utah state football signing class of 2016

7/25/2019 Utah State Football Signing Class of 2016

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Utah State Football Announces 2016 Signing Class

LOGAN, Utah (Wednesday, Feb. 3) Utah State head football coach Matt Wells announced his fourth sign-ing class on Wednesday, as part of National Signing Day. The class, which includes 20 total players, is comprised of 16

high school athletes and four junior college transfers. Of those 20 signees, three are mid-year transfers who are already

enrolled at Utah State, in addition to ve early enrollees out of high school. And nally, three members of this year's class

will serve a two-year LDS Church Mission before enrolling at USU.

The state of Utah produced the most signees with seven, including three from Cache Valley, followed by ve players fromCalifornia, four players from Florida, two players from Washington, and one player each from Hawaii and Oklahoma.

"We are really excited about this signing class and the young men who will represent Utah State University both on and

off the football eld," said Wells. "What impresses me the most when I look at this group as a whole is the overall length

and athleticism we were able to sign."

The greatest emphasis in Wells' fourth recruiting class was at linebacker, wide receiver and on the offensive line as Utah

State signed four student-athletes at each position. The Aggies rounded out the 2016 class with three defensive backs,

two running backs, one quarterback, one defensive end and one tight end.

"We met many needs with this group, especially at linebacker, wide receiver and on the offensive line," said Wells. "We

also were able to identify several players who will be able to come in and compete for immediate playing time."

In all, Utah State's 2016 class includes 12 recruits on offense and eight defensive players.

"Another aspect of our recruiting that was met was emphasizing the state of Utah and our mission program," said Wells.

"The state of Utah has always been and always will be our number one priority, as well as our mission kids and our Poly-

nesian connections, and all three of those areas were met with productive numbers."

Eight new players are already attending classes at Utah State in junior wide receiver Alex Byers, junior offensive lineman

Sean Taylor, sophomore cornerback Antonio Cole, freshman offensive lineman Demytrick Ali'ifua, freshman defensive

end Caden Andersen, freshman quarterback Jordan Love, freshman offensive lineman Viliamu McMoore and freshman

safety Zach Swenson.

The national letter-of-intent signing period for football began on Wednesday, Feb. 3 and concludes on Friday, April 1.

Athletic Media Relations7400 Old Main HillLogan, UT 84322-7400

Fax: (435) 797-2615

Website:www.UtahStateAggies.com

Doug Hoffman, Associate AD/Media Relations (435) 797-3714Kyle Cottam, Assistant AD/Communications (435) 797-2066

Megan Allen, Assistant Media Relations Coordinator (435) 797-5547

Wade Denniston, Assistant Media Relations Coordinator (435) 797-1361


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Utah State Football 2016 Signees

High School Signees (16)

Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Yr. Exp. Hometown (High School)

Demytrick Ali'ifua^ OL 6-3 280 Fr. HS San Leandro, Calif. (San Leandro HS)

Caden Andersen^ DE 6-3 280 Fr. HS Logan, Utah (Logan HS)

Makiah Gilmer CB 6-1 180 Fr. HS Kirkland, Wash. (Juanita HS)

Rayshad Lewis WR 5-10 160 Fr. HS Orlando, Fla. (Bishop Moore HS)Jordan Love^ QB 6-3 180 Fr. HS Bakerseld, Calif. (Liberty HS)

Simian Matagi* LB 6-3 210 Fr. HS South Jordan, Utah (Bingham HS)

Viliamu McMoore^ OL 6-5 265 Fr. HS Kapolei, Hawaii (Kapolei HS)

Tre Miller* RB 6-1 215 Fr. HS St. George, Utah (Dixie HS)

Bryce Mortenson* TE 6-6 220 Fr. HS Smitheld, Utah (Sky View HS)

Troy Murray OLB/DE 6-5 220 Fr. HS Logan, Utah (Logan HS)

Craig Rucker WR 5-8 165 Fr. HS Orlando, Fla. (Edgewater HS)

Ty Shaw OL 6-5 290 Fr. HS South Jordan, Utah (Herriman HS)

Zach Swenson^ S 6-1 185 Fr. HS Salt Lake City, Utah (East HS)

Justus Te'i LB 6-2 225 Fr. HS San Marcos, Calif. (Mission Hills HS)

Morian Walker, Jr. RB 6-1 215 Fr. HS San Jose, Calif. (Valley Christian HS)

David Woodward LB 6-3 210 Fr. HS Olympia, Wash. (Olympia HS)

Junior College Signees (4)

Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Yr. Exp. Hometown (High School/Last School)

Alex Byers^ WR 6-2 175 Jr. JC Riverview, Fla. (Spoto HS/Antelope Valley JC)

Antonio Cole^ CB 6-1 175 So. JC Edmond, Okla. (Edmond North HS/Northeastern Oklahoma A&M)

Ron'Quavion Tarver WR 6-3 205 So. JC Belle Glade, Fla. (Glades Central HS/Fort Scott CC)

Sean Taylor^ OL 6-5 275 Jr. JC Valley, Calif. (Valley HS/Laney College)

* - Will serve a two-year LDS Church Mission before enrolling at Utah State.

^ - Is enrolled at Utah State for the 2016 spring semester.

Pronunciation Guide

Demytrick Ali'ifua .............................................................................................................................. Duh-me-trick Ah-lee-ee-foo-uh

Makiah Gilmer .................................................................................................................................................................. Muh-kie-uh

Rayshad Lewis ...................................................................................................................................................................... Ray-shad

Simian Matagi ................................................................................................................................................... Sim-ee-un Ma-tah-gee

Viliamu McMoore ....................................................................................................................................................... Vil-ee-ah-mooh

Ron'Quavion Tarver ................................................................................................................................................... Ron-kway-V-un

Justus Te'i ................................................................................................................................................................................... Tay-ee

Morian Walker, Jr. ............................................................................................................................................................. Moore-e-un

Utah State Football Announces 2016 Signing Class ... 2/2/2


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DEMYTRICK ALI'IFUA OL 6-3 280 FR HS San Leandro, Calif. (San Leandro HS) High School: Earned California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) all-Foothill League rst-team honors as both an offensive and

defensive lineman as a prep senior at San Leandro (Calif.) High School as he recorded 31 pancake blocks on offense and notched

19 tackles (13-solo, 6-assist) on defense, to go along with two quarterback hurries... Helped San Leandro HS to a Foothill League

Championship during his senior season after posting a 5-0 record as the Pirates averaged 209.5 rushing yards and scored 52 total

touchdowns... Played in the Polynesian All-American Bowl... Also wrestled, played baseball and was a member of the track & eld

team in high school.

Personal:Son of Mila and Ituala Ali'ifua... Has three brothers and two sisters... Brother, Ricky, is a senior defensive end on Utah

State's football team... Is currently enrolled at Utah State and undeclared on a college major... Name is pronounced Duh-me-trick

Ah-lee-ee-foo-uh.

Head Coach Matt Wells on Demytrick Ali'ifua:"Demytrick is a strong and powerful two-way player that performed well in

our camp. Obviously, family connections were important here, as well, with his brother Ricky already a member of our team."

CADEN ANDERSEN DE 6-3 280 FR HS Logan, Utah (Logan HS) High School: Earned Utah Class 4A rst-team all-state honors from both the Salt Lake Tribuneand Deseret Newsas a prep ju-

nior and was the Region 5 Defensive Line MVP as he accumulated 94 tackles (32 solo, 62 assists) and 3.0 sacks, while forcing three

fumbles and recovering one in helping Logan (Utah) High School win the 4A state championship... Was the top tackler in 4A among

all defensive linemen... Earned rst-team all-region honors as a sophomore and was an all-valley selection as both a sophomore and

junior... Also lettered four years in lacrosse... A member of the honor roll... Did not play during his senior season due to injury.

Personal:One of four children of Roger and Mindy Andersen... Served a two-year LDS Church Mission in Detroit, Mich... Is

already enrolled at Utah State and plans on majoring in business administration... His uncle, Dennis Wildman, was a linebacker atUtah State from 1986-88.

Head Coach Matt Wells on Caden Andersen:"Caden is a tough, interior defensive lineman, who should contribute immedi-

ately."

ALEX BYERS WR 6-2 175 JR JC Riverview, Fla. (Spoto HS/Antelope Valley JC) Junior College: Earned California Community College Athletics Association (CCCAA) Region IV First-Team All-America

honors and was named a Southern California Football Association (SCFA) American Pacic League rst-team selection following

his sophomore season at Antelope Valley (Calif.) Junior College as he set school records in receiving touchdowns (12) and receiving

yards (1,072), which ranked fth in the state... Led the American Pacic Conference in receiving yards per game (107.2) and tied

for the lead in touchdowns (12) As a sophomore, he caught 56 passes for 1,072 yards (107.2 ypg/19.1 ypc) and 12 touchdowns in

10 games He had career highs of 11 receptions and 190 yards, while tying his season-high with two touchdown catches at Desert

JC Also returned two kickoffs for 86 yards, including a season-long of 69 yards, as part of a career-high 276 all-purpose yards

against Desert JC as he earned American Pacic Conference All-Purpose Player of the Week honors During his sophomore sea-

son, he had seven 100-yard receiving games and two 200-yard all-purpose game Overall, he had four games with two receiving

touchdowns and six games with at least ve receptions Had a season-long reception of 55 yards against West Los Angeles JC

Was part of an offense that ranked second in the American Pacic Conference with 297.5 passing yards per game Also returned

17 kickoffs as a sophomore for 284 yards (16.7 ypr) As a freshman in 2013, he played in 10 games and recorded 23 receptions

for 398 yards (39.8 ypg/17.3 ypc) and six receiving touchdowns, while also returning 14 kickoffs for 496 yards (35.4 ypr) and three

touchdowns Recorded a career-high three touchdowns against Glendale CC as a freshman with one receiving touchdown and two

touchdown returns... During his two years at Antelope Valley JC he had 79 receptions for 1,470 yards (73.5 ypg/18.6ypc) with 18

touchdowns, and returned 18 kickoffs for 780 yards (25.2 ypr) with three touchdowns.

High School: Had 11 catches for 434 yards (39.5 ypc) and three touchdowns as a prep senior at Spoto High School in River -

view, Fla., as he helped the Spartans advanced to the playoffs for the rst time in program history... As a senior, he had season highs

of four catches for 192 yards (48.0 ypc) and three touchdowns against Sickles HS, while also returning an interception for a touch-

down in the same game Also had a season-long 76-yard catch against Palmetto HS As a senior defensive back, he recorded 40tackles, four interceptions, two fumble recoveries and a sack... Earned MVP honors in Florida All-Star Game... Also played baseball

in high school.

Personal:One of three children of Wayne and Jacqueline Byers... His brother, Wayne, played college football at Bethune-Cook-

man... Is already enrolled at Utah State and majoring in sociology... Has a daughter, Anylah... Was also offered by UAB, Georgia

State, New Mexico, South Alabama and Texas State.

Head Coach Matt Wells on Alex Byers:"Alex has good height and length, and is able to high-point a football. We are excited

about Alex's future as he will compete for immediate playing time this spring."


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ANTONIO COLE CB 6-1 175 SO JC Edmond, Okla. (Edmond North HS/Northeastern Oklahoma A&M) Junior College: Earned honorable mention all-Southwest Junior College Football Conference honors following his freshman

season at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College in Miami, Okla., as he recorded 18 tackles, including 1.0 for loss, while adding three

pass breakups... Recorded a season-high six tackles in back-to-back games against Navarro JC and Kilgore JC... Played on a defense

that ranked third in the conference, allowing just 211.0 passing yards per game... A member of the Dean's List.

High School: Earned Oklahoma Class 6A-I District 2 all-state honors following his senior season at Edmond North High School

as he recorded 49 tackles, intercepted seven passes and had three pass breakups... Added four touchdown receptions on offense and

set the single-game school record with 291 receiving yards... Played in the Oklahoma Coaches Association All-Star Game... Also

competed in track & eld and set the school record in the long jump with a mark of 23 feet, 9 inches. Personal:One of three children of Antonio Sr. and Davone Cole... Is already enrolled at Utah State and majoring in marketing...

Also offered by Arkansas State, Colorado State, Texas State, Toledo and Tulsa. Head Coach Matt Wells on Antonio Cole: "Antonio is a long defensive back that has good change of direction, and we are

excited about his size at the cornerback position. He will compete for playing time immediately this spring."

MAKIAH GILMER CB 6-1 180 FR HS Kirkland, Wash. (Juanita HS) High School: Earned second-team all-King County 2A/3A District 7 honors at cornerback as a prep senior at Juanita High

School in Kirkland, Wash., as he recorded 58 tackles, which included 1.0 tackles for loss, to go along with ve interceptions... Of-

fensively, had six receptions for 104 yards and two rushes for eight yards... Also returned four punts for 90 yards and one touchdown,

and four kickoffs for 65 yards... Recorded 35 tackles, including 1.0 tackles for loss, to go along with one interception as a junior, and

added 17 tackles and two forced fumbles as a sophomore... Also competed in track & eld and placed third at the state championship

in the 200m as a junior... Earned Rotary Club Student of the Month honors during his senior year. Personal:One of three sons of Acacia Gilmer...First name is pronounced Muh-kie-uh... Also held offers from Idaho, Montana

State, Portland State and UNLV. Head Coach Matt Wells on Makiah Gilmer:"Makiah is a long and athletic defensive back with good height for his position.He has great hips and our coaches loved what they saw from him in our camp last summer."

RAYSHAD LEWIS WR 5-10 160 FR HS Orlando, Fla. (Bishop Moore HS) High School: Earned Florida Class 5A rst-team all-state honors at cornerback as a prep senior at Bishop Moore High School in

Orlando, Fla., as he helped his team to a 14-1 record and the 5A state championship, its rst since 1970... Was also named a 2015 Max

Preps Medium Schools First-Team All-American, a Max Preps Second-Team All-American, and the Orlando SentinelAll-Central

Florida Iron Man Player of the Year... Is the No. 11-ranked player in the Orlando Sentinel's2016 Central Florida Super60 and No.

55-ranked player in the Orlando Sentinel's2016 Florida Top 100... Intercepted seven passes as a defensive back during the regular

season and caught seven touchdowns passes during ve playoff games as he did not play wide receiver during the regular season...

Had seven catches for 94 yards with two touchdowns, four rushes for 33 yards, and three kickoff returns for 112 yards as he racked

up 239 all-purpose yards in the state championship game... Had seven interceptions as a defensive back during his junior campaign.

Personal:Son of Ray Lewis and Tatyana McCall... Has three brothers and two sisters...Brother, Ray Lewis III, plays footballat Coastal Carolina... First name is pronounced Ray-shad... Father is former NFL All-Pro linebacker Ray Lewis, who was an All-American at Miami and a Super Bowl MVP with the Baltimore Ravens.... Was also offered by Appalachian State, Ball State, Florida

Atlantic, Idaho, Old Dominion, Toledo and Massachusetts.Head Coach Matt Wells on Rayshad Lewis:"Rayshad is a dynamic playmaker with the ball in his hands and can play multiple

positions. He has great return skills in both the kickoff and punt return game."

JORDAN LOVE QB 6-3 180 FR HS Bakerseld, Calif. (Liberty HS) High School: Was named the North Coast Section Division I Bay Valley League Offensive Player of the Year at quarterback by

the Bakerseld Californianand earned all-area co-MVP honors as a prep senior at Liberty High School in Brentwood, Calif... Dur-

ing his senior season, he completed 114-of-224 passes for 2,148 yards and 24 touchdowns, while also rushing for 806 yards on 128carries (6.3 ypc) and eight touchdowns as he led the Lions to their rst-ever Central Section Division I Championship... In a 56-21

win against Clovis HS in the championship game, he threw for a career-high 296 yards and three touchdowns... As a senior, he com-

pleted at least 10 passes in ve games and threw for at least 200 yards in six games, while also throwing at least one touchdown passin every game... Had a season-long 76-yard pass in two separate games... Carried the ball at least 10 times in seven games, including

two games where he rushed for over 100 yards... Had a season-high three rushing touchdowns against Frontier HS As a junior, hecompleted 102-of-198 passes for 1,930 yards and 18 touchdowns Also ran for 384 yards and ve touchdowns on 86 carriers (4.5

ypc) as a junior, while leading his team to the Central Section Division I title game... Also played basketball in high school. Personal:One of four children of Anna Love...Is already enrolled at Utah State and plans on majoring in pre-physical therapy...Also held offers from Eastern Washington, Northern Arizona, Northern Colorado and Sacramento State.

Head Coach Matt Wells on Jordan Love:"Jordan is an early enrollee with a high upside. He is very accurate, has a strong armand has the mobility to become a complete dual-threat quarterback."


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SIMIAN MATAGI LB 6-3 210 FR HS South Jordan, Utah (Bingham HS) High School: Earned Utah Class 5A Region 3 rst-team honors at linebacker as a prep senior at Bingham High School in South

Jordan, Utah, as he recorded 46 tackles, including 2.0 sacks... Had a season-high nine tackles at Cottonwood HS... Helped the Min-

ers to a 12-2 record and a Region 3 title with a perfect 6-0 mark... Also earned rst-team all-region honors as a junior as he had 39

tackles, including 3.0 sacks, which included a season-high eight tackles at Brighton HS... Helped the Miners to a 13-2 record and the

5A state championship in 2014... Helped Bingham HS to a 14-0 record and the 5A state championship in 2013.

Personal:One of three children of Everestt and Rebecca Matagi...Will serve a two-year LDS Church Mission before enrollingat Utah State... Wants to major in graphic design... Name is pronounced Sim-ee-un Ma-tah-gee.

Head Coach Matt Wells on Simian Matagi:"Simian is a long outside linebacker with great range, and has the potential to gainweight and move inside. Simian is another player who performed well in our camp last summer."

VILIAMU MCMOORE OL 6-5 265 FR HS Kapolei, Hawaii (Kapolei HS) High School: Earned Hawaii Division I rst-team all-state honors at offensive tackle from the Honolulu Star-Advertiseras a

prep senior at Kapolei (Hawaii) High School, helping the Hurricanes average 245.7 yards per game (142.2 passing, 103.4 rushing)...

Played in the Blue-Gray All-American game in Dallas, Texas, following his senior season... Ranked as the top offensive tackle in the

state of Hawaii by Scout.com following his senior season.

Personal:Son of Paul and Nia Okimoto... Has two sisters and one brother... Is already enrolled at Utah State... First name is

pronounced Vil-e-ah-mooh... Was also offered by Boise State, BYU, Nevada, Texas Tech and Washington State.

Head Coach Matt Wells on Viliamu McMoore:"Viliamu is a big, raw and athletic offensive tackle who has all the tools to

develop into an outstanding player."

TRE MILLER RB 6-1 215 FR HS St. George, Utah (Dixie HS) High School: EarnedDeseret News3AA South Co-MVP honors and was named a rst-team all-state selection by the Salt Lake

Tribuneat running back as a prep senior at Dixie High School in St. George, Utah, as he carried the ball 225 times for 1,602 yards (7.1ypc/133.5 ypg) and 18 touchdowns, and posted 10 100-yard and two 200-yard rushing games... Rushed for a career-high 243 yards on

17 carries (14.3 ypc) with two touchdowns against Mohave HS and had 223 rushing yards on 26 carries (8.6 ypc) against Pine ViewHS... Scored a career-high three rushing touchdowns against both Pine View HS and Tooele HS... Scored multiple rushing touchdownsin seven games during his senior season... Also caught 13 passes for 111 yards (8.5 ypr), to go along with eight kickoff returns for 181

yards (22.6 ypr), and one punt return for 27 yards as he helped the Flyers to the state championship game... Earned second-team all-state honors from both the Salt Lake Tribuneand Deseret Newsat running back as a prep junior as he rushed for 1,515 yards on 169

carries (9.0 ypc/108.2 ypg) and 17 touchdowns as he had seven 100-yard rushing games and led the Flyers to the 3AA state champion -ship... Rushed for a season-high 203 yards on 17 carries (11.9 ypc) and two touchdowns against Cedar City HS and added 178 rushing

yards on 14 carries (12.7 ypc) and three touchdowns against Stansbury HS... Scored multiple rushing touchdowns in ve games during

his junior season... Also caught 30 passes for 431 yards (14.4 ypr) and four touchdowns and returned nine kickoffs for 286 yards (31.8ypr) with a long of 95 yards... Rushed for 84 yards on 19 carries (4.4 ypc) and caught one pass for nine yards as a sophomore, while

returning three kickoffs for 56 yards (18.7 ypr)... Also competed in track and eld and was a member of the distance medley relayteam that placed second at the state championship during his junior season.

Personal:One of four children of Eric Hollie Miller... Will serve a two-year LDS Church Mission before enrolling at UtahState... Also held offers from Air Force, Army, BYU, Navy, Ohio, Vanderbilt and Wyoming.

Head Coach Matt Wells on Tre Miller:"Tre is a big and strong in-state running back that is rarely brought down by the rstdefender. He catches the ball well out of the backeld and we are excited about his potential when he returns from his mission."


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BRYCE MORTENSON TE 6-6 220 FR HS Smitheld, Utah (Sky View HS) High School: Earned Utah Class 5A rst-team all-state honors from the Deseret Newsand second-team all-state honors from

the Salt Lake Tribuneat wide receiver as a prep senior at Sky View High School in Smitheld, Utah, as he helped the Bobcats to a

Region 1 Championship and to the seminals of the state playoffs as the team nished the season with a 12-1 record... Was named

the Region 1 Offensive Player of the Year following his senior season as he caught 86 passes for 1,272 yards (15.0 ypr) and 18

touchdowns and led the region in both receiving yards and total touchdowns... Also had one rush for three yards, while tallying four

tackles, including one sack on defense... Had six 100-yard receiving games as a prep senior, including 154 yards on eight catches

against Syracuse HS... Also had a season-high three touchdown receptions against Syracuse HS... Had a career-high 12 receptions for

144 yards against Brighton HS... Had two or more touchdown receptions in six games and caught at least one touchdown pass in 10games... Also earned rst-team all-region and all-valley honors as a prep senior... Caught 48 passes for 862 yards and 16 touchdowns

as a junior, while adding two rushes for three yards, to go along with 12 tackles on defense... Had ve 100-yard receiving games as a

junior, including 133 yards on six catches against both Maple Mountain HS and Roy HS... Had six catches for 107 yards and a career-

high four touchdown receptions against Provo HS and had a career-long 99-yard touchdown reception against Minico HS as he had

ve catches for 128 yards in the game... Ended the season with a touchdown catch in nine games, including multiple touchdowns in

ve of those contests... Had 24 receptions for 471 yards and three touchdowns during his sophomore season, including two catches

for a season-high 107 yards and two touchdowns against Provo HS... Also had a season-long 85-yard reception against the Bull-

dogs... Finished his high school career fourth all-time in school history with 38 touchdowns... Also a three-year letterwinner on the

Sky View basketball team... Is averaging 13.5 points and 5.8 rebounds per game as a senior, while shooting 52.0 percent (64-of-121)

from the eld... Averaged 12.6 points and 6.2 rebounds as a junior, as he shot 60.0 percent (119-of-200) en route to earning rst-team

all-region and honorable mention all-state honors... Averaged 12.2 points and 7.2 rebounds as a sophomore, as he shot 56.0 percent

(119-of-213)... An honor roll student in high school... Also competed in track & eld in high school as he was the region champion

and nished fourth at the state championships in both the high jump and long jump as a junior.

Personal:One of four children of Blake and Trish Mortenson...His father played football at BYU... Will serve a two-year LDSChurch Mission before enrolling at Utah State... Also held offers from Cornell and Nevada.

Head Coach Matt Wells on Bryce Mortensen:"Bryce is an extremely long and athletic player that we are very excited about.He is from the same mold as Dax Raymond and we are anxious for him to join the program following his mission."

TROY MURRAY OLB/DE 6-5 220 FR HS Logan, Utah (Logan HS) High School: Earned Utah Class 3AA rst-team all-state honors at defensive end from both the Salt Lake Tribuneand Deseret

Newsas a prep senior at Logan (Utah) High School as he helped the Grizzlies to an 11-2 record and the 3AA state championship,

including a perfect 6-0 mark to win the 3AA North Region title... Also earned Northern Area rst-team defensive lineman honors

and North Region Defensive MVP honors from the Ogden Standard-Examiner as a prep senior as he recorded 127 tackles, which

included 14.0 sacks and 38.0 tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles... Ended the year rst in the region in sacks and second in

tackles... Recorded at least eight tackles in 11 different games during the season and had eight tackles, including 2.0 sacks againstDixie HS in the state championship as he was named the MaxPreps Defensive Player of the Game... Also recorded at least one sack

in nine games during the season and had 2.0 sacks in four of those contests... Posted a career-high 12 tackles against Cedar City HS

as he was named the Lewiston State Bank Player of the Game, and had 10 tackles against both Ben Lomand HS and Snow Canyon

HS, as he registered three double-digit tackle games during the season... In all, he was named the MaxPreps Player of the Game four

times during his senior season... As a junior, he recorded 78 tackles, which included 14.5 sacks and 23.5 tackles for loss, to go along

with two fumble recoveries... Had at least six tackles in nine different games and at least 0.5 sacks in seven games... Posted a season-

high 11 tackles against Box Elder HS, which included a career-high 4.0 sacks... Also had 4.0 sacks against Bonneville HS... Earned

all-valley honors as both a junior and senior from The Herald Journal... Also played basketball and high jumped in high school as he

nished second at the state championships in the high jump as a junior and placed fth as a senior... Was the region champion in the

high jump as both a junior and senior, and earned all-state honors in the high jump as a sophomore.

Personal:One of ve children of Blaine and Dawn Murray..Plans on majoring in exercise science at Utah State... Also had offers

from Air Force, Idaho, Nevada and Wyoming.

Head Coach Matt Wells on Troy Murray:"Troy is a highly-recruited player out of the valley that has tremendous potential andupside. He is a hybrid outside linebacker/defensive end and has the ability to rush the passer at a high level."



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CRAIG RUCKER WR 5-8 165 FR HS Orlando, Fla. (Edgewater HS) High School: Earned Florida Class 7A rst-team all-state honors as a utility player as a prep senior at Edgewater High School in

Orlando, Fla., and was also named the District 11 Player of the Year by the Orlando Sentinel... As a prep senior, he caught 28 passes

for 401 yards (14.3 ypr) and rushed for 710 yards on 78 carries (9.1 ypc) and scored 15 total touchdowns... Helped Edgewater HS tothe 6A District Championship as a junior as he caught 47 passes for 741 yards (15.8 ypr) and rushed for 659 yards on 72 carries (9.2

ypc) and scored 18 total touchdowns as he earned second-team all-state honors... In the Class 6A District 10 title game against Grove -

land South Lake HS, he scored ve touchdowns and racked up 256 all-purpose yards with two rushing touchdowns, two receivingtouchdowns and a 67-yard kickoff return in the rst half alone... Also competed in track & eld... A member of the Dean's List.

Personal:One of three children of Katrina Garrison...Plans on majoring in business at Utah State... Also had offers from Akron,Ball State, Eastern Kentucky, Florida International, Georgia State, Idaho, Southern Illinois, Tennessee State and Toledo.

Head Coach Matt Wells on Craig Rucker:"Craig is a dynamic playmaker with the ball in his hands. He ts into our offense inmany ways as he can play both outside and in the slot."

TY SHAW OL 6-5 290 FR HS South Jordan, Utah (Herriman HS) High School: Helped Herriman (Utah) High School to the 5A state championship during his senior season as the team rushed

for 3,436 yards and 35 touchdowns on the year... Also helped the Mustangs to a co-Region 4 championship during his junior season...

Competed in track & eld in high school as well and placed fourth at the state championships in both the shot put and discus during

his junior campaign... A ve-time honor roll recipient.

Personal:One of three children of Kevin and Randi Shaw... His dad was selected by the Kansas City Royals in the 1987 MajorLeague Baseball Draft and spent seven seasons in the minor leagues... Also had an offer from Southern Utah.

Head Coach Matt Wells on Ty Shaw:"Ty is a big and strong offensive lineman who is joining are program at a very importanttime. He is also very athletic, as evidenced by his track & eld accomplishments."

ZACH SWENSON S 6-1 185 FR HS Salt Lake City, Utah (East HS) High School: Earned Utah Class 5A rst-team all-state honors from both the Salt Lake Tribuneand Deseret Newsat defensive

back as a prep senior at East High School in Salt Lake City, Utah, as he had 40 tackles and 3.5 sacks, to go along with 13 receptions

for 304 yards and four touchdowns... A team captain... Was a member of the 2011 Utah 7-on-7 football team that won nationals in Las

Vegas, Nev... Earned rst-team all-region honors during his junior year as he had 27 tackles and one interception, to go along with

seven receptions for 88 yards... Also earned rst-team all-region honors as a sophomore, as he recorded 26 tackles and one intercep-

tion... Was also a two-year letterwinner in soccer, earning rst-team all-state honors from the Salt Lake Tribuneand second-team

all-state honors from the Deseret Newsas a prep senior... A member of the honor roll.

Personal:One of four sons of Doug and Sheri Swenson... Served a two-year LDS Church Mission in San Diego, Calif... Planson majoring in business at Utah State.

Head Coach Matt Wells on Zach Swenson:"Zach is a strong and physical athlete who can tackle in open space. He can playmultiple positions, including cornerback, safety and outside linebacker, and he will contribute to our football program right away."

RON'QUAVION TARVER WR 6-3 205 SO JC Belle Glade, Fla. (Glades Central HS/Fort Scott CC) Junior College: Earned honorable mention all-Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference honors at wide receiver as afreshman at Fort Scott (Kan.) Community College as he caught 44 passes for 508 yards (11.5 ypc) and three touchdowns... Had a

season-high 11 catches for 99 yards against Highland CC... Had a season-high 107 receiving yards against both Butler CC and Inde-

pendence CC with eight and six catches, respectively... Caught at least ve passes in four different games during the season. High School: Earned Florida Class 4A District 7 rst-team all-area honors as a prep junior as he caught 30 passes for 417 yardsand six touchdowns for Glades Central High School in Belle Glade, Fla... Had four touchdown receptions during his senior season andearned second-team all-area honors as a sophomore... Also played basketball in high school and earned Palm Beach County rst-team

West Division honors as he averaged 10.0 points and 16.7 rebounds per game during his senior season as he was named his team's

MVP... An honor roll student.Personal:Parents are Parrish and Sonya Nixon... Has seven brothers and seven sisters...Cousin, Arron Baker, is a running back

at Alcorn State... Plans on majoring in physical education at Utah State... First name in pronounced Ron-kway-V-un. Head Coach Matt Wells on Ron'Quavion Tarver:"Ron'Quavion is a big and strong wide receiver that can high-point a foot-

ball. He is a very strong and capable blocker, and is an outside receiver that also has the ability to play in the slot."



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SEAN TAYLOR OL 6-5 275 JR JC Valley, Calif. (Valley HS/Laney College) Junior College: As a sophomore, helped Laney Colleges offense average 317.3 yards (227.5 passing, 89.8 rushing) and 22.7points per game.

High School: Earned California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) all-Metropolitan League and all-area honors at defensive endas a prep senior at Valley (Calif.) High School as he recorded 25 tackles, including 0.5 sacks, and one fumble recovery... Played inthe Napa Valley All-Star Game following his senior season... Also earned honorable mention all-league honors in baseball as a prep

senior... Played basketball in high school, as well. Personal:Son of Sean Taylor, Sr. and Felicia Smith... Has three brothers and four sisters...His uncle, Joe Smith, played football

at Washington State... Plans on majoring in sociology at Utah State... Also held offers from Hawaii, Nevada, San Diego State andUNLV. Head Coach Matt Wells on Sean Taylor: "Sean is an athletic offensive lineman who has the ability to play both guard andtackle. Being in school now and having the ability to go through our off-season program and participate in spring ball is a major ad -vantage for him. He will compete for immediate playing time."

JUSTUS TE'I LB 6-2 225 FR HS San Marcos, Calif. (Mission Hills HS) High School: Earned California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) San Diego Section All-Avocado East League rst-team honors

at linebacker as a prep senior at Mission Hills High School in San Marcos, Calif., as he helped lead the Grizzlies to an 11-1 record,a league title and Discovery Bowl Championship... Was also named the San Diego Union-Tribune Avocado East League Defensive

Player of the Year and was his team's MVP as a prep senior as he recorded 65 tackles, which included 5.0 sacks and 10.0 tacklesfor loss... Also registered two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries... Offensively, he caught six passes for 142 yards and one

touchdown... Was selected to play in the AIGA Foundation Polynesian All-American Bowl... Also earned rst-team All-Avocado East

League honors as a junior as he recorded 52 tackles, which included 4.0 sacks and 9.0 tackles for loss, to go along with one forcedfumble and a fumble recovery that he returned for a touchdown... Earned second-team all-league honors as a sophomore... Helped

Mission Hills HS win the CIF Open Division Championship in 2013 and advance to the seminals in both 2014 and 2015... MissionHills HS also won Avocado East League titles in 2013 and 2014, as well... Also competed in track & eld in high school.

Personal:Parents are Erik and Kimberly Quamme... Has four sisters and one brother..Last name is pronounced Tay-ee... Alsoheld offers from Idaho, Navy, Nevada, San Diego State and San Jos State.

Head Coach Matt Wells on Justus Te'i:"Justus has the ability to play both the inside and outside linebacker positions. He hasthe ability to run from sideline to sideline and make plays, and strikes well for a young player when taking on blocks."

MORIAN WAKLER, JR. RB 6-1 215 FR HS San Jose, Calif. (Valley Christian HS) High School: Earned California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) all-Central Coast Section West Catholic Athletic League rst-team honors at running back as a prep senior at Valley Christian High School in San Jose, Calif... Was also named his team's Offen-

sive MVP and twice earned Player of the Week honors... As a senior, he carried the ball 155 times for 1,012 yards (6.5 y pc) and 14touchdowns, while catching 16 passes for 362 yards (22.6 ypr) and four more scores... Finished the year ranking second in the league

in scoring (108 points), third in total touchdowns (18) and fth in rushing... Had four 100-yard rushing games as a senior, includinga career-high 147 yards on 15 carries, which included a career-long 71-yard touchdown run against Archbishop Mitty HS... Also had

15 carries for 133 yards and one touchdown against Los Gatos HS, 13 carries for 108 yards and two touchdowns against Serra HS,and 13 carries for 104 yards and a career-best three touchdowns against Pioneer HS... Overall, he had rushing touchdowns in 10 dif-ferent games with multiple touchdowns in three of those contests, while carrying the ball at least 10 times in 10 games... Also had

three receptions for 98 yards, which included an 81-yard touchdown, against Milpitas HS... Defensively, he posted 11 tackles as adefensive back and intercepted one pass that he returned 33 yards... Also had one kickoff return for 25 yards during the year... Playedin the Blue-Grey All-American Bowl at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas... Also competed in basketball and track & eld in high

school... Placed fth in the 80m hurdles at the 2010 USATF National Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships and seventh in

the 4x100m relay at the 2008 USATF National Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships... A member of the National Society

of High School Scholars and a scholar-athlete... A NorCal Prep top 50 recruit.

Personal:One of ve children of Morian Walker, Sr. and Percenel Jones-Walker...His sister, Leandra, plays soccer at CS North -ridge and his sister, Danielle, plays soccer at Foothill Junior College... Plans on majoring in nance or accounting at Utah State... Firstname is pronounced Moore-e-un... Also had an offer from Wyoming.

Head Coach Matt Wells on Morian Walker, Jr.:"Morian is a big and athletic running back. He has a strong lower body andpossesses good speed for a big back."



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DAVID WOODWARD LB 6-3 210 FR HS Olympia, Wash. (Olympia HS) High School: Named the All-Area Football Player of the Year by The Olympian at running back as a prep senior at Olympia

(Wash.) High School Also earned Washington Class 4A Narrows District Offensive Player of the Year honors and was a rst-teamall-league selection as a defensive back and return specialist As a senior, he carried the ball 92 times for 727 yards (7.9 ypc), caught

31 passes for 484 yards (15.6 ypc), completed 10-of-15 passes for 221 yards (14.7 ypp), and returned kicks gaining 489 yardsOverall, he totaled 1,921 all-purpose yards and 15 total touchdowns on the season On the defensive side of the ball, he recorded ateam-high 71 tackles and four interceptions... Missed his junior season due to injury... Also competed in basketball and track & eld

in high school.

Personal:One of four children of Mel and Rhonda Woodward...Sister, Deidra, plays soccer at Alabama State... Plans on major-

ing in business at Utah State... Also had offers from Eastern Washington and Portland State.Head Coach Matt Wells on David Woodward:"David is another hybrid linebacker that is very athletic, as evidenced by his

play on the basketball court. We expect him to develop into a very good linebacker at Utah State."

utah state football signing class of 2016

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