Utah State Football Announces 2025 Signing Class

Football 2/5/2025 9:20:00 AM

LOGAN, Utah – Utah State head football coach Bronco Mendenhall announced his first signing class on Wednesday, as part of the NCAA National Signing Day. The class, which includes 36 total players, is comprised of 12 high school athletes, seven junior college transfers and 17 four-year transfers.

Overall, Utah State's 2025 recruiting class is ranked as the fourth best in the Mountain West by 247Sports.com, as 17 of its signees were rated as a three-star recruit at some point during their careers.

Of the 36 signees, 22 are currently enrolled at Utah State for the 2025 spring semester.

The state of Utah produced the most signees with 11, followed by seven players from California, three players from Texas and Washington, two players from Illinois and Nevada, and one player each from Arizona, Delaware, Georgia, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Wyoming, and one player from American Samoa.

Nineteen of Mendenhall's signees are defensive players with four linemen, four inside linebackers, three outside linebackers, four cornerbacks and four safeties. Of the 14 offensive players that signed, seven are wide receivers, three are linemen, three are running backs and one is a quarterback. USU also signed two specialists and one player that is currently listed as an athlete.

The national letter-of-intent signing period for football began on Wednesday, Feb. 5, and runs through Tuesday, April 1.

SIGNEES (36)

Name	Pos.	Ht.	Wt.	Yr.	Exp.	Hometown	High School / Previous School
Malakai Alofipo	WR	6-2	180	Fr.	HS	St. George, Utah	Crimson Cliffs HS
Sampson Alofipo^	OLB	6-1	190	Jr.	JC	Henderson, Nevada	Liberty HS / New Mexico Military Institute
Bobby Arnold III^	S	5-9	180	R-Jr.	TR	Newark, Delaware	Salem (NJ) HS / New Mexico
Kone Aumua-Uiagalelei^	DL	6-2	280	Jr.	JC	Auburn, Washington	Auburn Riverside HS / Mt San Antonio College
Noah Avinger^	S	6-0	185	Sr.	TR	Cerritos, California	Servite HS / New Mexico
Brady Boyd^	WR	6-1	195	Sr.	TR	Southlake, Texas	Southlake Carroll HS / Texas Tech
Carter Brown^	K	6-0	200	R-Jr.	TR	Pearland, Texas	Dawson HS / Cincinnati
Miles Davis^	RB	6-0	215	Sr.	TR	Las Vegas, Nevada	Las Vegas HS / BYU
Jake Eichorn^	OL	6-5	300	Sr.	TR	Beaver, Utah	Beaver HS / BYU
Anthony Garcia^	QB	6-2	195	So.	TR	Sacramento, California	Capital Christian HS / Arizona
Brevin Hamblin^	OLB	6-5	205	Jr.	TR	Syracuse, Utah	Syracuse HS / Utah Tech
Antoineo Harris Jr.^	DL	6-3	255	Sr.	TR	Chicago, Illinois	Morton West HS / New Mexico
Hyrum Hatch^	LS	6-0	210	So.	TR	Buffalo, Wyoming	Buffalo HS / New Mexico
Javen Jacobs^	RB	5-10	190	Jr.	TR	Chandler, Arizona	Saguaro HS / New Mexico
Abe Jager	CB	6-2	170	Fr.	HS	Lehi, Utah	Lehi HS
Chris Joe	ILB	6-3	205	Fr.	HS	Brentwood, California	Liberty HS
Tydon Jones	ILB	6-3	205	Fr.	HS	Garland, Utah	Bear River HS
Kamuta Levasa^	OL	6-2	315	Jr.	JC	Santa Ana, California	Mater Dei HS / Cerritos College
D'Angelo Mayes^	CB	6-2	170	So.	TR	Syracuse, Utah	Syracuse HS / New Mexico
Craig McDonald^	OLB	6-2	210	Sr.	TR	Minneapolis, Minnesota	Minnehaha Academy / Minnesota
Kaleb Mitchell	WR	6-6	185	Fr.	HS	Dallas, Texas	First Baptist Academy
Tyree Morris^	DL	6-6	275	Jr.	JC	Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania	Mechanicsburg HS / Lafayette College
Ty Olsen	WR	6-2	190	Fr.	HS	San Diego, California	Lincoln HS
Joshua Papu	DL	6-3	300	R-Fr.	JC	Fagatogo, American Samoa	Tafuna HS / Snow College
Braden Pegan^	WR	6-4	200	Jr.	TR	San Juan Capistrano, California	San Juan Hills HS / UCLA
Cooper Rodarte	ILB	6-2	225	Fr.	HS	Enumclaw, Washington	Enumclaw HS
Titan Saxton^	S	5-11	195	So.	JC	Smithfield, Utah	Sky View HS / Snow College
Jaxton Scoffield	ILB	6-4	210	Fr.	HS	Roy, Utah	Roy HS
John Shepard	CB	6-3	200	Jr.	JC	Oak Park, Illinois	Oak Park & River Forest HS / San Diego Mesa College
Jared Smith	OL	6-4	260	Fr.	HS	Alpine, Utah	Lone Peak HS
Demick Starling^	WR	6-0	195	Sr.	TR	Nashville, Tennessee	East Nashville Magnet HS / Western Kentucky
Bryson Taylor^	CB	6-0	175	Sr.	TR	Hoschton, Georgia	Mill Creek HS / New Mexico
Ryan-Jalen Tillman	S	5-11	190	Fr.	HS	Bountiful, Utah	Viewmont HS
Corey Thompson Jr.^	WR	6-0	180	Jr.	TR	San Diego, California	Abraham Lincoln HS / UNLV
Nehemiah Washington	RB	6-0	205	Fr.	HS	Federal Way, Washington	Decatur HS
Gage Yardley	ATH	6-2	200	Fr.	HS	Richfield, Utah	Richfield HS

^ is currently enrolled at Utah State for the 2025 spring semester

PRONUNCIATION GUIDE

Malakai Alofipo --- Mal-uh-kye Uh-low-fee-poe
Sampson Alofipo --- Uh-low-fee-poe
Kone Aumua-Uiagalelei --- Koe-nay Ow-moo-uh Oo-wee-ung-uh-leh-lay
Noah Avinger --- Ave-in-jer
Jake Eichorn --- Eye-corn
Abe Jager --- Jay-ger
Kamuta Levasa --- Kuh-moo-tuh Lay-vuh-suh
Joshua Papu --- Pop-poo
Cooper Rodarte --- Row-dart-ee
Demick Starling --- Duh-meek
Nehemiah Washington --- Knee-uh-my-uh

2025 UTAH STATE FOOTBALL SIGNEES BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

MALAKAI ALOFIPO • WR • 6-2 • 180 • FR • HS • St. George, Utah (Crimson Cliffs HS)

High School: Three-star recruit according to 247Sports ... Earned Utah Class 4A first-team All-State honors following his senior season at Crimson Cliffs High School in St. George ... caught 68 passes for 1,349 yards (19.8 ypr) and 17 touchdowns ... had six 100-yard receiving games including a career high 173 yards on five receptions and a career high three touchdowns against Sky View HS ... helped the Mustangs win back-to-back state championships during his junior and senior seasons ... earned All-Region honors as a junior and was the Region 9 Co-MVP ... caught 111 passes for 1,953 yards and 26 touchdowns during his final two years of high school ... competes in track & field and helped his team to a runner-up finish at the 2024 state championships ... member of the 4x100m state champion relay team ... personal best time of 10.76 in the 100m ... played basketball as a freshman.

Personal: Son of Wayne and Tara Alofipo ... has five siblings ... cousin, Sampson Alofipo, is a member of the USU football team ... cousin, Saco Alofipo, plays football at Stephen F. Austin ... plans on serving a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints before enrolling at Utah State ... name is pronounced Mal-uh-kye Uh-low-fee-poe.

SAMPSON ALOFIPO • OLB • 6-1 • 190 • JR • JC • Henderson, Nev. (Liberty HS/New Mexico Military Institute)

Junior College: Spent two seasons at New Mexico Military Institute (2023-24) ... appeared in 22 games and recorded 106 tackles, which included 11.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss, to go along with two interceptions, five pass breakups, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble ... Earned Southwest Junior College Football Conference honorable mention honors following his sophomore season as he recorded 60 tackles (24 solo), which included 4.5 sacks and 6.0 tackles for loss, to go along with two pass breakups, one interception, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery ... had a career high 10 stops against Trinity Valley CC ... as a freshman, he logged 46 tackles (28 solo), which included 7.0 sacks and 13.5 tackles for loss, to go along with three pass breakups, one interception and one fumble recovery

High School: Three-star recruit according to 247Sports ... Earned All-Southern Nevada Honorable Mention honors following his senior season at Liberty High School in Las Vegas.

Personal: Son of Selu and Tofuola Alofipo ... has four brothers and two sisters ... dad played football and his mom played basketball at Louisiana Tech ... brother, Saco, played football at Utah State in 2022 and is currently at Stephen F. Austin ... sister, Teuila, played basketball at Salt Lake CC ... sister, Tia, plays volleyball at Southern Nevada ... cousin, Malakai Alofipo, is a member of the USU football team ... majoring in kinesiology ... last name is pronounced Uh-low-fee-poe.

BOBBY ARNOLD III • S • 5-9 • 180 • R-JR • TR • Newark, Del. (Salem (NJ) HS/New Mexico)

Previous School: Spent the 2024 season at New Mexico ... redshirted as he appeared in four games with three starts and recorded 21 tackles (8 solo), which included 2.5 tackles for loss ... had a career high eight tackles at Arizona (8/31) and posted seven tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss, against Air Force (10/12).

Junior College: Spent two seasons at Dodge City (Kan.) Community College (2022-23) ... appeared in 19 games ... recorded 49 tackles, which included 1.0 sacks and 5.0 tackles for loss, to go along with three interceptions, two forced fumbles, two blocked kicks, one fumble recovery and one pass breakup .... returned his three interceptions for 142 yards, including two touchdowns ... averaged 33.0 yards on kick returns with a long of 72 … had two interceptions and 33 tackles with a pass breakup as a freshman in 2022.

High School: Prepped at Salem High School in New Jersey.

Personal: Son of Bobby and Julissa Arnold ... has two sisters ... majoring in integrated studies.

KONE AUMUA-UIAGALELEI • DL • 6-2 • 280 • JR • JC • Auburn, Wash. (Auburn Riverside HS/Mt. San Antonio College)

Junior College: Spent his sophomore season at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, California … played in 11 games as a sophomore and recorded 22 tackles (9 solo), which included 1.5 sacks … helped the Mounties to a 12-1 record, a runner-up finish in the state championship, and a National Central League Division title with a 7-0 mark … spent his freshman season at Independence Community College in Kansas.

High School: Prepped at Auburn Riverside High School in Auburn, Washington ... recorded 25 tackles (10 solo) in seven games as a senior, while adding one fumble recovery ... named his team's Defensive Lineman of the Year ... had 10 tackles (5 solo) in three games as a junior, which included 1.0 sacks.

Personal: Son of Koneferenisi and Vaiutuitua Aumua-Uiagalelei ... has two brothers and one sister ... cousin, Matayo Uiagalelei, plays football at Oregon ... cousin, Taitai Uiagalelei, plays football at Washington ... cousin, DJ Uiagalelei, plays football at Florida State ... majoring in human services ... name is pronounced Koe-nay Ow-moo-uh Oo-wee-ung-uh-leh-lay.

NOAH AVINGER • S • 6-0 • 185 • SR • TR • Cerritos, Calif. (Servite HS/New Mexico)

Previous School: Spent the 2024 season at New Mexico … earned honorable mention All-Mountain West honors … started all 12 games and finished the season second on the team and third in the MW with 91 tackles (45 solo), which included 2.5 tackles for loss, to go along with five pass breakups, one fumble recovery and one interception … posted two double-digit tackle outings … had a career-high 15 tackles, including 0.5 tackles for loss, to go along with one interception and one pass breakup against Wyoming (11/2) … had 14 tackles, a career high two pass breakups, and returned a fumble 13 yards for a touchdown against Montana State (8/24) … played 869 snaps, the third-most by any defensive back in the FBS.

Previous School: Spent three years at San Diego State (2021-23) … played in 25 games with eight starts during the 2021-22 seasons and redshirted in 2023 … recorded 51 tackles (35 solo), including 2.0 tackles for loss, to go along with five pass breakups, one interception and one forced fumble … had 36 tackles (25 solo), including 1.5 tackles for loss, while adding three pass breakups, one interception and one forced fumble as a sophomore … had 15 tackles (10 solo), including 0.5 tackles for loss, to go along with two pass breakups, one interception, one fumble recovery and started the opener as a true freshman, a first for an SDSU corner since 2009.

High School: Three-star recruit by 247Sports ... was two-time All-State and a two-time All-Trinity League selection at Servite High School in Cerritos, California.

Personal: Son of Skinner and Niclole Avinger … brother, Lucky, played football at San Diego State, while his twin sister, Asia, played on the SDSU women's basketball team before transferring to Georgia ... majoring in liberal arts … last name is pronounced Ave-in-jer.

BRADY BOYD • WR • 6-1 • 195 • SR • TR • Southlake, Texas (Southlake Carroll HS/Texas Tech)

Previous School: Spent three seasons at Texas Tech (2022-24) … appeared in 26 games with three starts … caught 19 passes for 173 yards (9.1 ypr) and one touchdown … added two special teams tackles … played in 11 games during the 2024 campaign and had one catch for seven yards … played in three games with two starts in 2023 as he redshirted the season … caught five passes for 41 yards, including a career-long 24-yard reception, against Cal in the Independence Bowl (12/16) … played in 12 games with one start as a sophomore in 2022 … caught 13 passes for 125 yards (9.6 ypr) and one touchdown … hauled in a season high three catches for a season best 34 yards at Oklahoma State (10/8).

Previous School: Spent the 2021 season at Minnesota … appeared in nine games and caught two passes for 18 yards.

High School: Three-star recruit according to Rivals, 247Sports and ESPN … listed as the No. 58 player in the state of Texas for the 2021 class by Rivals … Unanimous All-District 4-6A selection and earned All-Area first team honors from the Dallas Morning News as a wide receiver at Southlake Carroll High School in Southlake, Texas … a first team All-State honoree by the Texas Sports Writers Association (TSWA) as he helped lead the Dragons to the Class 6A Division I state title game his senior year and the regional finals his junior season in 2019 … caught 71 passes for 1,159 yards and 18 touchdowns as a senior ... put together a monstrous final game in a Carroll uniform with 12 catches for 190 yards and two touchdowns in the state title game against Austin Westlake HS … recorded 17 receptions for 261 yards and four touchdowns earlier in the playoffs in the regional final game against Euless Trinity HS … had five 100-yard receiving games during senior season … hauled in 66 receptions for 969 yards and eight touchdowns as a junior as an unanimous All-District 5-6A selection … previously played at Richland High School as a sophomore, earning 3-6A accolades.

Personal: Son of Kris and Dana Boyd … has two brothers … father is a longtime Texas high school football coach and currently an assistant at Southlake Carroll HS ... his dad is a former collegiate student-athlete, having played tight end for Howard Payne … earned a bachelor's degree from Texas Tech in university studies in the spring of 2024 ... enrolled in post-baccalaureate courses.

CARTER BROWN • K • 6-0 • 200 • R-JR • TR • Pearland, Texas (Dawson HS/Cincinnati)

Previous School: Spent two seasons at Cincinnati (2023-24) … appeared in 14 games and was 18-of-24 (.750) on field goals and a perfect 38-of-38 on extra points as he scored 92 points … redshirted the 2024 season as he played in two games … made 3-of-5 (.600) field goals and all eight extra point attempts … appeared in 12 games as a sophomore in 2023 … scored 75 points as he made 15-of-19 (.789) field goals, including 5-of-6 from 40-plus yards, and was a perfect 30-of-30 on extra points … made a career long 54-yard field goal against Oklahoma (9/23), which was the third-longest in program history … scored a career high 12 points against Eastern Kentucky (9/2) as he was 9-of-9 on extra points and made a 46-yard field goal … those nine extra points are tied for the second-most in program history.

Previous School: Spent the 2022 season at Arizona State … scored 61 points as he made 11-of-14 field goals, including 5-of-7 from 40-plus yards, and all 28 of his extra point attempts as a true freshman … named Pac-12 Special Teams Player of the Week after drilling a career high four field goals, including two from 44 yards, in the season-opener versus Northern Arizona (9/2) … made a season-long 53-yard field goal against Washington (10/8).

High School: Entered college as one of the nation's top kicking prospects, earning a three-star rating from the 247Sports Composite, which also ranked him the No. 4 kicker prospect in his class … made 15-of-18 field goals, including a 51 yarder, as a senior at Dawson High School in Pearland, Texas ... selected as a Sophomore All-American by MaxPreps after he made 15-of-16 field goals, including five of 40-plus yards, as a sophomore … finished his varsity career 37-of-43 (.860) on field goal attempts and 137-for-148 (.926) on his extra points, compiling 248 total points over three seasons.

Personal: Son of Adam and Niki Brown ... majoring in interdisciplinary studies.

MILES DAVIS • RB • 6-0 • 215 • SR • TR • Las Vegas, Nev. (Las Vegas HS/BYU)

Previous School: Three-star recruit according to 247Sports ... spent five seasons at BYU (2020-24) … appeared in 27 career games with one start … rushed for 468 yards on 90 carries (3.3 ypc) and two touchdowns and caught 16 passes for 131 yards (8.2 ypr) and one touchdown … returned four kickoffs for 47 yards … played in eight games with one start as a junior in 2024 … rushed for 76 yards on 18 carries and caught five passes for 68 yards and one touchdown … had a 26-yard touchdown reception against Baylor (9/28) … gained 78 yards on 16 carries as a sophomore in 2023 as he played in five games … carried the ball 40 times for 225 yards as a redshirt freshman in 2022 … rushed for a career high 131 yards on a career best 13 carries against Wyoming (9/24) … also caught four passes for 21 yards against the Cowboys as he had a career best 152 all-purpose yards … Redshirted the 2021 season as he played in two games and had one carry … had 15 carries for 96 yards and two touchdowns and caught four passes for 43 yards during the COVID season in 2020 … gained 54 yards and scored two touchdowns against North Alabama (11/21).

High School: Three-star recruit according to 247Sports ... earned first-team All-State honors as a wide receiver following his senior season at Las Vegas High School in Nevada … as a senior in 2019, posted 46 receptions for 1,041 yards (22.6 ypr) and 11 touchdowns … added one rushing touchdown … competed in basketball and track … an eight-time junior Olympian in the 200m and 400m … Nevada state champion in the 4x200m relay.

Personal: Son of Patrick Davis & Tanisha Hill … has three brothers and four sisters … majoring in recreation administration with emphasis of sports management.

JAKE EICHORN • OL • 6-5 • 300 • SR • TR • Beaver, Utah (Beaver HS/BYU)

Previous School: Spent the past two seasons at BYU (2023-24) … appeared in nine games in 2024 and in two games in 2023 … helped the Cougars to an 11-2 record and a final ranking of No. 13 in the nation this past season.

Previous School: Spent two years at Weber State as he redshirted in 2021 and played in 12 games with 11 starts in 2022 … helped the Wildcats to a 10-3 record and a berth in the 2022 FCS Playoffs.

High School: Earned Utah Class 2A MVP honors following his senior season at Beaver High School … helped the Beavers win back-to-back state championships in 2019 and 2020 … earned All-State honors in basketball and baseball.

Personal: Son of David Eichorn and Rachele Shaha … majoring in integrated studies ... last name is pronounced Eye-corn.

ANTHONY GARCIA • QB • 6-2 • 195 • SO • TR • Sacramento, Calif. (Capital Christian HS/Arizona)

Previous School: Three-star recruit according to 247Sports … spent the 2024 season at Arizona as a redshirt freshman … played in one game as he rushed for one yard on one attempt against Arizona State (11/30).

Previous School: Redshirted the 2023 season at San Jose State as he did not see any action.

High School: Three-star recruit according to 247Sports … prepped at Capital Christian High School in Sacramento, California ... Capital Athletic League Most Valuable Player and his team's MVP as a senior … completed 146-of-250 (.584) passes for 2,689 yards with 34 touchdowns and four interceptions and rushed for 553 yards (8.3 ypr) and scored eight touchdowns as a senior ... named the 2021 Sacramento Bee Metro Offensive Player of the Year as a junior … lettered in basketball and track and field as a sprinter and long jumper … 2022 recipient of a National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame Sacramento Chapter Scholar-Athlete Award.

Personal: Son of Aaron Garcia and Shelby Boudreaux … his dad played quarterback and Washington State (1989-90) and Sacramento State (1992-93) and spent 19 seasons in the Arena Football League passing for 62,159 yards and 1,336 touchdowns … mom played basketball at Sacramento State (1992-96) … sister, Gigi, played basketball at Washington (2017-20) and sister, Bella, plays soccer at New Mexico State … majoring in communications.

BREVIN HAMBLIN • OLB • 6-5 • 205 • JR • TR • Syracuse, Utah (Syracuse HS/Utah Tech)

Previous School: Three-star recruit according to 247Sports … spent two seasons at Utah Tech (2023-24) as he appeared in 23 games with 14 starts … recorded 139 tackles (71 solo), including 1.0 sacks and 5.0 tackles for loss, to go along with three pass breakups, two forced fumbles and one blocked kick … started all 12 games as a sophomore in 2024 … led the team with 96 tackles (52 solo), which included 2.5 tackles for loss, while adding two forced fumbles, two pass breakups and one blocked kick … had six double-digit tackle outings … recorded a career high 16 tackles, including a career-best 2.0 tackles for loss, one pass breakup and one blocked field goal, against Southern Utah (11/23) … had 10 tackles and a forced fumble at UNLV (9/7) … played in all 11 games with two starts as a true freshman in 2023 … recorded 43 tackles (19 solo) … posted his first collegiate sack versus Abilene Christian (11/4) and tallied 2.5 tackles for loss … racked up a season-high 11 tackles at North Alabama (10/21) … registered eight stops at Colorado State (9/30) … earned academic All-WAC honors.

High School: Prepped at Syracuse (Utah) High School … named Region MVP and earned first-team All-Area and All-State honors following his senior season … was a team captain … recorded 31 tackles, six interceptions, four pass breakups and one forced fumble … returned an interception for a score and added five rushing touchdowns as he gained 107 yards on 15 carries … had 45 tackles and seven interceptions as a junior … returned one interception for a touchdown … rushed for 134 yards on 28 attempts with three touchdowns and was 16-of-23 passing for 135 yards and two touchdowns … set the school record with 13 career interceptions … lettered in basketball and track and field … was a National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame Scholar Athlete Award winner … averaged a double-double in basketball during his senior season and finished the year ranked in the top-three in the state in rebounding ... was the Utah Class 6A state champion in the javelin his senior season and finished in the top six at state in the event as a sophomore and junior ... holds the Syracuse HS school record in the javelin.

Personal: Son of Travis and Lisa Hamblin … brother, Bridger, played football at Snow College and sister, Janci, was the captain of the cheer squad at Snow College ... majoring in business management.

ANTOINEO HARRIS JR. • DL • 6-3 • 255 • SR • TR • Chicago, Ill. (Morton West HS/New Mexico)

Previous School: Spent the 2024 season at New Mexico ... appeared in 10 games with three starts ... recorded 29 tackles (16 solo), which included 0.5 sacks and 5.5 tackles for loss, to go along with a team-best five quarterback hurries ... had a career high five tackles at Colorado State (10/26) ... posted a career high 2.0 tackles for loss as part of his three stops at Auburn (9/14) ... had three-plus tackles in seven games.

Previous School: Played two seasons at Indiana State (2022-23), appearing in 20 games and recording 22 tackles, including 3.5 sacks and 5.5 tackles for loss, to go along with five pass breakups ... in 2023, he recorded 17 tackles in 11 games … had a career best four tackles in back-to-back games, against Ball State (9/16) and Murray State (9/30) … against Murray State, had 1.0 sacks and 2.0 tackles for loss … had a pair of pass breakups against North Dakota (10/28) … had a pass breakup against Western Illinois … in 2022, he recorded five tackles over nine games with two pass breakups … had a season best three tackles against Purdue (9/10), and had two tackles against North Dakota (10/8) … had pass breakups against North Alabama (9/1) and Western Illinois (11/12).

Junior College: Posted 24 tackles, including 6.0 sacks, and one forced fumble over two seasons at Iowa Central Community College … in 2021, he recorded 15 tackles in nine games with 3.5 sacks and three pass breakups ... in 2020, he played in six games, recording nine tackles and 2.5 sacks, along with one forced fumble.

High School: Prepped at Morton West High School in Chicago, Illinois ... recorded 45 tackles, including 7.0 sacks and 17.0 tackles for loss.

Personal: Son of Loretta Cooper ... majoring in integrated studies.

HYRUM HATCH • LS • 6-0 • 210 • SO • TR • Buffalo, Wyo. (Buffalo HS/New Mexico)

Previous School: Spent the 2024 season at New Mexico … named a College Football Network Honorable Mention Freshman All-American as a long snapper ... rated as a 4.5 star and the 80th best long-snapping prospect in the nation by Rubio Long Snapping … served as the team's long snapper in all 12 games … recorded three tackles (1 solo) and a fumble recovery.

Junior College: Redshirted during the 2023 season at Snow College … did not appear in any games.

High School: Lettered in football at Buffalo (Wyo.) High School ... earned All-State honors at linebacker as a sophomore, junior and senior and was named the state's Defensive Player of the Year in 2020 ... helped the Bison to back-to-back state championships games ... won the state championship in 2018 ... participated in basketball and baseball, earning All-Conference honors in basketball as a senior ... member of the National Honors Society.

Personal: Son of Jacob and Shanell Hatch ... has three brothers and one sister ... dad played football at BYU ... served a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Fort Lauderdale, Florida ... majoring in integrated studies with an emphasis on athletic administration.

JAVEN JACOBS • RB • 5-10 • 190 • JR • TR • Chandler, Ariz. (Saguaro HS/New Mexico)

Previous School: Three-star recruit according to 247Sports … appeared in seven games during the 2024 season at New Mexico … rushed for 277 yards on 40 carries (6.9 ypc) and three touchdowns and caught 17 passes for 130 yards (7.6 ypr) and one touchdown … gained a season-high 91 yards on 10 carries and scored a touchdown against New Mexico State (9/28) … rushed for 42 yards on seven carries and a touchdown at Utah State (10/19) … gained 41 yards on seven carries and scored a touchdown against Fresno State (9/21) … caught four passes for 60 yards at Auburn (9/14).

Previous School: Spent two seasons at Arizona State (2022-23) and appeared in 15 games ... gained eight yards on three carries, and returned nine punts and six kickoffs over his two seasons ... played as a true freshman in 2022 and then redshirted after playing four games in 2023.

High School: Consensus three-star recruit ... No. 1 athlete and No. 24 overall prospect in Arizona according to 247Sports … named the 5A Player of the Year, Offensive Player of the Year, and first-team All-Conference as a wide receiver and punt returner following his senior season at Saguaro High School in Scottsdale … led the Sabercats to their first-ever Open Division State Championship in 2022 ... scored two touchdowns in the 6A championship game ... finished his prep career with 2,931 all-purpose yards and 26 touchdowns ... four-year varsity letter winner ... posted back-to-back 1,000 all-purpose yard seasons as a junior and senior ... produced 1,222 all-purpose yards and 18 touchdowns as a senior … won the JD Hill Wide Receiver of the Year Award as a senior ... Named Arizona Cardinals Player of the Week ... one of five finalists for the 2021 Ed Doherty Award for top player in the state of Arizona … lettered in baseball.

Personal: Son of Jacori and Jaclyn Jacobs ... dad played football at Iowa State ... brother, Josiah, played football at Sacramento State ... majoring in communications.

ABE JAGER • CB • 6-2 • 170 • FR • HS • Lehi, Utah (Lehi HS)

High School: Three-star recruit according to 247Sports ... earned second-team All-State honors at cornerback following his senior season at Lehi (Utah) High School ... recorded 38 tackles (20 solo), while adding 0.5 tackles for loss, to go along with four interceptions, nine pass breakups and one fumble recovery ... intercepted two passes against American Fork HS, returning one for a touchdown ... as a junior, he recorded 108 tackles (34 solo), to go along with four pass breakups, four fumble recoveries and one interception ... had four double-digit tackle outings during the season, including a career high 11 stops against West HS in two separate games ... caught 41 passes for 706 yards (17.2 ypr) and three touchdowns ... had a career high 10 receptions for a career best 168 yards and one touchdown against West HS ... member of the Honor Roll.

Personal: Son of Tom and Aimee Jager ... has three sisters and two brothers ... plans on majoring in sports psychology ... last name is pronounced Jay-ger.

CHRIS JOE • ILB • 6-3 • 205 • FR • HS • Brentwood, Calif. (Liberty HS)

High School: Three-star recruit according to 247Sports ... earned All-District honors following his junior and senior seasons at Liberty High School in Brentwood, California ... named his team's Defensive MVP as a junior and senior and Impact Player of the Year as a senior ... recorded 62 tackles, including 9.0 tackles for loss, to go along with six pass breakups, two interceptions and two forced fumbles ... added 22 receptions and five touchdowns ... logged 45 tackle with two interceptions and two forced fumbles as a junior ... had nine tackles and two interceptions as a sophomore ... helped the Lions to the 2021 Bay Valley Athletic League Championship ... competed in track & field in the high jump and 100m ... NCS Tri-Valley qualifier in the high jump as a junior ... four-year member of the Honor Roll.

Personal: Son of Charles and Alicia Joe ... Has four brothers and one sister ... father played football at Montana State ... brother, Frankie, plays football at Cal ... plans on majoring in psychology.

TYDON JONES • ILB • 6-3 • 205 • FR • HS • Garland, Utah (Bear River HS)

High School: Two-year varsity starter at Bear River High School in Garland, Utah ... earned All-Region honors and was the Region 11 Defensive MVP following his senior season as he had 102 tackles, which included 6.5 sacks and 24.5 tackles for loss, to go along with two interceptions and two fumble recoveries ... named his team's MVP as he had five double-digit tackle outings, including a season-high 13 stops against Logan HS ... had a career-high 2.0 sacks and 7.0 tackles for loss against Mountain Crest HS ... recovered two fumbles against West Field HS ... returned an interception 57 yards for a touchdown against Logan HS ... had a 13-yard interception return against Sky View HS ... offensively, he rushed for 326 yards on 73 carries (4.5 ypc) and one touchdown and added seven receptions for 67 yards and another score ... had 51 tackles during his junior season, which included 3.0 sacks and 9.0 tackles for loss, to go along with two interceptions and two fumble recoveries ... posted a season-high eight tackles against Sky View HS ... recorded a season-high 2.0 sacks as part of his seven stops against Salem Hills HS ... offensively, he rushed for 804 yards on 165 carries (4.9 ypc) and 10 touchdowns and had nine receptions for 90 yards and another score ... had a pair of 100-yard rushing games, including a season-high 162 yards on eight carries and a career-best four touchdowns against Carbon HS ... only played offense as a sophomore and rushed for 510 yards on 137 carries (3.7 ypc) and three touchdowns ... rushed for a career-high 198 yards on 23 carries and two touchdowns against Logan HS ... lettered in basketball and track & field.

Personal: One of two sons of Nathan and Rachel Jones ... brother, Kace, is a freshman on the USU track & field team ... dad played football at Ricks College ... plans on serving a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints before enrolling at USU.

KAMUTA LEVASA • OL • 6-2 • 315 • JR • JC • Santa Ana, Calif. (Mater Dei HS/Cerritos College)

Junior College: Earned All-California Region III First Team honors following his sophomore season in 2024 at Cerritos (Calif.) College ... started all 11 games ... helped the Falcons finish the season with 2,154 passing yards and 976 rushing yards ... part of an offensive line that allowed less than two sacks per game ... did not play in 2023.

Previous Schools: Redshirted during the 2022 campaign at Western Illinois ... appeared in all 12 games during the 2021 season at Independence (Kan.) Community College.

High School: Was an All-State selection as a senior and a two-time All-Trinity League First Team selection … played on two national championship and state championship teams and a pair of state runner-up teams.

Personal: Son of Pasadena and Puono Levasa ... has one brother ... name is pronounced Kuh-moo-tuh Lay-vuh-suh.

D'ANGELO MAYES • CB • 6-2 • 170 • SO • TR • Syracuse, Utah (Syracuse HS/New Mexico)

Previous School: Spent the 2024 season at New Mexico … appeared in eight games … recorded two tackles and returned five kickoffs for 83 yards.

High School: Earned Utah Class 6A Region 1 First Team honors as a wide receiver following his senior season at Syracuse High School … caught 85 passes for 1,086 yards and 15 touchdowns … caught 38 passes for 559 yards and five touchdowns as a junior … averaged 28.8 on kickoff returns and 14.1 on punt returns during his career … ran track, posting personal best times of 10.79 in the 100m and a 22.06 in the 200m.

Personal: Son of Fred and Brenda Mayes ... has four sisters and one brother ... majoring in sociology.

CRAIG MCDONALD • OLB • 6-2 • 210 • SR • TR • Minneapolis, Minn. (Minnehaha Academy/Minnesota)

Previous School: Three-star recruit according to 247Sports ... Spent two seasons at Minnesota ... appeared in one game during the 2024 campaign ... played in six games in 2023... had two tackles and one pass breakup against Michigan (10/7).

Previous School: Spent the 2022 season at Auburn where he played in two games.

Previous School: Spent two seasons at Iowa State (2020-21), appearing in 17 games with three starts ... participated in all 13 games with three starts in 2021 ... registered 41 tackles (24 solo), including 1.5 tackles for loss, to go along with a team-best two interceptions and one pass breakup ... had four tackles each in wins against Kansas State (10/16) and Oklahoma State (10/23) ... tallied three tackles and picked off first career pass against West Virginia (10/30) ... posted a career-high 10 tackles and one interception against Oklahoma (11/20) ... started versus Clemson in the Cheez-It Bowl, registering six tackles and one pass breakup ... played in four games in 2020 before taking a redshirt ... Big 12 all-academic honors for two seasons.

High School: Three-star recruit according to 247Sports, Rivals and ESPN ... rated as the No. 50 safety by ESPN and the 59th-best safety nationally by 247Sports .. Second Team All-State and two-time All-District selection at Minnehaha Academy in Minneapolis, Minnesota ... led Redhawks to the 2018 Class 4A state championship ... accumulated 1,650 all-purpose yards and scored 13 touchdowns ... added 41 tackles, including 3.0 tackles for loss, and four interceptions ... Defensive MVP of 2019 Minnesota High School All-Star Game ... lettered in track & field and basketball.

Personal: Son of Scott and Shaun'Rae McDonald ... has six siblings ... earned his bachelor's degree in communication studies from Minnesota in the fall of 2024 and is pursuing his master's in sports management.

KALEB MITCHELL • WR • 6-6 • 185 • FR • HS • Dallas, Texas (First Baptist Academy)

High School: Three-star recruit according to 247Sports ... First Team All-State as he caught 46 passes for 959 yards (20.8 ypr) and eight touchdowns as a senior at First Baptist Academy in Dallas, Texas ... had four 100-yard receiving games including a career high 206 yards on a career best nine catches against Buckeye HS ... had 48 receptions for 1,008 yards (21.0 ypr) and 16 touchdowns as a junior ... had four 100-yard receiving games ... caught 28 passes for 462 yards (16.5 ypr) and five touchdowns as a sophomore ... helped the Saints to a pair of state championships ... lettered in basketball.

Personal: Son of Kandance Harlen ... has two brothers and two sisters ... plans on majoring in business.

TYREE MORRIS • DL • 6-6 • 275 • JR • TR • Mechanicsburg, Pa. (Mechanicsburg HS/Lafayette)

Previous School: Three-star recruit according to 247Sports … spent three seasons at Lafayette (2022-24) … appeared in 22 games with 12 starts and recorded 77 tackles (38 solo), including 3.0 sacks and 6.5 tackles for loss, while adding four pass breakups, one forced fumble and one blocked kick … All-Patriot League Second Team honoree as a redshirt sophomore in 2024 as he started all 12 games … recorded 65 tackles (34 solo), which included 2.0 sacks and 5.0 tackles for loss, while adding four pass breakups, one forced fumble and one blocked kick, all of which were career highs … blocked a field goal against Holy Cross (10/26) ... registered a season high eight tackles against Bucknell (11/02) and had eight stops versus Lehigh (11/23) ... had at least four tackles in nine games … redshirted the 2023 season due to injury … played in 10 games as a true freshman in 2022 and had 12 tackles (4 solo), including at least one stop in seven games … made a season high five tackles at Fordham (11/12), where he also registered his first career sack.

High School: Spent a year at Palmetto Prep in Columbia, South Carolina … served as the team captain … earned All-Conference honors as he accumulated 10.0 sacks at defensive end … earned first-team All-Conference and All-State honors following his senior season at Mechanicsburg High School in Pennsylvania … played defensive end and tight end, helping the squad to a division title … served as a captain … earned three varsity letters in football … was an All-Mid-Penn Conference First Team selection in basketball, averaging nearly 17 points and 10 rebounds per game as a team captain … Honor Roll student.

Personal: Son of Greg Morris and Nichole Nickens-Gallmon … has three sisters and one brother … cousin, Ahmad Collins, played football at Penn State and cousin, Yadin Collins, played football at California University of Pennsylvania … cousin, Jermaine Marshall, played basketball at Penn State and Arizona State.

TY OLSEN • WR • 6-2 • 190 • FR • HS • San Diego, Calif. (Lincoln HS)

High School: Three-star recruit according to Rivals and 247Sports ... earned All-State honors twice and All-San Diego honors three times during his prep career ... spent his senior season at Lincoln High School and caught 53 passes for 903 yards (17.0 ypr) and 12 touchdowns ... had a career high 12 receptions for a career best 300 yards and a career high four touchdowns against Arbor View HS ... helped Lincoln HS to a 12-2 record and a Western League Championship, an Open Division Championship, a Southern Regional Championship, and a D1-AA State Championship ... played at Del Norte High School for his first three years ... as a junior, helped the Nighthawks to an 11-3 record and its first CIF Championship in school history as it won the D2 title ... caught 74 passes for 1,262 yards (17.1 ypr) and 15 touchdowns as a junior, 74 passes for 1,296 yards (17.5 ypr) and 16 touchdowns as a sophomore, and 38 passes for 658 yards (17.3 ypr) and eight touchdowns as a freshman ... during his prep career, caught 239 passes for 4,119 yards and 51 touchdowns, to go along with 670 kick return yards and 143 rushing yards ... had 16 career 100-yard receiving games ... is San Diego's all-time leader in receiving yards, and ranks second all-time in receptions and touchdown catches ... lettered four years in track and one year in soccer ... member of the 4x400m relay team that earned All-League honors during his sophomore and junior seasons ... personal best in the 100m is 10.8 ... four-time scholar-athlete.

Personal: Son of Eric Olsen and Lisa Palmer-Olsen ... has one sister ... dad played football at Colorado State ... uncle, Mitch Palmer, played football at Colorado State and in the NFL with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Minnesota Vikings, Carolina Panthers, Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans ... grandfather, Dick Palmer, played football at Kentucky and in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons ... plans on majoring in business.

JOSHUA PAPU • DL • 6-3 • 300 • R-FR • JC • Fagatogo, American Samoa (Tafuna HS/Snow College)

Junior College: Redshirted as he did not play during the 2024 season at Snow College in Ephraim, Utah.

High School: Prepped at Tafuna High School in Fagatogo, American Samoa ... ranked the No. 1 interior defensive lineman in American Samoa as a senior in 2023 ... recorded 3.0 sacks and 10.0 tackles for loss, to go along with three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery ... helped Tafuna HS become the first team ever in American Samoa to win four straight state championships.

Personal: Son of Lotoalofa and Maria Papu ... has four brothers ... last name is pronounced Pop-poo.

BRADEN PEGAN • WR • 6-4 • 200 • JR • TR • San Juan Capistrano, Calif. (San Juan Hills HS/UCLA)

Previous School: Spent three years at UCLA (2022-24) … appeared in 13 games with one start … caught one pass for seven yards … redshirted as he did not play in 2024 … saw action in nine games in 2023 … started against Boise State in the LA Bowl (12/16) … caught one pass for seven yards against Cal (11/25) … played in four games as a true freshman in 2022 to preserve his redshirt year … named to Athletic Director's Honor Roll for Fall 2022 and Spring 2023.

High School: Three-star recruit according to 247Sports and Rivals … ranked the No. 42 prospect in state of California and the No. 76 wide receiver in the nation by 247Sports … named All-South Coast League First Team following his senior season in 2021 … had 72 receptions for 971 yards and 14 touchdowns … played defensive back, logging 15 tackles, two pass breakups and one interception.

Personal: Son of Jeremy and Erin Pegan ... has one sister ... majoring in integrated studies with an emphasis on humanities.

COOPER RODARTE • ILB • 6-2 • 225 • FR • HS • Enumclaw, Wash. (Enumclaw HS)

High School: Earned North Puget Sound League 3A First Team honors at linebacker and second team honors at running back following his senior season at Enumclaw (Wash.) High School ... recorded 100 tackles, which included 3.5 sacks and 15.0 tackles for loss, to go along with three interceptions, six pass breakups and one forced fumble ... rushed for 600 yards on 47 carries (10.4 ypc) and 12 touchdowns ... earned second team All-League honors at linebacker as a junior as he helped the Hornets to a league championship and semifinals of the state playoffs ... spent his sophomore season at Silverado HS in Las Vegas and earned All-Region honors at tight end ... helped the Skyhawks win the state championship ... recorded 203 tackles, including 28.0 tackles for loss, to go along with four interceptions and two forced fumbles during his prep career.

Personal: Son of Frank and Melissa Rodarte ... has three brothers and three sisters, including his twin brother, Porter ... dad played football at Ricks College and Central Washington ... mother played basketball at Highline CC ... sister, Kayla, played soccer at Southern Virginia ... brother, Trey, played football at Montana Tech ... brother, Sam, played football at Central Washington ... plans on serving a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints before enrolling at USU ... last name is pronounced Row-dart-ee.

TITAN SAXTON • S • 5-11 • 195 • SO • JC • Smithfield, Utah (Sky View HS/Snow College)

Junior College: Earned National Junior College Athletic Association Second Team All-America honors following the 2024 season at Snow College in Ephraim, Utah ... recorded 47 tackles, which included 2.0 sacks and 7.0 tackles for loss, to go along with three pass breakups, two interceptions, and one fumble recovery ... returned six punts for 48 yards and one kickoff for 22 yards ... named the NJCAA Defensive Player of the Week after recording eight tackles, including 3.0 tackles for loss, against Air Force Prep.

Previous School: Redshirt during the 2023 season at Utah State.

High School: Earned Utah Class 4A first-team All-State honors as both a junior and senior at Sky View High School in Smithfield, Utah, as he helped the Bobcats win back-to-back state championships ... earned first-team All-Region honors as a sophomore, junior and senior ... had 56 tackles and three interceptions during his senior campaign as Sky View HS posted a perfect 13-0 record ... posted 35 tackles and two interceptions during his junior season as he helped the Bobcats to a 13-1 record ... lettered in basketball and track, earning All-Region honors in basketball as he helped the Bobcats win a region title... Was a member of the Honor Roll.

Personal: One of five children of Dave and Tori Saxton ... served a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Vancouver, Washington ... majoring in psychology.

JAXTON SCOFFIELD • ILB • 6-4 • 210 • FR • HS • Roy, Utah (Roy HS)

High School: Earned Utah Class 5A Second Team All-State honors following his senior season at Roy (Utah) High School ... helped the Royals to the championship game of the state playoffs ... named Region 5 Defensive MVP as a senior as he recorded 115 tackles (79 solo), which included 3.0 sacks and 9.0 tackles for loss, to go along with one forced fumble and one blocked punt ... posted five double-digit tackle outings, including a career high 18 stops against Woods Cross HS ... earned All-Region honors as a junior as he logged 55 tackles, which included 2.0 sacks, and one interception as a junior.

Personal: Son of Brandon and Kim McCubbin ... has one brother.

JOHN SHEPARD • CB • 6-3 • 200 • JR • JC • Oak Park, Ill. (Oak Park & River Forest HS/San Diego Mesa College)

Junior College: Spent two seasons at San Diego Mesa College as he helped the Olympians to an 8-3 record ... earned California Community College Athletic Association First Team All-American honors at cornerback as a sophomore as he had 22 tackles, three interceptions, seven pass breakups, one forced fumble and one blocked punt ... returned an interception 40 yards for a touchdown against Grossmont College ... played in four games as a freshman and had four tackles.

JARED SMITH • OL • 6-4 • 260 • FR • HS • Alpine, Utah (Lone Peak HS)

High School: Three-star recruit according to 247Sports ... prepped at Lone Peak High School in Highland, Utah ... started all 14 games on the offensive line during his senior season and helped the Knights to the Utah Class 6A state championship game ... three-year varsity letter winner in wrestling ... placed fourth at the 2024 state championships.

Personal: Son of Skylor and Mary Smith ... has three sisters and two brothers ... plans on majoring in business.

DEMICK STARLING • WR • 6-0 • 195 • SR • TR • Nashville, Tenn. (East Nashville Magnet HS/Western Kentucky)

Previous School: Appeared in eight games during the 2024 season at Western Kentucky ... caught three passes for 56 yards.

Previous School: Spent four seasons at Virginia (2020-23) ... appeared in 28 games with four starts and caught 11 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns ... totaled 306 kickoff return yards ... redshirted in 2023 after appearing in two games ... played in nine games with two starts in 2022 and caught three passes for 75 yards ... in 2021, he appeared in 11 games and had four receptions for 93 yards and one touchdown ... had a 65-yard touchdown reception against William & Mary (9/4) ... caught two passes for 25 yards against Duke (10/16) ... played in six games as a true freshman in 2020 and had four receptions for 20 yards and one touchdown.

High School: Three-star recruit by ESPN, Rivals, and 247Sports ... prepped at East Nashville Magnet High School ... caught 34 passes for 454 yards and five touchdowns and rushed for 87 yards and one score on 12 carries as a senior in 2019 ... earned Tennessee Class 3A Region 4 honors as a receiver for a team that went 10-2 and finished ranked No. 5 in the state ... selected All-State by the Tennessee Sports Writers Association in the 100m, 200m, and 400m in 2019 during his first year of competition ... won the state title in the 400m with a time of 48.3, was second in the 100m with a time of 10.74, and was third in the 200m with a time of 21.8 ... lettered in basketball.

Personal: First name is pronounced Duh-meek.

BRYSON TAYLOR • CB • 6-0 • 175 • SR • TR • Hoschton, Ga. (Mill Creek HS/New Mexico)

Previous School: Spent three years at New Mexico … appeared in 31 games with 14 starts and recorded 68 tackles (35 solo), which included 2.0 tackles for loss, to go along with 11 pass breakups … started all 12 games during his junior season and recorded 58 tackles (29 solo), including 1.5 tackles for loss, and a team-best 11 pass breakups … had a career high eight tackles in four different games and a career best three pass breakups in three games … appeared in 10 games as a sophomore and had eight tackles (5 solo) … played in nine games with two starts as a true freshman in 2022 and had two tackles, including 0.5 tackles for loss.

High School: Earned All-Region 8-7A First Team and All-County Second Team honors following his senior season at Mill Creek High School in Hoschton, Georgia … recorded 47 tackles, 20 pass breakups and one interception … as a junior, he recorded 45 tackles with one interception and eight pass breakups in just six games … recorded two varsity interceptions as a sophomore … named the Hawk Player of the Week for Mill Creek's playoff game against Roswell HS … lettered in basketball and track.

Personal: Son of Sylvia and Jabari Cain, and Keino Taylor … majoring in business.

RYAN-JALEN TILLMAN • S • 5-11 • 190 • FR • HS • Bountiful, Utah (Viewmont HS)

High School: Three-star recruit according to 247Sports ... earned Utah Class 5A Honorable Mention All-State and Region 5 First Team honors following his senior season at Viewmont High School ... produced 588 all-purpose yards and eight touchdowns as a senior ... rushed for 210 yards on 49 carries and caught 19 passes for 378 yards ... logged 29 tackles, which included 1.0 tackles for loss, to go along with four interception, six pass breakups, and one forced fumble ... competes in track and holds the school record in the 100m ... member of the Honor Society and Honor Roll.

Personal: Son of Michael and Sharline Tillman ... has one brother.

COREY THOMPSON JR. • WR • 6-0 • 180 • JR • TR • San Diego, Calif. (Abraham Lincoln HS/UNLV)

Previous School: Spent two seasons at UNLV (2023-24) as he appeared in 21 games with seven starts … caught eight passes for 115 yards (14.4 ypr) and one touchdown … appeared in 13 games with three starts as a sophomore in 2024 and caught four passes for 60 yards … had a season-high two receptions for 32 yards, including a long of 29 yards, at Boise State in the Mountain West Championship (12/6) … played in eight games and made four starts as a true freshman in 2023 and caught four passes for 55 yards and one touchdown … had a career high three receptions for a career best 50 yards, including a 29-yard touchdown, against San José State (11/25).

High School: Prepped at Abraham Lincoln High School in San Diego, California … helped the Hornets to a 2022 CIF Division 1 Championship, 2022 Division I AA Regional Championship and a 2022 Division 1 AA SoCal State Championship … played multiple positions during his prep career … scored three touchdowns at linebacker and safety as he recorded 137 tackles and five interceptions … added 1,463 all-purpose yards and scored 23 touchdowns at wide receiver and punt returner … helped lead the Hornets to an overall record of 23-9 during his three years on varsity.

Personal: Son of Corey Thompson Sr. and Dalila Nunez … has five younger siblings … majoring in interdisciplinary studies.

NEHEMIAH WASHINGTON • RB • 6-0 • 205 • FR • HS • Federal Way, Wash. (Decatur HS)

High School: Appeared in just four games due to injury as a prep senior at Decatur High School in Federal Way, Washington ... rushed for 213 yards on 24 carries (8.9 ypc) and four touchdowns ... gained 131 yards on 12 carries and scored three touchdowns against Beamer HS ... helped his team to its first-ever state tournament appearance ... named the 4A North Puget Sound District Offensive Player of the Year and earned All-League First Team honors as a junior, rushing for 1,332 yards and 19 touchdowns ... had seven 100-yard rushing games ... rushed for a career high 192 yards on 17 carries (11.3 ypc) and a career best four touchdowns against Kent-Meridian HS ... helped Decatur HS to its first winning season in 20 years ... gained 615 yards and scored six touchdowns as a sophomore ... rushed for 734 yards and scored six touchdowns as a freshman ... earned second-team All-League honors as a freshman and sophomore ... placed third at the state championships in wrestling as a junior and fifth as a sophomore ... team MVP as a junior ... invited to National Honors Society.

Personal: Son of Willie Washington and Annie Salanoa ... has seven brothers and six sisters ... plans on majoring psychology ... first name is pronounced Knee-uh-my-uh

GAGE YARDLEY • ATH • 6-2 • 200 • FR • HS • Richfield, Utah (Richfield HS)

High School: Earned Utah Class 3A First Team All-State honors at safety following his senior season at Richfield High School ... recorded 85 tackles, including 2.0 sacks and 5.0 tackles for loss, to go along with nine interceptions, 10 pass breakups, three forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, one blocked punt, and three defensive touchdowns ... had three double-digit tackle outings including a season high 13 stops against Kanab HS ... rushed for 1,017 yards on 108 carries (9.4 ypc) and 10 touchdowns and caught 42 passes for 636 yards (15.1 ypr) and seven touchdowns ... had three 100-yard rushing games including a career high 193 yards on eight carries against Payson HS ... rushed for 169 yards one five carries and scored a season high two touchdowns against North Sanpete HS ... had two 100-yard receiving games including a career high 171 yards on a career best seven receptions and a career high two touchdowns against Juan Diego Catholic HS ... earned first-team All-State honors as a junior as he recorded 87 tackles, which included 1.0 sacks and 3.5 tackles for loss, to go along with two interceptions, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and eight pass breakups ... had two double-digit tackle games including a career high 15 stops against Manti HS ... caught 38 passes for 667 yards (17.6 ypr) and five touchdowns and rushed for 35 yards on five carries and one score ... returned nine kickoffs for 254 yards ... as a sophomore, he recorded 47 tackles, including 0.5 sacks and 6.0 tackles for loss, to go along with two interceptions and 11 pass breakups ... caught 13 passes for 250 yards and one touchdown ... three-time All-Region honoree ... helped Richfield HS to the 3A state championship in 2023 and to a 25-game winning streak during his junior and senior seasons ... three-time All-Region in basketball ... finished third in the long jump and seventh in the 100m at the state track & field championships as a junior ... High Honor Roll member all four years of high school ... Academic All-State.

Personal: Son of Richard and Ashlee Yardley ... has two brothers and two sisters ... plans on serving a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints before enrolling at Utah State.

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