March 6, 2002
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2002 Pre-SpringFootball Prospectus
2002 Spring Practice DatesMon., March 18Wed., March 20Fri., March 22Sat., March 23
Mon., March 25Tue., March 26Wed., March 27Thur., March 28 (Scrimmage)
Mon., April 1Wed., April 3Fri., April 5 (Scrimmage at Mountain View HS at Orem, Utah, 6 p.m.)Sat., April 6
Mon., Apr. 8Wed., Apr. 10Fri., Apr. 12 (Blue-White Game at Romney Stadium, TBA)
Sat., Apr. 13 (Football Golf Day)
University Quick FactsLocation: Logan, UtahFounded: 1888Enrollment: 21,490President: Dr. Kermit L. Hall (Akron, 1966)Director of Athletics: Rance Pugmire (Idaho, 1987)Conference: Division I IndependentNickname: AggiesColors: Navy Blue and WhiteStadium (Capacity): Romney Stadium (30,257)Turf: Bent Bluegrass
Team Quick FactsHead Coach: Mick Dennehy (Montana, 1973) Record at USU: 9-13 (two years) Overall Record: 58-38 (nine years)
2001 Overall Record: 4-7Conference Record: Not ApplicableBasic Offense: One BackBasic Defense: 4-3
THE AGGIES -- Here is a breakdown of the 2002 Aggies:
All-Americans Returning WR Kevin Curtis (3rd Team AP, Hon. Men. Football News) P Steve Mullins (Hon. Men. Football News)All-Americans Lost RB Emmett White (Hon. Men. Football News)All-Independent Selections Returning (Football News) WR Kevin CurtisAll-Independent Selections Lost (Football News) RB Emmett White (Player of the Year) TE J.R. Suguturaga OG Jim Walker
Starters Returning Offense -- 7 Defense -- 8 Special Teams -- 2Lettermen Returning Offense -- 19 Defense -- 21 Special Teams -- 2
Starters Lost Offense -- 5 Defense -- 4 Special Teams -- 0Lettermen Lost Offense -- 11 Defense -- 9 Special Teams -- 0
2001 STATISTICAL LEADERSCategory Top Returnees (yards) Key Losses (yards)Rushing Fiefia (187), Fernandez (30) White (1,361)Passing Fuentes (3,100) NoneReceiving Curtis (1,500), Coleman (440) White (408)Tackles Busta (100), Glasper (77) Onaindia (65), T. Walker (59)Interceptions Shank, Jimoh, Tapia (1) Barber (4), T. Walker (3)Punting Mullins (44.8 avg.) NoneField Goals Kidman (7-13 FG) None
2002 COACHING STAFF -- Here is a look at the 2002 USU staff:Head Coach Mick Dennehy (Montana, 1973) 3rd Year at USU: 9-13 (two years)/Overall: 58-38 (9 years)Asst. HC/LB David Reeves (Montana, 1989) 3rd YearOff. Coord./QB Bob Cole (Widener, 1982) 3rd YearOff. Line Jeff Hoover (UC Davis, 1991) 3rd YearTight Ends Mike Lynch (Montana, 1999) 1st YearWide Receivers Chris Tabor (Benedictine, 1993) 1st YearDef. Coord./Safeties Kraig Paulson (Montana, 1987) 3rd YearLinebackers Carl Franks (Montana, 1994) 3rd YearDef. Line Tom McMahon (Carroll, 1992) 5th YearCornerbacks Derrick Odum (Utah, 1992) 3rd YearOff. G.A. (RB) John Roberts (Utah State, 2002) 1st YearDef. G.A. (DL) Jeff Choate 1st Year
Starters Returning (2001 starts)
Offense (7)WR - Kevin Curtis (11)... Led NCAA in receptions (100), 1,531 yards, 10 TD.WR - Chris Stallworth (9)... 33 receptions, 384 yards and four touchdowns.TE - Casey Poppinga (5)... Started five games, three receptions and one TD.QB - Jose Fuentes (11)... 3,100 passing yards, third best in USU history.LT - Jim Newton (11)... Started all 22 games last two years.LG - Luis Trujillo (5)... Eight starts in last two years, including five in 2001.RT - Brennen Burningham (4)... Started four of last six games as a freshman.
Defense (8)LE - Nate Putnam (5)... Six TFL in five starts in injury-plagued season.DT - Ronald Tupea (7)... Started last seven games and had 23 tackles.DT - Jorge Tapia (11)...Started all 11 games, 15 tackles and one interception.LB - Rodney Wilson (6)... Started six games and had 26 tackles.LB - Jesse Busta (11)...Led team with 100 tackles, 13 TFL, 1 FF, 1 FR.LC - Ade Jimoh (9)... Recorded 39 tackles, one interception and three PBU.S - Bryan Jackson (4)... Started four of last six games and had 32 tackles.S - Jamar Glasper (11)... Second-leading tackler with 77 stops, 3 FF, 2 FR.
Special Teams (2)P - Steve Mullins... NCAA's leading returning punter (fourth overall last year).PK - Dane Kidman... Made 7-13 FGA and 35-39 PAT in first year as starter.
Starters Lost (2001 starts)
Offense (5)OG - Jess Schuck (6)... Had started 27 consecutive games until injury.OC - Ed Powell (11)... Earned Paradise Bowl selection.RG - Jim Walker (11)... Paradise Bowl selection and two-year starter.TE - J.R. Suguturaga (9)... Caught 24 passes for 201 yards in 2001.TB - Emmett White (11)... Independent Player of the Year, HM All-America.
Defense (4)RE - Nick Onaindia (11)... Third on team with 65 tackles and 14 TFL.LB - Tony Newson (7)... Had 29 tackles in 2001 during injury-plagued career.S - Nathan Barber (7)... Started seven games, 55 tackles, team-high four INT.RC - Tony Walker (11)... 35 career starts, 59 tackles, 3 INT in 2001.
Special TeamsNone
AGGIES STATISTICALLY - Last year nine Aggies, including six that are returning for this season, were ranked in the NCAA statistics. Among them were WR Kevin Curtis, who led the nation in receptions per game (9.1) to become the 16th Aggie to lead the nation in a statistical category. Curtis was also third in receiving yards with 139.2 per game. Other top 10 leaders included QB Jose Fuentes (fifth in completions), P Steve Mullins (fourth in punting) and Emmett White (fourth in all-purpose yardage).
AGGIES STATISTICALLY II - As a team, Utah State had a productive season statistically on the offensive side of the ball. The Aggies were ranked 13th in the country in passing offense as well as 32nd in total offense and 43rd in scoring offense.
COACH MICK DENNEHY - Entering his third year at Utah State is Mick Dennehy (Montana, 1973), who was hired on Dec. 3, 1999. He compiled a 39-12 record in four years at Montana and his 76.5 winning percentage is the best at that school for coaches with more than two years. His five wins in his first year at Utah State tied for the best mark by a first-year Aggie coach since Phil Krueger won seven games in 1973 (Dennehy is the seventh coach since then). In 2001 he guided the Aggies in their first independent schedule since 1977. The Aggies played four top-25 teams and five bowl teams in 2001. Realizing the improvement USU was making on and off the field, Dennehy was rewarded with a two-year contract extension on Nov. 30, 2001 which will keep him in Logan through 2005. Dennehy played safety at Montana in 1971 and 1972. Prior to assuming the head coaching role at Montana, he served as the school's offensive coordinator for five seasons, producing one of the nation's top offenses. In Dennehy's nine years overall at Montana, the Grizzlies ranked in the top four in the country in passing offense every year and in the top five in scoring and total offense in five of his last seven seasons. Before going to Montana, Dennehy revived the program at Western Montana, which had dropped football in 1987. In three years he improved the team from a 1-6 record to a 5-3 mark.
Year School Overall Pct. Conf. Pct. Notes1988 West. Montana 1-6 .143 1-5/5th .167 Revived Program1989 West. Montana 4-4 .500 2-4/4th .3331990 West. Montana 5-3 .625 3-3/3rd .5001996 Montana 14-1 .933 8-0/1st 1.00 3-1 (2nd in I-AA)1997 Montana 8-4 .667 6-2/2nd .750 0-1 in playoffs1998 Montana 8-4 .667 6-2/1st .750 0-1 in playoffs1999 Montana 9-3 .750 7-1/1st .875 0-1 in playoffs2000 Utah State 5-6 .455 4-1/2nd .800 1 win from bowl2001 Utah State 4-7 .364 N/A N/A Played 4 top 25Western Montana (3 yrs.) 10-13 .435 6-12 .333 Revived ProgramMontana (4 years) 39-12 .765 27-5 .844 Four playoffsUtah State (2 years) 9-13 .409 4-1 .800 50th career winTotals (9 years) 58-38 .604 37-18 .673 3-4 in playoffs
USU UNDER DENNEHY * In his two years at USU, the Aggies have recorded the school's all-time attendance average record (21,784 in 2001) and fourth-best average (19,910 in 2000). The record in 2001 came without the benefit of playing Utah or BYU at home. * USU has produced four of the top 10 all-time total offense games in school history in his two years, including a school-record tying 684 yards against Weber State in 2001. * USU has also produced three of the top five best passing games in school history in Dennehy's two years. * USU has produced two Associated Press third-team All-Americans in his two years as all-purpose runner Emmett White earned the honor in 2000 and wide receiver Kevin Curtis was named in 2001. The last time USU had an AP All-America selection was 1988 when Kendal Smith also earned third team honors. * USU has had two NCAA individual statistical champions in his tenure as White led the country in all-purpose yardage in 2000 (238.9) and Curtis led the nation in receptions in 2001 (9.1 per game). Previously USU's last national statistical leader was Louie Giammona, who led the country in all-purpose yardage (185.9) in 1975. * The football team's grade-point average has improved steadily since his arrival.
Noting The Aggies
QUICKLY -- Utah State enters its third season under head coach Mick Dennehy and its second season as an Independent after playing the previous 23 years in the Big West Conference... USU has been a Division I-A school since beginning football in 1892... The Aggies will be playing their 104th season of collegiate football in 110 years in 2002 and have an all-time record of 459-422-31 (.520).
THE 2001 SEASON -- USU played what could arguably be called the Aggies' most difficult schedule in school history... USU met a school record four teams ranked in the top 25 by the AP at game time and faced five bowl teams (including three BCS opponents)... USU's opponents were a combined 77-54 (58.8 percent) in 2001... The Aggies played a team with a winning record at game time nine times in the 11 contests... USU traveled more than 15,000 miles and played in four different time zones during the season.
THIS SPRING -- Utah State will look to replace five offensive and four defensive starters, including 2001 Independent Player of the Year running back Emmett White, three offensive linemen (OC Ed Powell and guards Jim Walker and Jess Schuck) and four-year starter CB Tony Walker. Top returnees for the Aggies include two All-America candidates in WR Kevin Curtis, the 2001 NCAA receptions leader, and P Steve Mullins, who finished fourth in the NCAA in average a year ago and is the leading returning punter in the country. Other key players returning include QB Jose Fuentes (20 consecutive starts) and LB Jesse Busta (two straight 100-plus tackle seasons) among others.
THE 2002 SCHEDULE -- Utah State will once again face a difficult early schedule this year with four of its first six games coming against teams that played in bowl games last year. USU will meet Utah (Las Vegas Bowl) and Brigham Young (Liberty) at home, while travelling to Nebraska (Rose), and Iowa (Alamo). USU's 2002 opponents were a combined 78-52 (60.0 percent a year ago) and eight of the 11 teams had winning records. In all, USU will play teams from the Big 12 (one), Big 10 (one), Mountain West (three), WAC (one), Sun Belt (three), Independents (one) and Big Sky (one) conferences.
COACHING STAFF CHANGES -- There were a few changes made in the Utah State coaching staff after the 2001. WR coach Eric Kiesau left for a similar position with California and RB coach Mike Trevathan was dismissed. Defensive graduate assistant Travis Baker completed his three years as a G.A. and is gone as well. New additions to the staff include the promotion of Mike Lynch (last year's offensive G.A.) to full-time tight ends coach, as well as former Aggie running back John Roberts (1998-2001) to offensive G.A. for running backs, the hiring of former Culver Stockton head coach Chris Tabor to wide receivers, and Jeff Choate to defensive G.A. working with the defensive line.
WHAT A TRIO -- USU's trio of RB Emmett White, QB Jose Fuentes and WR Kevin Curtis was extremely productive in 2001. In fact, 2001 marked just the third time in school history USU has produced a 2,000-yard passer, a 1,000-yard rusher and a 1,000-yard receiver in the same season.
Year Rushing Passing Receiving2001 Emmett White, 1361 Jose Fuentes, 3100 Kevin Curtis, 15312000 Emmett White, 1322 Jose Fuentes, 2709 Aaron Jones, 11591995 Abu Wilson, 1476 Patrick Mullins, 2774 Kevin Alexander, 1400
NCAA RECORD BOOK LOOK -- Here is a look at some NCAA record book lists that USU players found their way onto during 2001:
Season Receptions Per Game -- Kevin Curtis (9.1) tied for 20th. Season Receptions -- Kevin Curtis (100) tied for 19th. Season Rec. Yards -- Kevin Curtis (1531) is 13th. Career All-Purpose Yards -- Emmett White (5872) is 19th.
* USU became the 20th team to have a 3,000-yard passer, 1,000-yard rusher and 1,000-yard receiver in the same year. * Emmett White tied NCAA record for most season with 2,000 all-purpose yards with two (shared by nine others).
OFFENSIVE NOTES -- USU averaged 28.7 points per game for its best average in the last four years... USU's 288.0 passing yards per game were the most in the last five years... The Aggies averaged 420.3 yards per game for its best production in the last four years... Despite the fact that Kevin Curtis led the nation with 100 receptions, five different Aggies recorded at least 20 catches on the year, the most USU players with at least 20 receptions since 1998... The last time more than five USU players had at least 20 receptions was 1988 (six players)... RB Emmett White produced the sixth-best rushing season in USU history (1,361 yards), QB Jose Fuentes threw for the third most yards (3,100) and WR Kevin Curtis had the best receiving season (1,531 yards)... As a team USU produced a single-game record tying yardage total with 684 yards of total offense against Weber State... USU's 571 yards against Wyoming ranked 11th, while its 441 passing yards against Weber State was fourth.
DEFENSIVE NOTES -- After allowing an average of 204.6 yards per game rushing in the first five games, USU limited the opposition to just 124.3 in the last six games... The Aggie defense did not come up with an interception in the first four games of the year, but had 10 in the last seven games... 22 different USU players had tackles for loss and 12 Aggieshad sacks.
SPECIAL TEAMS NOTES -- USU set school records for kickoff returns (63) and return yards (1,354)... Roger Fernandez set an USU record with 774 kickoff return yards on the season and his nine returns against Fresno State was a game record... Fernandez returned a punt for a touchdown against Utah in the season opener... P Steve Mullins established a school mark with a 44.82 average, which was fourth in the nation.
USU NOTE-ABLE -- USU held a lead in 10 of its 11 games in 2001 (Fresno State was the exception)... USU set a school season attendance record in 2001 with an average of 21,784 per game. That record came without the benefit of playing either Utah or BYU at Logan. This year, both schools will play games here... USU's average attendance ranked ahead of five WAC teams and one Mountain West school... USU has two quarterbacks that have each thrown for 3,000 yards in their careers in Jose Fuentes (5,900) and Jeff Crosbie (3,315)... Four of USU's first six games will come against opponents that played in bowl games last season... USU will host three MWC schools in Utah, BYU and New Mexico... USU will meet three opponents for the first time including, Louisiana-Monroe, Troy State and Middle Tennessee State... USU will play at Big 12 school for the fourth time in five years when the Aggies play at Nebraska... USU's game at Iowa will mark the first time USU has played a Big 10 opponent since playing at Illinois in 1989... Last year USU's final regular season game was Dec. 1 and this Nov. 30 finale is the third latest in the calendar USU will have played a regular season game (Dec. 11, 1959 and Dec. 1, 2001).
2002 Utah State Spring Football Outlook
Utah State will enter its third season under the direction of head coach Mick Dennehy. Dennehy, who guided the Aggies to a 5-6 record in 2000 and a 4-7 mark in 2001, has the program headed in the right direction both on the field and off. The Aggies return seven offensive starters and eight regulars from the defensive side of the ball, as well as punter Steve Mullins and place kicker Dane Kidman. Among the returnees are two legitimate All-America candidates in wide receiver Kevin Curtis and Mullins. Curtis led the NCAA in receptions per game (9.1) and was third in yards per game (139.2) last season. His spectacular season, which included USU records for receptions (100) and yards (1,531), was capped with him being named a third-team All-American by the Associated Press. Mullins, the NCAA's leading returning punter with a 44.8 average in 2001, was fourth in the country in that category last year. His school record average earned him recognition as a semifinalist for the Ray Guy Award. Utah State will once again face a challenging schedule as after playing four ranked teams at game time and five teams that played in bowl games last year, USU will meet four bowl teams in its first six games in 2002. Eight of USU's 11 opponents this season had winning records a year ago and were a combined 78-52 (60.0 percent) on the season.
Offense 2001 NCAA Rankings Total Offense - 32nd, Rushing - 77th, Passing - 13h, Scoring - 43rd
Once again, Utah State's offense was one of the most productive units in the country ranking 13th in passing and 32nd in total offense. USU threw for 288.0 yards per game en route to racking up 420.3 yards per contest. Leading the way were a trio of outstanding skill players in QB Jose Fuentes, RB Emmett White and WR Kevin Curtis. For just the third time in school history (1995 and 2000), USU produced a 3,000-yard passer (Fuentes with 3,100 yards), a 1,000-yard receiver (Curtis with 1,531 yards) and a 1,000-yard rusher (White with 1,361 yards). Two members of that trio return in Fuentes and Curtis. Three starters on the offensive line will be back to protect Fuentes and clear the way for any of three running backs.
Offensive Line
Lettermen Returning *Brenen Burningham Barry McLaughlin *Jim Newton Mike Scheper *Luis Trujillo
Others on Roster Grant Calverley (RS) Aric Galliano (RS) Ryan Gunstream (RS) Josh Hoehne (Fr.) Derek Hoke (Fr.) Trevor Hutton (JC) Bill Long (WO) Kohl Mayberry (RS) Donald Penn (RS) David Rawlins (RS) Greg Vandermade (JC)
Lettermen Lost Eric Gwilliam *Ed Powell *Jess Schuck *Jim Walker
* - 2001 Starter
Senior Jim Newton will anchor an offensive line that returns four players who have each started at least two games in their careers. Newton has started 22 consecutive games at left tackle and will man that spot once again this season. Next to him at left guard is Luis Trujillo, who started five of the last six games of the year. Aric Galliano, who redshirted in 2001 is the leading candidate to start at center, while junior college transfers Trevor Hutton and Greg Vandermade will battle for the right guard position. At right tackle is Brenen Burningham, who started four of the last six games as a freshman last year. In addition, Barry McLaughlin started two games at tackle a year ago and will provide solid depth again this season. Mike Scheper saw action as backup last year. USU lost three starters from the center and guard positions in Ed Powell, Jess Schuck and Jim Walker. Powell and Walker were considered the team's top linemen, while Schuck, who started 28 games in his career, including six last year, was bothered by injuries in 2001.
Tight Ends
Lettermen Returning Chris Cooley *Casey Poppinga
Others on Roster Casey Cooper (RS) Nick George (RS) Patrick McNutt (RS)
Lettermen Lost Scott Collins *J.R. Suguturaga
* - 2001 Starter
Gone is starting tight end J.R. Suguturaga, who pulled in 24 receptions for 201 yards and provided outstanding blocking. However, two Aggies that have seen plenty of playing time in the previous two years return in Chris Cooley and Casey Poppinga. Poppinga started five games a year ago and had three catches for 38 yards and one touchdown. Cooley, who played on the defensive line as a freshman, pulled in three balls for 21 yards and a score as a sophomore last year. They will be pushed for playing time by three redshirts in Casey Cooper, Nick George and Patrick McNutt.
Wide Receivers
Lettermen Returning Donta' Candler Gary Coleman *Kevin Curtis Jason Deml Derek Jeffery *Chris Stallworth
Others on Roster Brian Majors (RS) Brandon McFee (RS) Jason Thomas (RS)
Lettermen Lost Marshall Sanders Markus Torian
* - 2001 Starter
With six letterwinners and two starters returning to the wide receiver positions, this is one of the most experienced positions on the team. Kevin Curtis was a third-team All-American after leading the country in receptions per game (9.1) last year. The talented senior-to-be established numerous school records in his first year at the Division I level with 100 catches for 1,531 yards. Chris Stallworth, who has lettered in each of the previous two seasons, had 33 catches for 384 yards and four touchdowns last year. Gary Coleman was third on the team in receptions with 36 for 440 yards, four touchdowns and a team-long 70-yard catch. Jason Deml, who along with Stallworth at 6-2, provides a big target, had 11 receptions last year. Derek Jeffery and Donta' Candler also saw time. The only receiver lost from last year with a reception was Marshall Sanders, who had three catches for nine yards.
Quarterbacks
Lettermen Returning Travis Cox Jeff Crosbie *Jose Fuentes
Others on Roster Stuart Perry (RS)
Lettermen Lost None
* - 2001 Starter
Two-year starter Jose Fuentes returns to run the Aggie offense. The senior threw for 3,100 yards and completed 59.6 percent of his pass attempts. Both of those numbers rank third on the USU season lists. Last year Fuentes was fifth in the country in completions per game (23.6) and ranked 18th in total offense (265.5). Behind him are two local products in Jeff Crosbie and Travis Cox. Crosbie started 17 consecutive games before giving way to Fuentes in the 1999 season. He has thrown for 3,315 yards in his career. Cox, a sophomore was four-of-seven while playing in four games last year. Stuart Perry spent last season as the scout team quarterback.
Running Backs
Lettermen Returning Chris Cooley Roger Fernandez David Fiefia Trent Nate
Others on Roster Mike Hill (WO) Mike Muraski (WO) Richard Watson (RS)
Lettermen Lost *Emmett White
* - 2001 Starter
David Fiefia and Roger Fernandez are the top candidates to replace two-year starter and one of the most productive players to ever wear an Utah State uniform, Emmett White. The two-time All-American graduated with his name etched on both Utah State and NCAA record book lists. The nation's all-purpose yardage leader in 2000, White was fourth in that category last season and 11th in rushing despite missing most of the 11th game with an injury (played one play and rushed for one yard). Fiefia, a junior, showed signs that he is capable of stepping into the starting role. He rushed for 187 yards on 30 attempts (6.2 average), including 116 yards on 16 carries in the finale against Fresno State. Fernandez is an explosive runner and he rushed eight times for 30 yards on the season. Fernandez averaged 24.4 yards on five punt returns and established a school record for season kickoff return yardage with 34 returns for 774 yards and a 22.8 average. Richard Watson, is a tough runner, who was a member of the scout team a year ago. Chris Cooley, who in addition to playing tight end, will man the fullback position along with Trent Nate.
Defense 2001 Rankings Total Defense - 10th, Rushing - 76th, Passing - 110th, Scoring - 108th
The Aggie defense faced some of the most explosive offensive teams in college football a year ago. High-scoring opponents like Oregon, LSU, BYU, Fresno State and Utah went up against the Aggie defense. Last year's team was decimated with injuries, which resulted in USU starting 18 different players on the year. This year, USU returns eight starters on the defensive unit and should have improved depth. Among the leaders are defensive end Nate Putnam, linebacker Jesse Busta, and safety Jamar Glasper.
Defensive Line
Lettermen Returning Brian Bowers Jeremy Guenter *Nate Putnam James Robinson *Jorge Tapia *Ronald Tupea
Others on Roster Case Bingham (SQ) Ty Cahoon (SQ) John Chick (HS) Rob Clark (WO) Ryan DeQuillettes (RS) Jim Fackrell (WO) Michael Gates (HS) Justin Jackson (JC) Clint McKell (HS) Kendall Olsen (HS)
Lettermen Lost Ryan Duncan Tyler Olsen *Nick Onaindia Jared Solosabal
* - 2001 Starter
USU lost two leaders up front in Ryan Duncan and Nick Onaindia. Duncan started the first six games of the year before a career-ending injury, while Onaindia was the team's third-leading tackler with 65 stops, including team best totals in tackles for loss (14) and sacks (nine). Nate Putnam, who started in place of Duncan, despite a nagging shoulder injury, returns to anchor the line. The two tackles from a year ago are back in Ronald Tupea and Jorge Tapia Jeremy Guenter is the leading contender to man the left end spot after recording eight tackles in a backup role last year. James Robinson worked his way into the rotation and should see a lot of time in the middle of the line.
Linebackers
Lettermen Returning D.J. Brookter *Jesse Busta Nathan Dandridge Scott Hunt Robert Watts *Rodney Wilson
Others on Roster Jaison Carriger (RS) Jared Johnstun (RS) Jim Spoklie (RS) Ryan Taylor (WO)
Lettermen Lost *Tony Newson Ryan Solomona
* - 2001 Starter
Team-leading tackler Jesse Busta will anchor the Aggie linebackers in 2002. Busta, who recorded 100 tackles last year, including 13 for loss, has been a quiet leader for USU the last two seasons. He will be joined by Rodney Wilson, who started six games a year ago and recorded 26 tackles and Robert Watts, who had 28 stops in a backup role. USU lost Tony Newson, who recorded 53 tackles in an injury-plagued season, but the Aggies should have the depth and ability to fill those shoes. Those who will push for playing time include 2001 backups D.J. Brookter (nine tackles), Nathan Dandridge (five tackles) and Scott Hunt (four tackles).
Secondary
Lettermen Returning Andre Bala Jerome Dennis Mark Estelle *Jamar Glasper *Bryan Jackson *Ade Jimoh Ross Luna Derrek Shank
Others on Roster Kevin Anderson (JC) Chris Brown (WO) Dan Catalano (RS) Ricky Crockett (WO) Matt Ferguson (WO) David Harrison (WO) Cornelius Lamb (RS) John Martin (RS) Jerry May (RS) Chris Muraski (WO) Mike Rosencrans (JC) Brian Slade (WO) Reggie Willson (SQ)
Lettermen Lost *Nathan Barber Steve Tate *Tony Walker
* - 2001 Starter
Four players that started at least four games last year return to the secondary. Among the returnees are regular starters Jamar Glasper, Bryan Jackson and Ade Jimoh, as USU started five defensive backs in most games. USU lost two talented starters in Tony Walker (a four-year starter) and Nathan Barber, who combined for seven of USU's 10 interceptions last year. Steve Tate, a key backup in 2001 went on an LDS Church mission and will not play this season. Jamar Glasper, the team's second leading tackler with 77 a year ago, has a tendency to always be around the ball as evidenced by his three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. Ade Jimoh (39 tackles) started nine games at cornerback, while Bryan Jackson, who started four of the last six games, had 32 tackles. USU had five other players earn letters with extensive playing time including Derrek Shank, who started the first four games of the year and finished with 31 tackles. Others who saw a lot of game time included Andre Bala (no tackles), Jerome Dennis (11 tackles), Mark Estelle (24 tackles), and Ross Luna (five tackles). They will all be pushed by newcomers Kevin Anderson and Mike Rosencrans as well as redshirts Cornelius Lamb and Jerry May.
Special Teams 2001 NCAA Rankings Net Punting - 57th, Punt Returns - 45th, Kickoff Returns - 40th
Utah State boasted solid special teams play for most of the season. However, three punts were blocked late in the year and two field goal attempts were blocked as well to diminish the previous accomplishments. USU's punting game featured Steve Mullins, who was fourth in the NCAA in average (44.8) and landed 13 of his 50 punts inside the 20-yard line. He recorded at least one 50-yard punt in every game as well. He is back for his senior season as the nation's leading returning punter. Dane Kidman hit seven-of-13 field goal attempts in his first year as USU's place kicker. He also made 35-of-39 extra point attempts. The senior made his first three field goal attempts of the season and was seven-of-10 until missing his final three kicks of the year. He will be challenged by redshirt Ben Chaet. Roger Fernandez and David Fiefia proved to be extremely talented return men and will probably see more action this year with the departure of Emmett White and Tony Walker. White led the team in punt returns (16-125), while Walker returned six kickoffs for a 21.7 average. Fernandez was the main kickoff returner last year establishing a school record with 774 yards. All in all he had 34 returns for a 22.8 average and a long of 70. As a punt returner, Fernandez scored on a 64-yard return against Utah, the first time he touched the ball as a collegian. He averaged 24.4 yards on five punt returns on the season. Fiefia returned 14 kickoffs for a 22.2 average.
Punter Lettermen Returning *Steve Mullins
Place Kicker Lettermen Returning *Dane Kidman
Other Kicker/Punters on Roster Ben Chaet (RS) Skip Williams (WO)
