Utah State Football Announces 2018 Signing Class

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1 7400 Old Main Hill Logan, UT Fax: (435) Website: Athletic Media Relations Utah State Football Announces 2018 Signing Class LOGAN, Utah (Wednesday, Feb. 7) Utah State head football coach Matt Wells announced his sixth signing class on Wednesday, as part of the National Signing Day. The class, which includes 22 total players, is comprised of 17 high school athletes, three junior college transfers and a pair of four-year transfers who joined the team last fall. Of those 22 players, 10 signed with Utah State in December and 10 more signed in February, while the other two sat out the 2017 season after transferring from four-year institutions. Overall, six of the players are currently enrolled at Utah State for the spring 2018 semester, while four others will serve two-year LDS Church Missions before beginning their collegiate careers. Furthermore, 17 of the 22 signees played at least two sports in high school. Doug Hoffman, Associate AD/Media Relations (435) Kyle Cottam, Assistant AD/Communications (435) Megan Allen, Assistant Media Relations Coordinator (435) Wade Denniston, Assistant Media Relations Coordinator (435) The state of Utah produced the most signees with 11, followed by three players from California, and one player each from Florida, Hawaii, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas and Washington. "We are really excited about this signing class and the young men who will represent Utah State University both on and off the football field," said Wells. "The skilled kids in this class have a chance to make an immediate impact, while the future of this program is with the offensive linemen." The greatest emphasis in Wells' sixth recruiting class was on the offensive line with five signees, to go along with four players at both defensive line and linebacker. Rounding out the class are three defensive backs, two quarterbacks, two wide receivers and one running back. Furthermore, one player is currently listed as an athlete. "We met many needs with this group, especially along the offensive line," Wells said. "We also were able to identify several skill position players who should come in and compete for immediate playing time." In all, Utah State's 2018 class includes 11 recruits on defense and 10 recruits on offense, to go along with one athlete who could play on both sides of the ball. "A lot of this class resembles our recruiting plan through the years with in-state players, mission program kids and our Polynesian connections being our top priorities," added Wells. This national letter-of-intent signing period for football began on Wednesday, Feb. 7, and concludes on Friday, March USU -

2 Utah State Football Announces 2018 NCAA Signing Class... 2/2/2 Utah State Football 2018 Signees High School Signees in February (10) Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Yr. Exp. Hometown (High School) Michael Anyanwu CB Fr. HS Covina, Calif. (Charter Oak HS) Will Dana QB Fr. HS Sandy, Utah (Alta HS) Johnson Hansen* DL Fr. HS Salt Lake City, Utah (East HS) Mitch Medina LB Fr. HS Sandy, Utah (Alta HS) Christian Nash DB Fr. HS Salt Lake City, Utah (East HS) Karene Reid* LB Fr. HS American Fork, Utah (Timpview HS) Karter Shaw OL Fr. HS South Jordan, Utah (Herriman HS) Elijah Shelton LB Fr. HS Salt Lake City, Utah (Highland HS) Deven Thompkins WR Fr. HS Fort Myers, Fla. (Dunbar HS) Seni Tuiaki* DL Fr. HS Salt Lake City, Utah (East HS) High School Signees in December (7) Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Yr. Exp. Hometown (High School) Wyatt Bowles OL Fr. HS West Point, Utah (Syracuse HS) Andy Koch OL Fr. HS Eastvale, Calif. (Eleanor Roosevelt HS) Hale Motu'apuaka DL Fr. HS Honolulu, Hawaii (Punahou HS) Tim Patrick Jr. WR Fr. HS San Diego, Calif. (Morse HS) Andrew Peasley^ QB Fr. HS La Grande, Ore. (La Grande HS) Jacob South OL Fr. HS Anacortes, Wash. (Anacortes HS) Crew Wakley* ATH Fr. HS Sandy, Utah (Jordan HS) Junior College Signees in December (3) Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Yr. Exp. Hometown (High School/Last School) Kyler Hack^ OL So. JC Las Vegas, Nev. (Palo Verde HS/Orange Coast CC) Darwin Thompson^ RB Jr. JC Jenks, Okla. (Jenks HS/Northeastern Oklahoma A&M) DJ Williams^ DB Jr. JC Smyrna, Tenn. (Smyrna HS/Independence CC) Four-Year Transfers - Joined the Team in Fall of 2017 (2) Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Yr. Exp. Hometown (High School/Last School) Tipa Galea'i^ LB Jr. RS Euless, Texas (Trinity HS/TCU) Fua Leilua^ DL Jr. RS Spanish Fork, Utah (Spanish Fork HS/Snow JC/Oklahoma State) ^ - Is enrolled at Utah State for the 2018 spring semester. * - Will serve a two-year LDS Chuch Mission before enrolling at Utah State. Pronunciation Guide Michael Anyanwu... Aun-Yan-Wu Wyatt Bowles... Bowls Tipa Galea'i... Tee-puh Nah-lay-eye Andy Koch... Kotch Fua Leilua... Foo-uh Lay-loo-uh Mitch Medina... Muh-dee-nuh Hale Motu'apuaka... Huh-lay Mow-too-uh-poo-uh-kuh Karene Reid... Kuh-ren-ay Seni Tuiaki... Sen-ee Too-ee-uh-kee Crew Wakley... Wake-lee

3 Utah State Football Announces 2018 NCAA Signing Class... 3/3/3 MICHAEL ANYANWU CB FR HS Covina, Calif. (Charter Oak HS) High School: Earned California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Southern Section Division 3 first-team all-area honors from the San Gabriel Tribune at defensive back as a prep senior at Charter Oak High School in Covina, Calif., as he helped the Chargers to a 12-1 record, including a 5-0 mark in the Hacienda League, and a trip to the semifinals of the CIF Southern Section Division 3 Playoffs... Was also named all league as a prep senior, as he had 10 interceptions and 11 pass breakups for 21 passes defended, and recorded 32 tackles, which included 1.0 tackles for loss... On the season, he intercepted a career-high two passes in three different games against Glendora HS, Damien HS and Westlake HS, and had a career-high-tying six tackles against Chino HS... Offensively, he added 22 receptions for 247 yards and three touchdowns, not to mention returning three punts and one kickoff... His best offensive game of the season was against South Hills HS as he had five receptions for 81 yards and two touchdowns... Recorded 18 pass breakups and one interception, to go along with 4.0 tackles for loss as part of his 42 tackles during his junior season... Also had one fumble recovery and returned one kickoff during the season... Had a career game against Sierra Canyon HS as he recorded a career-high seven pass breakups... Finished his junior season with multiple pass breakups in four games... Also registered five or more tackles in four games, including a career-high six stops against Northview HS... As a sophomore, he recorded 24 tackles and had three pass breakups... Also plays basketball for Charter Oak HS, as he is averaging nearly 14.0 points and 6.0 rebounds during his senior season and averaged 11.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists during his junior campaign... Earned first-team all-hacienda League honors in basketball as a junior. Personal: One of three children of Emmanuel and Blessing Anyanwu... Last name is pronounced Aun-Yan-Wu. Head Coach Matt Wells on Michael Anyanwu: "Michael is a very athletic football player that possesses good feet and lower body strength, which allows him to get in and out of breaks quickly." WYATT BOWLES OL FR HS West Point, Utah (Syracuse HS) High School: Earned Utah Class 6A second-team all-state honors from the Salt Lake Tribune and honorable mention all-state accolades from the Deseret News as an offensive lineman, and was a Region 1 first-team selection following his senior season at Syracuse (Utah) High School, where he helped the Titans to the state quarterfinals and a 7-4 overall record Helped pave the way for a Syracuse offense to average 22.8 points per game, more than 1,100 yards rushing and 2,000 yards passing Also played defensive end for Syracuse HS and recorded 27 tackles and 5.0 sacks as a senior, as he led the Titans in quarterback hurries and was tied for the team lead in sacks Tallied 46 career tackles, including 6.0 career sacks Was a three-year starter for the Titans, leading them to the state playoffs each season... Also competes in track & field at Syracuse HS, throwing the shot put and discus. Personal: One of three children of Jeremy and Nichole Bowles... Last name is pronounced Bowls. Head Coach Matt Wells on Wyatt Bowles: "Wyatt is a young offensive lineman who has a bright future at Utah State. He has a high football IQ and has the flexibility to play tackle or center." WILL DANA QB FR HS Sandy, Utah (Alta HS) High School: Earned Utah Class 5A honorable mention all-state honors at quarterback as a prep senior at Alta High School in Sandy, Utah... During his senior season, he was 197-of-324 (.608) passing for 3,051 yards and 30 touchdowns, while throwing just 10 interceptions... Threw for at least 200 yards in 10 games and had 400-plus yards passing in two games... Threw for a career-high 452 yards and tied his career high with five touchdown passes against Corner Canyon HS, as he completed 24-of-47 passes... Threw for 401 yards and had a career-high-tying five touchdown passes against Lehi HS, as he was 23-of-32 passing... Added four touchdown passes against both Taylorsville HS and Cottonwood HS, and had multiple touchdown passes in eight games... Scored one rushing touchdown during the season against Woods Cross HS... Earned Utah Class 4A first-team all-state honors at quarterback from both the Salt Lake Tribune and Deseret News during his junior season as he helped the Hawks to an 11-2 record, including a Region 7 championship as they went 6-1 in region play... Alta HS concluded its season with a loss in the semifinals of the state playoffs... During his junior season, he completed 230-of-334 (.689) passes for 3,595 yards and 42 touchdowns, while throwing just six interceptions... Threw for at least 200 yards in 11 games and had 300-plus yards of passing in six games... Threw for a season-high 402 yards on 24-of-32 passing against Skyridge HS, while adding a career-high five touchdown passes... Also had a career-high-tying five touchdown passes against Taylorsville HS, as he was 18-of-25 passing for 275 yards... Added four touchdown passes in five other games, including against Orem HS, as he was 21-of-28 passing for 370 yards... Recorded multiple touchdown passes in 12 games overall... Added two rushing touchdowns on the season, including a career-long 29-yard run against Wasatch HS... During his junior and senior seasons, he accounted for 76 touchdowns and passed for 6,786 yards, both of which rank among the top 10 all-time in Utah high school history... Was a member of the honor roll all four years at Alta HS. Personal: One of four children of Troy and Courtney Dana. Head Coach Matt Wells on Will Dana: "Will was an extremely efficient and smart high school quarterback that was very well coached. He possesses a strong arm and throws a very accurate ball."

4 Utah State Football Announces 2018 NCAA Signing Class... 4/4/4 TIPA GALEA'I LB JR RS Euless, Texas (Trinity HS/TCU) Utah State: Redshirted during the 2017 season at Utah State as a four-year transfer from TCU. Previous School: Spent two seasons at TCU, playing in 10 games as a sophomore in 2016 and in seven games as a freshman in During his sophomore season, he recorded 24 total tackles, including 3.5 sacks and 5.5 tackles for loss... Recovered two fumbles on the year, against Oklahoma and versus Georgia in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl Also had a sack and forced fumble against Georgia Had a season-best six total tackles twice, against SMU and Texas Tech... As a freshman, he had seven tackles, which included one sack against Stephen F. Austin. High School: Earned Texas District 7-6A first-team and honorable mention all-state honors at linebacker as a prep senior at Trinity High School in Euless, Texas... Was also named to the Star-Telegram Super Team following his senior season as he recorded 52 tackles, which included 8.0 sacks and 15.0 tackles for loss, to go along with 17 quarterback hurries... Ranked as the No. 5 defensive end in Texas and No. 67 nationally for his position by Scout.com. Personal: One of five children of Lemaefe and Tania Galea'i... His brother, Salanoa, was a long snapper for Utah State from Is currently enrolled at Utah State and majoring in interdisciplinary studies... Name is pronounced Tee-puh Nah-lay-eye. Head Coach Matt Wells on Tipa Galea'i: "Tipa is a long, rangy, athletic linebacker who has all the tools to be a great pass rusher. He is also a very talented deep snapper." KYLER HACK OL SO JC Las Vegas, Nev. (Palo Verde HS/Orange Coast CC) Junior College: Earned California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) second-team all-northern Division, Southern League honors as a freshman offensive lineman at Orange Coast Community College in Costa Mesa, Calif Anchored an offensive line that helped the Pirates average yards of offense per game with passing yards and rushing yards Orange Coast CC had three games with over 400 yards of offense on the year... Was named his team's Most Valuable Player along the offensive line. High School: Earned Nevada Class 4A second-team all-southwest League honors as an offensive lineman as a prep junior and senior at Palo Verde High School in Las Vegas, Nev As a senior, helped lead the offense to yards per game, including rushing yards, as the Panthers totaled nearly 2,000 yards rushing in just nine games As a junior, helped lead the offense to yards per game, guiding the Panthers to over 2,800 yards rushing in 11 games Was named his team's Most Valuable Player along the offensive line as both a junior and senior... Also played basketball in high school. Personal: Son of Shahn and Desiree Hack... Has one sister... Is currently enrolled at Utah State and majoring in exercise science. Head Coach Matt Wells on Kyler Hack: "Kyler is a strong and talented offensive lineman that will immediately compete for a starting role at one of our tackle positions." JOHNSON HANSEN DL FR HS Salt Lake City, Utah (East HS) High School: Earned Utah Class 6A honorable mention all-state honors from the Salt Lake Tribune as a defensive lineman as a prep senior at East High School in Salt Lake City, Utah... Helped the Leopards to an 11-3 record and a Region 3 championship with a 5-0 record... Lost in the state championship game to Bingham HS... Finished his senior season with 117 tackles, which included 15.5 sacks, while adding two fumble recoveries... Had four double-digit tackle outings during his senior season with a career-high 13 stops against Taylorsville HS, while adding 12 tackles against Saguaro HS and 10 stops against both Bingham HS and IMG Academy... Recorded at least 1.0 sacks in 11 games during the season, including a career-high 3.0 sacks against Taylorsville HS... Added one reception for nine yards on the season at tight end... During his junior season, he recorded 52 tackles and 4.0 sacks, which included a season-best 10 tackles against Highland HS... Also added an interception against Clearfield HS... Offensively, he caught three passes on the year for 144 yards and two touchdowns, which included a pair of 68-yard scores against both Clearfield HS and Skyline HS... Had eight tackles, including one sack, and one interception during his sophomore season. Personal: Son of Robert and Mosiana Hansen... Has nine brothers and sisters... Will serve a two-year LDS Church Mission before enrolling at Utah State. Head Coach Matt Wells on Johnson Hansen: "Johnson is a strong and long-levered defensive lineman. We think he has a tremendous upside once he joins our program following his mission."

5 Utah State Football Announces 2018 NCAA Signing Class... 5/5/5 ANDY KOCH OL FR HS Eastvale, Calif. (Eleanor Roosevelt HS) High School: Earned California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Southern Section, Division 5 first-team honors as a defensive lineman as a prep senior at Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Eastvale, Calif As a senior, recorded 67 tackles, including 9.0 sacks as part of 15.5 tackles for loss Recorded one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries, both of which he returned for touchdowns Had a season-high 14 tackles, all of which were solo, against Ayala HS Reached double-digit tackles in four games during the season Recorded a season-high 3.0 sacks against Corona HS Logged 42 tackles during his junior campaign, including 3.0 sacks as part of 13.0 tackles for loss Forced two fumbles and recovered one fumble Had a season-high nine tackles against Cajon HS Recorded a season-high 2.0 tackles for loss four times Also plays basketball at Eleanor Roosevelt HS. Personal: Son of Carl and Karen Koch... Has one brother... Last name is pronounced Kotch. Head Coach Matt Wells on Andy Koch: "Andy is a long and athletic football player that should develop into a mainstay along our offensive line in the future." FUA LEILUA DL JR RS Spanish Fork, Utah (Spanish Fork HS/Snow JC/Oklahoma State) Utah State: Redshirted during the 2017 season at Utah State as a four-year transfer from Oklahoma State. Junior College: Spent his sophomore season in Ephraim, Utah, at Snow College... During the 2016 season, he recorded 32 tackles, which included 2.5 tackles for loss... Was the second-leading tackler on the defensive line despite missing two games... Also recorded one interception and returned it for 15 yards... Coming out of junior college, he was ranked as the No. 63 overall junior college prospect in the country by Scout.com, while ESPN listed him as the No. 18 JUCO defensive tackle and 247Sports listed him as the No. 2 JUCO prospect in Utah. Previous School: Played at Weber State during his freshman season in 2015 and recorded 14 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss... Had a season-high three stops against both Northern Colorado and Southern Utah. High School: Earned Utah Class 4A honorable mention all-state honors at defensive tackle as a prep senior at Spanish Fork (Utah) High School... Recorded 111 tackles and 9.5 sacks during his prep career for the Dons... Earned academic all-region honors, as well... Also wrestled in high school and won the state championship in the 220-pound division. Personal: One of three children of Fili and Natasha Leilua... His uncle, Matt Asiata, played football at Utah and has spent the past seven years in the NFL with the Minnesota Vikings ( ) and Detroit Lions (2017)... Is currently enrolled at Utah State and majoring in exercise science... Name is pronounced Foo-uh Lay-loo-uh. Head Coach Matt Wells on Fua Leilua: "Fua has good quickness for a defensive lineman and an eye for the football, and should compete for immediate playing time." MITCH MEDINA LB FR HS Sandy, Utah (Alta HS) High School: Earned Utah Class 5A second-team all-state honors from the Deseret News and honorable mention all-state accolades from the Salt Lake Tribune at linebacker as a prep senior at Alta High School in Sandy, Utah... Was also named first-team all-region during his senior season, as he recorded 113 tackles, which included 1.0 sacks and 14.0 tackles for loss, while adding six quarterback hurries, four fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles, one interception and one pass breakup... Those 113 tackles were the second-most in 5A... Recorded double-digits in tackles eight times during the season, including a season-high 16 stops, which included a careerhigh-tying 3.0 tackles for loss, against Timpview HS... Had 13 tackles, including 3.0 tackles for loss, against Brighton HS... Also had 13 stops against Liberty HS and 12 tackles against Jordan HS... Added 11 tackles against Taylorsville HS and returned a fumble 25 yards for a touchdown against the Warriors... Recorded 10 tackles against Lehi HS, Roy HS and Springville HS... Recorded 83 tackles as a junior, which included 3.5 sacks and 8.0 tackles for loss, while adding seven quarterback hurries, one interception and one pass breakup... Had a career-high 26 tackles, which included 1.5 sacks and 2.0 tackles for loss, against Timpview HS... Had 22 tackles, including 1.0 sacks, against Orem HS... Also intercepted a pass against the Tigers and returned it 40 yards... Added 16 tackles, including 3.0 tackles for loss, against Dixie HS... As a sophomore, he recorded 119 tackles, including 2.5 sacks and 5.0 tackles for loss, while adding three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and one pass breakup... Recorded double digits in tackles in five games... Had a season-high 21 tackles against Kearns HS, while adding a forced fumble and fumble recovery that he returned 16 yards for a touchdown... Had 19 tackles against Spanish Fork HS... Added 18 tackles against Corner Canyon HS, to go along with a forced fumble and fumble recovery... Had 12 tackles and a forced fumble against Provo HS and posted 10 tackles against Hillcrest HS... Also plays baseball for Alta HS and has been a member of the honor roll all four years. Personal: One of three children of Kevin and Staci Medina... Last name is pronounced Muh-dee-nuh. Head Coach Matt Wells on Mitch Medina: "Mitch is a strong, tough, hard-nosed inside linebacker that is only going to improve as he continues to mature."

6 Utah State Football Announces 2018 NCAA Signing Class... 6/6/6 HALE MOTU'APUAKA DL FR HS Honolulu, Hawaii (Punahou HS) High School: Earned first-team all-interscholastic League of Honolulu honors along the defensive line as both a junior and senior at Punahou High School in Hololulu, Hawaii... Was tabbed the No. 9-rated prospect in Hawaii for the 2018 class per the 247Sports rankings Helped lead Punahou HS to a 5-3 record as a senior, including winning a season-high four straight games, as he recorded 25 tackles, which included 3.0 sacks and 11.0 tackles for loss in just six games The Buffanblu posted one shutout on the season, recording three turnovers and four sacks, while limiting Kamehameha HS to just 148 yards of total offense, in a 21-0 win over the Warriors Prior to his high school days, he was a seven-time world fireknife champion in the junior division. Personal: One of four children of Sione and Lisa Motu'apuaka... Name is pronounced Huh-lay Mow-too-uh-poo-uh-kuh. Head Coach Matt Wells on Hale Motu'apuaka: "Hale has great hands and is a fast-twitch defensive lineman that we anticipate will be able to play both the four-technique and nose guard position in our defense." CHRISTIAN NASH DB FR HS Salt Lake City, Utah (East HS) High School: Started at defensive back as a prep senior in his only season at East High School in Salt Lake City, Utah... Helped the Leopards to an 11-3 record and a Region 3 championship with a 5-0 mark... Lost in the state championship game to Bingham HS... Recorded 52 tackles on the season, including a career-high 11 stops against Riverton HS... Also had four interceptions on the year, including a career-high two against Copper Hills HS... Offensively, he caught seven passes for 205 yards (29.3 ypr) and three touchdowns... Had two receptions for 66 yards and one touchdown against both Westlake HS and Taylorsville HS, and added two receptions for 30 yards and one touchdown against Copper Hills HS... Spent his junior season at Hamilton HS in Chandler, Ariz., where he recorded 48 tackles and had three interceptions. Personal: One of five children of Charles and Maisha Nash... His cousin, Michael Smith, played running back at Utah State from and was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the seventh round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Head Coach Matt Wells on Christian Nash: "Christian is a rangy and athletic defensive back that possesses great length. He has the feet and skill-set to be a very good cornerback or safety." TIM PATRICK JR. WR FR HS San Diego, Calif. (Morse HS) High School: Played multiple positions at Morse High School in San Diego, Calif. In 12 games as a senior, he rushed 90 times for 963 yards (10.7 ypc/80.3 ypg) and 13 touchdowns Rushed for over 100 yards four times, including a season-high 179 yards on a season-high 15 carries (11.9 ypc) against Mira Mesa HS Scored a season-high three rushing touchdowns three times as a senior Had a season-long rush of 70 yards against Hoover HS Caught six passes for 105 yards (17.5 ypc/8.8 ypg) and two touchdowns Had season highs of four catches for 71 yards against Mission Bay HS Returned one kickoff during the year for an 87-yard touchdown against Central HS... Went 4-of-4 passing for 53 yards (13.3 ypp) Defensively, recorded four solo tackles during the season... Also plays basketball and runs track in high school. Personal: Son of Timothy Patrick Sr. and Nichelle Russell... Has one brother and one sister... His brother, Tim Patrick, was a wide receiver at Utah and is currently in the NFL with the Denver Broncos. Head Coach Matt Wells on Tim Patrick Jr.: "Tim is a very athletic football player that can stretch the field vertically with his speed. He played quarterback in high school, which speaks to his athleticism, and he should compete for immediate playing time." ANDREW PEASLEY QB FR HS La Grande, Ore. (La Grande HS) High School: A two-time Greater Oregon League (GOL) Offensive Player of the Year and a four-year letterman at quarterback at La Grande (Ore.) High School Was a three-year starter at quarterback and four-year starter overall, earning team Offensive Player of the Year honors Despite being injured for part of his senior season, helped the Tigers advance to the Class 4A quarterfinals Amassed 4,318 yards passing and 45 touchdowns, to go along with 931 yards rushing and 23 more scores, during his sophomore and junior campaigns, earning honorable mention all-state honors both seasons Led La Grande HS to at least a share of the GOL title from , including winning the program s first outright championship in a decade in 2015 Overall, he accounted for 111 touchdowns during his prep career... Also played basketball and baseball at La Grande HS, earning conference player of the year accolades in basketball, while winning a state title in baseball as a junior... Was a member of the honor roll all four years at La Grande HS. Personal: Son of Arnie and Joelene Peasley... Has two brothers... Is currently enrolled at Utah State and majoring in exercise science. Head Coach Matt Wells on Andrew Peasley: "Andrew is a three-sport athlete that is extremely competitive and very resilient. He has a strong arm, is mobile, and throws the ball very well on the run."

7 Utah State Football Announces 2018 NCAA Signing Class... 7/7/7 KARENE REID LB FR HS American Fork, Utah (Timpview HS) 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 linebacker as a prep senior at Timpview High School in Provo, Utah... Also earned first-team all-region 7 honors and was named the Utah Valley Defensive Player of the Year by the Daily Herald following his senior season as he helped the Thunderbirds to a 7-3 record and an appearance in the state playoffs... Recorded 84 tackles, which included 2.5 sacks and 11.0 tackles for loss during his senior season, while adding eight quarterback hurries, one interception and one forced fumble... Recorded 79 tackles, which included 2.0 sacks and 15.0 tackles for loss, during his junior season while adding one interception... Had 13 tackles against both Corner Canyon HS and Skyridge HS, and had his lone interception of the season against Mountain View HS... Had 22 tackles, including 1.0 sacks, to go along with one pass breakup as a sophomore... Served as the team's placekicker as a freshman as was 2-of-2 on field goal attempts and 9-for-9 on extra points. Personal: One of four children of Spencer and Marieta Reid... Will serve a two-year LDS Church Mission before enrolling at Utah State... First name is pronounced Kuh-ren-ay. Head Coach Matt Wells on Karene Reid: "Karene is an athletic linebacker who uses his hands well at the point of attack and runs well." KARTER SHAW OL FR HS South Jordan, Utah (Herriman HS) High School: Earned Utah Class 6A Region 3 first-team honors as an offensive lineman as a prep senior at Herriman (Utah) High School as he helped the Mustangs to a 4-1 record in region play... Defensively, recorded 12 tackles as a defensive lineman, which included 1.0 sacks and 2.0 tackles for loss... Helped Herriman HS to the 5A state championship during his sophomore season in 2015 as the Mustangs posted an 11-3 record... Also competes in track & field at Herriman HS, throwing the shot put and discus... Placed sixth in the shot put at the 2017 state championships... An 11-time member of the honor roll. Personal: One of three children of Kevin and Randi Shaw... His brother, Ty, is a sophomore offensive lineman at USU... His dad was selected by the Kansas City Royals in the 1987 Major League Baseball Draft and spent seven seasons in the minor leagues. Head Coach Matt Wells on Karter Shaw: "Karter has transformed his body over the last 18 months and has made tremendous progress with his play on the field. His best days on the football field are ahead of him." ELIJAH SHELTON LB FR HS Salt Lake City, Utah (Highland HS) High School: Was a four-year letterman at Highland High School in Salt Lake City, Utah Helped lead the Rams to the state playoffs all four years, including an appearance in the 4A semifinals during his sophomore campaign in 2015 As a senior, finished with 68 tackles, including 7.0 sacks, as Highland HS went 7-4 and advanced to the quarterfinals of the 5A state playoffs Also caught seven passes for 130 yards and three touchdowns, to go along with four kickoff returns for 65 more yards Had 24 tackles and 1.0 sacks, and led the Rams with 17 receptions for 268 yards and three touchdowns as a junior As a sophomore in 2015, tallied 31 tackles, including 1.5 sacks, and caught four passes for 53 yards Also plays basketball for the Rams and averaged 12.5 points and 5.6 rebounds per game during his junior season in Personal: Son of Pamela Shelton and Christopher Shelton... Has one sister. Head Coach Matt Wells on Elijah Shelton: "We are excited to see what Elijah can do on the football field as a full-time linebacker after playing defensive end and wide receiver in high school. He is extremely athletic and was also a very good basketball player in high school. Elijah's future is bright and his best football is ahead of him." JACOB SOUTH OL FR HS Anacortes, Wash. (Anacortes HS) High School: Earned Washington Class 2A Northwest Conference first-team honors following his senior season at Anacortes (Wash.) High School Helped pave the way for seven different rushers to accumulate 1,353 yards on 307 carries (4.4 ypc) during the season Blocked for a quarterback that passed for more than 1,100 yards and 16 touchdowns, completing more than 63 percent of his passes Earned Northwest Conference first-team accolades following his junior season after helping pave the way for six different teammates to rush for 1,048 yards on 292 carries (3.5 ypc), as well as block for a quarterback that passed for 1,084 yards and seven touchdowns Played on both the offensive and defensive lines for Anacortes HS Also plays basketball and baseball for the Seahawks, earning Northwest Conference second-team honors following his junior season on the hardwood. Personal: One of three children of Dustin and Carey South. Head Coach Matt Wells on Jacob South: "Jacob is a tough offensive lineman that possesses a high football IQ and can play multiple positions up front."

8 Utah State Football Announces 2018 NCAA Signing Class... 8/8/8 DEVEN THOMPKINS WR FR HS Fort Myers, Fla. (Dunbar HS) High School: Played his senior season at Dunbar High School in Fort Myers, Fla Caught 23 passes for 398 yards and six touchdowns, to go along with 139 yards rushing on 15 carries, as the Tigers went 9-4 overall and reached the semifinals of the 5A state playoffs Defensively, had 32 tackles, including 1.0 tackles for loss, three interceptions and two pass breakups Transferred to Dunbar HS after garnering 4A all-state honors as a sophomore and junior at Bishop Verot High School, a private Catholic school also located in Fort Myers Tabbed first-team all-state following a sophomore campaign in which he gained 848 all-purpose yards, intercepted five passes and broke up another 15 Named second-team all-state a year later after catching 49 passes for 920 yards and 15 touchdowns for the Vikings during his junior campaign Also competes in track & field at Bishop Verot HS. Personal: One of five children of Clarence and Sonya Thompkins. Head Coach Matt Wells on Deven Thompkins: "Deven has really good hands and is very elusive in the open field. He plays much bigger than his size and can high-point a football. He should compete for playing time early on." DARWIN THOMPSON RB JR JC Jenks, Okla. (Jenks HS/Northeastern Oklahoma A&M) Junior College: Earned National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) second-team All-America honors at running back following his sophomore season at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College in Miami, Okla Also garnered Southwest Junior College Football Conference Offensive MVP honors this past season as he helped lead the Norsemen to a conference championship in 2017 as he rushed for 1,391 yards and eight touchdowns on 185 carries (7.5 ypc/115.9 ypg), to go along with 13 receptions for 150 yards and another score... Finished the season ranked first in the nation with 1,619 all-purpose yards and was second overall in rushing yards... Rushed for 100 yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries (5.9 ypc), to go along with three receptions for 72 yards (24.0 ypc), against Independence CC in the inaugural Midwest Bowl as Northeastern Oklahoma A&M entered the game ranked No. 4 in the nation Overall, he had seven 100-yard rushing games during his sophomore season, including a career-high 232 yards on 20 carries (11.6 ypc) against Coffeyville CC, which included a career-long 66-yard touchdown... Gained 169 yards on 14 carries (12.1 ypc) and scored a career-high three touchdowns against New Mexico Military Institute... Added 153 yards on 15 carries (10.2 ypc) and one touchdown against Cisco JC, had 140 yards on 14 carries (10.0 ypc) against Kilgore JC, had 128 yards on 20 carries (6.4 ypc) against Blinn JC, and rushed for 101 yards on 13 carries against Navarro JC... Earned Southwest Junior College Football Conference second-team honors as a freshman at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M as he rushed for 1,029 yards and nine touchdowns on 150 carries (6.86 ypc/102.9 ypg), to go along with nine catches for 119 yards... During his freshman season, he posted seven 100-yard rushing games including a season-best 158 yards on 18 carries (8.8 ypc) and one touchdown against Coffeyville CC... Scored a season-best two touchdowns in three different games during the year, including against New Mexico Military Institute as he gained 111 yards on nine carries (12.3 ypc) and 101 yards on just six carries (16.8 ypc) against Arkansas Baptist... Is the second-leading rusher in Northeastern Oklahoma A&M history with 2,420 career yards and 17 touchdowns on 336 attempts (7.2 ypc). High School: Earned honorable mention all-metro honors from the Tulsa World at running back as a prep senior at Jenks (Okla.) High School as he rushed for 942 yards on 152 carries and 10 touchdowns... Helped the Trojans capture the Class 6A-I state championship with a victory over Union HS as he had 13 carries for 144 yards, including a 51-yarder in the second quarter that set up his team s go-ahead touchdown. Personal: One of three children of Rueben and Lashonne Thompson... His uncle, David Thompson, was a running back at Oklahoma State and played in the NFL with the St. Louis Rams from Is currently enrolled at Utah State and majoring in political science. Head Coach Matt Wells on Darwin Thompson: "Darwin is a strong and explosive running back that has good speed and catches the ball well. He was very productive at a great high school and junior college program and will factor into the mix right now." SENI TUIAKI DL FR HS Salt Lake City, Utah (East HS) High School: Recorded 24 tackles, including 1.0 sacks, during his senior campaign at East High School in Salt Lake City, Utah Helped the Leopards finish 11-3 overall and reach the championship game of the 6A state playoffs Was a member of the East HS team that captured the 4A state title in 2016, beating Springville HS to end the season a perfect 14-0 A team captain Also wrestles at East HS and is a member of the club rugby and volleyball teams Is an Eagle Scout and member of the High Honor Roll. Personal: One of five children of Sione and Seini Tuiaki... Will serve a two-year LDS Church Mission before enrolling at Utah State... Name is pronounced Sen-ee Too-ee-uh-kee. Head Coach Matt Wells on Seni Tuiaki: "Seni was an extremely productive defensive lineman in high school on a great team and he will grow into a four-technique defensive end for us following his mission."

9 Utah State Football Announces 2018 NCAA Signing Class... 9/9/9 CREW WAKLEY ATH FR HS Sandy, Utah (Jordan HS) High School: Earned Utah Class 5A first-team all-state honors from the Deseret News at quarterback as a prep senior at Jordan High School in Sandy, Utah... Was also named the Region 7 MVP by the Deseret News as he played in 12 games and completed 58.1 percent (191-of-329) of his passes for 2,998 yards (249.8 ypg) and 22 touchdowns, to go along with eight interceptions Threw for a season-high 436 yards on 23-of-47 passing against Alta HS Eclipsed the 300-yard passing mark in three games as a senior Threw for a season-high five touchdowns against Pleasant Grove HS Threw at least one touchdown pass in each of the final seven games of the season Also rushed 177 times for 1,407 yards (7.9 ypc/117.3 ypg) for another 22 touchdowns to lead the 5A classification in rushing touchdowns, while ranking second in rushing yards Rushed for over 100 yards in eight games, including a season-high 238 yards against Alta HS Rushed for a season-high four touchdowns in two games Earned Utah Class 5A first-team all-state honors from the Deseret News and second-team all-state honors from the Salt Lake Tribune as a junior as he played in 11 games and completed 61.6 percent (180-of-292) of his passes for 3,507 yards, to go along with 38 touchdowns and only seven interceptions Threw for a career-high 491 yards against Taylorsville HS, one of his three games over 400 yards passing Threw for a career-high seven touchdowns twice, and had at least one touchdown toss in 10 of his 11 games Also rushed 195 times for 1,420 yards (7.3 ypc/129.1 ypg) for 22 touchdowns Eclipsed the 100-yard rushing mark in seven games, including a career-high 260 yards and five touchdowns against Brighton HS Was named the region MVP during his junior season, as well... Also plays basketball for Jordan HS. Personal: One of three children of Shawn and Sallianne Wakley... Will serve a two-year LDS Church Mission before enrolling at Utah State... Last name is pronounced Wake-lee. Head Coach Matt Wells on Crew Wakley: "Crew was typically the best player on the field every Friday night. He can play safety, nickel or either receiver position when he returns from his mission." DJ WILLIAMS DB JR JC Smyrna, Tenn. (Smyrna HS/Independence CC) Junior College: Earned National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) first-team All-America honors at defensive back following his sophomore season at Independence (Kan.) Community College... Also earned first-team all-kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference (KJCCC) honors this past season as he played in all 11 games for the Pirates and finished the season fourth on the team in total tackles with 56, averaging 5.1 per game Also had 2.0 sacks and 3.0 tackles for loss during the year, to go along with three pass breakups, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble... Had a season-high nine tackles in a Midwest Classic Bowl win against Northwestern Oklahoma A&M, the program's first-ever bowl victory Independence CC finished the season with a 9-2 record and a No. 5 national ranking... Spent two seasons at the University of Chattanooga, where he redshirted in 2015 before playing in 13 games in 2016, tallying eight tackles. High School: Earned Tennessee Class 1A Region 6 all-state honors at cornerback as a prep senior at Smyrna (Tenn.) High School... Was also named team MVP his senior season and was the defensive MVP as a junior Tallied 16 interceptions through his career Also saw time on the offensive side of the ball and on special teams as he finished his senior season with 949 all-purpose yards and three touchdowns Overall, was a three-time all-district honoree... Also played basketball and ran track at Smyrna HS. Personal: Son of Dorian Williams and Razani Jones... His brother, Deylon Williams, plays football at Tennessee-Martin... Is currently enrolled at Utah State and majoring in sociology Head Coach Matt Wells on DJ Williams: "DJ is a perfect fit for us at nickel and has the ability to play cornerback, as well. He is strong, has good feet, and is very competitive. He will compete for immediate playing time."