LOGAN — Utah State quarterback Chuckie Keeton is searching for his go-to receiver. The unexpected loss of wide receiver JoJo Natson hurts. It really hurts. However, the team is packed with candidates to step into Natson’s cleats.
The return and experience of receivers Hunter Sharp (6-0, 200 pounds) and Devonte Robinson (6-2, 190) should ease the pain of losing not only Natson, but also graduate Ronald Butler.
From returners to JUCO transfers to true freshmen, the battle for playing time is underway.
Returning experience
By losing starting wide receivers Butler and Natson, along with starting tight end Jefferson Court, the weight falls on returners Sharp, Robinson and Wyatt Houston (6-5, 255) to carry the receivers.
Sharp led the wideouts last year with 66 receptions for 939 yards. The JUCO transfer finished last season with seven touchdowns, tying for ninth all-time in school history. Unfortunately, the Palmdale, California native will sit out the opening two games (SUU and Utah) due to violating team rules.
Robinson, a native of Delray Beach, Florida, hits the field after appearing in all 14 games last year, including seven starts. Robinson finished the year with 24 receptions for 226 yards. The junior college transfer just might be the Natson replacement the Aggies desperately need.
As far as returning tight ends, the Aggies bring back last season’s top tight end, Houston. The junior from Tualatin, Oregon earned eight starts and concluded his sophomore campaign with 19 receptions for 178 yards. Houston has the ability to both use his 255-pound frame to block on the line and create passing opportunities up the middle — a dangerous combination.
Brandon Swindall rounds out the Aggies’ returners. Swindall returns to Maverik Stadium after missing 12 of USU’s 14 games last season due to an injury. With Swindall’s progress and current health, the Oklahoma City native appears ready for a breakout season.
Key additions
Redshirt junior Andrew Rodriguez, sophomore Braelon Roberts, redshirt freshmen Tyler Fox and Zach Van Leeuwen, and true freshmen Chad Artist and Gerold Bright all have a shot at wide receiver playing time this year. For some, significant playing time isn’t far out of reach.
For tight ends, Snow College transfer Chris Copier and true freshmen Dalton Baker and Dax Raymond are working to replace Court.
Dark horse
Andrew Rodriguez or Gerold Bright?
At 5-foot-10, 185 pounds, Rodriguez, a transfer from Houston who redshirted last year and was named the 2014 Scout Team Offensive MVP, has made a mark throughout fall camp. On the other hand, Bright (5-9, 180) joins the Aggies straight from Escambia High School in Florida where he earned Florida Class 6A first team all-state honors.
Both Rodriquez and Bright just might have what it takes to fill Natson’s role.
General outlook
Sure, replacing Natson, Butler and Court won’t be easy, but the Aggies have contenders emerging to get the job done — and get the job done right.