USU football: Aggies begin spring practice Tuesday

Under the direction of first-year head coach Matt Wells, Utah State football will begin spring practice on Tuesday, March 19, in the Stan Laub Indoor Football Complex at 6:15 a.m.

During the four-week period, the Aggies will participate in 15 spring practice sessions, culminating in the annual Blue vs. White Spring Game on Saturday, April 20, on Merlin Olsen Field at Romney Stadium at 2 p.m.

Utah State returns 18 starters (O-8, D-7, S-3) and 49 letterwinners (O-23, D-22, S-4) from last year's 11-2 Western Athletic Conference and Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Championship team that ended the year ranked 16th in the final Associated Press Poll and 22nd in the final Bowl Championship Series Standings.

Among those returning for Utah State include 10 players who earned various all-WAC accolades a year ago as senior linebacker Jake Doughty, sophomore linebacker Kyler Fackrell, junior quarterback Chuckie Keeton, senior offensive center Tyler Larsen and senior offensive tackle Eric Schultz — all named to the first-team. Senior cornerback Nevin Lawson, senior offensive guard Jamie Markosian, sophomore defensive tackle Jordan Nielsen and junior linebacker Zach Vigil were all named to the second-team, and senior defensive tackle Connor Williams was named to the honorable mention team.

All practices are open to the public, with morning practices scheduled from 6:15-8:15 a.m. at the Stan Laub Indoor Football Complex. Afternoon practices are scheduled from 3:15-5:15 p.m. at Merlin Olsen Field at Romney Stadium.

Utah State Football 2013 Spring Practice Dates

Tues, March 19 - 6:15 - 8:15 a.m. - No Pads

Wed., March 20 - 6:15 - 8:15 a.m. - No Pads

Thur., March 21 - 3:15 - 5:15 p.m.

Mon., March 25 - 6:15 - 8:15 a.m.

Wed., March 27 - 6:15 - 8:15 a.m.

Thur., March 28 - 3:15 - 5:15 p.m. - Scrimmage

Mon., April 1 - 6:15 - 8:15 a.m.

Wed., April 3 - 6:15 - 8:15 a.m.

Thur., April 4 - 3:15 - 5:15 p.m.

Mon., April 8 - 6:15 - 8:15 a.m.

Wed., April 10 - 6:15 - 8:15 a.m.

Thur., April 11 - 3:15 - 5:15 p.m. - Scrimmage

Mon., April 15 - 6:15 - 8:15 a.m.

Wed., April 17 - 6:15 - 8:15 a.m. - No Pads

Saturday, April 20 -2 p.m. - Blue vs. White Spring Game

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