SALEM, Utah – It doesn't really matter which side of the ball
Porter Gustin is playing on during a game. One way or another, he is going to find a way to make opponents pay.
The
Salem Hills (Salem) senior has made his mark as one of the best defensive players in the state. He has 87 tackles, seven sacks, two interceptions and a fumble recovery in leading the Skyhawks to a 6-1 start. It's good enough for a per game average of 12.4 tackles and one sack.
Gustin has taken a visit to Notre Dame already.
File photo by Joel Moffat
Gustin is on pace to double his tackle total from his junior year, when he tallied 67 tackles while battling a broken thumb he suffered in a victory over Provo in the middle of the season. He eventually returned to play after undergoing surgery and being fitted for a cast.
The broken thumb still limited Gustin from being the sort of dominant middle linebacker he wanted to be last year.
"I feel like I slipped off tackles," Gustin said, describing his junior year. "It was harder to use my hands, but it worked out."
His broken thumb also prevented Gustin from finishing out the season at quarterback. He only played four full games, and a quarter against Provo, under center. The results were impressive. Gustin passed for 1,273 yards and 13 touchdowns on 63 of 107 passing.
When he moved from Idaho to Utah, Gustin felt a little concerned at first stepping up to direct an offense that focused much more on passing than what he experienced at his old school.
"I played quarterback my sophomore year in Idaho, so I knew a little bit (about the position)," Gustin said. "But we didn't throw as much in Idaho as we did here. I was definitely a little bit nervous. New team and stepping up to be the leader. But you get used to it fast."
Evidence of that adjustment can be found in what Gustin has done this season. He has thrown for 1,642 yards and 17 touchdowns on 109 of 186 passing. Gustin has tossed just four interceptions and his ability to be a leader in the huddle has made him indispensable to the offense.
Salem Hills coach Joel Higginson said Gustin is the perfect motivator who can get the most out of his teammates.
"The best thing he has given to our team is he has an ability to help kids rise to the next level," Higginson said. "And he really helps the players believe in being something probably better than what they could become (on their own). That's one of the greatest characteristics you can have in a player."
Gustin is described as "reckless and relentless"at linebacker.
File photo by Jeff Porcaro
Gustin is equally indispensable on defense. He has a fearless attitude about wrangling a quarterback or running back or any other poor soul who dares to try to push past the line of scrimmage.
It's one reason Gustin is a highly coveted recruit nationally and considered one of the best 2015 prospects in the state of Utah.
"If I were to describe him in two words, I would say he is relentless and reckless," Higginson said. "When he goes, there's nobody that's going to stop him."
Gustin has received scholarship offers from more than 30 schools. It is a who's who of traditional powers in college football – including three of the four most recent FBS national champions (Auburn, LSU and Florida State). He has taken one campus visit so far to Notre Dame and has others planned after the season is done.
For Gustin, choosing between so many elite college football programs is a little like picking an ice cream cone for the average person. It's really tough to choose one flavor.
"It's going to be a tough choice," Gustin said. "Hopefully one will stick out and make it easy."
With how Gustin is sticking out on both sides of the ball this season, the school that successfully recruits him is bound to feel as lucky as a lottery winner.
Porter Gustin is one of Utah's biggest names when it comes to desired recruits. The Salem Hills linebacker and quarterback is dominating on both sides of the ball.
File photo by Joel Moffat
