Football gears up for annual Blue and White game
After three weeks of evaluating progress, implementing new schemes, and basically trying to progress as a team, the Utah State football team will see the product of all that hard work at the annual Blue and White scrimmage Friday.
After a frustrating 3-9 season in the Aggies’ inaugural year in the Sun Belt Conference, Head Coach Mick Dennehy said he is looking for some positive signs.
“So far I feel good,” Dennehy said. “We had our first real evaluation Saturday, and I thought we showed a lot of improvement from the previous week.”
Since then, Dennehy said the Aggies have had some very progressive practices, trying to improve every day.
“Sometimes you worry a little bit about getting down towards the end, getting a little bit complacent, and we certainly haven’t been doing that,” Dennehy said. “I think the kids have practiced very well, I think we are better right now than we have been at any point in the spring, so I’m pleased.”
At this point in spring practices, Dennehy said he is evaluating where the team stands on both sides of the ball. So far, he said the defense is ahead of the offense.
“I think based on the number of kids we have returning and where our experience is, we’re probably a little bit more ahead on the defensive side of the ball,” Dennehy said.
In the team’s first spring scrimmage, the defense dominated. Recording 10 sacks and allowing only 208 yards, last year’s No. 45 nationally ranked defense showed that they are ready to take a big step forward.
“I think defensively we’re way, way, way more ahead of where we were a year ago this time,” Dennehy said. “In fact, we’re probably further along than we were at the end of last season as far as the amount of stuff we’ve got in.”
Freshman All-American Terrance Washington said, “We’re coming around a lot. At first we were having a hard time getting all the checks down, and the [defense] set, but now we’re starting to improve.”
With eight returning starters, and a solid group of eager, young players, Dennehy said the defense has been impressive.
“I’ve been really pleased with our defense overall,” Dennehy said. “I think we’re deeper on the defensive line and at linebacker, and I think we’re going to be deeper in the secondary. Some of that is going to be young depth, but I think we’re going to be better defensively.”
One of the brightest spots of the spring has come from defensive end Michael Gates. In the two spring scrimmages, Gates has recorded five sacks.
“Michael is having a great spring,” Dennehy said. “He’s very, very talented.”
Gates, who will be a junior next season, will be playing defensive tackle in USU’s 3-4 scheme. At 6 feet 4 inches, 255 pounds, the Arlington, Texas native credits his breakout spring to strenuous off-season workouts.
“I really got a lot faster, through a lot of speed work,” Gates said. “I’ve also gotten better in my squat. Most of the time we’ve spent is in the weight room, and that’s where I’ve improved the most.”
Dennehy said, “I think sometimes the minute [players] realize they can be a starter rather than assuming the role of a backup, their mental approach, their toughness, their intensity at practice picks up. I think he’s envisioned himself as a guy that can be a difference maker. He’s always had the talent. Now that he’s assumed the starting role, he’s taken it to another level.”
Taking a look at the offensive side of the ball, the Aggies are not too far from the defense, and should see significant improvement in 2004.
“I think we’re really solid with our number one quarterback, [Travis Cox],” Dennehy said. “Our priority is to find a backup.”
Freshman Leon Jackson III and senior Matt Crivello have each been competing for the number two spot all spring. Jackson threw 11-22 in two games this spring, racking up 101 yards, and five touchdowns. Crivello threw 12-23 for 128 yards and one touchdown.
“Both Crivello and Leon have gotten better and are close to being ready to go if we need them to play,” Dennehy said.
Who’s going to catch the ball this season was thought to be a problem before spring practice began, but surprisingly, the receiving corp has been a positive aspect of spring ball thus far, Dennehy said.
“I’ve been really pleased with our wide receivers,” Dennehy said. “I think we’ve got some work to do there, but we’re so inexperienced [at receiver] that I thought that it would retard our offense with as many new guys as we’ve had playing, and it hasn’t at all.”
With the departure of All-American tight end Chris Cooley, and Chris Stallworth, there will be plenty of balls to go around this season.
“It’s been a good group of guys. They’re all hard workers,” Dennehy said. “They’ve got some talent, and I think they’ve got a chance to be pretty good. It’s definitely been more of a bright spot than it has been a liability.”
One noticeable bright spot in the midst of the Aggies green receiving corps is Oregon transfer Tarrell Richards. Richards, an all-state quarterback and safety at Hunter High School in West Valley City, has caught six balls for 52 yards and one TD this spring.
“I’m not happy with where I’m at right now, but with where I’m fitting in with this offense to help us become a better team, I’m happy with it,” Richards said. “I need to improve in a lot of areas. But right now, I’m all right with how I’m fitting in.”
Dennehy said, “Terrell’s doing a really good job for us. He’s got a little bit of work to do in a couple of areas, but I think he’s going to be a guy that’s going to play for us and have a good career for us.”
Following the Blue and White game Friday, the team ends what Dennehy has deemed a successful, and progressive spring. After the game, the players will be looked on to make significant strides in their game before fall, to make USU into a winning team.
“We all know we can play football,” Richards said. “If we can all realize that common goal and all know that we’re out here to win games, I think we can turn it around.”
The Blue and White game will begin at 6:30 on Friday night at the stadium. It is free to the public.
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An Aggie Football Player works on foot and speed drills during spring practice. The spring season will culminate with the annual Blue and White game Friday. (Photo by John Zsiray)