LOGAN — The Aggies huddle near the top of the Rocky Mountain pack after winning three straight bowl games. As Utah State aims to keep the momentum rolling into the 2015 season, the offensive line will seal the deal.

After winning 24 of their last 27 league games, the Aggies look to their four returners on the front line to maintain their offensive powerhouse.

Returning experience

With the sting of graduating Kevin Whimpey last season, the Aggies turn to four up-front returners, including OT Jake Simonich (6-foot-5, 300 pounds), OC Austin Stephens (6-3, 305), OT Taani Fisilau (6-2, 300) and sophomore OG Tyshon Mosley (6-5, 305).

Simonich leads the offensive line after starting all 14 games last season and appearing in all 28 games throughout his Utah State career. The lineman rounded out last season with 48 knockdowns, including a season-high eight at Arkansas State. The junior from Danville, California, has received a handful of 2015 preseason honors, including being named to the Phil Steele Second-Team All-Mountain West, Athlon Sports Second-Team All-Mountain West and the College Sports Madness Third-Team All-Mountain West.

Junior OC Austin Stephens brings knowledge to the line after making starts in all 14 games last fall and earning honorable mention all-Mountain West honors. Cottonwood High School alumnus Fisilau and sophomore Jordan High School alumnus Mosley each chip in their fair share of experience, as they both appeared in all 14 games in 2014.

Key additions

Four-year transfer Ben Wysocki (6-4, 285) and junior college transfers Preston Brooksby (6-5, 285) and Jude Hockel (6-5, 285) are in line to pressure the returners for playing time.

Along with USU’s transfers, last year’s redshirts Andrew Chen, Jarom Ione, Cody Boyer and KJ Uluave are ready to hit the offensive line full-throttle.

Dark horse

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Junior Austin Albrecht (6-5, 295) heads into the season after seeing playing time last year and making his way to a starting spot nearing the end of the season, earning starts against San Jose State (Nov. 21) and No. 25 Boise State (Nov. 29). Aggie offense looks to the Sandy, Utah, native to fill holes in the offensive line puzzle.

General outlook

With four experienced starters, along with a bundle of solid transfers and newcomers, this year’s offensive line certainly has the tools to fill — and surpass — the gap left from Whimpey.

Overall, Utah State’s seasoned offensive line should have no problem by the time of its season-opener against Southern Utah on Sep. 3.

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