LOGAN — Like every car needs a hood ornament, every football team needs a quarterback.
Last year, it could have been said that Leon Jackson III was the quarterback for Utah State for that reason.
He had limited game experience but no starts. For the better part of the year, Jerod Walker, a true freshman, saw considerable time, and even started when Jackson went down with an injury.
This year, Jackson (6-foot-2, 196 pounds; up from 189) isn't the hood ornament, he's the engine.
"A year ago, we had two guys that hadn't played," Utah State coach Brent Guy said. "We have a veteran in Leon right now."
There is no question that how Jackson goes, so go the Aggies. This year, Jackson has a Division I victory under his belt, is wiser, older and stronger.
"When I signed on the dotted line to come to Utah State it was to turn this program into a winning program, and every year I feel like we can do that," said Jackson, who will start Saturday in the Aggies' season opener at Wyoming. The game kicks off at 2:30 p.m.
"This year I feel even more confident in terms of wins and losses," he said.
Adding to that confidence is the fact that he and his team aren't learning a new offense like they were with the new coaching staff.
"We know the system like the back of our hands, and we can go out there and execute and feel confident with what's going on," Jackson said.
Along with directing the offense, Jackson will punt. In 2004, he punted 40 times for an average of 42.3. He had a long of 67 yards and dropped nine inside the 20.
His versatility has caught the attention of Wyoming coach Joe Glenn.
"Their quarterback will do anything. He can run, pass and now he's going to punt, I'm told," Glenn said. "He is a triple-threat. A throwback to the old days ... He was good a year ago, so we know what he can do."
Jackson led the team with 1,547 yards passing with eight touchdowns and six interceptions, while rushing for 328 yards, which was just 13 yards shy of leading the team.
Walker was suspended from the team in the spring, and Bryan Black, who hasn't played a down in two years, is Jackson's back-up.
NO TV: Saturday's game with Wyoming was originally going to air on The mtn. but has since been changed.
Instead of the Utah State-at-Wyoming matchup, The mtn. will broadcast Weber State at Colorado State and Portland State at New Mexico.
RISING HIGH: Laramie sits at 7,165 feet above sea level, which is the highest of all Division I football teams. Provo ranks sixth at 4,550 feet; Utah State seventh at 4,534; Nevada eighth at 4,505 and Utah is ninth at 4,262.
TWO 'POKES SUSPENDED: Senior running backs Ivan Harrison and Joseph Harris will miss the first game with Utah State for violating team rules. Harrison played in just one game last year, while Harris was a redshirt.
E-mail: jhinton@desnews.com