Utah State football by position

Quarterback

Diondre Borel, 6-0, 187, Jr.

As athletic a player as USU has on the roster. Fast, deceptive and a threat to break it every time he tucks the ball and run. Still needs to develop as a thrower and pocket quarterback, though. Should be much improved with first offseason as a QB.

Running backs

Robert Turbin, 5-10, 212, So.

Michael Smith, 5-9, 199, Jr.

Turbin is the starter while Smith is the lightning-quick change of pace runner. Turbin averaged 4.6 yards per carry and scored a team high eight TDs as a freshman. Smith averaged 7.6 per rush at Eastern Arizona JC. Look for Ronald Scott (6-0, 215) to see some time at fullback.

Offensive line

Brennan McFadden, 6-2, 295, Sr.

Funaki Asisi, 6-3, 300, So.

Spencer Johnson, 6-5, 291, Jr.

Philip Gapelu, 6-2, 305, So.

Tariq Polley, 6-4, 299, Jr.

Plenty of starts on the collective resume of this line. But not enough firepower produced for anyone to feel secure. Offseason focus was on adding strength and improving run-blocking to free up Turbin, Smith and Borel.

Wide receivers/tight ends

Nnamdi Gwacham, 6-3, 211, Sr.

Stanley Morrison, 5-9, 162, So.

Omar Sawyer, 5-9, 179, Sr.

Jeremy Mitchell, 6-5, 248, Sr.

Lots of returning players capable of catching balls, but none that have demonstrated break-away speed or game-changing skills. Mitchell may see more action with a new offensive set.

Defensive backs

Kejon Murphy, 5-9, 168, Sr.

James Brindley, 5-11, 195, Sr.

Rajric Coleman, 6-2, 179, Jr.

An area of concern for the Aggies. Murphy and Brindley are solid, Coleman a talented newcomer, but depth is an issue and USU has moved players like Curtis Marsh from running back to shore things up.

Linebackers