2-a-days test Aggies' toughness

LOGAN — Just because it was the first day of two-a-days for the Utah State Aggies on Monday, the coaching staff didn't take it easy on the team.

In fact, it's a time to see what the players are made of.

"Now is when you start getting tough on the guys mentally because you start getting physically tired," Utah State football coach Brent Guy said. "This is the stretch of camp where you've got to focus in and not make very many mistakes, and we weren't too bad today."

On a hot, muggy day, particularly in the first practice in the morning, Guy liked what he saw.

"Our tempo has been really, really good," he said. "We have been pushing the kids in working hard through individual drills and group drills."

The Aggies, who went in full pads for the first time last Saturday, will have a single practice today from 8:40 a.m. to 11:10 a.m. at the practice facility.

Two-a-days will continue on Wednesday and Friday with morning and afternoon practices.

The Aggies will hold their first scrimmage of the year Thursday at 4:15 p.m. at Romney Stadium.

The scrimmage is part of Utah State's Family Fun Night. Following the scrimmage, fans can get autographs and have their pictures taken with the players.

Also, season-ticket holders can pick up their tickets at that time.

TURNING HEADS: Freshman running back Chris Marsh and senior running back Aaron Lesue have been turning heads in the first week of practice.

"Curtis Marsh continues to get better and better. We see him make a run every day," Guy said. "Aaron Lesue has been very consistent like he was in the spring."

The two are battling for the starting job in the Aggies' season-opener Aug. 30 when they host UNLV.

SETZER OUT: Junior college transfer Sean Setzer didn't throw in the afternoon practice due to a sore shoulder. Senior Mike Affleck saw more reps in Setzer's absence.

Setzer and Leon Jackson III are considered the top two quarterbacks, and Guy said he won't name a starter until after the Aggies' scrimmage on Aug. 21.

RICHARDS BACK: Wide receiver Tarell Richards was granted an extra year of eligibility by the NCAA. Richards missed one year while at the University of Oregon.

At Oregon, Richards redshirted the 2002 season before leaving the team midseason for personal reasons. He transferred to Utah State in 2003 and sat out one season before playing in the past three.