USU quarterback Chuckie Keeton named Rivals.com National Freshman of the Week

Utah State football player Chuckie Keeton has been named the Rivals.com National Freshman of the Week for his performance Saturday.

Keeton, a native of Houston (Cypress Creek High School), completed 21 of 30 in passing for 213 yards and added two rushing touchdowns as part of 33 rushing yards in his Aggie debut in USU’s hard-fought 42-38 loss at defending national champion No. 23/19 Auburn Saturday.

Keeton is believed to be the first Aggie freshman to start a USU season-opener in at least the modern era. Keeton is also the first Aggie freshman to start a game at quarterback since Riley Nelson in 2006.

“Chuckie is a special player,” USU head coach Gary Andersen said in his post-game interview. “I promise you no one is hurt more, even though he has been with us for a short period of time. We are in very good hands at the quarterback position. ... I love Chuckie Keeton. I have loved Chuckie Keeton since I walked into his living room.”

Andersen, Keeton and the Aggies host in-state foe Weber State in USU’s home opener on Saturday, Sept. 10, at 6 p.m. at Merlin Olsen Field at Romney Stadium. Saturday marks the first time that USU and WSU have squared off since 2001, and Utah State leads the all-time series, 11-1. The Aggie-Wildcat match-up will have special meaning for Andersen, who will be facing his mentor, Weber State head coach Ron McBride. Andersen played for McBride at Utah in 1985-86.

For USU football ticket information, contact the USU Ticket Office at the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum, or by phone by calling 1-888-USTATE-1 or (435) 797-0305 or online 24 hours a day at www.utahstateaggies.com under the “tickets” drop down menu.

Fans can follow the Aggie football program at twitter.com/USUFootball, through Facebook at “Utah State Football” or through the USU football blog at usufootball.wordpress.com. Aggie fans can also follow the Utah State athletic program at twitter.com/USUAthletics or on Facebook at Utah State University athletics.

Doug Hoffman is the assistant athletic director for Utah State University.