Utah State football by position

Published: Sunday, Aug. 30, 2009 3:02 a.m. MDT
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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.

Story continues below

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

Paul Igboeli, 6-0, 220, Sr.

Bobby Wagner, 6-1, 225, So.

Chris Williams, 6-2, 207, Sr.

Recent comments

I like the combination of JC players and young players that are on...

D-Watts | Aug. 31, 2009 at 10:26 a.m.

Looks like there is quite a bit more depth and experience than past...

Ogden Aggie | Aug. 30, 2009 at 5:03 p.m.

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