Michael Earl Signs Letter Of Intent With Utah State University

April 12, 2006

LOGAN, Utah - Utah State's head men's basketball coach Stew Morrill announced Wednesday [April 12] 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, 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.