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Utah State football wrapped up one of its biggest recruiting pushes over the weekend, and in the process got a commitment from a junior college corner who could help lock down the outside for the Aggies.
Deshane Hines, a 5-foot-11 defensive back from College of San Mateo, committed on Sunday to Utah State after a somewhat bouncy recruiting journey that nearly landed him in the Pac-12. The Aggies beat out San Jose State for Hines' skills, which include solid ball skills and physicality that should help replenish a secondary that has graduated some of its top talent from last year.
What sold Hines on the program during his official visit was the people, he said.
"Coach [Matt] Wells and Coach [Kendrick] Shaver, I really get along with them," he said. "The players are all really close, too. It's tight knit. It's a great place for me to go as an athlete and a person."
Hines was an underexposed prospect at American High in Fremont, one of the reasons he went to junior college despite qualifying for school academically. But at San Mateo, he matured on the gridiron, racking up tackles and pass break-ups in his career there.
He nearly committed to Colorado, but wound up missing out as another corner committed before him. A two-star recruit according to Scout, Hines also went on a visit to Cal but didn't get an offer there.
In Logan, Hines said, he's found a program that is invested in him - "It's good to feel welcomed," he said - and a place where he believes he can shine.
"The defense they run is suited to my strengths," he said. "I'm going to come in and do what I do and just shut down the receiver. Getting in man coverage and taking away outside threats."
Hines' interest in the program started spiking after watching Utah State in the Poinsettia Bowl against Northern Illinois. He found the defensive performance impressive.
It was also around that time that Colorado fell through, and Utah State went after him full bore.
"They found me," he said. "All the people I've met have been all really nice to me. I felt like Utah State showed more interest."
Hines will have three years to play two seasons in Logan.
He was one of only a number of visitors who committed over the weekend. The Tribune has confirmed commitments from California DT Chris Unga and Texas QB Kenton Myers to the Aggies. Hines said the excitement from the visitors was contagious.
"I think just about everybody up there came away thinking Utah State is a really good school," he said. "I'm pretty sure nobody didn't like it."
You can watch the Hudl highlights for Hines here.
Kyle Goonkgoon@sltrib.comTwitter: @kylegoon