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LOGAN — It was only the first day of fall camp and Utah State football players were working out in T-shirts, shorts and helmets.
Though he cautioned against drawing too many conclusions from one day, Aggie head coach Matt Wells could definitively say one thing:
“We are more organized; we know how to go from drill to drill,” Wells said after practice. “We’ve got a good team, but I’m not sure if we’ve got a great team yet. I like the enthusiasm, but we’ve got a lot of new bodies. There’s a lot of attrition in college football. It’s exciting.”
Part of that excitement revolves around senior quarterback Chuckie Keeton, who took his first snaps since a knee injury midway through his junior campaign, and the signal-caller liked what he saw of his team.
“So far, we’re getting after it,” Keeton said. “Today is probably the best Day One we’ve had as an offense since I’ve been here. The defense is still up-tempo and playing fast, so that’s stressing out, too. We’re all getting better at the same time. I’m looking forward to a good year.”
Senior defensive back Rashard Stewart said Keeton’s return has elevated the entire team, not just the offensive side of the ball. The veteran quarterback took charge of his new crop of receivers during seven-on-seven drills, especially in finding junior college transfer Hunter Sharp for big gains during an offensively minded workout.
“I know the addition he brings to the team,” Stewart said. “I know the offense is going 100 mph, and the defense has to go 102 to be the best. I love it when Chuckie is out there.”
Also making his return was senior Joe Hill, the 5-foot-11 running back who suffered a knee injury around the same time as Keeton. Like with each of his players, Wells cautioned against drawing too many conclusions from the first day of practices — but he liked what he saw.
“I thought he moved around well,” Wells said of Hill. “He caught the ball well, which is typical Joe Hill. I saw him make a few cuts and accelerate, and he looked good.”
Keeton suited up in practice wearing a knee brace, even joking that he matched the color to his cleats. The other intangible difference from his nearly 10-month layoff was a renewed dedication to film study and the mental side of football.
Did it make him a better quarterback?
“I think so, but only time will tell,” Keeton said. “It’s more about the pieces around me than myself.”
Camp Notes
Contributing: Jeremiah Jensen
