The energy was still good, they came out ready to practice and flew around. – Utah State coach Matt Wells said

LOGAN — Utah State’s football team added shoulder pads to the mix on Monday morning during its third practice of fall camp and third-year head coach Matt Wells was pleased with the physicality he saw from the offense.

“It was a little bit more physical today, which is good,” Wells said. “At times, it was really good in the red zone and then at times it was sloppy on offense. It’s typical of the offense that you’ve got to have all 11 guys doing the right thing or it doesn’t look real good.”

Wells was also pleased with how the defense performed during the two-hour practice.

“The energy was still good, they came out ready to practice and flew around,” Wells said.

Highlights from Monday’s practice included junior college transfer wide receiver Ethan Cortazzo hauling in a four-yard touchdown pass on a fade pattern, while junior strong safety Dallin Leavitt, a transfer from BYU, made a diving interception during an 11-on-11 session.

Monday was the third of 24 practices for the Aggies leading up to their season- and home-opening game against Southern Utah on Thursday, Sept. 3, at 7 p.m. Utah State will begin Mountain West play by hosting Colorado State on Saturday, Oct. 3.

As part of the NCAA’s five-day acclimation period, Utah State will again practice with shoulder pads on Tuesday. The Aggies’ first practice in full pads will be on Wednesday and the first two-a-day is scheduled for Friday. USU’s first scrimmage of fall camp will take place on Merlin Olsen Field at Maverik Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 15 at 6:30 p.m.

Fans can follow the Aggie football program at twitter.com/USUFootball or on Facebook at Utah State Football, as well as on Instagram at instagram.com/USUFootball. Aggie fans can also follow the Utah State athletic program at twitter.com/USUAthletics or on Facebook at Utah State University Athletics.

Offensive Player of the Day

Junior college transfer wide receiver Ethan Cortazzo continues to showcase his skills during fall camp as he made a number of catches, including a four-yard touchdown reception on a fade pattern on the third day of fall camp.

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Defensive Player of the Day

Senior linebacker Torrey Green recorded two tackles, including a sack, during the 11-on-11 session on the third day of fall camp.

Newcomer of the Day

Sophomore cornerback Kevin Ogwu, a transfer from Houston Baptist, also shined on the defensive side of the ball for the Aggies. Ogwu recorded a pass breakup in the back of the end zone during a skelly drill, then added another during the 11-on-11 session.

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