Tried and true: Jorgensen is Aggies' bounce-back player

LOGAN — Two times in his career, injuries have threatened to derail Utah State offensive guard Pace Jorgensen.

Both times, he has recovered and excelled.

First it was a season-ending knee injury six games into his freshman season. Then last year, the 6-foot-3, 335-pound lineman injured his ankle, sidelining him for a game.

When he has been on the field, he's been the Aggies' anchor.

"He's a guy that I can trust that he'll know what to do, and I have never had a problem with him as far as lack of effort," Utah State offensive line coach Vance Vice said. "He's going to bring his lunch pail every day, and he's going to go out and work, and I can count on him to get the job done."

Jorgensen earned that reputation through hard work.

A two-time All-Stater from Grantsville High School, he signed with Utah State in 2002 prior to serving an LDS Church mission. He didn't suit up until the 2004 season, which proved to be the final year under head coach Mick Dennehy.

He was also recruited by BYU as well as receiving interest from a number of Pac-10 schools.

"I came here (on a visit) and it felt right, so that's why I picked (Utah State)," he said.

Committing to Utah State fulfilled his goal of playing college football.

"I've always wanted to play football since I was little," he said. "It's what I've wanted to do my whole life. I'm living the dream I guess."

Jorgensen didn't start the season opener against Alabama his freshman year, but he worked his way into the lineup and started the next five games against Idaho, Utah, UNLV, Troy and North Texas.

He tore the ACL in his knee against North Texas and missed the final five games.

Less than a year later, Jorgensen was back in the lineup and started all 11 games for Brent Guy's first-year staff, something Vice attributes to Jorgensen's desire and work ethic.

"He's had several injuries, and he has done a great job getting back." Vice said.

While overcoming the injury, he was also learning a new offense.

"He's come a million miles (since his sophomore year)," Vice said. "He's gotten better and better every year."

Jorgensen concurs.