Jan. 2, 2003

LOGAN, Utah - Jeff Choate, who served as a graduate assistant this past season was named the special teams coordinator for the Utah State University football program it was announced by Aggie head coach Mick Dennehy on Thursday.

Choate spent the 2002 season assisting with the Aggies' defensive linemen and breaking down opponent film. He replaces Carl Franks.

"Jeff is an outstanding young coach who brings a wealth of tangibles and intangibles to our program," Dennehy said. "With some of his past experiences, he has demonstrated outstanding organizational skills. Jeff is one of the most enthusiastic young guys I have been around."

Choate was the head coach and athletics director at Post Falls (Idaho) High School prior to coming to Utah State. His other coaching opportunities included coaching linebackers and serving as the strength coach at Montana-Western (1991-93), head coach at Challis (Idaho) High School (1994-95), defensive coordinator at Twin Falls (Idaho) High School (1996), and head coach at Post Falls (1997-2001).

"Having been a head coach for most of his career, his knowledge of the game overall is a real benefit to our program," Dennehy said. "I feel that our special teams units will play with a new found energy under Coach Choate's leadership."

"Coach Dennehy has been a mentor to me and it has been a thrill to work close with him," Choate said. "I have had a great experience with the staff and players here and look forward to the challenges and opportunities that the Sun Belt Conference gives us this year."

Choate played linebacker at Western Montana before an off-season automobile accident ended his playing career. His head coach at Western was Mick Dennehy.

Choate was born in Columbus, Ohio and then graduated from St. Maries (Idaho) High School. He earned a b.s. in social sciences from Western Montana in 1993 and is nearly through his master's degree in educational administration from the University of Idaho. He and his wife Janet have one son.