LOGAN, Utah – Utah State football held its initial spring practice Tuesday afternoon as fourth-year head coach Blake Anderson ran his team through a two-hour workout on a sun-drenched Merlin Olsen Field at Maverik Stadium.
 
"With as many new guys as we have, I thought it was a good day," said Anderson. "We came out and were excited to be here. It was a typical day one. Everyone was bouncing around and the second practice will probably look the same tomorrow. We have thrown a lot at them over the last month trying to get ready and it was a pretty fluid practice. We didn't have a lot of chaos and that is always a good sign with so many new players."
 
Utah State will practice two more times this week on Wednesday and Friday. During the five-week period, the Aggies will participate in 15 spring practice sessions, including their annual Blue vs. White Spring Showcase on Saturday, April 20, at 1 p.m.
 
Anderson also talked about his quarterback room and what he is looking for this spring from that group.
 
"I hope it's a lot of fun to watch. I'd like to think that there will be good competition every day and that they will push each other. They have worked well together in the room up to this point. Now, when you cut them loose and they start making decisions on the fly, you would like to think that some guys will separate themselves. We made it clear that everyone has a shot, and we will have to be intentional about the number of reps. We will see how they respond to good days and bad days. I'm excited about what we are seeing from them this far," added Anderson.
 
This spring, Utah State returns 16 starters (O-9, D-7) as part of 46 letterwinners (O-23, D-19, S-4) from last year's team that finished with a 6-7 record and played in its 11th bowl game in the past 13 years and 17th in school history. USU also posted a 4-4 Mountain West record.
 
Highlighting Utah State's returners in 2024 are five all-Mountain West performers in senior wide receiver Micah Davis, senior tight end Broc Lane, senior wide receiver Jalen Royals, senior linebacker Anthony Switzer and junior safety Ike Larsen. Royals earned first-team all-MW accolades and was named a College Football Network (CFN) Third-Team All-American, while Larsen also garnered first-team all-MW accolades and was named a CFN Honorable Mention All-American. Three more Aggies earned honorable mention all-MW honors in Davis, Lane and Switzer.
 
"It feels great to be back," said Larsen. "I am excited to be practicing and it's nice to get back into the groove of things."
 
Larsen is also excited about working with new defensive coordinator Nate Dreiling.
 
"It's been good. Coach is a great guy and an amazing person. It was a little weird getting to know a new defensive coordinator, but I feel like he's proven himself to us. We worked through the bumps and bruises, and I feel like we can be a great defense if we continue with mutual trust," added Larsen.
 
Other starters returning for Utah State in 2024 include senior offensive lineman Falepule Alo, senior running back Davon Booth, senior offensive lineman Wyatt Bowles, senior CB Jaiden Francois, senior quarterback Cooper Legas, senior offensive lineman Cole Motes, senior defensive end Cian Slone, junior cornerback Avante Dickerson, junior offensive lineman Aloali'i Maui, junior defensive tackle Seni Tuiaki and sophomore defensive end Paul Fitzgerald.
 
"I thought today was awesome," said Legas. "I think both sides of the ball looked pretty good, especially when considering that it's the first day. For me personally, it is the first day that I'm playing at full speed since I got hurt last season. There were a couple of throws that I would like to get back, but I'm feeling pretty good for going 100 percent for the first time in a couple of months."
 
Legas is also excited about the potential with the offense this season with some many experienced players returning.
 
"I think it's important for the team overall. A lot of the guys on offense are veterans so we can lead and help the new guys that we do have. On the defense, there are only a few guys that are still here, and I've seen them making some big steps to help the new guys. The defense looked good considering there are a lot of new guys."
 
Along with its 16 returning starters and 46 returning lettermen from last season, Utah State welcomes back 27 players that redshirted a year ago (O-12, D-13, S-2) and eight more squadmen (O-4, D-4) that were on the team, to go along with 29 newcomers (O-9, D-19, S-1). Among the group of new players are 15 four-year transfers (O-5, D-10, S-0), seven junior college transfers (O-1, D-6, S-0) and seven high school players (O-3, D-3, S-1).
 
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 2024 season at home against Robert Morris on Saturday, Aug. 31. USU begins Mountain West play at Boise State on Saturday, Oct. 5.
 
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.
 
2024 Utah State Football Spring Practice Dates
Tuesday, March 19 - 4-6 p.m.  
Wednesday, March 20 - 4-6 p.m. 
Friday, March 22 - 4-6 p.m.  
 
Monday, March 25 - 4-6 p.m. 
Wednesday, March 27 - 4-6 p.m. 
Friday, March 29 - 4-6 p.m. 
 
Monday, April 1 - 4-6 p.m.  
Wednesday, April 3 - 4-6 p.m.
Saturday, April 6 - 1 p.m. - Scrimmage
 
Tuesday, April 9 - 4-6 p.m. 
Thursday, April 11 - 4-6 p.m. 
 
Monday, April 15 - 4 - 6 p.m.
Wednesday, April 17 - 4-6 p.m.
Friday, April 19 - 3-5 p.m.
Saturday, April 20 - 1 p.m. - Blue vs. White Spring Showcase
 
Note – Dates and times subject to change.