Aggie football successful in recruiting trail
In the wake of what is largely considered a disappointing season, several new recruits are beginning to light the future for the Utah State Aggies. Fans may not be satisfied until the recruiting success shows up on the field, but the Aggies are enjoying a ripe recruiting campaign in the offseason — and that success could continue to grow.
Early on, this year’s class centered around two prospects, ATH Jamaal Evans and QB Henry Colombi, with Evans projecting as a possible running back in college. With the new signing period underway, head coach Matt Wells and his staff are working hard to surround those two with a plethora of talent all over the football field.
Three recent commits have stood out from the early portion of the signing period.
The Aggies took a major step towards replacing senior tight end Wyatt Houston this past week with earning a commitment from Carson Terrell out of Lehi High School in Utah. Already at six-foot-five and 225 lbs., Terrell is built for the tight end position and could find playing time as early as next year. Rated as the best tight end in Utah and No. 53 at his position in the country, Terrell picked the Aggies over UCLA, Oregon State and BYU. After hauling in 57 receptions for 837 yards during his senior season, it’s easy to see why so many schools had their eye on Terrell.
The second major addition comes from the same high school as Evans. Wide receiver Savon Scarver, rated by most scouts as a 3-star prospect, stands at six feet even and has shown the potential to be a legitimate receiving threat for the Aggies. The Nevada product finished this past year with 43 receptions for 946 yards and eight touchdowns. Scarver also was involved in the running game at Centennial High School, averaging 13.8 yards per rush and tacking on another two touchdowns. With his average of over 100 yards receiving per game this past season, it’s hard not to be dream of the possible Scarver-Tarver duo the Aggies could have at wide receiver alongside Rayshad Lewis.
Junior college prospects are always an important part of the recruiting strategy for college football programs, and this year is no different for the Aggies. Junior college athletes are often expected to come in and contribute immediately, or at least faster than their high school counterparts. The Aggies are surely in need of some immediate help, and linebacker Louy Compton could fit the bill. Playing for Ellsworth Community College in Iowa, Compton racked up 60 tackles and 13.5 sacks in only 12 games, forcing two fumbles and recovering one in the process. Compton’s stellar play earned him second team honors on the NJCAA All-American team. A JuCo All-American might not move the needle for some fans, but it’s an important commitment for a team trying to rebound from last season’s dismal results.
After finishing 3-9, there is tremendous urgency for the Aggies to turn it around in 2017 and beyond. With several highly touted recruits already committed and more to follow in the coming weeks, there’s growing optimism the Aggies can do just that.