Utah State football: Aggies sign 5 midyear transfers

LOGAN — Recognizing a pressing need to fill holes on the team, Utah State head football coach Gary Andersen announced the signing Wednesday of five midyear transfers — four of whom come from junior colleges and will be on campus and practicing with the team during spring ball.

"We had to fill some needs at certain spots with JC players," Andersen said. "It was a huge step for us to sign these guys and have them to be midyear guys. ... It's a huge advantage to get them."

The Aggies picked up a pair of defensive backs and a pair of wide receivers who will be eligible to play next season, as well as a defensive lineman who will have to sit out a season but has the makings of a run-stuffing addition to the line.

Alfred Bowden, a cornerback from Phoenix Community College, and Gavin Jones, a safety from Orem High by way of Snow College, will strengthen a secondary that lost senior starters James Brindley and Kejon Murphy.

Wide receivers Dontel Watkins (Butler County JC in Kansas) and Xavier Martin (Grossmont, Calif., JC), likewise, will add depth to a position that has been hit by graduation but has a few talented returning players, including some redshirt players expected to contribute right away.

Evan Huahulu will not be eligible to play until 2011 after transferring from SMU but will be a valuable practice player, Andersen said.

"We expect these kids to come in and have a tremendous spring," Andersen said.

Watkins is a 6-foot-3, 200-pound junior who "will cause some matchup problems for opposing teams," Andersen said.

Martin is a speedy receiver who will see a lot of action in the middle on crossing routes.

Jones comes to USU after an all-conference season at Snow College. He's 6-3, 185 pounds and played at Snow almost immediately after returning from an LDS mission.

Bowden was an all-Arizona high school player and had 52 tackles and an interception this season.

Andersen said he still has his eyes open for another midyear signee or two, particularly on the offensive line.

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