Overall it's the best skill position group we've ever had here. We have some good running backs and receivers that we feel will prove to be the best group of skill guys Herriman has had since we opened a few years back. – Mustang coach Dustin Pearce said.
Note: Herriman finished with an 8-4 overall record in 2014 and was third in Region 4 with a 4-2 record. It lost to Bingham 36-6 in the 5A quarterfinals.
HERRIMAN — In its short history Herriman has gained a reputation for being one of the most physical teams in the state. Blessed with a plethora of big, athletic players the Mustangs have relied on strong line play to become a competitive program.
In 2015, Mustang coach Dustin Pearce believes he'll again have a strong line on both sides of the football, but also a promising group of skill position players to make for a potent combination.
"Overall it's the best skill position group we've ever had here," Pearce said. "We have some good running backs and receivers that we feel will prove to be the best group of skill guys Herriman has had since we opened a few years back."
Fronting Pearce's skill position players on offense will be a typically strong, yet inexperienced offensive line.
"We have some size again up front and I think it's going to be a tough decision to decide on (who plays)," Pearce said.
"In time, we can be just as good up front as last year even though we're not as experienced," Pearce said. "I like the talent we have and believe our line will be a strength this year just as it was last year."
Among the skill position players returning are receivers Tanner Rosenhan, Tomasi Tonga and running back Matt Everton. All three of those players are expected to also contribute on defense along with linebacker Peni Mobley, nose tackle Koa Salanoa and defensive back Noah Vaea.
Others expected to see heavy contributions are running back and defensive back Brig Rush and Kayden Strasters, who will play at linebacker and fullback.
"We have a plethora of good, skilled kids and we're as deep as we've ever been at those positions," Pearce said.
At quarterback, Pearce was deciding between three quarterbacks midway through offseason practices. Those auditioning for the starting spot include senior Stockton Thorne and sophomore Hayden Reynolds.
"They're all really good throwers and great athletes," Pearce said.
On defense, Pearce plans to use many of those slated to start on offense. Those players will contribute mostly at linebacker and defensive back.
"We really like our back seven players," Pearce said. "They're well-groomed players that should really work well with our defensive line where we look strong once again. I believe our strength will eventually be the line on both sides of the ball, but we just need to get some experience."
As for the expectations leading up to the 2015 season, they're high. On the heels of two straight losses in the 5A quarterfinals, the Mustangs are anxious to prove they can advance to the semifinals at Rice-Eccles stadium.
"The goal is to obviously get there and hopefully win a championship," Pearce said. "We've had some really good teams here, but we're hungry to go farther than we have and we really feel we have the group to do it this season."
Herriman Mustangs at a glance
Coach: Dustin Pearce is entering his third season as Herriman’s head coach. His teams have compiled a 22-13 record over that stretch. Pearce is a graduate of Hunter High.
Offense (Pro-style; 4 returning starters)
Offensive Coordinator: Casey Miller
Returning starters on offense
Tanner Rosenhan (WR)
Tomasi Tonga (WR)
Kayden Strasters (FB)
Matt Everton (RB)
Defense (3-4; 7 returning starters)
Defensive Coordinator: Chris Hathaway
Returning starters on defense
Tanner Rosenhan (DB)
Koa Salanoa (DL)
Matt Everton (LB)
Peni Mobley (LB)
Noah Vaea (DB)
Tomasi Tonga (DB)
Cody Eldridge (LB)
Preseason coaches Region 4 straw poll: Fourth
Deseret News preseason Region 4 prediction: Fourth
Bottom Line: Should the Mustang offensive and defensive lines prove as good as last season then they could very well find themselves playing at Rice-Eccles at season's end. Playing in Region 4 will battle test Pearce's team, but look for the Mustangs to compete well with every team in the region and prove to be legitimate contenders in the 5A state playoffs.
Last 5
2014 — 8-4 (4-2 in Region 4 – 5A Quarterfinals)
2013 — 6-6 (4-2 in Region 4 – 5A Quarterfinals)
2012 — 8-3 (4-1 in Region 7 – 4A First round)
2011 — 8-4 (2-3 in Region 7 – 4A First round)
2010 — 4-7 (3-3 in Region 3 – 5A First round)
Herriman coaching history
2013-current — Dustin Pearce (14-10)
2010-12 — Larry Wilson (20-14)
Deseret News First Team all-staters the past 10 years
2014 — Andre James, OL
2014 — Kalisi Moli, DL
2013 — Brandon Farmer, RB
2013 — Andre James, OL
2012 — Tueni Lupeamanu, Specialist
2011 — Francis Bernard, RB
To view second team and honorable mention all-staters through the years, check out the Deseret News All-State Archives.
Email: bgurney@desnews.com
Twitter: @BrandonCGurney