LOGAN — Leon Jackson III was named Utah State's starting quarterback for the third straight year Wednesday after a battle with Sean Setzer and Jase McCormick.
How long he keeps the job is up to him.
"We decided Leon was the most consistent and understands and knows the offense and the protections the best," Utah State football coach Brent Guy said. "It's a matter of him still executing it in a game and Leon knows that."
Jackson was benched for freshman Riley Nelson, who is now on an LDS Church mission, after five games last year. All Jackson had to show for the five starts are zero wins and five interceptions (all of which were returned for touchdowns).
If the detrimental pattern continues this year, it won't take five games before Jackson be benched again.
"It's not going to be a quick hook, but if he can't make the right decisions, obviously we've got to find the guy that can," Guy said.
When spring drills began in March it was a two-man race for the position between Jackson and Setzer. McCormick worked his way into the picture when Setzer couldn't practice or scrimmage due to injury.
It also led to an easier decision for Guy to select Jackson.
"I've worked hard and I've done everything I've needed to and I'm blessed and grateful the coaches chose me and have confidence in me," Jackson said.
Jackson, who has 14 career starts and is 2-12 in those games, threw for 694 yards and three touchdowns with seven interceptions.
"Last year is a non-issue. I have complete and utter confidence in myself," Jackson said. "Last year is exactly last year. This is a new year and you guys will see."
Although Jackson has put last year behind him, Guy certainly hasn't.
"You can't always fix everything in every series. A lot of stuff that got Leon in trouble last year was trying to make the big play all the time. What his focus is, is do your job and execute and know you're not going to be able to fix every situation by scrambling your way out of it, running your way out of it or forcing the ball with your arm strength into where it shouldn't be thrown," Guy said.
"A punt is a lot better than an interception going the other way for a touchdown."
The battle is now for the backup between Setzer and McCormick.
"We'll be splitting reps between McCormick and Setzxer at No. 2," Guy said.
The Aggies open the season one week from tonight when they host UNLV.
SPEIGHT ON THE MEND: Running back Derrvin Speight, who had 12 carries for 54 yards and a touchdown in the Aggies' first scrimmage of the year last week, missed Tuesday's scrimmage due to an ankle injury.
He was out for close to a week with the ailment, but Guy said he was back in practice Wednesday.
SAY, HEY LESUE:Aaron Lesue and Curtis Marsh are listed as the No. 1 and No. 2 running back, respectively. Lesue earned the job with a solid spring and fall camp. In the scrimmage Tuesday he tallied 65 yards on 10 carries and he also had two catches for 15 yards. Marsh had 45 yards on 11 carries.
NEED A FULLBACK: Senior Josh Anderson, who was the front-runner for the fullback job, is injured, leaving the race wide open. Robert Turbin made a push last week, but had a couple of fumbles in the first scrimmage, hurting his chances. If the season started today, Guy said he would most likely use a two tight end formation with Jimmy Bohm and Will Fausel rather than using a fullback.
SPEAKING OF RBS: Under new offensive coordinator Darrell Dickey, Utah State is searching for its first 1,000-yard rusher since Emmett White's 1,361 yards in 2001. While at North Texas, Dickey produced five-straight 1,000-yard rushers and a total of six during his nine seasons there.
E-mail: jhinton@desnews.com