Utah State is quietly putting together a compelling, if still small, 2024 recruiting class
Utah State football’s 2024 recruiting class isn’t large.
With just five players committed, the Aggies’ class ranks No. 126 in the country, according to 247 Sports, and an even lower No. 129 per On3 Sports.
(Rivals doesn’t rank every FBS program’s recruiting class.)
Based on current team rankings, USU’s 2024 class ranks either last or second to last in the Mountain West Conference, depending on the recruiting site.
With the early signing period rapidly approaching — it begins on Dec. 20 — the Aggies have a great deal of work to do in order to fill out their recruiting class (with the understanding that there is a second and final signing day on Feb. 7).
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Utah State (3-4)
at San Jose State (2-5)
Saturday, 5 p.m. MDT
CEFCU Stadium, San Jose
TV: CBS Sports Network
Radio: Aggies Sports Network
Upcoming trips to California, first to take on San Jose State on Saturday, then a trip to San Diego the first weekend in November, will be significant when it comes to the Aggies’ recruiting efforts and Blake Anderson and company know it.
“That’s important. That (California) is a heavy spot for us. We’ve got commitments from there already and really recruit there. You look at our roster and you’re aware that the California JCs (junior colleges) and the high school ranks are places that we have to recruit.
“To be able to be visible out there and play well, I think all that matters. And you’ve got to have a brand that is consistent. What you do when you’re in their environment, they get a chance to see up close and personal and that is always important.”
As Anderson noted, the Aggies do have commitments for 2024 from California kids, namely Helix High School quarterback Ryland Jessee and Mater Dei High School linebacker Tanner Williams.
Those two, in addition to Camden Jury — an offensive lineman from Casteel High School in Queen Creek, Arizona — are three of the highest rated commits in Utah State history, per the ratings of both 247 Sports and On3 Sports.
The Aggies’ 2024 class is small, there is no denying that, but it already boasts some real talent.
Jessee chose the Aggies over offers from Nevada, San Diego State and Oregon State.
His choice of Utah State caught many off guard, 247 Sports’ Greg Biggins noted, especially after he received a late offer from the Beavers, but he told Biggins that the Aggies’ coaching staff and offensive scheme won out.
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“Blake Anderson is a great coach and the whole staff is amazing,” the 6-feet-3, 200 pound Jessee said. “I love the style of offense he runs. It’s a spread, up tempo offense that relies on getting the ball out quick and then going after the top.
“I think I fit that scheme really well and I’m excited to play in it. They have a good quarterback room and there were no promises about immediate playing time. I’ll have to come in and compete for the job but that’s what I’m looking forward to doing.”
Biggins, a national recruiting analyst for 247Sports, noted of Jessee, “is a stock up guy,” and is “a big, strong kid with a downfield arm and has the ability to make all the throws. He can change speeds, throws with anticipation and not many quarterbacks out West have an upside as high as his.”
Williams, meanwhile, is a 6-feet-1, 210-pound linebacker with offers from five schools, including Colorado and Colorado State. Injured his junior year, Williams is another rising prospect who has played well as a senior, proving especially disruptive in opponent’s backfields with 10.5 tackles-for-loss, and 3.5 sacks this season.
Said Biggins: “Really nice pickup for Utah State. Williams is one of the more versatile ‘backers in the region, missed junior year with an injury but having strong senior season.”
Then there is Jury, a behemoth of an offensive lineman. Listed at 6-foot-7, 305 pounds, Jury is a three-star prospect, like the aforementioned Jessee and Williams, chose the Aggies over an interested Texas Tech.
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Throughout the season, Anderson has spoken at length about the need to get bigger and stronger, on the offensive and defensive lines specifically, and Jury is an immediate infusion of real size there.
Beyond those three, the Aggies also have commitments from a pair of Utah high school standouts: Lehi tight end Grayson Brousseau and Corner Canyon wide receiver Tate Kjar.
Kjar has been the playmaker for the Chargers and quarterback Isaac Wilson — a 4-star Utah commit — hauling in 86 passes for 1451 yards and 15 touchdowns, all far and away team-bests.
Brousseau, meanwhile, has been the same for the Pioneers, albeit on a less prolific level.
The 6-feet-4, 220 tight end has a team-high 32 receptions and five touchdowns, with 369 yards receiving as a senior.
All of the Aggies’ commits are rated at least three stars by either 247 Sports or On3 Sports,
Last year, Utah State landed most of its recruiting class following the early signing period and it looks as though that will be the case again this season.
The players who have committed thus far, though, are a compelling collection of talent for the Aggies.
