Football squad looks to build on last year with second-year coach
Explosive.
That’s what Utah State University was on the offensive side of the ball in its last five games, excluding the Idaho State game.
The Aggies started grasping first-year head coach Mick Dennehy’s system and exploded for over 500 yards total offensive against Boise State University and the University of Idaho and over 600 yards against New Mexico State University.
With eight starters back and several valuable subs returning to the mix, USU is primed to provide fans with an exciting brand of football.
“I think we’ll be a little more difficult to defend than we were a year ago,” Dennehy said.
Quarterbacks
In Dennehy’s high-powered offensive attack, strong leadership at the quarterback position is essential.
With signal callers Jose Fuentes and Jeff Crosbie, the Aggies have two quarterbacks that have combined for 25 starts over the last three seasons and have impressed the coaching staff during spring practice and two-a-days.
Fuentes, a second-team, all-Big West selection from last season, showed steady improvement throughout the course of the season. As starting quarterback from the Arizona State game, Fuentes racked up 2,709 yards passing and 16 touchdowns, ranking him 16th in the country in passing.
As for Crosbie, he has recovered from the thumb injury that forced him to miss the last nine games of the 2000 season and has been impressive during fall practices. Crosbie sparkled during last Thursday’s scrimmage, completing 11-of-14 passes for 131 yards and a touchdown.
Backing up Fuentes and Crosbie is redshirt freshman Travis Cox. The Mountain Crest High School alumnus has also played well during fall practices and has the Aggie coaching staff feeling confident about their quarterback situation.
“We are in a much better situation all the way around than last year, as far as the quarterback spot is concerned,” said offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Bob Cole.
Offensive Line
As they did last season, the USU offensive line will play a huge role in opening up holes for All-American running back Emmett White and protecting quarterback Jose Fuentes from the pass rush.
Despite losing starters, Junior Pututau and Jeff Long, the Aggies have plenty of returning experience from an O-line that allowed a paltry 15 sacks during the 2000 season.
“A lot of the credit [Fuentes and White] received go to the offensive line,” Dennehy said.
Returning starters Jim Newton, Jess Schuck and Jim Walker will be joined in the starting lineup by center Ed Powell and right tackle Eric Gwilliam.
Gwilliam, listed as the backup to junior-college transfer Grant Calverley, has worked extremely hard and has improved a great deal, Dennehy said. As a result, both Gwilliam and Calverley have pushed each other and made each other better players.
Adding depth to the O-line are experienced backup Luis Trujillo, Aric Galliano, Mike Scheper and former Sky View High School standout Brenen Burningham.
“Really, our right tackle spot is the only one that is untested,” Dennehy said.
Running Backs
Garnering attention from across the country is senior running back Emmett White. Already projected as a preseason first-team All-American by Athlon Sports as a return specialist, White was a thorn in his opponent’s side last season.
White’s accomplishments include amassing 578 all-purpose yards against NMSU – a mark that shattered the NCAA record, a nation-leading 238.9 all-purpose yards a game and 1,322 yards rushing.
“We’re going to try to get the ball in his hands as many times as possible,” Dennehy said. “He is a threat every time he gets his hands on the ball.”
While White will be the focus of many opposing defenses, he is by no means the only threat in the backfield.
Former wide receiver David Fiefia has moved back to his natural position as tailback after finishing second on the team in receptions last season with 31.
Add redshirt freshman speedster Roger Fernandez -one of last season’s two winners of the offensive team scout MVP award- to the mix and the Aggies are set at running back for years to come.
In addition to White, Fiefia and Fernandez, fullbacks John Roberts and Joe Solosabal return to solidify the Utah State backfield.
One of the strongest players on the team, Roberts is a consummate workhorse. An invaluable member of the special teams, Roberts is probably best known for his bone-jarring hits on special teams.
University of Wyoming transfer Trent Nate gives the Aggies a third option at fullback.
Wide Receivers
Gone is playmaker Aaron Jones and his 1,159 yards receiving last year.
With the loss of Jones, USU will turn to a young core of players to keep its high flying offense in full swing.
Among the Aggies’ top returnees is sophomore Chris Stallworth. Pressed into action as a true freshman, Stallworth caught 26 passes for 289 yards and will be looked to as a leader this season.
Senior Marshall Sanders is another Aggie who has returning experience. The Columbus, Ohio native has bulked up and will be counted on to provide stability at the wideout position.
Former walk-on Kevin Curtis has impressed the coaching staff during spring and fall practices and has earned one of the starting positions. Junior college transfer Gary Coleman gives the Aggies a big play threat, Dennehy said.
“I think [Coleman] can be a game breaker,” Dennehy said. “He has tremendous speed.”
Other Aggies expected to bolster the unit include Jason Deml, Markus Torian, true freshman Donta’ Candler and junior Derek Jeffery. Deml started the season finale against Idaho State University.
While the wideouts are a little bit on the inexperienced side, USU has plenty of returning experience at the tight end position.
Junior Casey Poppinga, seniors Scott Collins and J.R. Suguturaga and sophomore Chris Cooley combine to give the already-potent offense even more options.
A transfer from the University of Wyoming, Poppinga was fifth on the team in receptions in 2000 with 15 catches for 190 yards. Suguturaga and Collins caught five and two catches, respectively.
Place Kickers
For the first time in four years, Utah State will be without the services of standout place kicker Brad Bohn.
Junior Dane Kidman will get the first chance to replace the school’s career field goal leader. Although Kidman has only one collegiate field goal attempt to his credit, he made it count. Kidman drilled a 44-yarder during the 1999 season.
Backing up Kidman will be freshman Ben Cheat, a three-time all-state kicker in Montana, and a recent return missionary from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Skip Williams, who played his prep ball at Bear River High School.