Aggie DBs expected to step up

LOGAN — Instead of taking more time in the weight room and learning the college game little by little as redshirts, six of Utah State's seven returning defensive backs were tossed right into the fire as freshmen or sophomores, which forced them to learn the game on the fly.

Now, the Aggie defensive backs are a year older and more experienced, and their coaches are expecting that experience to be evident on the field.

The seven returning defense backs — two of whom are now seniors — have a combined 64 starts, and they combine for nearly double that in games played.

"The one thing they've had to do since they've been here is mature on the field," Utah State cornerbacks coach John Rushing said. "We expect them to be a mature group and go out there and make plays.

"Now they can see the whole picture. At first they were just seeing a piece of the picture."

Safeties coach Jeff Copp agreed.

"Of the three years we have been here, this has been the easy camp so far from a coaching standpoint," Rushing said. "Instead of the last two years when we had a bunch of freshmen coming in to play and everything was brand new and you had to cover every single scenario we've ever had, now I've got a bunch of guys that have seen everything before."

Safety Antonio Taylor and cornerback Drew Pearson are the only two seniors in the first nine, and between them they have 25 career starts.

Antonio Taylor led the team in tackles with 74, while safety Caleb Taylor, who started every game, was fourth with 64. He also had two of the team's six interceptions.

"I expect a lot more play on ball in the air — interceptions," Rushing said. "We're an older group now, and we're solid with depth."

Last year, the Aggies gave up 436 yards per game — the most since 2002, and they gave up 38.5 points per game — also the most since 2002.

The defense gave up a touchdown or more in 22 of the last 23 quarters. They only held an opponent scoreless in six quarters all year.

"Everybody is more confident now because they know what they are doing," said Marquise Charles, who started every game at right corner. "When you take your lumps like that it can only make you stronger. It grows you up as a player. You see the mistakes you make and you correct them."