LINEBACKER
Returning players: Max Alford, Cole Joyce, Bronson Olevao, Logan Pili
2023 players not returning: Gavin Barthiel (transfer portal), Bowen Fjord (transfer portal), Burke Mickelsen (transferred to Snow Junior College), MJ Tafisi (graduation), Josh Williams (transfer portal)
2024 post-spring ball attrition: Shaun Dolac (transferred to Buffalo), Will Shaffer (transfer portal), Anthony Switzer (transferred to Arkansas), Jaeden Wright (transferred to Snow Junior College)
2023 total production lost: 39 games, 24 starts, 245 tackles, 17.5 tackles-for-loss, 4.0 sacks, 1 interception, 6 pass breakups, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recoveries
2023 total production returning: 16 games, 2 starts, 37 tackles, 6.0 tackles-for-loss, 1.0 sack, 1 pass breakup
2023 total production transferring in (transfer portal/junior college): 35 games, 18 starts, 152 tackles, 15.5 tackles-for-loss, 2.5 sacks, 1 interception, 11 pass breakups, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery
New Faces in 2024:
Jon Ross Maye 6’0″ 230 (NR) – Lenoir-Rhyne University – (2 years to play 1)
2023 (Jr.) Stats: 116 tackles 15.5 tackles-for-loss 2.5 sacks 1 INT 6 pass breakups 2 forced fumbles 1 fumble recovery
2022 (So.) Stats: 75 tackles 8.5 tackles-for-loss 1.5 sacks 2 INTs 4 pass breakups 1 fumble recovery
2021 (Fr.) Stats: 49 tackles 6.5 tackles-for-loss 1.5 sacks 1 INT 5 pass breakups 1 forced fumble
2020 (Fr.) Stats: 34 tackles 4.0 tackles-for-loss 1.0 sacks 1 pass breakup 1 blocked kick
Offers from: Arkansas State, Buffalo, Coastal Carolina, Eastern Kentucky, Gardner-Webb, Georgia Southern, Hampton, Kansas State, Missouri State, Samford, Stony Brook, Tennessee State, UTEP, Western Carolina, and Western Kentucky.
Primary recruiter: Bobby McMillen, Nate Dreiling
https://twitter.com/jr1uno/status/1781456542438506562/video/2
John Miller 6’1″ 237 (247 3*) – Oregon State University – (2 years to play 2)
2023 (Jr.) Stats: 11 tackles 1 pass breakup
2022 (So.) Stats: 7 tackles 1.0 tackles-for-loss 1 pass breakup
2021 (Fr.) Stats: 4 tackles 1 forced fumble
2020 (Fr.) Stats: Did Not Record Any Stats at Oregon State University
Offers from: Southeast Missouri St
Original offers from: Oregon St
Primary recruiter: Bobby McMillen
https://twitter.com/jcm_42/status/1786141251273966082/video/1
https://247sports.com/player/john-miller-46053802/
Jadon Pearson 6’3″ 215 (247 3*) – university of utah – (2 years to play 2)
2023 (Jr.) Stats: 4 tackles; redshirted at the university of utah
2022 (So.) Stats: 5 tackles
2021 (Fr.) Stats: 79 tackles 9.0 tackles-for-loss 3 INTs 4 pass breakups at Reedly Community College (CA)
Offers from: Colorado St
Original offers from: Colorado St, Florida St, Fresno St, Hawaii, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Prairie View A&M, Oregon St, San Diego St, utah, Washington St
Primary Recruiter: Mike Zuckerman
https://247sports.com/player/jadon-pearson-46056349/
https://www.hudl.com/profile/4571041/Jadon-Pearson
Clyde Washington 6’3″ 245 (247 3*) – Purdue University – (1 year to play 1)
2023 (Jr.) Stats: 21 tackles
2022 (So.) Stats: 14 tackles 1 INT 1 pass breakup
2021 (Fr.) Stats: 6 tackles
2020 (Fr.) Stats: 1 tackle
Offers from: UTEP
Original offers from: Buffalo, Central Michigan, Elon, Kent St, Old Dominion, Purdue, Temple
Primary recruiter: Bobby McMillen, Nate Dreiling
https://247sports.com/player/clyde-washington-46082275/
https://www.hudl.com/profile/10780684/Clyde-Washington
Tanner Williams 6’1″ 210 (247 3*) – Mater Dei HS, CA
2023 (Sr.) Stats: 45 tackles 12.0 tackles-for-loss 4.5 sacks 6 QB hurries 3 pass breakups 1 forced fumble 1 fumble recovery
2022 (Jr.) Stats: Missed the Season with an Injury
2021 (So.) Stats: 27 tackles 8.5 tackles-for-loss 4.0 sacks 2 QB hurries 1 pass breakup 2 forced fumbles
Offers from: Colorado, Colorado St, Montana, Portland St, Wisconsin
Primary Recruiter: Mike Zuckerman
https://247sports.com/player/tanner-williams-46125847/
https://www.hudl.com/profile/14759206/Tanner-Williams
Nathan Wright 6’0″ 175 (NR) – Prescott HS, AZ – (Preferred Walk-on)
2020 (Sr.) Stats: 89 tackles 10.0 tackles-for-loss 4.0 sacks 15 QB hurries 1 pass breakup 2 fumble recoveries
2019 (Jr.) Stats: 63 tackles 2.0 tackles-for-loss 2.0 sacks 2 QB hurries 3 pass breakups
Offers from: UNKNOWN
Primary recruiter: UNKNOWN
https://www.hudl.com/profile/12569053/Nathan-Wright
2024 OUTLOOK
WILL LINEBACKER
MAX ALFORD
Redshirt sophomore Max Alford will be looking to make up for missed time with a vengeance. Last year Alford was injured on the first defensive snap of the season and missed the entire season. During his 2-year career with the Aggies, he has played in 14 games with 5 starts and totaled 40 tackles and 4.0 tackles-for-loss.
According to 247sports coming out of Park City High (UT), Alford was rated as the 1,979th-best player nationally, the 145th-best running back, and the 44th-best prospect overall in Utah. He chose the Aggies over offers from Air Force, Colorado State, Idaho, Montana, Morgan State, Navy, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Rice, Toledo, and Yale.
Alford possesses great vision on the field and changes direction smoothly. 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 as a linebacker. All of these attributes have helped him fully transition to the defensive side of the ball.
JADON PEARSON
Jadon Pearson is a transfer from the university of utah who will enter the 2024 season as a graduate junior with two years of eligibility remaining. Last year he spent the season finishing up his coursework and redshirted while doing so. During his 4-year career between the utes, Reedley Community College (CA), Air Force, he has played in 29 games with 11 starts and totaled 83 tackles, 9.0 tackles-for-loss, 3 interceptions, and 4 pass breakups.
According to 247sports coming out of Reedley Community College (CA), Pearson was rated as the 34th-best junior college player nationally, the 7th-best junior college safety, and the number one junior college prospect overall in Arizona. He originally held offers from Colorado State, Florida State, Fresno State, Hawaii, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Prairie View A&M, Oregon State, San Diego State, utah, and Washington State. Once he entered the transfer portal he chose the Aggies over an offer from Colorado State.
Thanks to his days as a hard-hitting, ball-hawking safety, Pearson is excellent in coverage. He excels at diagnosing plays and putting himself in a position to make a play. He is very good at tracking the ball in the air and has the ball skills to high-point the ball to swat it away at the last second. He is a solid tackler in the open field. He is versatile and has the agility that will allow him to play close to the line as a linebacker or in the secondary as a high safety. He has the talent to instantly add a playmaker to the defense.
JOHN MILLER
John Miller is a transfer from Oregon State University who will enter the 2024 season as a junior with two years of eligibility remaining. Last year he played in 5 games and recorded 11 tackles and 1 pass breakup. During his 4-year career with the Beavers, he saw action in 35 games and totaled 22 tackles, 1.0 tackles-for-loss, 2 pass breakups and 1 forced fumble.
According to 247sports coming out of Tualatin High (OR), Miller was rated as the 836th-best player nationally, the 26th-best linebacker, and the 3rd-best prospect overall in Oregon. Oregon State was his first offer out of high school. Miller chose the Aggies over an offer from Southeast Missouri State.
Miller has done an impressive job of putting on enough weight to help him shed FBS-level blockers. He does a nice job of reading the play, coming up into the box, and shooting gaps to stuff the opposing run game. His top-flight quickness gives him the ability to move from sideline to sideline. He has a clear instinct and ability for hitting and tackling. His fluid movement and active hands should make him an asset in pass coverage.
COLE JOYCE
Junior Cole Joyce will continue to compete to work his way up the depth chart. Last year Joyce played in 12 games with 1 start and was credited with 25 tackles, 2.0 tackles-for-loss, and 2.0 sacks. During his 3-year career at Utah State and the University of Central Florida, he has played in 26 games with 1 start and totaled 26 tackles, 2.0 tackles-for-loss, and 2.0 sacks.
According to 247sports coming out of Bentonville High (AR), Joyce was rated as the 916th-best player nationally, the 95th-best linebacker, and the 6th-best prospect overall in Arkansas. He originally held offers from Alabama-Birmingham, Arkansas State, Bowling Green, Central Florida, Florida International, Houston, Liberty, Louisiana-Monroe, Louisville, Missouri State, SMU, and Tulsa.
Joyce is a cerebral player with a high football IQ who does a good job of reading and diagnosing what is in front of him and then using his rare speed to blow up opposing offensive plays. He is a calming influence on the field thanks to his confidence as an on-field leader. He can get off blocks and hunt down opposing ball carriers. He can use his speed to his advantage as a coverage linebacker as well.
NATHAN WRIGHT
True freshman preferred walk-on Nathan Wright will add depth to the position. As a senior at Prescott High (AZ) in 2020, Wright started all 8 games and racked up 89 tackles, 10.0 tackles-for-loss, 4.0 sacks, 15 QB hurries, 1 pass breakup, and 2 fumble recoveries. For his effort he was named the Defensive Player of the Year for his classification. During his 2-year high school career he started all 18 games and totaled 152 tackles, 12.0 tackles-for-loss, 6.0 sacks, 17 QB hurries, 4 pass breakups, and 2 forced fumbles.
Wright is very comfortable playing out in space. He does a good job of reading the opposing quarterback’s eyes and adjusting his spacing in zone coverage accordingly. He can walk up to the line of scrimmage as an extra EDGE rusher to provide additional run support or rush the passer. He is a good strong form tackler.
MIKE LINEBACKER
JON ROSS MAYE
Jon Ross Maye is a transfer from Lenoir-Rhyne University who will enter the 2024 season as a senior using his final season of eligibility. Last year he started all 15 games and amassed 116 tackles, 15.5 tackles-for-loss, 2.5 sacks, 1 interception, 6 pass breakups, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 fumble recovery. For his outstanding effort, Maye was named a NCAA Division-2 First-team All-American. During his 4-year career for the Bears, he started all 38 games amassing 274 tackles, 34.0 tackles-for-loss, 6.5 sacks, 4 interceptions, 16 pass breakups, 3 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, and blocked a kick.
He chose the Aggies over offers from Arkansas State, Buffalo, Coastal Carolina, Eastern Kentucky, Gardner-Webb, Georgia Southern, Hampton, Kansas State, Missouri State, Samford, Stony Brook, Tennessee State, UTEP, Western Carolina, and Western Kentucky.
Maye roams the middle of the field stuffing up the run but what sets him apart is his reaction time. He diagnoses a play and explodes into the opposing backfield in search of the ball carrier. Once he arrives he is a textbook tackler, lowering his hips and driving through the opposing player. He stays low to match their height and explodes into the tackle with all of his force, stonewalling running backs. It’s rare to find someone that can escape his grasp. His anticipation in pass coverage is above average as well. He is mobile enough to drop into space, watching the opposing quarterback’s eyes, and once he makes his read, Maye uses his superior athletic ability to drive into the passing lane and bat the ball down.
CLYDE WASHINGTON
Clyde Washington is a transfer from Purdue University who will enter the 2024 season as a graduate senior using his final season of eligibility. Last year he played in 12 games with 3 starts and recorded 21 tackles. During his 4-year career with the Boilermakers, he played in 36 games with 4 starts and totaled 42 tackles, 1 interception, and 1 pass breakup.
According to 247sports coming out of Lenape High (NJ), Washington was rated as the 1,941st-best player nationally, the 82nd-best inside linebacker, and the 45th-best prospect overall in New Jersey. He originally held offers from Buffalo, Central Michigan, Elon, Kent State, Old Dominion, Purdue, and Temple. He chose the Aggies over an offer from UTEP
Washington has incredible length boasting an 80-inch wingspan which he uses to just gobble up opposing offensive players. This physical advantage allows him to not only beat blockers and make tackles but also move opposing players around at the line of scrimmage and flatten them. Thanks to his experience he is very adept at reading opposing offenses, accounting for guys on the back end and just displaying an overall very solid football IQ. He has been very explosive at pressuring the quarterback.
LOGAN PILI
Sophomore Logan Pili will be competing to make a move up the depth chart. Last year he played in 12 games with 2 starts and pulled down 31 tackles, 4.0 tackles-for-loss, 1.0 sacks, and 1 pass breakup. During his 2-year career between Utah State and byu, he has played in 15 games with 2 starts and totaled 38 tackles, 4.0 tackles-for-loss, 1.0 sacks, and 1 pass breakup.
According to 247sports coming out of Timpview High (UT), Pili was rated as the 1,958th-best player nationally, the 123rd-best safety, and the 11th-best prospect overall in Utah. He originally held offers from byu.
Pili is a dynamic athlete who has serious playmaking ability as a defender. He shows an ability to find the football and make plays against the passing game, but he is really special as a tackler. He has a next-level ability to diagnose a play, shed a block, and find a way to get to a ball carrier. He’s a technically sound tackler who doesn’t miss many people who are trying to run past him. His tackling ability and his frame make him look like he will eventually move up on the defensive depth chart.
BRONSON OLEVAO
Sophomore Bronson Olevao will battle to get on the field. Last season was his first in an Aggie uniform and he played in 3 games recording 6 tackles and 2.0 tackles-for-loss. He then suffered an injury and was lost for the remainder of the season.
According to 247sports coming out of Highland High (UT), Olevao was rated as the 253rd-best safety nationally and the 47th-best prospect overall in Utah. He chose the Aggies over an offer from Weber State.
I would say the coaching staff could potentially still be deciding to see where Olevao fits schematically into the program. He is clearly a capable athlete as he performed at a high level at several positions in high school. He is confident, reliable, and works hard. He is explosive and very talented as an athlete. He is at his best when he’s responsible for large parts of the field and can run around to make a play. He can close in on a pass to make a deflection or an interception. He can also deliver a tackle while running full speed. He is fast and strong and has a high football IQ. He is like having a coach on the field. He understands both offensive and defensive systems and plays with passion
TANNER WILLIAMS
True freshman Tanner Williams will come in and compete for playing time immediately. Last year he started all 13 games and rolled up 54 tackles, 14.0 tackles-for-loss, 4.5 sacks, 6 QB hurries, 3 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery. During his 3-year high school career he missed a season with an injury and played in 19 games with 13 starts totaling 81 tackles, 22.5 tackles-for-loss, 8.5 sacks, 8 QB hurries, 3 pass breakups, 3 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries.
According to 247sports coming out of Mater Dei High (CA), Williams was rated as the 1,749th-best player nationally, the 109th-best linebacker, and the 86th-best prospect overall in California. He chose the Aggies over offers from Colorado, Colorado State, Montana, Portland State, and Wisconsin.
Williams comes from one of the winningest high school programs in the nation in recent memory. He is a tremendous blitzer and once he sets his sights on an opposing quarterback he won’t rest until he puts the quarterback on the ground. His great game speed helps him shoot through a gap before the offense can even react at times. He can run full speed to an opposing ball carrier, get into a low, athletic stance, and forcefully bring them down with a hard hit.
PROJECTED 2024 PRESEASON DEPTH CHART
LINEBACKER
WILL
33 Max Alford (6-1, 250, RsSo., 1L, 3*)
39 Jadon Pearson (6-1, 210, Gr-Jr., TR, 3*)
26 John Miller (6-1, 235, RsJr., TR, 3*)
20 Cole Joyce (6-0, 220, Jr., 2L, 3*)
29 Nathan Wright (6-0, 175, Fr., HS, NR)
MIKE
1 Jon Ross Maye (6-0, 230, Gr-Sr, TR, NR)
42 Clyde Washington (6-3, 245, Gr-Sr., TR, 3*)
27 Logan Pili (6-0, 230, So., 1L, 3*)
14 Bronson Olevao (6-1, 220, So., SQ, 2*)
32 Tanner Williams (6-1, 210, Fr., HS, 3*)
Coming Up On Thursday: Free Safety