LOGAN – Staff members of the Cache Valley Media Group who regularly cover and follow Utah State football submitted ballots to determine who the top players are on this year’s Aggie football team. Ballots were tabulated and a Top 25 list of the most impactful players for this upcoming season were revealed one at a time during the Full Court Press program on 106.9 The FAN. The countdown began on July 15th with a new player revealed each day leading up to August 19th, counting down from 25 to 1.
Included below are the audio segments as they were revealed each day on the radio from Hall of Fame broadcaster Al Lewis, as well as the comments from Jason Walker and Eric Frandsen on Twitter to highlight the player and his impact on the USU football team. The rankings were comprised of ballots submitted by Eric Frandsen, Jason Walker, Al Lewis, Craig Hislop and Ajay Salvesen.
#1 Quarterback Logan Bonner
No. 1 in our Top 25 Aggies: QB Logan Bonner. A unanimous selection in our poll, there’s no question he’s the most important player for @USUFootball success this season. He set or tied multiple records for USU & comes into the season as the undisputed starter#AggiesAllTheWay
— Eric Frandsen (@efrandsen) August 24, 2022
And finally, the number one player on the Cache Valley Media Group list of Top 25 Aggies is…
Logan Bonner
The senior QB was a unanimous No. 1 selection by the panel. He set 5 USU passing records last year, including passing yards (3,628) and passing touchdowns (36).
— Jason Walker (@jwalker_sports) August 21, 2022
#2 Running Back Calvin Tyler, Jr.
No. 2 in our Top 25 Aggies: RB Calvin Tyler Jr. The running back rushed for 884 yds and 7 TDs despite a thin run blocking offensive line. He also caught 11 passes for 50 yds. He’s a great playmaker for @USUFootball #AggiesAllTheWay
— Eric Frandsen (@efrandsen) August 18, 2022
Number 2 on the Top 25 Aggies is…
Calvin Tyler Jr.
The senior running back ran for 884 yards last year despite missing two games. He’s a prime candidate to be the 4th Aggie to rush for 1,000 yards in the last 10 years.
— Jason Walker (@jwalker_sports) August 19, 2022
#3 Offensive Lineman Alfred Edwards III
No. 3 in our Top 25 Aggies: Alfred Edwards. Edwards has started 42 of 43 games he has played in. He’s versatile, he’s big, and he’s a leader on the @USUFootball offensive line. He’s received a lot of preseason accolades and deserves all of them#AggiesAllTheWay
— Eric Frandsen (@efrandsen) August 17, 2022
Number 3 on the Top 25 Aggies is…
Alfred Edwards
The graduate senior has been a mainstay at left tackle for USU. He’s started 42 games in his time and is the top returning offensive lineman for USU.
— Jason Walker (@jwalker_sports) August 17, 2022
#4 Wide Receiver Brian Cobbs
No. 4 in our Top 25 Aggies: WR Brian Cobbs. The 6’2″ 210 lb transfer WR from Maryland made great plays in spring and has impressed during fall as well. I love his size & ability to track a ball & fight off smaller corners. He’ll likely be Bonner’s top target.#AggiesAllTheWay
— Eric Frandsen (@efrandsen) August 16, 2022
Number 4 on the Top 25 Aggies is…
Brian Cobbs
The transfer from Maryland is expected to be the top receiver at USU this season as the team tries to replace its star-power from last year. He caught 59 passes for 880 yards and 2 TDs in four years at Maryland.
— Jason Walker (@jwalker_sports) August 16, 2022
#5 Linebacker AJ Vongphachanh
No. 5 in our Top 25 Aggies: linebacker AJ Vongphachanh. The 6’2″ senior is poised to lead the linebacker corps for @USUFootball. 55 tackles last yr, 50 in ’20 (in only 6 games played). #AggiesAllTheWay
— Eric Frandsen (@efrandsen) August 15, 2022
Number 5 on the Top 25 Aggies…
AJ Vongphachanh
The senior linebacker is the top returner in the LB corps. He recorded 55 tackles last year along with 7.0 TFLs, 2.0 sacks, and 1 fumble recovery.
— Jason Walker (@jwalker_sports) August 15, 2022
#6 Defensive End Byron Vaughns
No. 6 in our Top 25 Aggies: Byron Vaughns. The 6’4″ DE was MW championship game defensive MVP, had 6 PBU (tied for 1st on team), 4 sacks (2nd on team), 10.5 TFL (3rd on team) + 1 forced fumble. I also love his big personality, it’s infectious for his teammate#AggiesAllTheWay
— Eric Frandsen (@efrandsen) August 12, 2022
Number 6 on the Top 25 Aggies is…
Byron Vaughns
The junior edge rusher caught fire late last season. Of his 11.0 TFLs and 4.5 sacks he had all season, 8.5 TFLs and all 4.5 sacks came in the last 7 games of the season. A full season of that form could be huge for USU.
— Jason Walker (@jwalker_sports) August 12, 2022
#7 Defensive Tackle Hale Motu’apuaka
No. 7 in our Top 25 Aggies: Hale Motu’apuaka. Hale had a big presence on the defensive line for @USUFootball. His 8 TFL and 2.5 sacks really stand out. Hale regularly takes extra time after practice to improve his feet/hands#AggiesAllTheWay
— Eric Frandsen (@efrandsen) August 11, 2022
Number 7 on the Top 25 Aggies is…
Hale Motu’apuaka
The senior defensive lineman is the top returner for the Aggies on the interior D-line. In 2021 he had 26 tackles, 8.0 TFLs, and 2.5 sacks. He’ll lead the USU run-stuffing efforts in 2022.
— Jason Walker (@jwalker_sports) August 11, 2022
#8 Cornerback Ajani Carter
Carter was recognized by Phil Steele this summer, placed on the 1st Team All-Mountain West. I love how Carter grew as a player at the tail end of last season (7 tackles vs SDSU in MW championship, 7 tackles vs OSU in bowl game).#AggiesAllTheWay
— Eric Frandsen (@efrandsen) August 10, 2022
Number 8 on the Top 25 Aggies is…
Ajani Carter
The senior corner didn’t start last season but he was a notable contributor, recording 45 tackles and intercepting three passes. He could very well be not only the best corner on USU, but among the best in the Mountain West.
— Jason Walker (@jwalker_sports) August 10, 2022
#9 Safety Hunter Reynolds
No. 9 in our Top 25 Aggies: Safety Hunter Reynolds. Last yr, Reynolds was 2nd on the team in tackles while adding 1 sack, 4 TFL, 3 PBU, and 1 fumble recovery. His skill and experience help anchor a deep secondary for @USUFootball #AggiesAllTheWay
— Eric Frandsen (@efrandsen) August 9, 2022
Number 9 on the Top 25 Aggies is…
Hunter Reynolds
The graduate senior safety was second on the team in tackles last year with 84. Blake Anderson said Reynolds is one of the most consistent players on the team and called him a “coach on the field.”
— Jason Walker (@jwalker_sports) August 9, 2022
#10 Wide Receiver Justin McGriff
No. 10 in our Top 25 Aggies: Justin McGriff. He has the physical qualities to be a bigtime WR for @USUFootball. Last year caught 6 TDs and 414 yds. McGriff can be a great possession receiver for USU#AggiesAllTheWay
— Eric Frandsen (@efrandsen) August 8, 2022
Number 10 on the Top 25 Aggies is…
Justin McGriff
The senior WR is entering his third season with the Aggies and is the only returning starter in the receiving corps. In 2021 he caught 35 passes for 414 yards and 6 touchdowns, all three stats ranked fourth on the team.
— Jason Walker (@jwalker_sports) August 8, 2022
#11 Center Chandler Dolphin
No. 11 in our Top 25 Aggies: C Chandler Dolphin. The 6’3″ 310 lb senior O-Lineman is versatile (has played multiple positions on O-Line) and started in 11 games in ’21. Last yr was credited with 31.0 knock downs (2nd most on the team) on 819 snaps. #AggiesAllTheWay
— Eric Frandsen (@efrandsen) August 5, 2022
Number 11 on the Top 25 Aggies is…
Chandler Dolphin
The graduate senior started 11 games at center last year and projects to be the starter this season. He’s one of three returning starters on the O-line and played the second-most snaps last year among those returners.
— Jason Walker (@jwalker_sports) August 5, 2022
#12 Linebacker MJ Tafisi
No. 12 in our Top 25 Aggies: MJ Tafisi. The Washington Huskies transfer will add depth and experience to a linebacker corps
at @USUFootball that needs it. Tafisi was highly recruited out of Alta High School and comes back to his home state#AggiesAllTheWay— Eric Frandsen (@efrandsen) August 4, 2022
Number 12 on the Top 25 Aggies is…
MJ Tafisi
The junior inside linebacker transferred from Washington this offseason after four years with the Huskies. He has just 39 career tackles, but will play a big role for a USU linebacker unit that’s thin on depth.
— Jason Walker (@jwalker_sports) August 4, 2022
#13 Defensive End Patrick Joyner, Jr.
No. 13 in our Top 25 Aggies of ’22: DE Patrick Joyner Jr. In 8 starts, the Miama transfer had 7.5 TFL for -39 yds, 5 QB hurries, 1 safety, 3.5 sacks to rank 3rd on the team#AggiesAllTheWay
— Eric Frandsen (@efrandsen) August 3, 2022
Number 13 on the Top 25 Aggies is…
Patrick Joyner Jr.
The senior edge had 7.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks last year, his first with USU after transferring from Miami. He’ll be one of several players tasked with replacing the production lost from last year.
— Jason Walker (@jwalker_sports) August 3, 2022
#14 Offensive Lineman Jacob South
No. 14 in our Top 25 Aggies of ’22: OT Jacob South. The 6’6″ right tackle has started 14 games over 3 seasons for @USUFootball. Last year graded out at 91% among offensive linemen, leading the team. #AggiesAllTheWay
— Eric Frandsen (@efrandsen) August 2, 2022
Number 15 on the Top 25 Aggies is…
Jacob South
The senior offensive lineman has started games in each of the last three seasons — three in 2019, four in 2020 and seven in 2021 (all at right tackle). He’s one of the most experienced OL’s on the team.
— Jason Walker (@jwalker_sports) August 2, 2022
#15 Defensive End Daniel Grzesiak
No. 15 in our Top 25 Aggies of ’22: DE Daniel Grzesiak. Last yr the Nevada transfer had 19 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery. The former TE has speed and loves to rush opposing QBs.
— Eric Frandsen (@efrandsen) August 1, 2022
Number 15 on the Top 25 Aggies is…
Daniel Grzesiak
The junior defensive end is a transfer from Nevada. Last year he recorded 6.5 TFLs and 5.5 sacks as a rotation edge rusher. He’s a prolific pass-rusher who should lead the defensive effort in taking down opposing QBs.
— Jason Walker (@jwalker_sports) August 1, 2022
#16 Punter Stephen Kotsanlee
No. 16 in our Top 25 Aggies of ’22: Punter Stephen Kotsanlee. The Aussie averaged 42.5 yds/punt last year and was a specialist in landing punts inside the 20. He treats his punts like a golfer selects a different club depending on distance from the hole#AggiesAllTheWay
— Eric Frandsen (@efrandsen) July 29, 2022
Number 16 on the Top 25 Aggies is…
Stephen Kotsanlee
The junior punter averaged 42.5 yards per punt (40.4 net punt yards). He only had 2 touchbacks in 53 punts and returners averaged just 4.7 yards per return.
— Jason Walker (@jwalker_sports) July 29, 2022
#17 Cornerback Michael Anyanwu
Number 17 on the Top 25 Aggies is…
Michael Anyanwu
The senior CB started 10 games last year (played 14) and is expected to be one of the top corners going into the season. A year ago, he recorded 44 tackles, 1 TFL, forced 2 fumbles and recovered 1 fumble.
— Jason Walker (@jwalker_sports) July 28, 2022
#18 Cornerback Andre Grayson
No. 18 in @1069TheFan Top 25 Aggies of ’22: CB Andre Grayson. Last yr, Grayson recorded 30 tackles (18-solo, 12-assist), 1 sack, 3 TFL, 3 PBU. The versatile corner will help anchor an experienced secondary for @USUFootball this season#AggiesAllTheWay
— Eric Frandsen (@efrandsen) July 27, 2022
Number 18 on the Top 25 Aggies is…
Andre Grayson
The graduate CB has been a reserve in the secondary the last few seasons, but could find himself in a starting role this year. He had 30 tackles last season, 3.0 for loss, 1 sack and 3 passes deflected.
— Jason Walker (@jwalker_sports) July 27, 2022
#19 Wide Receiver Xavier “Ziggy” Williams
No. 19 in our @1069TheFan Top 25 Aggies of ’22: WR Xavier Williams. The transfer had limited opportunities at Bama, but has SEC ‘ship & CFP ‘ship game experience. His size, speed & skill maintain the high bar set from last year’s WR corps & should excel in @USUFootball offense
— Eric Frandsen (@efrandsen) July 26, 2022
Number 19 on the Top 25 Aggies is…
Xavier Williams
A transfer from Alabama, the junior WR spent 4 seasons with the Crimson Tide. Amid a WR room stacked with future NFL-ers, Williams only caught 3 passes for 24 yards (all in 2020). He’s primed to have a breakout in Logan.
— Jason Walker (@jwalker_sports) July 26, 2022
#20 Quarterback Cooper Legas
At 20 in our @1069TheFan Top 25 Aggies of ’22: QB Cooper Legas. May be a bit odd to place a backup QB with very little game experience, but he has huge potential, especially if Bonner is slowed or hampered by injuries. @USUFootball won’t lose a step with Legas#AggiesAllTheWay
— Eric Frandsen (@efrandsen) July 22, 2022
Number 20 on the Top 25 Aggies is…
Cooper Legas
Projected as the backup QB this year, Legas earned his claim to fame by leading USU in the LA Bowl last year, filling in for an injured Logan Bonner. He went 11-for-20 for 171 passing yards and 2 TDs (and 1 INT).
— Jason Walker (@jwalker_sports) July 22, 2022
#21 Safety Gurvan Hall, Jr.
Coming in at 21 of @1069TheFan Top 25 Aggies of ’22: safety Gurvan Hall, Jr. The Miami transfer has loads of talent and experience & will help solidify the @USUFootball secondary after losing Shaq Bond#AggiesAllTheWay
— Eric Frandsen (@efrandsen) July 21, 2022
Number 21 on the Top 25 Aggies is…
Gurvan Hall Jr.
The former Miami safety is a former 4-star recruit who will be looking to rebound after some turmoil at the end of his tenure with Miami. Hall is a hard-hitting safety who’ll bring tenacity to the USU defensive backfield.
— Jason Walker (@jwalker_sports) July 21, 2022
#22 Wide Receiver Terrell Vaughn
Coming in at 22 in the @1069TheFan Top 25 Aggies of ’22: WR Terrell Vaughn. The JC transfer has the body type and skill set to play a Deven Thompkins roll in @USUFootball offense this fall. I like his speed and shiftiness. Made some great plays in the spring.#AggiesAllTheWay
— Eric Frandsen (@efrandsen) July 20, 2022
Number 22 on the Top 25 Aggies is…
Terrell Vaughn
The incoming WR is a junior college transfer from Ventura JC. He was a two-time first-team conference selection. Across two seasons he accumulated 149 catches, 1,715 yards, and 20 touchdowns.
— Jason Walker (@jwalker_sports) July 20, 2022
#23 Placekicker Connor Coles
Coming in at 23 in the @1069TheFan Top 25 Aggies of ’22: placekicker Connor Coles. Coles set single-season school record for FG attempted (29) in ’21, & was instrumental in helping @USUFootball get to 11 wins (several W’s wouldn’t have happened without his leg!)#AggiesAllTheWay
— Eric Frandsen (@efrandsen) July 19, 2022
Number 23 on the Top 25 Aggies is…
Connor Coles
Last year, the senior Placekicker had one of the most productive seasons by a USU kicker, ranking top four all-time in several single-season categories.
112 Points (4th)
20 FG made (4th)
29 FG attempted (1st)
52 PATs (3rd)— Jason Walker (@jwalker_sports) July 19, 2022
#24 Wide Receiver Kyle Van Leeuwen
Coming in at 24 in our Top 25 Aggies of 2022: WR Kyle Van Leeuwen. The 5’9″ junior looks to take a big step forward this year after Thompkins, Wright and Bowling are gone. KVL made some great, athletic catches in the spring & could play a similar role as Bowling
— Eric Frandsen (@efrandsen) July 18, 2022
Number 24 on the Top 25 Aggies is…
Kyle Van Leeuwen
The junior WR is expected to be a big part of the effort to fill the shoes left by Thompkins, Bowling and Wright. He’ll likely be Logan Bonner’s favorite target over the middle this coming season.
— Jason Walker (@jwalker_sports) July 18, 2022
#25 Runningback John Gentry
Starting our Cache Valley Media Group Top 25 Aggies of 2022 with RB John Gentry. The junior looks to be the primary backup to Calvin Tyler Jr and I’m excited to see his continued growth in an Aggie uniform#AggiesAllTheWay
— Eric Frandsen (@efrandsen) July 15, 2022
The 5’10” back saw most of his action in the middle of the field, but showed flashes of being able to do more (47yds @ Wash St, 57yds rush, 12yds receiving vs Boise St). He’s likely to be primary backup to Tyler, Jr., but should be some good competition there#AggiesAllTheWay
— Eric Frandsen (@efrandsen) July 15, 2022
Number 25 on the Top 25 Aggies is…
John Gentry
The junior RB is in good position to be the backup running back and play a bigger role than last season. In 2021 he had two notable games, a 47-yard outing against Washington State and a career-best 57-yards against Boise State.
— Jason Walker (@jwalker_sports) July 15, 2022