Former University of Hawaii defensive coordinator Dave Aranda will recruit Hawaii for Utah State, where he was announced as the Aggies’ defensive coordinator today.

"Spending four years in Hawaii, he has developed lots a ties there that will be a great asset to us in continuing to recruit in Hawaii and recruit Polynesian kids," Utah State coach Gary Andersen said in a  statement.

"He has a great track record as a great recruiter and we’ll get him on the road right away and help us sign some players for the upcoming signing period," Andersen said.

Aranda, who coordinated the Warriors’ defense the past two seasons, was among eight former UH assistants not retained by new coach Norm Chow.

"I’m very excited for the opportunity to be able to coach with Coach Andersen and his staff," Aranda said in a statement.

"I have a great deal of respect for Utah State football, they play a hard, physical style of football and I believe it is an up-and-coming program that I’m proud and very happy to be a part of it. I want to do whatever it takes to get us to the next level," Aranda said.