LOGAN — Two times in his career, injuries have threatened to derail Utah State offensive guard Pace Jorgensen.
Both times, he has recovered and excelled.
First it was a season-ending knee injury six games into his freshman season. Then last year, the 6-foot-3, 335-pound lineman injured his ankle, sidelining him for a game.
When he has been on the field, he's been the Aggies' anchor.
"He's a guy that I can trust that he'll know what to do, and I have never had a problem with him as far as lack of effort," Utah State offensive line coach Vance Vice said. "He's going to bring his lunch pail every day, and he's going to go out and work, and I can count on him to get the job done."
Jorgensen earned that reputation through hard work.
A two-time All-Stater from Grantsville High School, he signed with Utah State in 2002 prior to serving an LDS Church mission. He didn't suit up until the 2004 season, which proved to be the final year under head coach Mick Dennehy.
He was also recruited by BYU as well as receiving interest from a number of Pac-10 schools.
"I came here (on a visit) and it felt right, so that's why I picked (Utah State)," he said.
Committing to Utah State fulfilled his goal of playing college football.
"I've always wanted to play football since I was little," he said. "It's what I've wanted to do my whole life. I'm living the dream I guess."
Jorgensen didn't start the season opener against Alabama his freshman year, but he worked his way into the lineup and started the next five games against Idaho, Utah, UNLV, Troy and North Texas.
He tore the ACL in his knee against North Texas and missed the final five games.
Less than a year later, Jorgensen was back in the lineup and started all 11 games for Brent Guy's first-year staff, something Vice attributes to Jorgensen's desire and work ethic.
"He's had several injuries, and he has done a great job getting back." Vice said.
While overcoming the injury, he was also learning a new offense.
"He's come a million miles (since his sophomore year)," Vice said. "He's gotten better and better every year."
Jorgensen concurs.
"I think (I've improved) in the knowledge of the game and the little things you wouldn't ever think about," he said. "The fundamentals come at the beginning, and you learn more and more about the game the more you play."
Vice said he's progressed from a predominant pass-blocker under Dennehy's system to a viable run-blocker.
Jorgensen started the first seven games last year before an injury sidelined him for one game. He returned and started the final four games.
He and starting left guard Shawn Murphy are the only two seniors on the offensive line. Ryan Tonnemacher, who started every game last year, is a junior, while Derek Hoke, who is a sophomore, has one career start. Redshirt freshman Spencer Johnson will start at the tackles.
"Not only is (Jorgensen) a senior, but he brings a lot of experience," Vice said. "As a team and as a unit, we are still very, very young, and he provides leadership for this group."
Jorgensen enters this season with 27 career starts, which is tops on the team. He's looking to start every game this year.
"I want to make sure I'm healthy for every game and get a lot of knockdowns," he said.
In doing that, he hopes his team will improve on its 1-11 mark from last year.
"I want to go out a winner," he said. "Every year I've been her we haven't had the best of seasons, especially last year. We're trying to put that behind us and have a winning season this year.
E-mail: jhinton@desnews.com