Aggie QB seeks consistency

BOISE — In 2005, Utah State quarterback Leon Jackson III put up mysterious numbers that even baffled himself.

In his first year as the starter, Jackson put up respectable numbers — 1,547 yards, with eight touchdowns and six interceptions — in nine games.

What has the sophomore lefty scratching his head is how he performed at home and on the road.

"Believe me, that question has troubled me this entire offseason. I've been doing nothing but studying tape," he said at Wednesday's Western Athletic Conference meetings in Boise.

"I think the biggest thing is the comfort level. Being a first-time guy I felt a lot more comfortable at home because everybody's on our side."

At home in Romney Stadium, Jackson threw for 947 yards (236.8 average) with seven touchdowns and no interceptions. He threw for 212 yards in a 31-24 victory over UNLV, and he tossed for a career-high 372 in a 27-17 loss to Louisiana Tech.

On the road he threw for just 600 yards (120 average) with just one touchdown and six interceptions. He threw for just 95 in his first career start at Utah, and had just 30 in limited action at Hawaii. His season-high road best came in a loss at Idaho when he threw for 157.

"Just having a year under my belt and time to mature, I think I'll be able to show you guys that I know how to play both at home and on the road," he said.

Utah State football coach Brent Guy agreed.

"Having Leon back as a returning starter and the promise that he showed in the spring has been very encouraging for us," he said. "He has a better feel of what we're trying to do and I think he can make a big difference for us in those close games."

Jackson was injured in his ninth game of the year at Hawaii and missed the final two games of the year. True freshman Jerod Walker started the last two, but in April was dismissed from the team because of legal troubles.

Riley Nelson, a Parade high school all-American from neighboring Logan High; Mike Affleck, a Timpview High and Arizona State product; Jase McCormick and Bryan Black are all in the mix for the backup quarterback spot.

Along with leading the team in passing, Jackson was second along with Walker in rushing with 328 yards. He hopes to better all his numbers and lead his team to more than just three wins (3-8).