Lone Peak's Baron Gajkowski 'at ease' with Utah State football commitment

Highland • In a lot of his games, Baron Gajkowski would like nothing more than to lay somebody out.

That's not exactly in the Lone Peak quarterback's job description. He's supposed to move the ball, with his legs or his arm, and keep it secure. He's supposed to put up points, and he's done that with 12 total touchdowns in four games to lead the 2-2 Knights.

But still, he misses being on defense. And it looks like he'll get the chance to play on that side of the ball after committing to Utah State on Sunday.

"That's where they kind of see me," Gajkowski said. "I don't know where that will be. They had me doing so drills with the defensive backs and at safety. If I grow, maybe linebacker, maybe defensive line. But I feel good about going there. I think it's the right fit for me."

The 6-foot-3, 210-pound senior has been a talked-about player for some time. He burst upon the scene as a sophomore, playing the second half of a playoff game against Lone Peak at quarterback. The next year he transferred there, and helped the Knights muscle their way into the semifinals at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

This year he leads Lone Peak in total offense and scoring, but his future likely lays on the other side of the ball. Coach Lone Peak Mike Mower called Gajkowski "the most competitive kid I know."

The Aggies were a latecomer in Gajkowski's recruiting, and only came on stronger after having him up for a camp. He had heard good things from former coach Tony McGeary about Matt Wells and offensive coordinator Kevin McGiven, and when he finally met them, the coaches at Utah State made him feel at ease.

"It was kind of night and day going up and seeing how their program worked," Gajkowski said. "They were real honest with me. They said they wanted me, but if there were things I could work on, they would tell me. The whole process was great."

Lone Peak alums Kyle and Kevin Whimpey, older brothers to Gajkowski's good friend Riley Whimpey, also persuaded him by telling him about the program and how much they liked Logan. He said he also got along with defensive coordinator Todd Orlando.

The overall good vibes convinced him to commit to the program Sunday night, and he said he won't soon budge.

Gajkowski added that he is scheduled to graduate in January. He may enroll early or go on an LDS Church mission. The Aggies are still unsure where they might play him, he said.

He's glad to put the recruiting process behind him and focus on his high school team. But he'll also be watching the Aggies throughout the season - especially this weekend against USC.

"It's exciting - Utah State is definitely a program on the rise," he said. "I definitely think they can give USC a run for their money this weekend."

— Kyle Goonkgoon@sltrib.comTwitter: @kylegoon