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Utah State is the place he's wanted to go for a while.

So when Preston Curtis heard from Aggie football coach Matt Wells that he would have a scholarship to play there after his LDS Church mission, it didn't take him long to turn it around.

"I went home after school that day and talked to my parents, and then I committed," Curtis said. "That's the place I've been wanting to go. Utah State, they're on the rise. I love the coaching staff and what they do up there."

Curtis committed to Utah State on Friday afternoon last week, having offers from Southern Utah and Weber State.

On a loaded East team with many Division I-bound players, Curtis maybe be one of the most underrated keys to the Leopards' success last season: He had more than 1,500 yards of total offense and 20 touchdowns as a slotback and receiver, and he racked up 56 tackles and four picks as a safety. And that's even before delving into his value as a returner, which is evident in his highlight tape.

His teammates and coaches have spent the weekend patting him on the back.

" Everyone's been awesome about it," Curtis said. "For me, I guess I haven't been recognized as some kids. Everybody's been really excited, telling me I deserve it."

At 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds, the East High senior is seen as a prime candidate to help the Aggies attack as a slot receiver.

"I'm more of an offensive player," he said. "When I was a sophomore I was more of an offensive player, and that's kind of been my mindset my whole life. I think the coaching staff likes that I have good football instincts. I'm not that huge tall receiver coming in, but I can make plays."

While Curtis said he hasn't been officially timed recently, his speed, one of his biggest values, has been estimated around a 4.5-second 40 yard dash time.

Family ties were also a huge part of Curtis' commitment. Although it will be a few years before he comes up to Logan, he's heard good reviews from his brother, quarterback Tanner Curtis. The former East QB redshirted in 2011 before his mission, and now has returned to Logan to get back into playing shape.

The younger Curtis has yet to make his official visit, but he's been up to the campus several times and seen his share of Utah State games.

"My brother loves it there," Curtis said. "He's started up there again, and he just tells me good things. I'm excited. It'll be a while before I get up there, but it's good to know what I'm going to do - that I have my future set."

— Kyle Goonkgoon@sltrib.comTwitter: @kylegoon