RECRUITING: Athletic Aggie Anderson adds to Southern Utah class
Southern Utah’s football program recruited Arbor View senior Austin Anderson in the ambiguous “athlete” category, regardless of position.
But the Aggies quarterback will have the chance to compete for a spot under center next fall, a factor that led Anderson to give an oral commitment to the Thunderbirds on Thursday.
“They offered me as an athlete, but I want to go in next year and play quarterback,” he said.
Anderson chose Southern Utah over a scholarship offer from Division II University of Mary (N.D.). He also had walk-on invitations from UNLV, UNR and Oregon State, and Army expressed late interest.
“It’s great,” he said of his choice. “I was getting pretty stressed trying to make my decision. I talked with my family and coaches at the school. This was the best possibility.”
The 6-foot-5-inch, 200-pound Anderson had fewer opportunities to show his passing skills in Arbor View’s double-wing offense.
Still, he completed 50 percent of his attempts for 537 yards and four touchdowns. As a defensive back, he had 31 tackles and two sacks, helping the Aggies to a 6-4 record.
Anderson is the third local skill-position senior in the area to commit to Southern Utah, joining Clark running back Andre Clay and Liberty receiver Anthony Norris.
“They’re a really rising program with the other recruits they’re getting,” Anderson said. “The closeness of the team (and) the coaching staff is unbelievable. I really want to be part of it.”
Also, Arbor View coach Dan Barnson said Southern Utah has extended a grayshirt offer to senior tight end/defensive end Jordan Miller, and New Mexico Military Insititute has offered a scholarship to senior running back/defensive back DeMarlo Virgil.
STANFORD OFFERS PEARSON — Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh visited Faith Lutheran on Wednesday to extend a scholarship offer to junior receiver Don Pearson, Crusaders coach Jacob Kothe said.
Pearson has received interest from Colorado, Northwestern, Oregon State and Texas Christian, Kothe said.
“His hands are so good, and he runs such good routes,” Kothe said of Pearson, who caught 41 passes for 616 yards and six TDs as a junior.
VISITS TO UNLV — Silverado linebacker Kyle Anderson and Rancho offensive lineman Tyler Gaston are among four seniors making official visits to UNLV this weekend.
Anderson has previously visited Northern Arizona and Weber State, and Gaston has taken a trip to South Dakota.