LOGAN — The second return of Chuckie Keeton is all the hype for Utah State football. The fifth-year senior (6-2, 210 pounds) will be a critical key in the Aggies' success this season.
Over Keeton’s 30 career starts, the Houston native ranks first all-time in school history with a career completion of 65.4 percent.
However, Keeton by no means stands alone in the quarterback talk. Tucked closely behind Keeton is sophomore Kent Myers (6-0, 195). The two create arguably the best dual-threat quarterback combo in the Mountain West.
Along with USU’s QB depth, the team returns a solid bunch of running backs, including the Aggies' leading rusher, LaJuan Hunt (5-8, 195).
Returning experience
As mentioned, the offensive backfield returns a flow of experienced returners. From quarterbacks to running backs, the experience is there.
After missing 19 games over the last two seasons due to a knee injury, Keeton hits the field for his fifth and final year. Keeton ranks second all-time at USU in touchdown passes, second in completions, third in total offense, third in passing yards and fourth in passing attempts. If the records don’t say enough, Keeton has earned enough 2015 preseason honors to last a lifetime.
Sophomore RB Hunt returns to Maverik Stadium this year as the team's leading rusher, concluding last season with 540 yards on 111 carries as a true freshman.
Also returning for the Aggies is sophomore QB Myers and junior RB Kennedy Williams (5-8, 160).
Key additions
The Aggies are more than stocked in the quarterback department because, well, with USU’s luck lately, you can never be too safe. The quarterback insurance pool holds sophomore Damion Hobbs (6-2, 220), who sat out last season after transferring from Oregon along with DJ Nelson (5-9, 200), who redshirted last year.
As for the running backs, Utah State adds a pair of redshirts from last fall in sophomore Tonny Lindsey (5-9, 190) and freshman Justen Hervey (5-9, 195).
Dark horse
Junior college transfer Devante Mays (5-11, 220) cannot be overlooked. Mays has been neck-and-neck with Hunt through fall camp and after rushing for 557 yards on 57 carries over six games at Blinn Junior College last year, the Livingston, Texas, native adds size and power to the backfield.
General outlook
With a healthy Keeton and a string of backups, the quarterback position is game-ready. The toss up falls in the running back position. Losing running back Joe Hill has to hurt the Aggies. However, with the return of lettermen Hunt and Williams, along with a cluster of solid incomers, there is a list to choose from. But the question remains — who will carry for the Aggies?