Salt Lake To Logan: Trio Of Former Utes Look To Make Big Impact At Utah State

LOGAN, Utah – The Utah State Aggies have big expectations for 2019. After one of the best seasons in program history, the Aggies didn’t only lose most of their coaching staff, but a big chunk of their offensive production from 2018. Gary Andersen was looking for some immediate help and he didn’t have to go far to find it.

In fact, he didn’t even have to leave the state.

Anderson looked no further than his previous job at the University of Utah and added two graduate transfers – Siaosi Mariner and Caleb Repp. Adding experienced players is a big boost for the Aggies’ offense.

“It is key for this football team, it is key for Jordan, it is key for the offense to function at a high level,” says Anderson. “When you lose 75-plus percent of your production at the wide receiver position, it needs to step up and go. We’ve added numbers there, we’ve added new faces there, and it will be extremely competitive for those spots.”

Offensive Coordinator Mike Sanford has had his eye on Mariner for a while and is excited for the chance to coach him.

“He is a young man that I recruited hard when I was at Boise State and he was actually going to commit to Boise State,” says Sanford. “I ended up leaving, and he ended up getting offered by the U late, but now it comes full circle.”

Mariner has a chance to establish himself as a number one receiver. At Utah, he played in 36 games and caught 52 passes for 785 yards and 4 touchdowns. But, one of his best attributes is the length he adds to the receiving corps.

“We had to go out and find some other guys to help the group that we had in place,”says Sanford. “We had to go out and get some length.”

Caleb Repp Welcome Addition To The Tight End Position

“I always felt like I was more of a natural offensive player because of my body type,” says Repp. “I felt like it was a smooth transition, just more of a retracing of what I already learned.”

Tight end coach Frank Maile says Repp is handling the adjustment well and adds some much needed explosiveness at the tight end position.

“It’s a very explosive offense that requires explosive players,” says Maile. “We’re excited for him, he’s a very long, athletic, individual.”

Both players only have one year of eligibility left so they’re expected to leave a mark in Logan.

“I don’t think they have a choice,” says Maile. “We’re excited to have them here… They’re great additions to what we’ve done offensively. I’m extremely excited to see where they go.”

Late Addition Heninger Looks To Make Mark On Defensive Side Of The Ball

They’re joined by another former Ute who joined the program earlier this week – Nick Heninger. Heninger is a defensive end who joins the Aggies with two years of eligibility remaining.

His path to Logan wasn’t easy, he had to take 21 credits during summer semester to qualify as a grad transfer but for a chance to reunite with his former defensive line coach, Gary Andersen, the decision was a no brainer.

“I trust Coach Andersen and I tell people a lot that it’s rare to find a coach in college that you really trust,” says Heninger. “Coach Andersen has been one of the most trustworthy coaches in my college experience.”

Defensive Coordinator Justin Ena knows Heninger from is time at Utah is excited for what Heninger adds to the defensive line.

“Nick’s a great kid,” says Ena. “He’s gonna give us everything he’s got. When we got a guy that knows his assignments battling out there, we know we can rely on him. Excited to have him here at Utah State.”

The start of the season is around the corner and the trio are excited for a chance to help their new team accomplish their goal of a conference championship.

“It’s definitely gonna be a fun time up here with those guys,” says Repp. “I know [Mariner and Repp] are gonna bring another element to the team that can help us win the Mountain West.”