Utah State football: Ags off to a faster start this spring

LOGAN — Gary Andersen hit the ground running in Cache Valley a year ago with admittedly high expectations — even if those expectations were placed on himself.

But when Utah State finished with a 4-8 record Andersen said he was disappointed.

Fast forward to Tuesday's opening practice, and Andersen said he sees major differences between the first Aggie practice under his watch and this one.

"From a year ago?" Andersen said. "I could probably go on for half an hour about that."

For starters, Andersen said he noticed a marked difference in the team's approach to each play. With a year in the system, the Aggie players, Andersen said, know where they need to be and what they need to be doing with each whistle.

"We should not have to coach effort," Andersen said. The added experience is making the coaches' jobs easier. "It lets the kids take the team and (lead things.) I think we saw that out there today."

Andersen said he purposely ran the practice at a quick pace on Tuesday for a couple of reasons. One, he wanted to see how everyone reacted to the rapid-fire transitions from one drill to the next. Two, he was able to get about 15 extra reps in during the time-restricted practice.

"It was about what I expected," Andersen said. "I expected them to come out with a lot of energy, and they did that."

Of particular interest is the battle for No. 1 on the running back depth chart.

With returning starter Robert Turbin sidelined following off-season ACL surgery, the competition is wide open. Senior Michael Smith is the top dog now, but Derrvin Speight and sophomore Kerwynn Williams also figure to be in the mix.

Utah State will continue its spring drills with another round of practices on Thursday and Saturday.

e-mail: jeborn@desnews.com