Utah State received a commitment from Carson Shanks, a 7-foot-1 center out of Minnesota.

Shanks, a junior this season, is USU's second pledge for the class of 2013. 6-7 shooting guard Jalen Moore out of Sky View High in Logan is also a part of that class.

For Shanks, a three-star recruit according to Rivals.com, the atmosphere at the Spectrum, one of the best in the country, gave the Aggies a significant edge.

"It's by far the best I've ever seen," Shanks told the Tribune on Wednesday. "I had watched clips on youtube, but it's nothing like the real thing."

Utah State beat out impressive competition for Shanks, who had offers from Utah and Nebraska, and heavy interest from the likes of Providence, USC, Iowa State, Colorado State and Wisconsin.

Playing in a BCS conference wasn't a high priority for Shanks. He told the Tribune that he likes the small town atmosphere of Logan and that USU's heralded class of 2012, led by American Fork stars Marcel Davis and Quincy Bair, served as a big draw.

"I know how good those guys are," Shanks said. "I want to play with other great players."

With his commitment, the Aggies are getting much bigger and more athletic than in the past. Shanks projects to be the third seven-footer on USU's roster in 2013, as Jarred Shaw, a transfer from Oklahoma State, will be a senior and Jordan Stone will be a junior.

Shanks has been lauded for his ability to score in the post. He said that he needs to get stronger.

Tony Jones