USU returns 19 starters (O-8, D-6, S-5) and 44 lettermen (O-19, D-20, S-5) from a 2011 team that won its final five regular season games to finish with a 7-6 record and a 5-2 WAC mark to tie for second in the league.
Aggies Present Bowl Rings, Team Awards At End-Of-Season Banquet
UTAH STATE: Originally signed with Utah State in 2010 but did not join team until this spring.
2011 (RS): Redshirted first season at USU.
HIGH SCHOOL: A two-time honorable mention all-valley selection by the Provo Daily Herald... A three-year starter and letterwinner for Spanish Fork (Utah) High School... Helped the Dons to an 8-3 record, losing in the quarterfinals... Had 24 catches for 302 yards (12.6 ypc) with four touchdowns as a senior... Caught six touchdowns as part of 401 yards as a junior, earning the Spanish Fork HS Outstanding Wide Receiver award and led team in touchdown receptions as a sophomore with nine... Helped the Dons to a first-round playoff appearance as a junior... Was also a part of Spanish Fork's 5A state baseball title team as junior.
PERSONAL: Born Sept. 8, 1991... Son of Scott Mattinson and Stacey Nelson... Has four brothers and one sister... Undeclared on a college major... Married Kacee Nielson in June, 2011... Chose USU because of its agriculture program, in addition to its recently upgraded facilities and an enthusiastic coaching staff, as well as the outdoor community environment.
