Jackson to call Ag signals

LOGAN — Leon Jackson III was named Utah State's starting quarterback for the third straight year Wednesday after a battle with Sean Setzer and Jase McCormick.

How long he keeps the job is up to him.

"We decided Leon was the most consistent and understands and knows the offense and the protections the best," Utah State football coach Brent Guy said. "It's a matter of him still executing it in a game and Leon knows that."

Jackson was benched for freshman Riley Nelson, who is now on an LDS Church mission, after five games last year. All Jackson had to show for the five starts are zero wins and five interceptions (all of which were returned for touchdowns).

If the detrimental pattern continues this year, it won't take five games before Jackson be benched again.

"It's not going to be a quick hook, but if he can't make the right decisions, obviously we've got to find the guy that can," Guy said.

When spring drills began in March it was a two-man race for the position between Jackson and Setzer. McCormick worked his way into the picture when Setzer couldn't practice or scrimmage due to injury.

It also led to an easier decision for Guy to select Jackson.

"I've worked hard and I've done everything I've needed to and I'm blessed and grateful the coaches chose me and have confidence in me," Jackson said.

Jackson, who has 14 career starts and is 2-12 in those games, threw for 694 yards and three touchdowns with seven interceptions.

"Last year is a non-issue. I have complete and utter confidence in myself," Jackson said. "Last year is exactly last year. This is a new year and you guys will see."

Although Jackson has put last year behind him, Guy certainly hasn't.

"You can't always fix everything in every series. A lot of stuff that got Leon in trouble last year was trying to make the big play all the time. What his focus is, is do your job and execute and know you're not going to be able to fix every situation by scrambling your way out of it, running your way out of it or forcing the ball with your arm strength into where it shouldn't be thrown," Guy said.

"A punt is a lot better than an interception going the other way for a touchdown."

The battle is now for the backup between Setzer and McCormick.