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Show Monday, Aug. 27, 2007 StatesmanSportS Page 13 USU Ballroom 8 : 0 0 PM Sept: 5 STUDE Tickets @ TSC 797-7359 or at the door _ www.celebrateamericashow.com TRIPLE CERTIFIED COFFEE SENIOR TAILBACK A A R O N LESUE tries to run by a defender at practice Saturday, Aug. 25. Lesue will start at tailback for the Utah State when they open their season Thursday, Aug. 30 at Romney Stadium against UNLV. TYLER LARSON photo Language Barrier For 4th time in 4 years, Aggie offense learns a new coordinator's system, progressing well By DAVID BAKER assistant sports editor Most of the Aggie offense spent the last six months learning a new language. Not French, not Spanish, or German. They were learning Dickey. "The biggest deal has been the terminology, just how we talk, how we communicate," USU Offensive Coordinator Darrell Dickey said."... They spent all spring saying. 'Well, that's what we used to call this, that's what we use to call that.'" The difference in the names of formations, personnel groupiiigs and a myriad other things are the foundation of a new-look Aggie offense that makes its debut at Romney Stadium Aug. 30 vs. University of Nevada-Las Vegas. DARRELL DICKEY Dickey said the Aggies will look to establish an inside and outside running g a m e - using a tailback as the main ballcarrier -set up more play action passes and, most importantly, keep defenses off balance by mixing the run and pass. That also means using what Dickey calls "fun plays," which include reverses, halfback passes and other trickery. "As much as our guys can handle and actually go out on the field and execute, the better off we'll be," he said. "Because the less things you can do, the more predictable you'll be." But with all the changes, there remain some things Utah State fans will recognize. "It wasn't just come and tear ORGANIC, FAIR TRADE SHADES-GROWN C O F F E E S GALLERY DELI IMPORTED MMEAS DELICIOUS LUNCHES of recent Aggie offenses. Head Coach Brent Guy said he estimates the offense will be about 50 percent new and 50 percent old, but that percentage everything apart and start completely over," Dickey said. "There was some carryover from what they did last year to this year." Fans will still recognize some quarterback runs, the shotgun formation and other hallmarks 52 Federal Ave. Lo&an, Utah 435.753.4777 www.caffeibis.com Offense by position., By DAVID BAKER assistant sports editor Quarterback After a spring and summer filled with speculation, Utah State announced Wednesday that Leon Jackson III will start at quarterback when the Aggies open their season against LTNLV Aug. 30 at Romney Stadium. Jackson started nine games in 2005 and the first five of last season before being replaced by freshman Riley Nelson. But after Nelson left on an LDS Church mission, Jackson found himself in a three-way race for the starting job with junior college transfer Sean Setzer and sophomore Jase McCormick. Although Jackson will be the first on under center for Utah State this season, it's not likely he will be the only one. "If we end up being a one QB team, that's fine with me," Offensive Coordinator Darrell Dickey said. "If we end up being a one QB team where one guy gets a series or two each game, that's fine with me. That's probably how we're going to start the season, and then make decisions about circumstances after that point." Running Backs: Utah State is used, to losing the previous year's leading rusher - it's happened two seasons in a row. This year, the Aggies look to replace the departed Marcus NOBODY DOES STUFF LIKE COLLEGE STUDENTS. AND RADIOSHACK CAN HELP YOU DO IT. 10% DISCOUNT WITH STUDENT ID on a qualifying purchase. RADIOSHACK HAS THE GEAR THAT LETS YOU DO MORE STUFF: • • Networking • Printers • Calculators • Flash Drives Everyone's" Approved! Prepaid Wireless Phones. IJ See Positions, page 15 Pace Jorgensen Right Guard SAVE 10% On Any GoPhone when you buy a $25 Airtime Card and Present Your Student ID2 Height: 6'0" Weight: 199 Height: 6'5" Weight: 335 Hometown: Fresno, Calif. Hometown: Grantsville, On his goals: "They're all Utah kind of high, but pretty much, Facts: Has 27 career starts, lo break every receiving record the most on the team. at Utah State. I don'l really like Recruited by BYU, but ended saying that Loo much... but up in Logan. Kevin Curtis, I'm sorry." Height: 5' 10" Weight: 195 Hometown: Fallon, Nev. On presssure: "Its pressure coming from within each other. We look in each others eyes and we expect a lot out of each other." • Wireless Accessories ° • Stereos • MP3/iPod Accessories C139 GoPhone from MOTOROLA0 A117 GoPhone from SAMSUNG® $^999 $4999 Before discount. 17-088 While supplies last. Before discount. 17-2543 Unlimited Talk to All of AT&T's Wireless CustomersOver 62 Million-on a Select Plan1. Height: 6' 1" Weight: 206 Hometown: Long Beach, Calif. Facts: Fifth all-time on USU career passing percentage list at 54.4. As the team's punter last season he averaged 37.7 yards per punt. • Memory Cards • No Credit Checks • No Long Term Commitments • No Annual Contracts • Computer Accessories Impact seniors: Aggies have seniors in key positions Kevin Robinson WR eek AFFE IBIS (J See New Look, page 15 Cross with a stable of different backs. Senior Aaron Lesue will be the first to carry the ball for the Aggies. Lesue and true freshman Curtis Marsh will get the bulk of the carries early on, Dickey said. People can also look for redshirt freshmen Derrvin Speight and Jacob Actkinson — who will also see time at fullback — and freshman Robert Turbin to get some carries. Although there could be a lot of backs involved in the Aggie offense this season, Head Coach Brent Guy wouldn't call it a running-back-by-committee approach, but more like an opportunity to put each guy in the best position to make plays. Whatever you call it, the competition may not be a bad thing. "We have more than one back that can get in there and do the job, and it's a competition and that pushes us," Lesue said. Wide Receiver/Tight End: If the receiving corps was the cast of a movie, Kevin Robinson would be the leading man. The senior led the Aggies with 36 receptions for 582 yards and five touchdowns in 2006. But that's not to say he doesn't have a strong supporting cast. "The receiving corps is strong as ever," Robinson said. "We're all talented, we can Deli-icious food will make you feel this good. • LCD TVs k • Digital Cameras • Cables, Connectors • Surge Protectors • Desk Lamps WE'RE NEAR YOUR CAMPUS WITH THE GEAR YOU NEED. Cache Valley Mall 1300 North Main Logan, UT 84341 *Offer good 8/13-9/30/07 at the above location(s). Valid with presentation of student ID at time of sale. In-store merchandise only. Excludes wireless phones, iPods, computers, gift cards, service plans, replacement plans, clearance or discount offers. ^Mobile to Mobile Minutes may be used when directly dialing or receiving calls from any other AT&T phone number from within your calling area. 2 Offer good 8/13-9/30/07. |