March 30, 2007

LOGAN, Utah - Utah State football wrapped up its second week of spring practice with a workout that featured highlights on both sides of the football on Friday.

"Today the offense started out fast and made some big plays and then the defense turned around and held up and made them kick a field goal in the red zone," said USU head coach Brent Guy. "I think we are better on both sides of the ball when one team doesn't dominate the whole thing."

New offensive coordinator Darrell Dickey has been happy with his side of the ball after two weeks.

"I am very pleased with the attitude and the ability of the kids we have here," Dickey said. "We have made some progress the first two weeks. We still have a long ways to go, but I am very encouraged so far about our overall team and especially with the offense. We have good kids to work with and we have good ability, but we have a lot of things to learn that can make the difference in winning or losing ballgames."

Aaron Lesue, Sean Setzer and Leon Jackson drew praise from the head coach for their efforts on Friday.

"We are starting to put the pieces together and find some guys," Guy said. "Aaron Lesue did a nice job running the football today. Sean Setzer and Leon Jackson are both making plays at the quarterback position so that is developing into a pretty good race."

After two weeks, Guy has been pleasantly surprised with returning senior tight ends Jimmy Bohm and Will Fausel.

"Jimmy Bohm and Will Fausel have done a great job blocking," Guy said. "They have played really well and caught the ball really well this spring. Having seniors do that is what you hope will happen."

Last season Bohm caught three passes while Fausel did not have a reception. Rob Myers, who is sitting out the spring, caught 10 balls.

Defensively, junior college transfer Deshon Benton has caught the coaches' eye on more than one occasion. The linebacker from Modesto (Calif.) Junior College is finding his niche behind USU's trio of Paul Igboeli, Jake Hutton and Devon Hall.

"Deshon Benton is really showing up and making lots of plays," Guy said. "You really notice him in individual drills when we have one on one tackle drills. He is a very solid player. We are really pleased with his progress and think he will be a great addition to that linebacker core.

With USU returning all of its starters from a year ago and everyone healthy, the Aggies are looking to see who can step up on the second unit.

Defensively, having everybody back helps us," Guy said. "There are a lot of guys on that second group that we need to feel better about putting them in and helping taking some pressure off our starting group. Our first group of linebackers are looking good. They are making lots of plays."

Midway through drills Guy has been happy with his team.

"We are pleased with our progress," Guy said. "We have to continue to learn to be physical, play smart as a football team and not make critical mistakes. We haven't had any major injuries, which is always a coaches' concern at this time of year. We are making progress."

USU will continue with practices on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday next week. USU will also hold practices the following week with a final scrimmage set for Friday, April 13 at 4 p.m.