Aggie Football Team Runs Through First Practice Wednesday

Aug. 10, 2005

 

LOGAN, Utah - Utah State head coach Brent Guy welcomed his first Utah State football team to the practice field as the Aggies ran through their first workout of fall camp on Wednesday (Aug. 10) in mild weather with a nice cloud cover.

 

"Of course, like always, there was a lot of enthusiasm," Guy said of the first day. "It is a little tough at times to work in non pads, so we tried to do as much individual work, we did a lot of kicking game work and then we just did 'align and sign' so that the guys could get lined up and communicate."

 

The Aggies worked for two hours in shorts and helmets with both veterans and newcomers taking the field.

 

"We really like our new group of guys — the guys that we haven't seen," Guy said. "We looked much more athletic than we were, just because we have added that group, so we were pleased with that."

 

With the first of 29 preseason practices under their belt, Guy wants to make sure the enthusiasm displayed on Wednesday is not a one-day experience.

 

"What we have to do mentally is to carry this type of enthusiasm and intensity through two-a-days," he said. "This is what you want. You have to finish like you start, so we will be working on that as we go."

 

 

• This season Utah State will meet four teams listed in the top 30 of the USA Today preseason poll that was released recently. The Aggies will host 19th-ranked Boise State on Oct. 22, while traveling to #24 Alabama on Oct. 29, #26 Fresno State on Oct. 15 and #28 Utah on Sept. 10.

 

• In the last four years, Utah State has played eight games against teams ranked in the Associated Press top 25 at game time.

 

• Cornerback Eddie Gilmore is ineligible and will not play this season. Gilmore, a sophomore from Claremont, Calif., redshirted in 2003 and did not see any action in 2004.

 

• USU will practice once a day through Sunday (Aug. 14) before a two-a-day session on Monday (Aug. 15). USU will wear full pads for the first time on Sunday, practicing in helmets and shorts through the rest of this week.