The pieces of the puzzle are falling into place at Utah State.

That's the way new Aggie head football coach Gary Andersen describes it with the addition of Alex Gerke to his staff.

Gerke, likewise, is happy to be on his way back to Utah, even if it means leaving the beaches of Hawaii for the deep snow of Cache Valley.

"I'm excited," Gerke told the Deseret News on Saturday night. "First and foremost, the main reason I'm coming is Gary Andersen. I've known him for a long time and know he's the man for the job at Utah State."

Gerke coached with Andersen at the University of Utah for a few years while both were assistants to Ron McBride. Gerke followed McBride to Weber State four years ago, but coached the offensive line and running backs at Hawaii this season.

He'll be reunited with a trio of former Weber State assistants — Kevin McGiven, Kevin Clune and Chad Kauha'aha'a — who have also joined Andersen in Logan.

Gerke made a visit to Romney Stadium this season and left with a 30-14 loss to the Aggies.

"I remember that they beat us pretty good," Gerke said. "They've got some good athletes that I don't know real well yet, but I know they played hard and beat us."

Gerke's experience includes several years as a coach in Utah's high schools, including East, Hunter and at South. He has also coached at Golden West Junior College, Cal Poly and the Canadian Football League.

During his time at Utah and Weber State, he helped recruit and coach several NFL draft picks, including Jordan Gross, Chris Kemoeatu, Ed Taamu and David Hale.

An avid motorcyclist, Gerke said he has long been impressed with Utah State and the Cache Valley.

"I used to go for long rides through Logan and Bear Lake and I always thought it was a beautiful area and has a true college atmosphere," Gerke said. "Utah State has made some real moves with facilities, and I think with the right crew there we can get it done."

---

E-mail: jeborn@desnews.com