LOGAN, Utah – Utah State's football team held its fourth spring practice Tuesday afternoon inside the Stan Laub Indoor Training Center and the Aggie running backs are excited about the opportunities that will present itself from the newly-installed fast-paced offense.
 
"This is definitely an up-tempo offense and we are trying to go as fast as humanly possible," said first-year running backs coach Chuckie Keeton. "The running backs have been doing a great job putting in the work and diving into our playbook. I've got some old guys and I've got a lot of young guys, and it's been great to see them put forth everything they have."
 
In all, Utah State returns four letterwinners here from last season, including its primary starter, to go along with two more players that were a part of the program in 2020, while at the same time adding a four-year transfer.
 
Highlighting this group is graduate Devonta'e Henry-Cole, who started three of the five games he played in last season in his first year in the program. Overall, Henry-Cole gained 180 yards on 41 carries (4.4 yards per carry) and added three receptions for 11 yards (3.7 yards per reception).
 
"We are getting out and moving with this new offense, it's fast," said Henry-Cole. "Right now, the running backs are really focused on learning all the new signals, along with our techniques for both the inside and outside zone runs. Overall, the whole group is excited about this new spread offense and the opportunities the wide receivers will create for us with their vertical routes."
 
Other letterwinners returning at running back include junior Pailate Makakona, and sophomores John Gentry and Elelyon Noa. Noa rushed for 81 yards on 31 carries (2.6 ypc), while Makakona gained 47 yards on 10 carries (4.7 ypc) and Gentry added 33 yards on seven carries (4.7. ypc), as the trio combined to play in 17 games during last year's COVID-19 shortened season.
 
Furthermore, Utah State welcomes back two more running backs from last year in senior Bryan Lumsden and junior Cooper Jones.
 
Along with the six players mentioned above, Utah State also added a four-year transfer to the mix in junior Calvin Tyler Jr. (Beaumont, Texas/Silsbee HS), who spent four years at Oregon State. Overall, Tyler played in 14 games at OSU and rushed for 124 yards on 30 carries, to go along with two receptions for nine yards and nine kickoff returns for 182 yards.
 
Utah State will practice again on Thursday March 25, before holding its first scrimmage of the spring on Saturday, March 27, at 1:30 p.m.
 
During the five-week period, the Aggies will participate in 15 spring practice sessions, including their annual Blue vs. White Spring Game on Saturday, April 17, on Merlin Olsen Field at Maverik Stadium at 2 p.m.
 
Season ticket renewals are currently being accepted. To renew, fans should visit www.utahstateaggies.com, or do so in person or by phone through the USU Ticket Office during regular business hours (435-797-0305). New season ticket orders can also be made.
 
Utah State opens the 2021 season at Washington State on Saturday, Sept. 4.
 
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.
 
2021 Utah State Football Spring Practice Dates
Thursday, March 25 - 4:15 - 6:15 p.m.  
Saturday, March 27 - 1:30 p.m. – Scrimmage
 
Tuesday, March 30 - 4:15 - 6:15 p.m.   
Thursday, April 1 - 4:15 - 6:15 p.m.  
 
Monday, April 5 - 4:15 - 6:15 p.m.  
Wednesday, April 7 - 4:15 - 6:15 p.m.  
Friday, April 9 - 9:15 - 11:15 a.m.
 
Tuesday, April 13 - 4:15 - 6:15 p.m.  
Thursday, April 15 - 4:15 - 6:15 p.m.  
Saturday, April 17 - 2 p.m. - Blue vs. White Spring Game
 
Monday, April 19 - 4:15 - 6:15 p.m.
 
Note – Dates and times subject to change.