Four questions for 2018: Part Four – Can this wide receivers group become a dominant one?

We generally don’t idolize the Aggie passing attack during their 30-11 run from 2012 through 2014, but perhaps they should be. In 2012 particularly, the Aggie passing attack was dynamic. With Chuckie Keeton under center, the Aggies averaged 265 yards passing per game and were in the top 20 in the country with an average of eight yards per pass attempt.

That number came back down to earth after that season, but even in 2014, USU averaged 7.4 yards per pass attempt. In the last three years, however, the Aggies have only managed 6.9, 6.5, and 6.4 yards per pass attempt in each season.

This year’s team has the chance to buck that trend. USU returns senior Ron’quavion Tarver, who led the Aggies with 569 yards receiving and seven touchdowns, as well as sophomore Savon Scarver, who broke out as a freshman with 240 yards on 11 catches, including a 70-yard TD at UNLV. Slot receivers Jordan Nathan, DJ Nelson, and Aaren Vaughns all return as well. That experience alone would make this receiving corps one of the most talented in recent memory, but Coach Wells and Co. went a step further, adding in Jalen Greene, a graduate transfer from USC, and Devin Heckstall, a 6-foot-5 JC transfer. None of this even touches on the tight end duo of junior Dax Raymond and sophomore Carson Terrell. It’s not hyperbole to say this might be the most talented group of receivers Utah State has ever had.

Possessing talent and showcasing it on the field are two entirely different things, though, and this group will have to show a marked improvement over previous years to earn that title. Sophomore QB Jordan Love should be a major boon to their efforts, and so should the schedule. Of USU’s 11 FBS opponents this season, seven ranked in the bottom 50 in the country for both opponent pass yards per attempt and opponent passer rating. To put it another way, Utah State should have ample opportunity to throw the ball this season.

Utah State could theoretically field five different targets for Jordan Love that all stand at 6-foot-2 or higher. Tarver, Heckstall, Greene, Raymond, and Terrell all provide large frames for the sophomore QB to throw to all over the field. Meanwhile, speedy demons like Scarver, Nathan, Nelson, and Vaughns provide what the aforementioned cannot. Even running backs like Gerold Bright figure to play an important role in the passing game.

Fans typically think of a punishing attack when they envision the effective stereotypical Utah State offense, but this season could be the year the passing attack claims its stake in fans’ minds.