LOGAN — A year ago, all the eyes on the Utah State defense were looking for all the wrong reasons: Could the defense ranked 111th nationally in 2002 possibly get any worse?
Following the 2003 season, in which it jumped 66 spots to 45th in the nation in team defense, now critics are wondering if the Aggie defense can maintain.
Utah State cornerback Jerome Dennis said the Aggies can get even better.
"I believe we're starting a defensive tradition with hard-nosed defense," said Dennis, a senior. "That's what Coach Kotu (Dave Kotulski) has brought to the table and that's what he's instilled in us. I think all of us believe we have the talent and aggression to go in and make an impact defensively."
Kotulski, the second-year defensive coordinator, concurs.
"Just like in other places, tradition requires you to carry it on. We set a standard for ourselves last year," he said. "We're excited. The guys have a real good feeling for each other. Playing defense, you have to play together, play hard and play smart. They're starting to do that to the level of expectations."
With six returning starters, improvement of non-starters, and an influx of junior college and freshmen talent, the Aggies will settle for nothing less than improvement.
"I think, without a doubt, we can improve upon it," Kotulski said. "There are excellent athletes here and as they learn to play together we'll have a great chance to continue to improve."
Dennis, who missed most of last year with a blood clot in shoulder, joins Sun Belt Conference second-team selections Terrance Washington (DB) and Roberts Watts (LB), John Chick (LB), Ronald Tupea (NG), Nate Fredrick (LB) and Cornelius Lamb (DB) as starters specifically looked upon to anchor the defense.
Returners Michael Gates (DL), Brent Pollock (DL), Ryan DeQuillettes (DL), Emosi Fiefia (DL), Jake Stewart (LB), Jared Johnstun (LB) Kelly Poppinga (LB), Joe Lindsay (DB) and Ross Luna (DB) have seen solid improvement. Utah State coach Mick Dennehy likes the potential of freshman nose guard E.J. Reid (Kahuku, Hawaii).
"We have progressed along the way and there is a great understanding of the principles of how people work," Kotulski said. "There is a much better understanding and trust that has developed."
The Aggies led the Sun Belt Conference in pass defense (192.8 yards per game), and ranked 25th nationally in the same category. In total defense, the Aggies allowed 360.1 yards per game, which ranked 45th in the nation.
Also, Utah State allowed 26.3 points per game (65th), and that is one category where Kotulski would like to see major improvement.
"That's the bottom line — to keep the other team out of the end zone," Kotulski said. "If we can do that and give our offense better opportunities to score and better situations then we'll be more successful."
Washington, a sophomore from Ogden's Ben Lomond High School, led the team in interceptions with five (he also had 93 tackles), while Watts led the team in tackles with 118 and Tupea registered a team-high six sacks and Chick added four.
"I think we're going to be more aggressive because we really truly believe we can make it happen," Dennis said. "Coach Kotu has given us the faith and the tools to show us we can be an impact."
Last year the defense went eight straight quarters without allowing any points. The run included a 49-0 win over Arkansas State and three shutout quarters vs. Middle Tennessee.
E-mail: jhinton@desnews.com