Returned an interception 75 yards for a touchdowns against Diablo Valley JC.

High School: Earned California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) North Coast Section second-team honors at defensive back as a prep senior at Pittsburgh High School in Oakland, Calif., as he recorded 33 tackles (21-solo, 12-assist), to go along with two interceptions, 11 pass breakups and one fumble recovery… Returned an interception 52 yards for a touchdown against Deer Valley HS… Had a season-high six tackles, to go along with a fumble recovery against Antioch HS… Had a career-high four pass breakups against Freedom HS, and added two pass breakups and one interception against California HS… During his junior season, he recorded 38 tackles (22-solo, 16-assist), to go along with two interceptions, six pass breakups, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble… Had four or more tackles in five games his junior season, including a season-high six stops against Granite Bay HS.

Personal: Son of Rick and Latina Brown Fortenberry… Has four brothers and one sister… Plans on majoring in business at Utah State.

Head Coach Matt Wells on Deante Fortenberry: “Deante is a very physical and confident defensive back, and will compete immediately for playing time.”

<strong>JARROD GREEN</strong>

<strong>CB | 6-0 | 170 | FR | HS | Elk Grove, Calif. (Cosumnes Oaks HS)</strong>

High School: Earned California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Capital Valley Conference first-team honors at defensive back as a prep senior at Cosumnes Oaks High School in Elk Grove, Calif., as he recorded 53 tackles (27-solo, 26-assist), which included 3.0 tackles for loss, to go along with two interceptions, three pass breakups and one forced fumble… Was also named second-team all-Metro by the Sacramento Bee as he returned one of his interceptions 53 yards for a touchdown against Ponderosa HS… Had a career-high-tying nine tackles against Davis HS… Offensively, he caught 10 passes for 180 yards with two touchdowns and rushed for 65 yards on 15 carries… Recorded 65 tackles (20-solo, 45-assist) as a junior, which included 1.0 tackles for loss, while adding three interceptions, two pass breakups one forced fumble and one fumble recovery… Had a season-high nine tackles against Del Campo HS, Whitney HS and Oak Ridge HS… A scholar-athlete and member of the honor roll all four years in high school…. Also a member of the track &amp; field team and has personal best marks of 20’3″ in the long jump and 42’5″ in the triple jump.

Personal: Son of Rodney and Mary Green… Has one brother… His dad played football at Adams State… Plans on majoring in health science.

Head Coach Matt Wells on Jarrod Green: “Jarrod possesses good feet and length for a defensive back, and he is very skilled at flipping his hips and breaking on passes.”

<strong>MATA HOLA</strong>

<strong>LB | 6-3 | 230 | SO | FR | HS | Sandy, Utah (Alta HS)</strong>

High School: Earned Utah Class 4A second-team all-state honors from both the Salt Lake Tribune and Deseret News at linebacker as a prep senior at Alta High School in Sandy, Utah, as he recorded 90 tackles (32-solo, 58-assist), including 13.5 sacks and 36.5 tackles for loss, to go along with 20 quarterback hurries, four pass breakups, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery… Had double-digit tackles in four games, including a season-high 11 stops, which included 1.5 sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss, against Timpview HS… Also had 11 tackles, including 2.0 sacks and 5.0 tackles for loss, to go along with a career-high seven quarterback hurries against Orem HS… Had a career-high-tying 3.0 sacks and a career-best 6.0 tackles for loss as part of his seven tackles against Dixie HS… Also had a career-high 6.0 tackles for loss as part of his 10 stops against Hillcrest HS… Earned honorable mention all-state honors as a junior as he recorded 66 tackles (19-solo, 47-assist), while adding 9.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss to go along with one pass breakup and one forced fumble… Posted a career-high 12 tackles against Hillcrest HS and had a career-high 3.0 sacks against Orem HS.

Personal: Name is pronounced Mah-tah Hole-uh… Plans on serving a two-year LDS Church Mission before enrolling at Utah State.

Head Coach Matt Wells on Mata Hola: “Mata has a tremendous upside and can play all four linebacker positions. He will play a key role at multiple positions when he returns from his mission.”

<strong>ZAHODRI JACKSON</strong>

<strong>CB | 5-10 | 165 | FR | HS | Sarasota, Fla. (Riverview HS)</strong>

High School: Earned Florida Class 8A District 6 all-area honors at defensive back as a prep senior at Riverview High School in Sarasota, Fla., as he recorded 45 tackles, which included 5.0 tackles for loss, to go along with 15 pass breakups, two interceptions, one fumble recovery and one forced fumble… Helped his team to a district championship during his senior season with a 9-2 record as they advanced to the second round of the state playoffs… Added 19 tackles, including 1.0 tackles for loss, during his sophomore season… Also competes in track &amp; field and qualified for the state championships in the long jump, triple jump and 4×100 relay.

Personal: Son of Shemere Green… Has three brothers and three sisters…. First name is pronounced Zuh-haad-ree… Has an uncle who played football at Boise State and an aunt who played softball at Florida International… Plans on majoring in broadcast journalism at Utah State.

Head Coach Matt Wells on Zahodri Jackson: “Zahodri is a confident defensive back that possesses great speed and feet.”

<strong>SAVON SCARVER</strong>

<strong>WR | 6-0 | 190 | FR | HS | Las Vegas, Nev. (Centennial HS)</strong>

High School: Earned Nevada Division 4A second-team all-state honors at wide receiver from the Las Vegas Review-Journal as a prep senior at Centennial High School in Las Vegas, Nev., as he caught 43 passes for 946 yards (22.0 ypr / 105.1 ypg) and eight touchdowns, while rushing for 166 yards on 12 carries (13.8 ypr) and two touchdowns… Had three 100-yard receiving games during his senior season, including a season-high nine receptions for a career-best 276 yards and a career-high-tying three touchdowns against Las Vegas HS, which included a season-long reception of 75 yards… Also had four receptions for 141 yards and two touchdowns against Shadow Ridge HS, and six receptions for 129 yards and one touchdown against Palo Verde HS… Added one 100-yard rushing game on the year as he carried the ball seven times for 143 yards, including a 64-yard touchdown run against Faith Lutheran HS… Earned second-team all-state honors at wide receiver as a junior as he caught 46 passes for 865 yards (18.8 ypr /86.5 ypg) and 11 touchdowns, which included three 100-yard receiving games… Had a career-best 10 receptions for 80 yards against Liberty HS, eight receptions for 113 yards and one touchdowns against Legacy HS, and two receptions for 114 yards, including a season-long 88-yard touchdown catch against Palo Verde HS… Also had four receptions for 119 yards, including a career-high three touchdowns, against Legacy HS… During his sophomore season, he caught 16 passes for 351 yards (21.9 ypr) and five touchdowns, highlighted by a two-reception game for 101 yards against Legacy HS, which included a career-long 91-yard touchdown… Also earned first-team all-state honors in track &amp; field as a junior at Centennial HS as he set a Division I state meet record in the 300-meter hurdles with a time of 37.83 seconds, the best time in the state that season… Also placed second in both the 110-meter hurdles and the 200 meters, and ran on the second-place 800 meter relay team, to help the Bulldogs to a second-place team finish.

Personal: Son of Tracy and Celeste Brown… Has five brothers and one sister… First name is pronounced Say-von… Played at the same high school as fellow 2017 signee Jamaal Evans… Plans on majoring in kinesiology at Utah State.

Head Coach Matt Wells on Savon Scarver: “Savon is a confident football player with track speed. He is a very good route runner that possesses really good hands and tremendous ball skills.”

<strong>JOSH STERZER</strong>

<strong>LB | 6-4 | 225 | FR | HS | Salt Lake City, Utah (Taylorsville HS)</strong>

High School: Earned Utah Class 5A honorable mention all-state honors from the Deseret News at linebacker as a prep senior at Taylorsville High School in Salt Lake City, Utah, as he recorded 72 tackles (63-solo, 9-assist), which included 11.0 sacks and 22.0 tackles for loss, to go along with five quarterback hurries and one forced fumble… Was also named the Outstanding Linebacker in Region 3 as a senior… Posted a career-high 13 tackles, which included a career-best 7.0 tackles for loss, against Brighton HS… Recorded two or more sacks in four games, including a career-high 3.0 sacks against Ogden HS… Offensively, he caught 19 passes for 423 yards and five touchdowns as a tight end and added 11 rushes for 68 yards… Had three receptions for a career-high 129 yards, including a career-long 80-yard touchdown, against Timpview HS… Had a career-high five receptions for 96 yards and a career-best two touchdowns against Jordan HS… Earned honorable mention all-region honors as a junior as he recorded 60 tackles (32-solo, 28-assist), which included 4.0 sacks and 12.0 tackles for loss, to go along with five quarterback hurries, two blocked field goals and one pass breakup… Had a season-high nine tackles, including 2.0 sacks and 5.0 tackles for loss, against Cottonwood HS… Had a career-high four quarterback hurries against Murray HS… Also played basketball and club volleyball at Taylorsville HS.

Personal: Son of Jim and Richelle Sterzer… Has six brothers and sisters… Last name is pronounced Stur-zer… Plans on serving a two-year LDS Church Mission before enrolling at Utah State.

Head Coach Matt Wells on Josh Sterzer: “Josh is a multiple sport guy in high school and could play multiple sports for us following his mission. He is a fast and physical linebacker with great length.”

<strong>SULI TAMAIVENA</strong>

<strong>LB | 6-0 | 235 | JR | JC | Kirkland, Wash. (Juanita HS/Mt. San Antonio JC)</strong>

Junior College: Earned California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) first-team All-America honors, first-team All-Region III honors and was named the Southern California Football Association (SCFA) National Division Central Conference Co-Defensive Player of the Year at linebacker as a sophomore at Mt. San Antonio Junior College in Walnut, Calif., as he recorded 81 tackles, including 9.0 sacks and 20.0 tackles for loss, while adding one forced fumble and seven pass breakups during the 2015 season… Was also named the SCFA Central Conference Defensive Player of the Week after recording 5.0 sacks and 7.0 tackles for loss as part of his 16 total tackles, to go along with a forced fumble, two pass breakups and three quarterback hurries against Long Beach CC… Was also named the Player of the Game in the Patriotic Bowl after making a team-high 10 tackles, which included 2.0 sacks… As a freshman in 2014, he recorded 45 tackles, including 5.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss, while adding one forced fumble and one fumble recovery… Was ranked as the No. 58 overall junior college prospect by Scout.com following his sophomore season.

High School: Prepped at Juanita High School in Kirkland, Wash., and spent two years playing rugby following his high school career.

Personal: Son of Levi and Sera Tamaivena… Has a twin brother, Sitiveni… Father, Levi, was an national rugby star in Fiji… Name is pronounced Sue-lee Tuh-my-ven-uh.

Head Coach Matt Wells on Suli Tamaivena: “Suli is a complete linebacker that plays both the run and pass at a high level. He does a great job taking on blocks and is really skilled at rushing the quarterback. He will compete immediately for playing time.”

<strong>CARSON TERRELL</strong>

<strong>TE | 6-4 | 240 | FR | HS | Lehi, Utah (Lehi HS)</strong>

High School: Earned Utah Class 5A first-team all-state and first-team Region 4 honors at tight end from both the Salt Lake Tribune and Deseret News as a prep senior at Lehi (Utah) High School as he caught 57 passes for 837 yards (14.7 ypr) and eight touchdowns… Had three 100-yard receiving games during his senior season… Had a career-high-tying eight receptions for a season-best 135 yards and a career-high three touchdowns, which included a career-long 51-yard reception, against Riverton HS… Also had eight receptions for 134 yards against Pleasant Grove HS, and five receptions for 127 yards against Sky View HS… Added eight receptions for 93 yards and two touchdowns against Viewmont HS… Finished the season by catching at least four passes in nine of the 10 games he played in… Defensively, he recorded 83 tackles (43-solo, 40-assist), including 3.0 sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss, and one forced fumble as he had 10-plus tackles in four games… Posted a career-high 13 stops, which included 1.0 tackles for loss, against Bingham HS… Had 11 tackles, including 2.0 tackles for loss, against Lone Peak HS… Also had 11 stops against both Herriman HS and Hillcrest HS… Earned second-team all-state and first-team all-region honors as a junior as he caught 47 passes for 645 yards (13.7 ypr) and two touchdowns… Caught a career-high eight passes for a career-best 157 yards and two touchdowns against Riverton HS… Also had eight receptions for 86 yards against American Fork HS… Finished the season by catching at least three passes in nine of the 10 games he played in… Added 31 tackles (20-solo, 11-assist) on defense, to go along with one forced fumble, including a season-high 12 stops against Granger HS… During his sophomore season, he had nine receptions for 91 yards (10.1 ypr)… Is ranked as the No. 1 tight end in the state of Utah, the No. 13 tight end in the West and the No. 53 tight end in the nation by Scout.com coming out of high school… Also participated in basketball and wrestling in high school and was a three-time state qualifier in three different weight classes in wrestling.

Personal: Son of Lance and Jen Terrell… Has four brothers and one sister… Last name is pronounced Tear-ul.

Head Coach Matt Wells on Carson Terrell: “Carson is a big tight end that can really run. He is a multi-sport athlete that possesses really good ball skills and he will compete immediately for playing time.”

<strong>NAMI TUITU’U</strong>

<strong>DL | 6-2 | 275 | FR | HS | Mesa, Ariz. (Mesa HS)</strong>

High School: Earned Arizona Class 6A first-team East Valley Conference honors at defensive tackle as a prep senior at Mesa (Ariz.) High School, as he recorded 66 tackles (45-solo, 21-assist), which included 2.0 sacks and 7.0 tackles for loss, to go along with two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery… Also earned second-team all-region and honorable mention all-state honors at defensive tackle as a senior as he returned an interception 52 yards for a touchdown… Was ranked as the 13th-best prep offensive lineman in the state of Arizona entering his senior season and earned first-team all-region honors at that position… Played in the Polynesian Bowl at Aloha Stadium in Hawaii… Recorded 42 tackles (22-solo, 20-assist) during his junior season, which included 1.0 sacks and 4.0 tackles for loss, to go along with one fumble recovery and seven quarterback hurries… Posted a season-high seven tackles against Red Mountain HS… Also returned an interception 28 yards for a touchdown against Skyline HS… Added 22 pancake blocks as an offensive lineman, including a season-high seven against Higley HS… A four-year starter and three-year captain… Was named his team’s Defensive MVP and Most Inspirational Player as a senior.

Personal: Son of Billy and Sa’ane Burton… Has two brothers and two sisters… Name is pronounced Nah-me Two-ee-two-ooh… His uncle Deuce Lutui played seven seasons in the NFL with the Arizona Cardinals, while his uncle Richard Tuitu’u played college football at Arizona State… Plans on majoring in psychology at Utah State.

Head Coach Matt Wells on Nami Tuitu’u: “Nami has good hands and is strong at the point of attack. He plays with great leverage and instincts, and will compete immediately for playing time.”

<strong>IZZY VAIFO’OU</strong>

<strong>LB | 6-3 | 200 | FR | HS | Salt Lake City, Utah (Highland HS)</strong>

High School: Earned Utah Class 4A honorable mention all-state honors from the Salt Lake Tribune at defensive end as a prep senior at Highland High School in Salt Lake City, Utah, as he recorded 38 tackles (34-solo, 4-assist), which included 4.0 sacks and 12.0 tackles for loss… Had a career-high nine stops against East HS, and had eight tackles, including 1.0 sacks and a career-high-tying 3.0 tackles for loss, against Hillcrest HS… Recorded a career-best 3.0 tackles for loss as part of his six stops against Davis HS… Offensively, he caught 14 passes for 165 yards and three touchdowns, highlighted by a three-reception game for 55 yards and two touchdowns against Bonneville HS… Had 11 tackles, including 3.0 tackles for loss, during his junior season… Was a member of the honor roll…. Also participated in basketball, rugby and wrestling in high school.

Personal: Son of Vaha and Christine Kioa… Has one brother and two sisters… Plans on serving a two-year LDS Church Mission before enrolling at Utah State… Last name is pronounced Vie-fo-oo.

Head Coach Matt Wells on Izzy Vaifo’ou: “Izzy is a dynamic linebacker that can play multiple spots because of his length and athletic ability.”

<strong>KYLE VAN LEEUWEN</strong>

<strong>WR | 5-10 | 180 | FR | HS | Provo, Utah (Timpview HS)</strong>

High School: Earned Utah Class 4A second-team all-state honors from both the Salt Lake Tribune and Deseret News at wide receiver as a prep senior at Timpview High School in Provo, Utah, as he caught 42 passes for 903 yards (21.5 ypr / 82.1 ypg) and 16 touchdowns… Also returned 19 punts for 190 yards (10.0 ypr) and seven kickoffs for 213 yards (30.4 ypr)… Had four 100-yard receiving games during the season, including a pair of 200-yard games, as he caught a career-high nine passes for a career-best 218 yards and two touchdowns against Provo HS… Had five receptions for 209 yards and a career-high four touchdowns against Taylorsville HS… Added eight receptions for 169 yards and one touchdown against Helix HS, and had four receptions for 117 yards and one touchdown against Timpanogos HS.

Personal: Son of Kent and Judi Van Leeuwen… Has five brothers and sisters… His brother, Zach, is a junior wide receiver for USU, while his brother Travis, was a four-year letterwinner at wide receiver for USU from 2010-13… His dad played football at BYU, while his mom played basketball and ran track at BYU… Plans on serving a two-year LDS Church Mission before enrolling at Utah State… Last name is pronounced Van-loo-win.

Head Coach Matt Wells on Kyle Van Leeuwen: “Kyle has the ability to get in and out of breaks quickly, and possesses tremendous hands for a wide receiver.”

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