Sidelined Aggie happy with career at USU
Utah State University senior fullback John Roberts may be sidelined with an injury, but it has only taken him off the football field physically as his role on the team has changed once again.
Roberts was injured during the Homecoming game on Oct. 20 against Idaho State University. During a punt return, Roberts was making a routine block when a helmet struck his arm, shattering his humerus.
Roberts said the doctor estimates eight weeks until he is completely recovered, but he has hopes of possibly returning by the end of the season.
“I’m more optimistic. I think I can bounce back,” Roberts said. “I’m strong enough to come back.”
Roberts began playing football in the eighth grade in his hometown of San Diego, Calif. He said his mom was against him playing so he saved up the money to play.
“My mom didn’t want me to play so I had to sneak into Pop Warner football in eighth grade,” Roberts said.
Roberts began his career at USU in 1997, redshirting his first year. Following his redshirt year, Roberts has lettered his past three seasons at USU.
During his time at Utah State, Roberts has played behind a pair of the country’s leading running backs. In his freshman and sophomore seasons, Roberts played behind Demario Brown.
More recently, Roberts has played behind tailback Emmett White.
“[Brown and White] are both great phenomenal talents,” Roberts said.
Playing behind Brown and White, Roberts has had a changing role during his time at Utah State. Backing up both players, Roberts has changed positions and also played time on special teams.
Roberts said, “I’ve had a role each year, and it has changed over the years.”
With his current injury, Roberts’ role has changed again. The injury keeps Roberts from playing, but he is still involved with the team and has become a leader off the field.
“He’s a great leader,” USU Head Coach Mick Dennehy said. “He is one of those guys who would be categorized as a true leader.”
Roberts said, “I’ve had to find a new role, now I’m more of a coach and a motivator. I make sure [the player’s] heads are in the game and they keep focused. Once again, I’m playing a new role.”
Though Roberts has found a new role, losing a player to injury is hard not only on the player, but the coaches and team as well.
“Losing a player is probably the toughest part of coaching,” Dennehy said.
Roberts said, “[Being out] is very difficult. I’m a player. I love playing.”
Dennehy said it was hard losing Roberts because of the all-around contribution he makes to the team, more than just at his position.
“When you talk about John Roberts, you are talking about more than a position,” Dennehy said. “He is the epitome of unselfishness.”
Despite being injured, Roberts has not let it get him down and he is still positive about football and being involved with the team.
“John Roberts is about as positive and has as good as outlook as anyone,” Dennehy said. “He’s still upbeat. He has been to every practice. He has got amazing strength and outlook.”
Roberts said following graduation in the spring, he is going to give professional football a shot and he also plans on going to graduate school. He said he has an opportunity to go to graduate school and become a graduate coaching assistant for the football team.
“You may see me on the sidelines at Aggie games for the next couple of years,” Roberts said.
“I’m happy with my career at Utah State,” Roberts said. “I’m going to graduate and I’m happy with that.”