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HIGH SCHOOL
Statesman Journal
After a long recruiting process, South Salem senior lineman Ashton Adams has decided on his future, and he’s excited to get there.
Adams, the state’s No. 17 recruit in 2019, according to 247Sports.com, announced last week that he is committed to Utah State.
“The biggest reason for me was just the players, coaches and fans,” Adams said. “I felt like I should’ve been dressed up for the game. That’s how at home I felt.”
It has been a tough season for Adams, who has been out with an injury since Sept. 21. South Salem finished the season 2-7.
Adams has been focused on rehab, and he is pleased with the progress he’s been making.
“I am coming back really well,” Adams said. “I have made early progress.”
Adams is the second football player from Salem to commit to Utah State this fall, joining West Salem quarterback and safety Simon Thompson.
MORE: A deeper look at Alex Hurlburt's first career touchdown for West Salem
Adams is looking forward to becoming teammates with Thompson.
“Me and Simon grew up playing against each other, so it will be cool to see him make plays for our team this time,” Adams said. “And because Utah is so far from home, it’s gonna be nice to have someone from home with me.”
Ashton Adams, South Salem (OL, DL — 2019 class)
Adams has been out with an injury. South Salem’s season is over.
State rank (247Sports.com): No. 17
Committed: Utah State
Other Mid-Valley prospects
Erik Barker, McNary (QB, DB — 2020 class)
Barker rushed for two touchdowns and threw for another in McNary’s 40-33 win last week against South Salem. The Celtics next will play against Lakeridge in the OSAA Class 6A state playoffs.
State rank (247Sports.com): No. 9
Offers: None
Andre Beall, North Salem (OL, DL — 2019 class)
North Salem lost 44-7 last week to Lebanon. The Vikings’ season is over.
State rank (247Sports.com): Unranked
Offers: None
Diego Fuimaono, South Salem (TE, DL — 2019 class)
South Salem lost 40-33 last week to McNary. The Saxons’ season is over.
State rank (247Sports.com): No. 18
Offers: None
Anthony Gould, West Salem (WR, DB — 2019 class)
Gould rushed for 303 yards and three touchdowns in West Salem’s 42-14 win last week against Sprague. The Titans next will face Southridge in the OSAA Class 6A state playoffs.
State rank (247Sports.com): No. 7
Committed: Oregon State
Alex Hurlburt, West Salem (OL, LB — 2019 class)
Hurlburt scored on a 26-yard touchdown run in West Salem’s 42-14 win last week against Sprague. He also had 15 tackles, one quarterback hit and one pass deflection on defense. The Titans next will face Southridge in the OSAA Class 6A state playoffs.
State rank (247Sports.com): No. 19
Committed: Montana
Levi Nielsen, Silverton (QB — 2019 class)
Nielsen was 16 of 24 for 136 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions in Silverton’s 17-14 win last week against West Albany. The Foxes next host Parkrose on Friday in the OSAA Class 5A state playoffs.
State rank (247Sports.com): Unranked
Offers: Whittier College
Micah Pugh, West Salem (WR, LB — 2019 class)
Pugh had a 76-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in West Salem’s 42-14 win last week against Sprague. Pugh also had one tackle on defense. The Titans next will face Southridge in the OSAA Class 6A state playoffs.
State rank (247Sports.com): Unranked
Committed: Air Force
Chris Sharp, Sprague (RB, LB — 2020 class)
Chris Sharp scored a touchdown in a 42-14 loss last week to West Salem. The Olympians’ season is over.
State rank (247Sports.com): Unranked
Offers: None
Simon Thompson, West Salem (QB, DB — 2019 class)
Thompson threw for 55 yards and rushed for 16 in West Salem’s 42-14 win against Sprague last week. He also had 11 tackles on defense. The Titans next face Southridge in the OSAA Class 6A state playoffs.
State rank (247Sports.com): No. 11
Committed: Utah State
Junior Walling, McNary (RB, LB — 2020 class)
Walling rushed for 215 yards and three touchdowns last week in a 40-33 win against South Salem. He also had eight tackles, two sacks and five quarterback hits on defense. The Celtics next face Lakeridge in the OSAA Class 6A state playoffs.
State rank (247Sports.com): No. 4
Offers: Oregon State
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