Logan • Bobby Wagner, when he was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks, was in the bathroom. On Saturday, Robert Turbin was at his grandmother's house, lazily shooting free throws in the driveway when his draft call came.
The two stars who have been linked to Utah State football for so long will continue being teammates. Turbin, like Wagner, was taken by the Seahawks, in the fourth round, with the 106th overall pick.
Combine running back Michael Smith, who was drafted in the seventh round by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and USU's recruiting has a chance to reach new heights. Three of the four players drafted who played for schools in Utah played for Gary Andersen.
"It can be used as a great recruiting tool," Andersen said. "We can now go into living rooms and say that, 'Yes, you can get to the NFL from Utah State. Here are three examples.' "
Turbin figures to start his career backing up Marshawn Lynch, one of the better backs in the league. But with Lynch's running style and the pounding he takes from physical play, Turbin figures to get carries right away.
"It's going to be fun to learn from him," Turbin said. "Marshawn is a very good football player. This day means a lot. It means that Utah State football is on the rise, just like we planned. There are going to be a lot more good USU football players coming out in the years to come."