60 in 60: #43 Utah State’s AJ Vongphachanh (Linebacker)
Jul 5, 2022, 1:32 PM | Updated: Jul 7, 2022, 2:00 pm
(Photo courtesy of Utah State Athletics)
(Photo courtesy of Utah State Athletics)
SALT LAKE CITY – The countdown for Hans & Scotty’s 60 in 60 is on. Coming in at #44 is Utah State’s AJ Vongphachanh (LB).
Throughout the summer Hans & Scotty are counting down the top 60 college football players in the state of Utah as voted on by the media (and a fan ballot).
“He really is versatile, can play either one of those two, played a lot last year and got better every snap,” Utah State head coach Blake Anderson said of his linebacker. “He understands the system, should have a great season, definitely a guy that we need on the field, not only on defense but special teams as well and is a big factor for us.”
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Utah State’s AJ Vongphachanh
Vongphachanh is a senior from Pasco, Washington.
Prior to attending Utah State, the linebacker was a standout player at Chiawana High School. As a senior, Vongphachanh earned 3A/4A first-team all-state honors in Washington. During his final season at Chiawana, Vongphachanh recorded 113 total tackles, eight sacks, and scored nine touchdowns. He was a three-star prospect, according to 247Sports.
#43 in our 60in60 USU LB AJ Vongphachanh does his job for USU. Huge sack for a safety here. pic.twitter.com/xx8gcJ050R
— Hans Olsen (@975Hans) July 5, 2022
Vongphachanh has played for Utah State since 2019.
In his first season with the Aggies, the linebacker played in seven games and posted 17 tackles.
As a sophomore, Vongphachanh led the Aggies with 50 tackles, 3.0 sacks, 3.5 tackles for loss, one forced fumble, one pass breakup, one quarterback hurry, and one safety. He earned Honorable Mention All-Mountain West in 2020.
#43 in our 60in60 USU LB AJ Vongphachanh just PUKED this Center!!!
Dirty! pic.twitter.com/GeipSI0LOD— Hans Olsen (@975Hans) July 5, 2022
Last season, Vongphachanh helped USU to an 11-3 record, a Mountain West Conference title, and an LA Bowl win over Oregon State. He recorded 55 total tackles, 18 solo tackles, two sacks, and seven tackles for loss in 14 games.
Vongphachanh and the Aggies open their 2022 schedule at home against the UConn Huskies on Saturday, August 27. A week after hosting the Huskies, Utah State will travel to Alabama to play the Crimson Tide of the SEC. Alabama and Utah State will play on September 3.
About the 60 in 60
Every summer Hans and Scotty reveal the best college football players in the state of Utah in their annual 60 in 60 as voted on by the media.
In 2022, for the first time ever, the 60 in 60 included one vote based on a fan ballot.
Click here for the complete 60 in 60 rankings countdown.
