Players liking the new guy
After meeting with Gary Andersen earlier in the week and listening to his remarks Thursday, two key Aggie players said they like what they have heard.
For sophomore quarterback Diondre Borel it was Andersen’s mention of a spread offense.
For senior linebacker Jake Hutton it was Andersen’s challenge to compete with WAC king Boise State and play an aggressive man defense.
“I’m very excited,” Borel said. “A lot of the things we ran this year are kind of like a spread offense. It’s just not four or five wide receivers. That’s still a good offense for me and my team.”
Borel said Andersen will keep him at quarterback.
Hutton, who led the Aggies with 110 tackles, said the team’s ability to compete with Boise State was a key in Andersen’s decision.
“We were asking him the possibility of him coming here, and he said ‘If I think we can beat Boise State, then I’ll come,'” Hutton said. “Obviously he does think that, which I’m excited about. You should shoot for the top.”
Hutton said a man defense will be a good change and challenge from what Brent Guy’s staff did.
“(Andersen is) really aggressive, which we really haven’t done that too much around here,” Hutton said. “I’m excited for the challenge. It will be fun.”
Borel and Hutton agreed that Andersen would bring much-needed discipline to the team.
Hutton said, “He seems like the kind of guy that it’s his way or the highway. We need that around here. It will be good.”
Some players like new guy
With all of the current players being Guy recruits, there is the possibility of some players not liking Andersen’s style.
But Hutton said it isn’t likely because of the way the team improved as the season progressed.
“I don’t think anybody will leave,” Hutton said. “People haven’t really been talking about it. I don’t see too many guys leaving. Guys like where we are going around here. We’ve had a lot of close games. Especially with our young offensive line. They’re going to be really good next year.”
Borel seconded Hutton.
“Everybody was hearing good things about him,” Borel said. “Everybody is excited right now. It’s time for a change, and we’re going to win more games next year.”
–samuel.hislop@aggiemail.usu.edu