Utah State got another pledge from one of Utah's top athletes as new coach Gary Andersen continues to build the team he will begin coaching next fall.

Timpview High receiver Travis Van Leeuwen told the Deseret News Wednesday he will sign with the Aggies next month after making a verbal commitment to Andersen.

"It's a great coaching staff he's got up there and I really think they are going to turn it around quick," Van Leeuwen said. "I want to be a part of that."

A key cog in the Thunderbirds' high-power offense, Van Leeuwen had a stellar senior season for the 4A champs. With 65 receptions for 1,111 yards and 16 touchdowns, the 6-foot-3, 190-pounder was one of coach Louis Wong's go-to guys.

"I had seven touchdowns called back," Van Leeuwen joked, "so I guess it should have been 23 touchdowns."

In the state championship game against Cottonwood, Van Leeuwen had seven catches for 106 yards as the T-Birds won a third straight 4A title.

Van Leeuwen said he was also being recruited by Wyoming, UCLA and Washington in addition to Utah State.

"It's a great campus and a great situation," he said of his choice to become an Aggie. "They have the major I want to go into (physical education) and I feel like I'm at home in Logan."

The commitment is the fourth this week for Andersen and brings the known commitments in his first recruiting class to eight.

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E-mail: jeborn@desnews.com