“He’s got an amazing career ahead of him,” Utah State football coach Blake Anderson said about sophomore safety Ike Larsen. “He’s a pretty good player.”
The Mountain West Conference seems to think the same, as Larsen was awarded the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week on Monday.
The safety from Sky View High School in Smithfield recorded seven tackles, a pass breakup and a pair of interceptions in Utah State’s 44-24 victory over Colorado State — en route to the fourth weekly honor of his career.
Both of Larsen’s interceptions came in the second quarter, including an impressive one on a 50-50 ball in the end zone after the Rams drove the ball into Aggie territory. In a news conference following the game, Anderson did not seem surprised by Larsen’s play.
“Ike is not afraid of the moment,” Anderson said. “Most people get there and they can’t make a play. When the moment gets bigger, he tends to get better. That’s a great trait to have.”
Across five games, Larsen has made 43 tackles, forced one fumble and picked off three passes. Larsen has also excelled on special teams, tabbed the Mountain West Special Teams Player of the Week following the Aggie’s victory against UConn two weeks ago.
“He’s got a knack for playing the ball, a knack for being right there, in the eye of the tornado,” Anderson said. “It just calms down for him and he’s just able to control his body and make a play.”
But for Larsen, his performance is the product of a team effort.
“At the end of the day, 99% of our interceptions come from the pressure of the D-line and linebackers,” Larsen said. “We’ve got a good knack for the ball and we cover people. That’s what we do.”
Larsen and the Aggies will look to extend their win streak to three this Friday against Fresno State at Maverik Stadium in Logan.
