QB shines in USU scrimmage

LOGAN — All the talk through the Aggies' spring and fall camp had been in the two-man race for quarterback between Leon Jackson III and Sean Setzer.

Jase McCormick's name was always thrown out there almost as a courtesy, but the sophomore from Northridge High is making a silent but strong push to be at least the back-up if not the top guy.

"I think Jase makes a statement every time he gets out in a live practice," Utah State coach Brent Guy said following Thursday's 121-snap scrimmage at Romney Stadium.

On a day when Jackson was pedestrian in his efforts and Setzer was out nursing a sore arm, McCormick made a statement with his arm, feet and perhaps most impressively, his head.

McCormick completed 6 of 8 passes for 123 yards and one touchdown. He also rushed for 40 yards on four carries.

On one play in particular, he avoided a sack and completed a pass for a small gain to keep the team in the red zone.

"You don't call Jase McCormick flashy. You call him steady and consistent," Guy said. "He doesn't make a lot of mistakes."

McCormick continues to focus on his responsibilities and nothing else. The rest will take care of itself.

"I came in and tried to do what I have been doing in practice. I made a couple of mistakes, but you have to go onto the next play," he said. "You have to look at it like if one of those guys starts, you have to wait until you get your opportunity. You have to be prepared."

Setzer put himself behind the 8-ball by not participating in the scrimmage. Now he needs to shine in the Aggies' final scrimmage next Tuesday at 4:30 p.m.

"He'll have to scrimmage next week for us to have a chance to evaluate him and make a clear-cut decision to what we're going to do at quarterback, Guy said.

Jackson completed just 2 of 9 passes for 20 yards and rushed for 3 yards on five carries. Mike Affleck competed 4 of 6 passes for 19 yards, while freshman Diondre Borel went 1-for-3 for 14 yards. He rushed seven times for 10 yards and one touchdown.

Freshman Ben Longshore was 1-for-1 for 7 yards.

Running back Derrvin Speight had the bulk of the carries with 12 for 54 yards and one score, while Aaron Lesue had 10 for 46 yards, and Robert Turbin had nine carries for 46 yards with two touchdowns. He also had two fumbles.

"We saw guys that can make plays. It's encouraging that we have guys that can make plays there," Guy said.