Michael Earl Signs Letter Of Intent With Utah State

Sophomore forward averaged 17.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks for Fullerton College.

April 12, 2006

LOGAN, Utah - Utah State's head men's basketball coach Stew Morrill announced Wednesday the signing of Michael Earl to a national letter of intent to compete for the Aggies beginning in the 2006-07 season. The 6-9, 210-pound forward just completed his sophomore season at Fullerton College in Fullerton, Calif., and will have two years of eligibility with Utah State.

As a sophomore at Fullerton College, Earl earned second-team all-state and first-team all-Orange Empire Conference honors as he helped lead the Hornets to a perfect 37-0 record and the California Community College state championship. Fullerton, who is coached by Dieter Horton, became just the fourth-ever undefeated Junior College team in NCAA history.

Earl, who was also named to the California Community College all-tournament team this past year, finished the season ranked first in the Orange Empire Conference in blocks per game (2.1), and second in scoring (17.2), rebounding (7.9), field goal percentage (.619), and free throw percentage (.817).

"Our basketball program is very excited about the addition of Michael Earl," said Morrill. " He is an outstanding player who comes from a quality junior college program. He has been very well coached and is used to winning, which are both important factors in his future.

"Michael is a very skilled big guy who, with added commitment and hard work, can have a lot of success at the Division I level. We've been fortunate at Utah State to have a long line of excellent post players and we expect Michael to help us continue that tradition. The support he receives from his family has shaped his character and will aid him in life's challenges on and off the basketball court."

As a freshman at Fullerton College, Earl earned first-team all-Orange Empire Conference honors as he averaged 17.2 points and 8.2 rebounds per game.

Earl, who prepped at Diamond Ranch High School in Pomona, Calif., was a two-time first-team all-league selection, including his senior season in 2003 when he averaged 20 points, 12 rebounds, and 4.5 blocks per game.

LOIs received so far:

Hawaii: Todd Follmer and Todd Lowenthal
Nevada: Tyrone Hanson
Utah St: Michael Earl

Anyone know of others?

In waiting?:
Fresno St: Robert Eppinger
San Jose St: Tim Pierce
Utah St: Stephen DuCharme

A good source has Steve DuCharme faxing his LOI to USU yesterday a.m., but he won't be announced until later today or maybe tomorrow.

Here's DuCharme: .

USU lacked an enforcer last year: looks like this kid may be up to the job.

The Spartans were also on Earl. USU's fortunate to land him.

I heard that Michael Earl tore his ACl...and maybe his spleen...and perhaps a diaphram. Tough break for USU.

And that DuCharme fella...he looks like a pansie.

Congratulations on signings.

;-)

San Jose St signed:

Darion Goins G 6-3 200, Cincinnati, OH, North College High/Harmony Prep

The Spartans barely beat out other schools such as Saint Mary's Sisterhood and the California School for the Blind for the services of Darien. Rumor was he almost choose Saint Mary's Sisterhood but they were out of schollies, so he is forced to play for the Spartans instead.

clpack Wrote:San Jose St signed:

Darion Goins G 6-3 200, Cincinnati, OH, North College High/Harmony Prep

DuCharme's signing has finally been announced: http://utahstateaggies.cstv.com/sports/m...06aaa.html

Now . . . a backup pointguard and one more big and we're done.