LOGAN, Utah - Utah State's football team held its first official practice of the 2014 season Tuesday afternoon as 102 players participated in the two-hour workout on the USU practice fields. Among the group were 14 returning starters (6-offense; 5-defense; 3-specialists) and 38 returning lettermen (17-offense; 18-defense; 3-specialists), including 19 seniors.

After the players worked out in helmets, practice jerseys and shorts, second-year Aggie head coach Matt Wells was pleased with the team's energy and effort on the first day.

"We are a lot further ahead than we were last year," said Wells. "We are more organized from drill to drill. I think we've got a good team, not sure if we've got a great team yet. I like the enthusiasm. We've got a lot of new bodies. There's a lot of attrition in college football and it's exciting. I'm not going to make any big, bold, blanket statements, we'll see at the end of the week. We're in t-shirts and shorts today, but it's a good start and I'm excited about this team."

Wells was also pleased with how senior quarterback Chuckie Keeton and senior running back Joe Hill looked in their first live action in 10 months following knee surgeries last October.

"I thought Chuckie looked good and I thought he looked sharp. He changed protection about 10 times and I think he's taken a step ahead in the protections and a lot of the things he does. That was my big deal for these guys, mastering the little things that take no talent. He is really close to mastering those. You can just see there's another aura of confidence in that offense," said Wells.

"I thought Joe moved around well too. He caught the ball well and that's typical Joe Hill. I saw him make a few cuts and accelerate and thought he did a good job today," Wells said.

Tuesday was the first of 29 practices for Utah State leading up to its season-opener at Tennessee on Sunday, Aug. 31 at 5 p.m. (MT).

As part of the NCAA's five-day "acclimatization period", the Aggies will again be in shorts and helmets Wednesday and will add shoulder pads on Thursday and Friday. USU's first practice in full pads will be on Saturday, Aug. 9 and the first two-a-day is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 11. USU's first scrimmage will be on Merlin Olsen Field at Romney Stadium on Tuesday, Aug. 12 at 6 p.m.

Utah State will open the 2014 season on Sunday, Aug. 31 at Tennessee and plays its first home game the following weekend against Idaho State on Saturday, Sept. 6 at 6 p.m. USU's first Mountain West game will be at home against Air Force on Saturday, Oct. 11 and the Aggies conclude the regular season at MW foe Boise State on Saturday, Nov. 29. The Mountain West Championship game will be held on Saturday, Dec. 6 at the home stadium of the divisional champion with the highest College Football Playoff Committee ranking.

Fans can follow the Aggie football program at twitter.com/USUFootball or on Facebook at Utah State Football, as well as on Instagram at instagram.com/USUFootball. Aggie fans can also follow the Utah State athletic program at twitter.com/USUAthletics or on Facebook at Utah State University Athletics.

All practices during fall camp, which concludes on Saturday, Aug. 23, are open to the public.

Offensive Player of the Day
Senior quarterback Chuckie Keeton looked sharp in his first practice in nearly 10 months following knee surgery last October. Early on in Tuesday's practice, Keeton hit junior wide receiver JoJo Natson and freshman wide receiver Damoun Patterson in stride for back-to-back 50-yard completions. Later on, Keeton went 10-of-14 during an 11-on-11 session, including a 25-yard touchdown strike to junior wide receiver Brandon Swindall.

Defensive Player of the Day
Senior cornerback Rashard Stewart picked up right where he left off during spring practice as he intercepted one pass during 7-on-7 drills and added a pass breakup during an 11-on-11 session.

Newcomer of the Day
Junior wide receiver Hunter Sharp, a transfer from Antelope Valley (Calif.) Junior College, had an impressive first day in an Aggie uniform as he caught four passes during an 11-on-11 session, including a 30-yard touchdown pass from sophomore quarterback Darell Garretson.

Utah State Football Practice Dates, Times and Location
Tues., Aug. 5 --- 2:15 - 4:15 pm (Practice Field)
Wed., Aug. 6 --- 2:15 - 4:15 pm (Practice Field)
Thur., Aug. 7 --- 2:15 - 4:15 pm (Practice Field)
Fri., Aug. 8 --- 2:15 - 4:15 pm (Romney Stadium)
Sat., Aug. 9 --- 9:15 - 11:15 am (Romney Stadium)
Mon., Aug. 11 --- 9:15 - 11:15 am / 4:55 - 6:25 pm (Practice Field) --- First Two-A-Day
Tues., Aug. 12 --- 6:05 - 7:30 pm (Romney Stadium) --- Scrimmage #1
Wed., Aug. 13 --- 3:40 - 4:30 pm (Practice Field)
Thur., Aug. 14 --- 9:15 - 11:15 am / 4:55 - 6:25 pm (Practice Field)
Fri., Aug. 15 --- 2:15 - 4:15 pm (Practice Field/Stadium)

FOOTBALL FAMILY FUN DAY, sponsored by Macy's
Sat., Aug. 16 --- 6:00 pm (Merlin Olsen Field at Romney Stadium) --- Scrimmage #2

Mon., Aug. 18 --- 9:15 - 11:15 am / 3:55 - 5:25 pm (Practice Field)
Tue., Aug. 19 --- 6:05 - 7:30 pm (Romney Stadium) --- Scrimmage #3
Wed., Aug. 20 --- 3:40 - 4:30 pm (Practice Field)
Thur., Aug. 21 --- 8:55 - 10:25 am / 5:25 - 6:50 pm (Practice Field/Stadium)
Fri., Aug. 22 --- 1:30 - 3:30 pm (Practice Field/Stadium)
Sat., Aug. 23 --- 9:15 - 11:15 am (Romney Stadium)

End of Camp NOTE: All dates, times and locations subject to change.

PLAYER QUOTES FROM THE FIRST DAY OF USU FOOTBALL PRACTICE

Senior Quarterback Chuckie Keeton
Opening statement:
"First day of practice. First of all, I'm definitely happy to be back and out playing with my guys again. I danced more than I might have played today, so I guess that's a sign that I'm having fun. So far we're getting after it. Today was probably the best Day 1 we've had as an offense since I've been here. Defense is still up-tempo and playing fast, stressing us out a little. We're all getting better at the same time and I'm looking forward to a great season."

On the emotions of returning to practice:
"For me it was about leaving everything behind and living in the moment. It was really more joy than anything else. Being around these guys is a tremendous thing. It's definitely different being in the locker room and being on the field. I'm cherishing each moment so far."

On the high expectations of the program:
"It's amazing. Since the time I got here we've progressed and gotten better. It's exactly what you want out of a program. All of us seniors are just looking up for this entire season. We know we have a great defense coming back. Most of our guys are coming back, but they still have to play and prove it. Whenever we're practicing against them, all it's going to do is make them better. We're up for the challenge and it's all about competing for this next month."

Senior Cornerback Rashard Stewart
Opening statement:
"It went pretty good today. We still have to focus on some play-calling and personnel issues, but for the first day we came out, had fun and included the new guys. That's the main thing we're looking at. We have to get organized, that's the first thing."

On having Chuckie Keeton back on the field:
"Chuckie is like my brother. When he's out there I'm coming at him, looking at him and talking to him. I know he's great and I know the addition he brings to the team. When he's out there, the offense is going 100 miles per hour. The defense has to go 102 miles per hour to be the best. I love it when Chuckie is out there. His return brings a lot."

On fulfilling his role as a senior among the corners:
"I feel like I'm getting better. Everybody makes mistakes. If I'm not having the day I should, I look at my other seniors. I look at them and they uplift me. I'm just trying to make it my role and do the best in my role."