This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Watching the Super Bowl on Sunday just made LaJuan Hunt Jr. more settled about his commitment to Utah State.
As he watched Robert Turbin get carries to help the Seattle Seahawks clinch a championship win over the Denver Broncos, he reflected on how his future school has helped produce pro talent - a big reason why the Florida running back chose to come to Logan.
"It gives me a lot of hope," Hunt said. "They can put guys in the NFL. Hopefully I can contribute for the next three or four years at Utah State and continue the pipeline."
Hunt, a 5-foot-9, 190-pound back from University High in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., became the fifth Sunshine State native to join the 2014 class for the Aggies. His commitment became official Sunday, and he couldn't be more relieved after a week of uncertainty as to whether a firm offer would be forthcoming.
"I was definitely nervous at what the situation was going to be," he said. "I still had a little doubt in my mind. I'm glad it's official now."
In Hunt, the Aggies see a physical, versatile back who will bolster depth in the backfield. Hunt had 715 yards of total offense and 13 touchdowns as a senior, but ran for more than 800 yards and 14 touchdowns as a junior as University won a state championship. Hunt is a two-star recruit on Scout, Rivals and 247 Sports.
On his official visit during Jan. 24, Hunt said he was taken in by the facilities at Utah State, as well as enjoying the basketball game against San Diego State. But the biggest factor, he said, was how he felt welcomed.
"I felt at home," he said. "The players, coaches welcomed me with open arms."
Hunt was hosted by fellow Floridian Jojo Natson, who helped warm him up to the idea of coming to colder weather in Logan. He was recruited by Jovan Bouknight, who helped the Aggies add their third Florida prep commit to the signing class. Some of Utah State's top contributors this season - including Nevin Lawson and Travis Reynolds - hail from Florida, which has been an emphasized recruiting ground since Gary Andersen took over the program and continues to be important in the Matt Wells era.
Hunt said his friends and schoolmates were excited for him, but the biggest praise has come from his parents. Hunt, a four-time honor roll student at University who wants to major in business, said his family is excited to see what he does academically as well as on the field.
"They're looking forward to me getting an opportunity they didn't have," he said. "They want to see me succeed, and I'm going to make them proud."
Check out Hunt's Hudl highlights here.
— Kyle Goonkgoon@sltrib.comTwitter: @kylegoon