LOGAN, Utah – Utah State football concluded its second week of spring practices Friday afternoon on Merlin Olsen Field at Maverik Stadium with an impromptu scrimmage as the Aggies now have six practices under their belts.
"I thought today we finished well and had an impromptu scrimmage," said fourth-year head coach
Blake Anderson. "We've been segmenting practice a lot and we just felt like putting them out there and playing 11 on 11 would be a good judge of where we're at. I saw good plays in both areas. We turned the ball over too much so props to the defense for turning it over. Frustrated with the offense, but we got in the end zone a handful of times, which is hard to do when you're starting the ball in the minus 20 or 30 every time. We'll learn from it.
"All in all, I love the culture in the locker room and the guy's willingness to learn. The defensive staff is doing a good job getting to know these guys, and I think the handful of new guys that we've added on offense, you can see the impact that's being made. I'm excited to see what it's going to look like when we know what we're doing."
Utah State returns nine starters and 23 lettermen on offense, to go along with 12 redshirts and four more squadmen from last season, while adding nine newcomers and Anderson likes what he has seen from that group thus far this spring.
"We've added some key guys on offense at key positions. It's a lot on their plate in a short period of time, but I think we're making good strides. The great thing is I think all those guys that we've brought in, you can see where they're going to impact the offense and make us better," stated Anderson.
Defensively, Utah State brought in 19 new players to mesh with seven starters and 19 lettermen, along with 13 redshirts and four squadmen returning from last year's group.
"The whole defense is new in a lot of ways. There are some players that you recognize, but as many new guys as we've brought in, not to mention a brand-new defensive staff, I've been really pleased. We've got a long way to go, but I like the way they're coming to work every day, listening and have positive energy. We've got guys stepping up trying to lead in different rooms, so I think all that is pointing to good things," added Anderson.
As for his staff, Anderson added six new coaches this winter, including five on the defensive side of the ball, and he is excited about what that group brings to the team.
"They've got positive energy in the building and are really teaching and spending time with the guys, which is necessary with that many changes. We always talk about low ego and leaving your egos at the door and just come in ready to work and I feel like we're getting that out of everybody, and it's showing on the field. We've had good, solid energy every day we go to work," Anderson stated.
Utah State will practice three more times next week on Monday and Wednesday, before holding their first full scrimmage on Saturday, April 6, at 1 p.m.
Utah State will conclude spring practices on Saturday, April 20, with its annual Blue vs. White Spring Showcase at 1 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 2024 season at home against Robert Morris on Saturday, Aug. 31. USU begins Mountain West play at Boise State on Saturday, Oct. 5.
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