LOGAN — The secret is out. Kevin Curtis no longer resides in anonymity.
After leading the nation in receptions at 9.1 per game, the Utah State senior has made the quantum leap from walk-on to All-American.
The transition is a double-edged sword for former Bingham High and Snow College receiver. On one side, he's stepped into the spotlight and joins Jose Fuentes and Steve Mullins on the cover of USU's media guide. And he ended last season showered with national recognition, as one of 10 finalists for the Biletnikoff Award and a member of the Associated Press' All-American third team.
The other side of such fame, however, will manifest itself this fall. With the graduation of Aggie All-American running back Emmett White, opposing defenses will most certainly focus their efforts on shutting Curtis down.
Curtis' existence beneath the radar screen is over.
"Guys know about me. I'm not a secret this year," says Curtis, who'll be tested by the likes of Utah, Nebraska, Iowa, Boise State and BYU this season. "I look at it as a challenge. I obviously see a need to be prepared for that. I might have to alter certain things I do, but I've still got to do my job.
"So if that means running my route and taking two guys out of the picture, then that's what I'm going to do," he added.
Whatever it takes — USU coach Mick Dennehy says it aptly describes Curtis. The 5-foot-11, 189-pounder from South Jordan has worked hard in the offseason, establishing a school record in the fitness test while increasing all of his scores. He's stronger and has a higher vertical jump.
"Kevin Curtis is a better player today than he was last year," says Dennehy. "I'm not trying to put any pressure on Kevin or anything else. All I'm saying is I wish every one of our players approached work and the offseason the way he does."
Determination allowed Curtis to rise to prominence after stepping away from the game for two years to serve an LDS Church mission. Despite earning All-American honors at Snow College before his departure, Curtis was relegated to walk-on status upon his return. The decision was made to redshirt in 2000 — marking a third consecutive campaign on the sidelines.
"We knew Kevin was going to be a dang good football player, but coming off (missionary) service and not having a real good background in what we do offensively, it took him some time to become comfortable," says Dennehy. "It took him some time to be able to deal with guys getting their hands on him in man-to-man type situations. But he's such a good learner, such a smart kid and such a competitor. It was just a matter of time."
And, as it turned out, not a lot of it. In his USU debut last year against Utah, Curtis caught 11 passes for 171 yards. By season's end, he broke school records with 100 receptions and 1,531 receiving yards. Curtis also became the first Aggie receiver to post back-to-back 200-yard games.
"He played against some awfully good people, and the guy just has a knack for making plays," explains Dennehy. "We may see more concerted efforts to take him away from our gameplan — maybe a corner getting a little bit of help over the top and all those kind of things — but believe me, we'll figure out ways to get him open."
USU found a way last year. In games against bowl teams like Utah, LSU, Oregon, BYU and Fresno State, Curtis averaged 10.2 catches and 135.2 yards.
"A lot of teams keyed on (Emmett White) because of what he did the year before. That helped open up things I was able to do," says Curtis. "I expect to see that myself. I'm confident in the guys around me. I'm confident we'll be able to hurt teams in other areas."
Running back David Fiefia, who is projected to help fill in the void left by White in the ground game, believes past experience will allow the Aggies to make the necessary adjustments. He saw it late last season when White was getting worn down and his knees became troublesome.
"Teams started to focus more on Kevin Curtis. And there'll be even more this year after he finished with 100 catches," predicts Fiefia. "I think they're going to key more on him which is going to open the running game. But, as a running back, you've got to do your job so it opens it up for him also."
Such balance, under the direction of veteran quarterback Fuentes, should keep Curtis in the spotlight.
"He'll be a pretty big part of this deal," promises Dennehy. "I think the fact that we're a little deeper and going to be a little bit better in the receiving corps is going to help out, too."
USU opens the 2002 season Aug. 31 at Romney Stadium against Utah.
E-MAIL: dirk@desnews.com