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The key to making this Aggie offense successful starts up front. Utah State's offensive line struggled in the early parts of last year. It gained strength down the stretch averaging over six and a half yards per carry across the last five games. All five expected starters gained game experience last year and hope to build on what they accomplished.
Junior Jake Simonich is one of two returners up front to start all 14 games last season. Simonich was named Honorable Mention All-Mountain West Conference after his sophomore campaign. Simonich has a big frame that he has learned to use well. He was arguably the Aggies' best offensive lineman last year and he continues to improve.
Junior Austin Albrecht bounced around a bit last season, playing in six games including two starts at right guard. Despite his time inside last season, Albrecht spent spring ball as the starter at left tackle. Albrecht is a great pass blocker with good instincts. A healthy Albrecht will go a long way to keeping Chuckie Keeton healthy.
Sophomore Tyshon Mosley is back as the starter at left guard. Mosley began the 2014 season splitting time with now departed senior Bill Vavau but earned the starting spot after a great outing against Wake Forest in the third game of the season. He never relinquished that starting spot, getting 11 starts and seeing time in all 14 games last season. At 6-foot-5, Mosley is tall for a guard but is able to use a quick first step to gain the advantage over defenders. Mosley will miss the first two games as he is suspended for a violation of team rules.
Senior Taani Fisilau started 12 games at right guard and played in all 14 last season. Fisilau returns as the lone senior starter up front. Fisilau is a tough physical offensive lineman who plays with an extremely high motor. Fisilau uses leverage and great athleticism to open up running lanes.
Junior Austin Stephens will be the leader of this still young group. Stephens started all 14 games in 2014 and was awarded Honorable Mention All-Mountain West Conference honors. Stephens, who was named to the Rimington Trophy watch list this summer, has continued to grow into a leader both on and off the field. Stephens is a smart player who is able to read defenses well and communicate to the offensive line. His continued growth will do great thing for this Aggie offensive line and the offense as a whole.
Three transfers were brought in after the 2014 season to create competition and depth up front. Graduate transfer Ben Wysocki was the sixth man of sorts for UCLA the past four seasons. In those years, Wysocki saw action at all five positions up front. While Mosley should slide right back into the starting right guard when he returns from his suspension, Wysocki will have something to say about that.
While Wysocki could fit into the lineup across the board, up front he looks to have the edge to fill in for Mosley during his suspension. Wysocki has faced the best defenses in the Pac-12 and filled in nicely for UCLA. Wysocki's leadership and knowledge of the game are just as valuable as the skill set he brings.
Junior college transfers Preston Brooksby and Jude Hockel joined the team in time for spring ball, and after picking up the offense they looked like very capable backups. Both Brooksby and Hockel earned all-conference honors at their respective junior colleges last season.
Walk-on freshman Parker Stott had gained a lot of attention from schools before a knee injury forced Stott to miss his senior season. Prior to his injury, Stott was a dominant center and was named first-team all-region in Gilbert, Arizona. Sophomore Brandon Taukeiaho is a strong guard who could back up either guard spot. He has a big frame and uses it well. Redshirt freshman KJ Uluave was moved from defensive end to offensive tackle during the course of the 2014 season and spent the start of spring ball as Albrecht's backup before he was sidelined with a knee injury.
While depth might be a concern for this offensive line, a healthy season up front could lead to a special season for this offense. The Aggies open the season at home against Southern Utah on Thursday, Sept. 3, at 7 p.m. Utah State will begin Mountain West play by hosting Colorado State on Saturday, Oct. 3.
Starters: junior Austin Albrecht (LT), sophomore Tyshon Mosley (LG), junior Austin Stephens (C), senior Taani Fisilau (RG), junior Jake Simonich (RT)
Second string: redshirt freshman KJ Uluave (LT), sophomore Brandon Taukeiaho (LG), senior Ben Wysocki (C), junior Jude Hockel (RG) junior Preston Brooksby (RT)
Up next: Tight ends Parker Robertson is a graduate of Utah State University, a freelance contributor, and an avid fan of sports. Follow me on Twitter @ParkerRob78 Email: ParkerRobertson18@gmail.com
