Max Alford 6’1″ 230 (3*) – Inside Linebacker – Sophomore

Alford began the 2022 season playing on several special teams units as a true freshman. Once MJ Tafisi was lost for the season, he jumped into the starting lineup. Alford played in all 13 games, starting in 4 of them, and made 40 tackles, and 4.0 tackles-for-loss. With the sudden departure of 4-year starter AJ Vongphachanh, Alford will be a top candidate to step back into a starting role for the Aggies. Alford possesses great vision on the field and changes direction smoothly. Although he is just a true sophomore, he is already an ideal size for the position. His speed will be a plus and will enable him to be a sideline-to-sideline type of player. He is strong and not easily pushed around or outright blocked by other players. He goes all-out once he commits to the play. He is not afraid of contact and plays with violence which will translate well at linebacker.

Teague Andersen 6’5″ 280 (3*) – Center – Redshirt Freshman

With the sudden departure of starting left guard Weylin Lapuaho, redshirt freshman Teague Andersen may figure into the starting lineup sooner than later. With the versatility of senior offensive lineman Pule Alo, Andersen may step into the starting center spot while Alo slides over to man the vacated left guard position. Andersen is light on his feet and moves well laterally in pass protection. He is a force in run-blocking and does a good job of getting into the proper position right after the snap and engages in his blocks. He pulls well on run plays and has developed an understanding of what to do for each play. He plays with a nasty mean streak that will make him a physical force at the collegiate level. He is versatile enough to play all five positions along the offensive line.

Bishop Davenport 6’2″ 180 (3*) – Quarterback – Redshirt Freshman

Thanks to a rash of injuries at the quarterback spot in 2022, Davenport was pressed into action as a true freshman. Davenport saw action in 3 games, starting 1, and completed 27 of 44 pass attempts (61.4%) for 245 yards, 1 touchdown, and 2 interceptions. He also carried the ball 30 times for 49 yards and 2 touchdowns. Davenport is comfortable in an up-tempo offense such as Utah State’s. He has a strong arm with an easy throwing motion. He goes through his progressions and steps into his passes to make an accurate throw. He is a leader and a winner and he performed very well at the highest level of high school football in Texas. He is very mobile and throws with accuracy while on the run. He is also very capable of tucking the ball and running to gain chunk yardage. Davenport has established himself as a true dual-threat quarterback. Some may ask why is Davenport on my list. Utah State head coach Blake Anderson has stated that EVERY position is open for competition, so I ask why not Davenport?

Paul Fitzgerald 6’3″ 230 (3*) – EDGE – Redshirt Freshman

With the departure of several EDGE, rush ends during the offseason a young player such as Fitzgerald becomes even more important to the success of the Aggies defensive line. He did see action during the 2022 season against Alabama and Hawaii but he did not record any stats. He did enroll early last season joining the Aggies in time for spring ball, so he has been in the program for an entire calendar year. As a senior at Thunder Ridge High (ID) in 2021, Fitzgerald racked up 31 tackles, 16.0 tackles-for-loss, 7.5 sacks, 1 pass breakup, 4 forced fumbles, and 2 punt blocks. Fitzgerald is a high-motor player who can generate a consistent pass rush for his team. He has a variety of pass-rushing moves which enables him to get in the backfield quickly. He sheds blocks quickly and is a sure tackler when wrapping up the quarterback. At just 18 years old he already has the physique of a much older player and has all the physical tools to be an effective pass-rusher in college.

Enoka Migao 6’4″ 245 (3*) – EDGE – Sophomore

For the reasons listed above with Fitzgerald, Enkoa Migao needs to take a step forward and solidify himself as an integral piece of the defensive scheme. Migao did see action in 7 games during the 2022 season and was credited with making 3 tackles. Migao is perfect for the EDGE rush position and he really relies on his finesse and speed. He is developing a lethal bull rush and will give opposing offenses fits for years. He has a muscular frame but also has great game speed to pair with it. He is at his best when he is tracking down opposing quarterbacks. He makes a concentrated effort to get a hand on the ball carrier to disrupt the play. He sheds his blocks easily and takes good angles to get into the backfield. He has lots of potential and will start to shine as he continues to develop.