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Logan • Utah State appears to be making significant progress on the recruiting front as Gary Andersen enters his third year as Aggies football coach.

Rivals.com, the respected college football recruiting website, says Utah State has the second-best incoming group in the Western Athletic Conference. In the process, USU has beaten several bigger programs for players.

And for the first time under Andersen, there appears to be a signature recruit in former Granger High star Bojay Filimoeatu, a 6-foot-2 linebacker who is a first team junior-college All-American.

"I felt like it was time to come home," Filimoeatu told The Salt Lake Tribune. "I love the coaching staff, and I'm ready to go. It's been three years, almost, since I've played ball in Utah. I needed to come back."

With the Aggies angling for more wins on the field and their first bowl berth since 1993, Andersen's overall class appears to be an impressive blend of size, depth and talent. He's brought in two quarterbacks to fight for the right to replace Diondre Borel.

Andersen lured Adam Kennedy, a junior-college star out of California, and high school star Chuckie Keeton to compete for the open spot next season.

Also, Andersen worked hard in an effort to beef up his offensive and defensive lines, both of which were overwhelmed, at times, last season.

Snow College transfer Al Lapuaho, former Skyline High star Tenny Palepoi and ex-Lone Peak standouts Kyle and Kevin Whimpey are expected to help. Evan Huahulu, a transfer from Southern Methodist University, becomes eligible next season, and left tackle Ian Maguire is expected to have an impact.

Most of all, USU won recruiting battles this year. The Aggies beat out Iowa State, Kansas State and Hawaii for Filimoeatu. Kennedy had a number of suiters. Keeton decommitted from Air Force to pledge to Utah State. —

USU's football commitments

Player Pos. Hometown School Ht/Wt

Bridger Peck LB South Jordan Bingham H.S. 6-2/215

A big part of one of the best defenses in state history.

Jordan Hicks OL South Jordan Bingham H.S. 6-5/280

Has a frame that can carry 30 more pounds.

Austin Albrecht OL Sandy Alta H.S. 6-6/260

Versatile; can play tackle or guard.

Chuckie Keeton QB Houston Cyprus Creek H.S. 6-2/185

Has a style that should remind many of Diondre Borel. Will compete for snaps.

Al Lapuaho DL Salt Lake City Snow College 6-3/290

Expected to have an immediate impact. Can play inside or on the edge.

Tenny Palepoi DL Salt Lake City Snow College 6-2/310

A former Skyline High star, his brother played in the NFL for seven years.

LaDale Jackson CB Las Vegas Silverado H.S. 5-11/160

Fast and athletic, Jackson adds to a young and deep stable of defensive backs.

Derek Keller LB Sandy Alta H.S. 6-4/218

A return missionary, Keller plays the run well and has strength.

Adam Kennedy QB Stockton, Calif. San Joaquin Delta College 6-5/210

Is capable of making all the needed throws at the collegiate level.

Stetson Tenny OL Thatcher Ariz. Eastern Arizona Junior College 6-5/296

Approaching 300 pounds, his beef and maturity are needed.

Terrence Alston DB Fairfield, Calif. Solano Junior College 5-10/175

A standout at the JUCO level for two seasons. Will compete for vacated cornerback spot.

Kevin Whimpey DE Alphine Lone Peak H.S./Idaho State 6-6/275

Another big body for the defensive line. Can he thrive at defensive end?

Kyle Whimpey DL/OL Alphine Lone Peak H.S./Idaho State 6-7/325

Huge. Bigger even than his twin brother.

Bojay Filimoeatu LB Salt Lake City Mount San Antonio Community College 6-2/260

A signature recruit for Andersen; has All-Conference potential.

Reuben Thomas WR Pasadena, Calif. Pasadena Community College 6-0/175

His real value comes as a punt returner.

LaBradford Harold S Crowley, Texas Crowley H.S. 6-0/200

One thing the Aggies need is depth at safety.

Ian Maguire OT San Francisco City College of San Francisco 6-6/280

Is expected to helped what was a depleted offensive line.

Peni Vea S Kailua Kona, HI Kealakehe H.S. 6-1/190

One of the best safeties on the island.

Paul Piukala LB Oakland CA Laney College 6-5/245

Adds size and depth to the linebacking corps.

Willie Davis CB Cupertino, Calif. De Anza College 6-1/180

Tall and rangy — just like Andersen wants his cornerbacks.

Maurice Alexander LB Yuma, Ariz Arizona Western Junior College 6-2/225

Runs a 4.5 40-yard dash. Size and speed.

Havea Lasike DL Foothill, Calif. Foothill Community College 6-2/300

Could be the nose guard and run stuffer the Aggies have coveted.

Tyler Bennett P Phoenix Phoenix Community College 6-0/195

Is actually a huge need for Utah State.