Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
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LOGAN — When you hear the phrase, "Three players the Aggies can't afford to lose," there are a few obvious choices that come to mind.
If they lose Joe Hill, they lose their most dynamic playmaker on offense. If they lose Kyler Fackrell, they lose their most dynamic player on defense. And if they lose Chuckie Keeton, they lose the best player on their team and the rest of us lock ourselves in our room for the rest of the football season.
I decided to take a look at players who are equally vital to the Aggies success, but that you might not think of right off the bat.
Tyler Larsen: Center
In 2012, Kerwynn Williams ran for over 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns. Chuckie Keeton completed 67 percent of his passes with a 154.6 QB rating. Do you think those two would have had that kind of success without a stellar offensive line?
We talk so much about how great the offense from last season was, and what gets lost in the conversation is how great that offensive line was and still is for that matter. At the center of it is Tyler Larsen.
(I am fully aware of how bad that pun is, but I went with it anyways)
Larsen, a Utah native from Jordan High School, will enter the 2013 season having started 38 consecutive games — the longest active streak on the team (I for one hope this streak continues). If the offense hopes to replicate their success from last season, they'll need Larsen on the field.
Nevin Lawson: Cornerback
A lot of attention was given to Will Davis in 2012, and rightfully so; he led the team team with five interceptions, including a streak of five straight games with a pick and added 22 pass deflections. Davis ended up getting drafted in the third round of the NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins in April.
Don't be surprised if you hear the name of the guy that lined up on the other side of Davis in next year's NFL Draft — senior Nevin Lawson.
Nevin Lawson Career Stats
| Year | Tackles | INT's | Pass Deflections | Sacks | TFL's |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 12 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0.5 |
| 2011 | 54 | 1 | 9 | 0 | 0 |
| 2012 | 63 | 0 | 10 | 2 | 2 |
| Totals | 129 | 2 | 20 | 2 | 2.5 |
Lawson is a much more physical corner than Davis and plays the run extremely well for a corner. As a great tackler, he finished with 63 combined tackles last season, including two sacks. But he's no slouch in coverage either. He rarely gets beat and has great closing speed to break up passes.
What makes him so important to the defense this upcoming season is he has the most experience of anyone in the secondary. Lawson stepped in as a starter his sophomore season and also contributed quite a bit his freshman season. With the second corner spot still a question mark, my money is on JC transfer Marwin Evans. Utah State can't afford to lose Lawson for an extended period of time in 2013.
Jake Doughty: Middle Linebacker
The reigning champion of my favorite postgame interviews.
As much as I love that clip, I love his play on the field even more.
On a defense that included Bojay Filimoeatu, Kyler Fackrell and Connor Williams, Doughty led the team with 109 tackles — second most in the WAC. He's the quarterback of that defense, plus, much like Fackrell, he has a knack for making big plays in big moments.
Jake Doughty Career Stats
| Year | Tackles | TFL's | Sacks | PD's |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 22 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2011 | 26 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| 2012 | 109 | 3.5 | 1 | 4 |
| Totals | 157 | 7.5 | 1 | 4 |
Let's take the La. Tech game for example: In the 4th quarter, Doughty had a touchdown-saving interception with just over 4 minutes left in the game. Then, in overtime, Doughty had the game clinching tackle on fourth down. Coincidentally, that game was his best performance of the season with 18 tackles (so pedestrian).
I've said before that I believe this seasons front seven will be better than last year's. That can't happen without Doughty out there directing traffic. He's tough, hard-nosed and has an incredible motor.
Plus, Jared Roberts will think twice about an onside kick with Doughty on the field.
