Utah State football: Aggies becoming a No. 1 choice for in-state recruits

For years, many of these type of players would have waited until the bitter end for an offer from either BYU or from Utah before settling on the Aggies. Through Andersen's efforts, these same recruits no longer look at Utah State as a fallback option should other offers not materialize.

"For a long time we were a third choice for recruits in-state and we don't want that, but we think it's changing," Andersen said. "Kids are able to see the product we're putting on the field and the improvement of that product along with being able to speak with players and their experiences up here both on and off the field and they're responding."

All the surroundings and off-the-field experiences count for a lot, but unless you put a winning program on the field, recruits won't sign up. Fortunately for Andersen and his staff, the Aggies are a program considered to be on the rise and are coming off a successful 7-6 season and bowl berth.

"If you take care of your kids socially and academically, I'm a big believer that the football thing will take care of itself and I think you're seeing that with what we've been able to do over the past three years," Andersen said. "My mindset is that I'm going to be at Utah State for a long time because I get to coach the kids that I want to coach. I love coaching in the state of Utah and I'm committed to help make our athletes' lives better in every way possible."

Email: bgurney@desnews.com