Big Play Magnet, Ike Larsen Leads Utah State Secondary As Freshman

LOGAN, Utah – Down several starters to begin the game, Utah State’s secondary came through in a big way, creating three interceptions on their way to a 41-34 road win over Hawai’i.

Graduate-senior safety Hunter Reynolds continues to have a penchant for showing up when a big play is needed, but it was another Aggie safety that made the most memorable play on Saturday night.

IKE FREAKING LARSEN!!!!@IkeLarsen19 pick 6️⃣‼️#AggiesAllTheWay pic.twitter.com/ANGrbFLeTv

— USU Football (@USUFootball) November 13, 2022

With Utah State clinging to a two score lead late, redshirt-freshman Ike Larsen stepped in front of a Brayden Schrager pass, taking it 36-yards to the house.

“That’s just a game plan deal,” Larsen said about his game winning interception. “We read the receiver splits all week, so when the time came I saw it and jumped the route.”

It was the second interception of the game and fourth of the season for Larsen.

Not satisfied with a touchdown, Larsen picked up his second sack of the season on the Rainbow Warriors next drive.

“Every week he just gets better,” head coach Blake Anderson said.  “He just plays better every week and tends to be calm in the moment at the most critical times. That was a game that was uncomfortably close, and the pick-six came at a huge time. Just a critical play.”

Earlier in the game, Larsen used his speed in space to track down USU’s first turnover of day.

2/3 of the earth is covered by water, the rest is covered by @IkeLarsen19!#AggiesAllTheWay pic.twitter.com/dKQ798U0Lw

— USU Football (@USUFootball) November 13, 2022

Larsen’s future is bright according to Anderson, “He has a phenomenal career ahead of him. Glad he is wearing our colors. Can’t wait to see how he progresses, grows and develops.”

About Ike Larsen

Larsen burst on the scene for the Aggies when he picked up a sack of Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Bryce Young and blocked a punt in a Utah State blowout loss at Alabama.

These plays, along with interceptions in each of USU’s first two games showed that Larsen was ready for major college football after sitting out his initial season with the Aggies as a redshirt.

SAFETY‼️ @IkeLarsen19 MAKING PLAYS😤

📺 @CBSSportsNet #AggiesAllTheWay pic.twitter.com/8rNbTfWo6R

— USU Football (@USUFootball) September 25, 2022

Before he donned Aggie blue, Larsen played his prep football in the shadow of Utah State’s Maverik Stadium, just a few miles away in neighboring Smithfield, UT at Sky View High School.

Larsen won two 4A state championships with the Bobcats while being featured in every facet of the game.

As a senior, Larsen was named first team all-state by MaxPreps.com and the Deseret News. The defensive back contributed 55 tackles, four interceptions, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. As a wide receiver/gadget player, Larsen caught 24 passes for 565 yards and five touchdowns. He also carried the ball 19 times for 197 yards and four scores.

Up Next

Utah State (5-5, 4-2) return home where they will host the San Jose State Spartans (6-3, 4-2) at Maverik Stadium. Kickoff for this game is scheduled for 7:45 p.m. (MDT).

Every Utah State football game can be heard on the KSL Sports Zone with Scott Garrard and former Aggie quarterback Kevin White on the call.

Coverage of Utah State University Athletics from KSL Sports can be found here. 

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