This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Before Chasen Andersen made his decision about where he would play his college football, he got some advice from his father.
The advice was not to just to go to school because of a coach, because coaches can come and go. Coming from his dad, Utah State coach Gary Andersen, it was definite food for thought.
But in the end, the senior linebacker from Logan High felt no matter what the future might hold, he wanted to play for the Aggies. He likes the atmosphere at the program in Logan, one that seems to be gaining more and more momentum.
"I know the feel up here and the vibe, and I know it's the right place for me," Chasen Andersen said. "They've come a long way in four years, and watching them grow has really helped my decision. They have some great recruits, and they think I can come in and make the program better."
Andersen acknowledged he has wanted to play for his father, but there are more family ties than just Gary. Keegan Andersen is already a tight end in the program, and though Hagen Andersen, his brother who is also a senior, is also considering Southern Utah and Montana State, he thinks eventually the three will end up with the Aggies together.
Chasen Andersen also had an offer from BYU that complicated his decision.
It was a frustrating high school season for Andersen, who suffered a season-ending knee injury on the first defensive snap in his first game this season. He said he's doing well in the recovery process, and has about two more months before he's cleared to play. That should time nicely with his early enrollment at Utah State: He'll start classes on Jan. 7 next year.
"I had felt really good during the offseason, and for my career to end like that on something tragic, it was hard," he said. "But everything happens for a reason. It's been tough, but sometimes those things will happen to you and then good things will happen after that."
As a junior, Andersen established himself as one of the state's top inside linebackers, leading Class 4A in tackles on the way to Logan's state title. He said the coaching staff envisions him playing the same role with the Aggies, perhaps eventually taking over Jake Doughty's spot in the defense.
Andersen said that his commitment was generally unrelated to his father's commitment to the school. He is excited to play under his dad — he called it a "dream" — but said he felt good about his commitment no matter what happens a few years down the road.
"I'm very nervous, but I think I'm ready to take it on," he said. "It's big boy football, and I know I'll have big shoes to fill. We'll see where it goes."
— Kyle Goon
Twitter: @kylegoon