Davon Booth 5’10” 200 (3*) – Cerritos CC, CA – Running Back

Booth is a junior college transfer who will enter the 2023 season as a junior with 3 years to complete his final two seasons of eligibility. As a sophomore Booth really came into his own as he toted the rock 223 times for 1,442 yards and 8 touchdowns. He also proved to be a capable receiver out of the backfield picking up 22 receptions for 179 yards and another 2 touchdowns. His number one trait is his speed. He has the ability to blow past defenders on his runs. Booth blends quickness with power and balance. He is not afraid to bowl over tacklers and he makes crisp, smooth cuts in the open field. He gets to the next level of the defense with seemingly little effort. He also possesses sure hands, which helps to get him into the open field. I believe he should be able to play right away next season.

Colby Bowman 6’2″ 200 (4*) – Stanford University – Wide Receiver

Bowman is a graduate transfer who will enter the 2023 season as a junior and have two seasons of eligibility remaining. He spent most of his time at Stanford as a special teams standout, however, he did snag 7 receptions for 44 yards last season. He is a big receiver with game-breaking speed. Bowman is an excellent route-runner who changes directions smoothly as he swerves all around the field. He is hard to bring down after the reception as he keeps his feet moving after catching the ball in stride. He is a natural pass catcher with soft hands who doesn’t fight the football and he isn’t afraid to go over the middle. He catches the ball well through contact and uses his body well to box out smaller corners and is a very solid and willing blocker. Bowman has the opportunity to be a true deep threat in every sense of the phrase. I expect him to compete for a starting role immediately.

Micah Davis 5’11” 185 (NR) – Iowa Western CC, IA – Wide Receiver

After having started his career at Air Force and then moving on to a junior college, Davis is returning to the Mountain West. He will enter the 2023 season as a junior and have 3 years to complete his final 2 seasons of eligibility. Davis has seen statistical success at both Iowa Western Community College (33 receptions, 289 yards, 2 touchdowns) and at Air Force (47 carries, 360 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 10 receptions, 221 yards, 2 touchdowns). He was a key piece in Iowa Western winning the Junior College National Championship in December. Davis is a prolific route-runner who specializes in deep balls thanks to his releases at the line of scrimmage. He is dangerous with the ball in his hands, gaining immediate separation and reaching top speed right away. He is shifty, with “make guys miss in a phone booth”, type of footwork. He has great field vision and can also be used in jet sweeps and other plays designed to get him in the open field. I believe he will play immediately for Utah State.

Malone Mataele 5’11” 184 (247 3*) – university of utah – Safety

Mataele is a graduate transfer who will enter the 2023 season as a graduate senior who has one season of eligibility remaining. Over the course of his career at the university of utah, Mataele accounted for 43 tackles, 2.5 tackles-for-loss, 5 pass breakups, and 1 interception in 35 games. Mataele reacts quickly once the ball is snapped and gives maximum effort every play. He is dynamic regardless of where he lines up and has the speed and ball skills to excel at cornerback or safety. He is a surprisingly big hitter for a player his size. Mataele will bring a lot of athleticism to the table. He was initially recruited by the Aggies as a safety but has spent his career as a cornerback. It will be interesting to see how he makes the transition.

Cian Slone 6’3″ 222 (247 2*) – American River CC, CA – Defensive End

Slone is a junior college transfer who will enter the 2023 season as a sophomore and have 3 years to complete his final 3 seasons of eligibility. Slone had a standout 2022 season at American River Community College (CA), after racking up 81 tackles, 21.5 tackles-for-loss, 12.0 sacks, and 1 forced fumble, Slone was named the California Junior College Defensive Player of the Year and helped the Beavers to the CCCAA Northern California Football Final. Slone is quick off the edge, getting past tacklers with his speed and into the backfield to make a play. He tracks opposing ball carriers like they are his prey. He does an impressive job fighting off tackles and doesn’t give up on any play. One thing that stood out is that he never takes a play off, he is 100% all-go, all the time. Slone is a textbook tackler who puts his whole body into his hits and ball carriers rarely escape his grasp. He has received very favorable comparisons to former Aggie standout Nick Heninger. I have Slone slated to begin spring ball as one of the starters at defensive end.