3 most improved position groups for the 2013 Aggies

LOGAN — With so many starters returning to the 2013 team, the challenge was to find three positions where the Aggies improved from last year.

With eight starters returning to an offense that averaged nearly 35 points per game and seven starters to defense that allowed only 15 points per game — ranking seventh in the nation — it would be much easier to poke holes in the team and point out where they could take a step back.

However, somehow in my own way, I've come up with what I believe to be the three positions that have improved the most since last season.

Offensive Line

Wait a second, I picked the one position that returns all five starters? Yes, yes I did.

Much of the offensive success of last season was based on the performance of the offensive line. Whether opening a hole for Kerwynn Williams, executing a screen pass or giving Chuckie Keeton time to do what he does, the line was spectacular. And with another year together, expect them to be even better.

"When it's time to go to work, we're all on the same page," senior center Tyler Larsen said on media day.

Utah State has been lucky to avoid any major injuries to their offensive line; the continuity and chemistry that has developed, as a result, has been invaluable.

Stay with me for a second: did any of you see Pacific Rim? If you didn't, I'm shunning you for a solid day. Quick synopsis: humans build giant robots (called Jaegers) to fight giant, alien monsters (Kaiju) that come from the ocean.

These robots are piloted by two people, with their brains being connected to the robot (it's two people because obviously one person can't handle the neural load of a 300-foot robot, duh). The pilots are connected in what they call "the drift," where they share thoughts, memories, and instincts — essentially becoming one person. "The deeper the bond, the better you fight," they say.

Think of the offensive line as one of the best Jaegers in the country, with five pilots all connected in the drift: Larsen, Eric Schultz, Kevin and Kyle Whimpey and Jamie Markosian.

"I love those guys to death, they're my brothers," Larsen added.

With that deep of a bond, no defensive front seven Kaiju stands a chance.

Cornerback

Hey! You're still reading after I geeked out for a moment — very much appreciated.

It's not easy replacing a Will Davis. We all know how great he was at terrorizing opposing quarterbacks with his instincts and tremendous athleticism. The Aggies have done a stellar job at filling in those gaps.

The corner position is deep. Tay-Glover Wright is listed first on the depth chart and brings much of the same athleticism Davis brought to the position. Junior Rashard Stewart has seen action ever since his freshman season.

The real stand out of fall so far, however, has been Quinton Byrd. Byrd suffered a season-ending ACL tear in 2012, and there was a question as to whether he would be 100 percent.

From what I've seen, he's absolutely 100 percent.

Another tremendous athlete, Byrd's been all over the wide receivers this fall, due in large to his high football IQ. Byrd benefited from his injury last season by spending time as an assistant under cornerbacks coach, Kendrick Shaver.

"I was on the sidelines, giving guys pointers and things like that," Byrd told the media after practice.

It's been obvious so far in camp that time was well spent.

No matter who gets the start in game 1, the Aggies will have a lot of depth and a lot flexibility with their corners. And while there is no superstar like Davis, there is a lot of talent and experience returning to make the secondary even better.

Quarterback

Yes, that's right, the Aggies will be even better at the quarterback position in 2012 because, just like the offensive line, continuity will lead to improvement.

Now, that's not saying last season was bad for Keeton — 67 percent completion with only nine interceptions and 27 touchdowns is far from pedestrian.

What I'm saying is someone with Keeton's talent and work ethic, plus the benefit of that offensive line, has nowhere to go but up.

One of the more interesting things Keeton said on media day was when I asked him about playing with Larsen and how he has helped with his development as a quarterback. "He's taught me the inner workings of protections. Just seeing him work on film made me interested about how our offensive line works. It has allowed me to learn our offense a lot more."

There is little Keeton knows about this offense when he now knows the blocking schemes and assignments of all his offensive linemen. Somehow, Keeton has found another way to elevate his game just by studying another position group.

That's the work ethic I'm talking about. Keeton has a chance to do something very special this season, with the talent returning, the offense could be even better than 2012; and while it's a stretch to think that Keeton will win the Heisman or any of the numerous awards he's being mentioned for, considering how the national media still views Utah State, he's going to make them think long and hard about it.

And seriously, go see Pacific Rim!

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