Utah State gets commitments 2014 receivers, 2015 in-state safety

It's hard to pick just one thing, receiver Hunter Sharp said.

He liked the school, the fans, the facilities, the coaching staff - narrowing it down to one reason he picked Utah State is tricky.

"From the beginning, I was pretty interested," he said. "I was just waiting to take my visit, honestly."

After Sharp's official visit, he figured it was about time to commit. The Antelope Valley prospect chose the Aggies last weekend over offers from Kansas, Wyoming and South Florida.

Utah State bolsters its receiving corps with the commitment, as well as another by Dodge City receiver Devonte Robinson, a former West Virginia player. A source close to the program confirmed Sharp's and Robinson's commitments, as the Aggies added two tall pass-catchers who will compete next summer to contribute early after Travis Reynolds and Travis Van Leeuwen leave the program.

Of course, Sharp himself was happy to confirm his commitment.

"I'm proud to be an Aggie," he said. "I can't wait to get up there.

Offensive line coach Mark Webber recruited him, but he also cultivated a good bond with receivers coach Jovon Bouknight, he said.

Sharp was a go-to threat for Antelope Valley last year, catching at least five passes in six of his games and totalling 657 yards and six touchdowns for the season. He said USU coaches have asked him to work on his strength and speed in preparation for the Division I level, "so I don't fall behind."

The staff hopes he develops into a playmaker and deep threat. His tape also shows his promise as a potential special teams returner.

"I see myself who can help take a little weight off everyone's shoulders," he said. "Just fitting into the role of a playmaker, help spread the defense out."

Robinson caught for 393 yards and three touchdowns at Dodge City this season. The Florida native originally enrolled at West Virginia before transferring earlier this year.

Check out the Hudl tape: Hunter Sharp and Devonte Robinson.

Utah State also got an in-state commitment on Friday that will join the program some time from now.

Zayne Anderson, a 6-foot-3 junior out of Stansbury, told the Tribune he committed to Coach Matt Wells on Friday, stepping out of class to talk to him briefly. The Aggies anticipate he'll play safety in college.

Anderson has been a two-way threat for the Stallions for a few years, this year fighting through some injuries to finish with 61 tackles and a pick as a safety. Anderson his teammate, Chase Christiansen (who just signed with the Aggies) was a big influence on his decision, but the choice to commit washed over him on a recent visit when he was talking to coach Frank Maile.

"It just hit me that this was the place," he said. "I feel very comfortable there."

Anderson said he didn't have other offers, but he was receiving interest from Utah, BYU and Boise State.

Anderson said his relationships with the coaching staff and his comfort on the campus were major factors in his decision. He also said he was impressed with Utah State's facilities, particularly its recently constructed weight room.

There's a lot of time before Anderson signs to Utah State. He said he plans to spend most of it trying to stay healthy and helping Stansbury make a run in the state playoffs next year.

"I'm just focused on school and winning a state championship," he said. "We've got a lot of juniors coming back, we could have a good team next year."

— Kyle Goonkgoon@sltrib.comTwitter: @kylegoon