November 10, 2009 | Posted by AggieNoise
I am invested in the Aggie basketball team. Not only monetarily but emotionally and socially, and as a fan that counts for a lot. If you disagree, read this article by Kyle Whelliston and let me know if you change your stance.
Investing time, money, reputation and love into something like a sports team may not be the best way to get a positive return on your investment. Yet, every season I become more invested in the Aggies and I’ve yet to be hit with a loss.
Looking back at this time last season, I remember feeling like I was going out on a limb by predicting that the Aggies would be a very good team. Many friends, family members, and associates thought I was over-hyping them, citing the loss of veterans Jaycee Carroll, Kris Clark, and Steven DuCharme in their arguments. Yet the Aggies came through for me as they always do. Not only did they play to the level I had predicted, a 25 win season, they exceeded that expectation by winning 30 games.
As a new season draws closer I feel like I’m in a new position as a fan. Last season I liked my odds of a good return but this season I wonder if the Aggies might be over-valued. That’s not to say that I think they are over-rated, please don’t get me wrong here. What I mean to say is that everyone believes the Aggies will be good again this year, and why wouldn’t they when they return the bulk of their team? Some will argue that the loss of WAC Player of the Year, Gary Wilkinson, will be hard to overcome, but the general consensus is that the Aggies will be a strong team again. Proof of this is the fact that both the coaches and the media predict that the Aggies will win the regular season title for a third straight season. Everyone is bullish on the Aggies this year and it has driven the price up.
Last season it was a big deal to win as many games as we did, and this season people expect the same or even better. The expectations for this year’s team are high, maybe too high. I feel comfortable predicting 25 wins again, but it doesn’t feel the same. It isn’t a bold prediction. There are more people this year who share that sentiment, in fact, I’ve spoken to some who have higher expectations than that. Many feel that the team is a stronger one this year, with more depth and more experience.
So when I predict that we will win 25 games this season, the initial reaction is that it’s a step in the wrong direction. However, I would consider 25 wins this year to be a more considerable accomplishment than 25 wins would’ve been last year, and on par with the 30 wins we did accumulate. In my mind 25 wins would be an incredible feat, but the band wagoners and fair weather fans wouldn’t think so. They want 30 wins again.
The difference in our predictions comes from a different opinion of our competition. The Aggies have increased the difficulty of their out of conference (OOC) schedule by cutting out the fluff. Teams like Montana State – Northern are not to be found on the schedule this season like they were last year. Also, the WAC is a maturing league. The WAC lost very few players last year to graduation which means more experienced opponents come league play. On top of that, we start the season with three tough road games before we return to the safe confines of the Spectrum.
Another reason for my apprehension in this year’s team stems from a realization that this team has reached a plateau. There is a step they’ve yet to reach, and they’ve done everything they can at the level they’re on. This next step is to win in the post season and start building national respect. It is the level every team in the country aspires to. Few teams have made it with the limited resources that the Aggies have at their disposal. Reaching that next level would be truly remarkable, and would provide a huge return on my investment as a fan.
Betting on the Aggies to reach that next level is risky business. More factors must be considered into the equation. For example, the WAC has been a 1 bid league in recent years. That means you must win the WAC tournament to get into the dance. The WAC tournament happens to be on the home court of one of the better teams in the league, Nevada.
That’s not to say that the WAC couldn’t be a two or three bid league this year or in the coming years. To earn those extra bids the WAC, as a whole, will need to perform in the OOC portion of their schedule. A stronger conference ranking will justify additional bids into the NCAA tourney. Not only that, it will improve the seed that the top team gets. Part of the Aggies getting to the next step relies on the rest of the conference to step up.
Again, I believe the WAC to be a better conference this year. It will make the road more difficult for the Aggies, but it will set them up for a better opportunity to reach that next level. If you haven’t guessed it by now, I’m still buying the Aggies. More than that, I’m investing in the entire WAC.
My bold prediction this year is that the Aggies get an at-large bid into the NCAA tournament and win in the first round. Now all that’s left to do is hold on for the ride.
Categories: Uncategorized | 
Tags: Aggie, Aggies, Basketball, NCAA, NCAA Basketball, USU, Utah State Athletics, Utah State Basketball, WAC, Western Athletic Conference | 
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November 2, 2009 | Posted by AggieNoise
Safety Gavin Jones Verbals to USU
Snow College Sophomore, Gavin Jones, is excited to join the Aggies under Andersen’s regime. One of his first tasks, changing into a much more becoming blue and white jersey. After that he’ll fit right in. Jones was quoted in the Herald Journal as saying:
“Their defensive scheme is a lot like I’ve always played in and that’s a man coverage, very aggressive defense,” said Jones, who served an LDS Church mission to Mongolia. “I want to continue playing in that kind of defense.”
At 6′ 3″ and 185 lbs, Gavin Jones is not your typical corner back, a position normally dominated by short speedsters. However, in today’s day of spread offenses and big receivers, Jones might prove to be a defensive luxury for the Aggies.
Jones, corner/safety, should provide immediate help for the Aggie’s secondary. The departures of corner back, Kejon Murphy, and safety, James Brindley, both veterans and leaders, will leave some holes to be filled for next year. Jones, team captain at Snow College, could assume a leadership role on defense.
Gavin hopes to help contribute in turning the Aggie’s into a winning football team again. He has always played on winning teams and has helped in securing wins with big plays in crunch time. For example: in the first game of the season Gavin blocked a field goal to help preserve a late game lead against the Scottsdale Artichokes.
Whether he contributes as a safety, cornerback, on special teams or a combination of the three, Aggies should be excited to see him wearing a blue and white Aggie uniform next season.
Aggie Noise:
Herald Journal: More commits for Ags: Two DBs and a quarterback and Another 2nd-half loss: Utah St. held scoreless after intermission and Bendall’s return is welcome
Desret News: Snow College’s Gavin Jones commits to USU
TrueBlueA: The Top 5 Spectrum Videos
Salt Lake Tribune: USU football: Ags have half the answer
Cache Valley Daily: Fresno State rallies past Utah State 31-27
Categories: Utah State Football | Tags: Aggie, Aggies, Gavin Jones, James Brindley, Kejon Murphy, USU, Utah State Football, WAC | No Comments »
October 31, 2009 | Posted by AggieNoise
Last night the Aggie men’s basketball team met and exceeded my expectations; tonight, the Aggie football team showed up just as I had predicted but failed to pull out the win. A busy week for Aggie sports provided a lot of excitement and entertainment for die-hard fans like me. It also provided ample new content to write about while I wait to hand out candy to nonexistent trick-or-treaters.
Football
The Aggies once again proved that they can play with anyone. The defense was very effective in limiting the damage of the nation’s leading rusher Ryan Mathews, well, for the first three quarters at least. The offense marched down the field time and again, but struggled to capitalize in the red-zone. Andersen again seems to lack confidence in the offensive line to get a push in 4th and short situations electing to use the leg of Peter Caldwell to give the Aggies better field position.
Ultimately, my opinion is the same with this team. We are well coached. We always have a good game plan. We always start off well. The team will never give up, but need to get bigger and stronger to be able to finish teams off. In order to win the offense will have to outscore the other team in the second half. For the offense to produce in the second half, Borel will need to be more effective at hitting his second, third, or fourth option in the plays. More experience will get us there. Borel is the right guy, and he shows it with a 100% effort every play. Next year will be our year.
Basketball
This year might be our year. We are deep. We have experience. We have size. We are skilled. We are athletic. These five guys surprised me last night:
Jared Quayle looked a full step faster than he did last season. He ran circles around the opposing point guard all night long. He didn’t assert himself offensively, but we all know the ability is there. His line: 9 points on 3 of 6 shooting including a pair of threes, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 0 turnovers, and 4 steals in 23 minutes of play.
Preston Medlin can score the basketball. He demonstrated a well rounded offensive attack by knocking down spot up jumpers, pull up jumpers, and a drive to the basket. The best part is his ability to find shots within the system. Preston could earn quality minutes this year. His line: 12 points on 5 of 6 shooting with a three, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 turnover in 22 minutes of play.
Tyrone White looks like a basketball player. At 6′ 6″ he is long and surprisingly athletic. He handles the ball well and can take it to the bucket. He demonstrated an ability to knock down the open three pointer, as well as the ability to defend well. He looked surprisingly mature and composed on the court last night. His line: 11 points on 3 of 6 shooting including a whopping 3 from long range, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 turnover in 21 minutes of play.
Brady Jardine is coming along well. It is rare that the most athletic player on your team is a 6′ 8″ post player but Jardine proved this to be true with a tomahawk dunk on a fast break in the first half. He goal tended a shot that was still above the box. The most impressive plays by Jardine, though, were the ones where he exhibited patience and control. His athleticism has it’s advantages at the right time, but he showed that he has been working on the fundamentals too. His line: 4 points on 2 of 4 shooting, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 turnovers, 2 blocks, 2 steals in only 13 minutes of play.
Nate Bendall is stronger than Gary Wilkinson which allows him to be better at converting around the basket. He is a strong rebounder. He can block shots. He has great hands. He can hit free-throws. He plays well within the system. Does this guy have any limitations? Well, he hasn’t shown an ability to shoot from the outside. Fortunately, Tai Wesley did last night. These two are going to enjoy playing alongside each other for the next two years. Nate’s line: 17 points on 7 of 7 shooting and 3 of 3 free-throws, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 1 steal in only 17 minutes of play.
Keep in mind that the competition will get much better in the coming weeks. I think these guys are looking forward to showing what they can do against quality opponents. For now my feeling is that we are going to have a good, very good, Utah State basketball team.
Aggie Noise
Official USU website: Aggie Men Roll To 85-51 Exhibition Win Against Northwest Nazarene and Aggies Nipped By Bulldogs, 31-27, Saturday
Cache Valley Daily: Fresno State rallies past Utah State 31-27 and USU opens season with big win over Northwest Nazarene (with photo gallery)
Herald Journal: Ags throttle NNU
Desret News: Utah State football: Aggies let another one slip away and Utah State basketball: Aggies cruise to exhibition win
Aggieville: exhibition report
Categories: Utah State Basketball, Utah State Football | Tags: Aggie, Aggies, Brady Jardine, Jared Quayle, Nate Bendall, Preston Medlin, Tai Wesley, Tyrone White, USU, Utah State, Utah State Basketball, Utah State Football | No Comments »
October 30, 2009 | Posted by AggieNoise
Coming into this game the Aggies are coming off of a big victory agianst La. Tech. at home. Both of USU’s wins this season have been in the comfortable confines of Romney Stadium. Unfortunately, tomorrows game against Fresno State isn’t in Romney, but in Fresno, California where the Aggies haven’t won since 1980.
The odds are stacked against the Aggies in this one, the last vegas line I saw favored the Bulldogs by 17, and not without good reason. The Bulldogs have been smokin’ hot with three straight wins by 20 points or more. They field the nation’s #1 rusher, Ryan Mathews, who averages 161.6 yards per game on the ground. The ‘dogs are bigger, stronger and faster than the Aggies at most positions. It’s no wonder that many have written this one down as a victory for Fresno State already.
Well, I’m not mailing it in just yet. Maybe I’m an eternal optimist or the biggest homer in the history of Utah State athletics, but I think there is hope to be found … somewhere.
Ponder this for a moment: the Bulldogs are a good team but they aren’t the best team the Aggies have faced so far this season. BYU and Utah are better teams than the Bulldogs. Nevada and Texas A&M could be considered better too. Certainly, each of the teams mentioned above provided similar challenges to the Aggies earlier in the season.
So, what’s my point? The Aggies were competitive in all of the games listed above, especially the Nevada game. Each of those games has contributed to the preparation of the USU football team for the game tomorrow. The Aggies have grown up a bit during their difficult schedule and it showed last week when we beat Louisiana Tech. Our guys were able to finish one out and have tasted victory, which is an addictive substance.
Every single game has shown an Aggie team with a well prepared game plan and a fighting, winning attitude. Tomorrow will be no different as our coaches attempt to exploit their weaknesses and create mismatches. Coaching and execution will keep the Aggies in the game and Fresno State has been unable to put away the close ones this year.
If the Aggies can keep it close and the ‘dogs shoot themselves in the foot, the Aggies can pull out a victory on Holloween.
Aggie Noise:
Herald Journal: Game film has changed big time and Aggies set to begin season
Salt Lake Tribune: USU football: Hamstring injury fells senior safety
Deseret News: Utah State football: Curse of the Aggies
The Statesman: Ags preparing for No. 1 rusher
Aggieville: Alex Hart thoughts
Vandal Nation: WAC preview: #2 Utah State a fearsome threat, as always
Categories: Utah State Football | Tags: | No Comments »
October 29, 2009 | Posted by AggieNoise
Walter McClenton - Safety (Soph)
Walter McClenton was recently awarded the America First Credit Union Utah State Student-Athlete of the Week for the week of Oct. 19-25 for his stellar performance filling in for injured senior James Brindley. This may have been the first of many accolades the rising star earns during his USU career.
James Brindley has been a stalwart safety and a team leader all season. His injury left many people wondering how we were going to be able to fill the void. Before that, forward looking fans wondered how we were going to replace the graduating safety next year. Enter Walter McClenton. Not only did he fill the void Saturday, he matched Brindley’s season high with 14 tackles. He also recorded a sack and forced a fumble. Not bad for a sophomore who only saw limited action in just two games last season.
McClenton was a four year starter at his Arlington, Texas high school. He red-shirted in 2007 after a season ending injury, and played a small back-up roll last season. Saturday’s game, against Fresno State, may see his number called again depending on Brindley’s health. It goes without saying that the Aggie defense is searching for bright spots after injuries to several key players. If not this Saturday, the 2010 season will provide a great opportunity for McClenton to consistently wreak havoc on opposing offenses, and us forward looking fans can rest a little easier.
Aggie Noise:
USU Official Site: Walter McClenton Collects America First Credit Union Utah State Student-Athlete Of The Week Accolades
Cache Valley Daily: Scrimmage signals start of season and Jaycee Carroll, Gary Wilkinson update
Herald Journal: Fans get first look and Murphy battling back from concussion
Salt Lake Tribune: USU football: Preparation, persistence pays for kicker
Deseret News: Utah State basketball: Wesley leads all scorers in Aggies’ scrimmage and ‘Dogs won’t take Utah State Aggies lightly
The Statesman: COLUMN: Section F, a different point of view
Categories: Utah State Football | Tags: | No Comments »
October 28, 2009 | Posted by AggieNoise
The annual blue and white scrimmage tonight kicks off a loaded week of athletic events for USU. The scrimmage is always a tasty treat to wet the basketball pallet and is certainly a family friendly event. Best of all is the first chance to see what our new players can do, and according to Coach Morrill we will see some new guys this season.
“We’re hoping our new guys can step up and be an integral part with Pooh hurt,” Morrill said. “Pooh is going to miss some games, so we will look to play some freshmen and new guys. That’s just the way it is.”
The scrimmage begins at 7 o’clock but the doors open at 6:30. In the past it has paid off to show up early to see the players display their athleticism by throwing down acrobatic dunks.
Friday night brings the first exhibition game of the season as the Aggies host Northwest Nazarene. The game starts at 7 o’clock and will provide trick-or-treating for kids who wear a costume.
The exhibition games give the new guys a chance to show what they can do in a real game situation. It may give us a better idea of who Coach Morrill will be using in Pooh’s absence to start the season.
Saturday, the Aggies travel to Fresno, California to face the Bulldogs of Fresno State. This game is going to be a real challenge for the Aggies. The Bulldogs have size, depth, and strength; those are three things that the Aggies are lacking.
Ryan Matthews leads the Nation in rushing yards this season. His three touchdown performance against Boise State proved just how talented he is. The Aggies are going to have to swarm him to keep this game close.
I’ll go more into depth on this match-up later in the week.
Aggie Noise:
Herald Journal: Aggies host annual scrimmage tonight and USU needs to play better in 4th
Deseret News: Utah State basketball: Aggies plan annual scrimmage tonight and Utah State football: USU’s Borel has progressed at QB and Utah State football: Ags land 2 more commitments
Aggeiville: two new commits
Categories: Utah State Basketball, Utah State Football | Tags: | No Comments »
October 26, 2009 | Posted by AggieNoise
Projected Starters
Jared Quayle:
As the lone senior, Jared Quayle leads this team from the point guard position. A natural scorer, Quayle also has a knack for the ball which allows him to be one of the better rebounding guards in the WAC. Last year was Jared’s first season at point guard and showed discomfort handling the ball against a good press, although he did an adequate job. Expect a stellar senior year from this top 3 WAC point guard.
Tyler Newbold:
Newbold enters his third season as a starter. The sharp shooter plays as hard as anyone and smarter than everyone. Tyler is a lock to be toward the top of the list nationally in assist to turnover ratio. Tyler is a good perimeter defender who may have to spend more time at the 3 this year due to injuries. Newbold has yet to show an ability to create his own shot on a regular basis even when he is constantly asked to take more shots. He will fill the stat sheet again this year.
Tai Wesley:
Also entering his third season as a starter, Wesley is expected to break out this season. What he lacks in height he makes up for in strength, savvy, and touch. Tai is the fire on this team. Last season he showed the ability to control his temper and stay out of foul trouble. This season he will be asked to take on more of a scorers role down low. Tai has a great understanding of the game and is an exceptional passer from the block. Watch out for Tai Wesley.
Nate Bendall:
Filling the shoes of Gary Wilkinson is a tall order, but Bendall may be up to the challenge. He is a different kind of player than Wilkinson was, he is much more comfortable on the block and plays a more physical game. He has great touch around the basket and moves laterally better than Gary. He played for USU as a freshman and gained valuable experience last year at Salt Lake Community College. Bendall should step in and produce right away.
Brian Green:
Expected to replace Pooh Williams on the wing for the first month of the season, Brian Green has many singing his praises early. Coach Stew Morrill loves his competitive nature and his sweet shot. Green, while shorter than Williams, is also expected to be a strong perimeter defender. If he can put up good numbers on offense Pooh Williams will have to fight to get his starting minutes back.
Expected to Contribute
Pooh Williams:
A stress fracture, and the surgical procedure to fix it, will keep Williams sidelined for the first month of the season. After that he will battle Brian Green for minutes at the wing. Williams is the team’s most athletic perimeter player and focuses that athleticism on the defensive side of the ball. Pooh has shown that he is a capable scorer but isn’t a go to guy just yet.
Matt Formisano:
Matt surprised a lot of people last year with his strong play off the bench. He will be ready to fill in for Wesley or Bendall and provide sound play. He has shown the ability to stroke it out to about 18′ and has nice touch around the basket. He understands the system well and will help keep the momentum rolling off the bench.
Brady Jardine:
The best jumper on the team and most hyper to boot, Brady Jardine was given an unfair shake last season. He was thrown, unexpectedly, into the fire last season just months back from a two year mission. While a red-shirt season would’ve been best for him individually, he was able to enjoy being a part of an historic season last year. Jardine could be a big time energy guy off of the bench this season. He has a WOW factor that can provide instant momentum for a team. If things really start clicking for him, Brady could battle for significant minutes in the post.
Jaxon Myaer:
As a redshirt sophomore, Myaer is entering his third season with the Aggies. He has shown flashes of brilliance in his short career, and is expected to spell Jared Quayle at the point. He handles the ball well and can shoot the three ball. His competitiveness makes up for his lack of size. If he can improve his decision making on the court he will provide solid depth at the point guard spot.
Up in the Air
Modou Niang:
Modou has the body and athleticism to be a great college basketball player. He injured his hand last season forcing him to use a medical red-shirt and further slowing his progression as a player. He is possibly the biggest question mark on the team. Unless he has improved the speed at which he makes moves in the post, he will only play spot minutes.
Preston Medlin:
A high school recruit from Texas, Medlin would probably be best suited to red-shirt this season. However, the loss of Pooh Williams to start the season may require Stew Morrill to call on him to spell the other wing players. Medlin is a shooter with a knack for getting open shots. He has good length for a wing player but could use a red-shirt to gain some bulk and learn the system.
Tyrone White:
Tyrone is the other young wing Morrill may use to add depth in the absence of Pooh Williams. He is a year removed from high school having played at a prep school associated with the Air Force Academy. His extra year of experience could give him the nod over Medlin, but White could also use some bulk and experience learning the system. Tyrone is a better athlete than Medlin and a hair taller, but he isn’t as pure a shooter as Medlin. He might be best fit to fill a defensive role.
Anthony DiLoreto:
Standing more than 7′ tall, DiLoreto has already created a buzz. His story is incomplete without mentioning his conviction of bank robbery, fortunately judgement has been passed and we can move on to talking about his future as an Aggie. It would be ideal for Anthony to red-shirt and bulk up before attempting to bang with the big boys, but it may be possible that he helps fill the void left by Gary Wilkinson.
Practice Squad
Morgan Grim:
A transfer from the University of Utah, Morgan is a skilled low post player. He has good height and a nice shooting touch. The knock on him is that he plays soft. A red-shirt year banging with Tai Wesley and Nate Bendall will do him some good.
Preston Eaton:
A scorer in high school who just returned from a mission, Preston Eaton is a preferred walkon at USU. A redshirt for experience and a lot of hard work to prove himself will determine his fate. If his scoring ability from high school can be replicated at the next level, he could be a great pick up.
E.J. Farris:
A walk on transfer from College of the Sequoias in California, Farris will likely redshirt this year. He is a promising point guard with four years to play three, and has experience above the high school level.
Chandler Smith:
A walk-on wing player who will likely redshirt. I’ve yet to find much information on him other than he is pictured on the USU Men’s Basketball Poster.
Aggie Noise:
Official Site: Aggie Men Host Northwest Nazarene Friday In First Exhibition Game Of The 2009-10 Season and Utah State Opens Two-Game Road Swing Saturday At Fresno State
Aggieville: Lessons learned
Cache Valley Daily: Aggies get first WAC win, take out La. Tech and Craig Petersen’s Photo Gallery: USU 23, La Tech 21
Deseret News: Extreme Makeover, Spectrum Edition and Utah State football: Aggies build lead, hold on to post WAC victory and Utah State basketball: What will Stew do without Pooh?
Tyler’s Blog: The Season Has Begun
Salt Lake Tribune: USU football: Aggies ‘grows up’ in win over ‘Dogs
Herald Journal: Turbin effective vs. Tech: Aggies’ pass rush saw improvement and Offense aplenty in closed scrimmage
Categories: Utah State Basketball | Tags: Aggie, Aggies, Anthony DiLoreto, Brady Jardine, Brian Green, Chandler Smith, E.J. Farris, Jared Quayle, Jaxon Myaer, Matt Formisano, Modou Niang, Morgan Grim, Nate Bendall, NCAA Basketball, Pooh Williams, Preston Eaton, Preston Medlin, Stew Morrill, Tai Wesley, Tyler Newbold, Tyrone White, USU, Utah State Basketball, WAC Basketball | No Comments »
October 23, 2009 | Posted by AggieNoise
Louisiana Tech did to New Mexico State what I was expecting USU to do to them, trounce them 45-7. Maybe Utah State would’ve been able to do that had they been playing at home like La. Tech was, but there is no excuse for the Aggies lack of performance against NMSU. It’s about the next game, and that game is against the Bulldogs of Louisiana Tech.
Fortunately, we get to face them at home. There is significance in that. Our lone victory this season was at home and La. Tech has yet to win a game on the road this year. We have the support of the fans at home, which can give a team the extra push they need.
USU needs to reclaim their home field advantage before trying to take the next step of being successful on the road. Beating the Bulldogs would be a big win for the Aggies. It is a win that could provide the confidence needed for the Aggies to make a run to end the season. The best part is, the game is winnable.
If you can see past the win/loss column you would find an Aggie team that has fought hard against every team they’ve played this year. More than that, they’ve looked like they belong on the field with every team they’ve played so far. The Aggies have always been in the game late with a chance to win. One of these weeks it’s got to happen; somethings gotta give. When it does, the Aggies will start stringing together wins.
Aggie Noise:
True Blue A: La Tech vs. USU Prediction: EA Sports Style
Cache Valley Daily blog: Offsides call ‘under review’
Aggieville: Andersen’s pledge
Categories: Utah State Football | Tags: Aggie, Aggies, Nevada, NMSU, USU, USU vs La Tech, Utah State Football | 1 Comment »
October 22, 2009 | Posted by AggieNoise
I am intrigued. The blog is well constructed with a fancy picture and nice color scheme. And there’s the basketball roster down the side with all the players mentioned, except new walk-on E. J. Farris. The lone post is written as if it were a journal entry and hardly resembles a news style article at all.
What is most interesting is that the article is credited to Tyler Newbold. It’s unclear if it is a quote of his or if it was he that actually posted. A second look at the picture used as the blogs header shows Tyler Newbold shooting free throws, he is in color, as are the ball and hoop, with everything and everyone else various shades of gray.
It is fantastic news whether Newbold is the publisher or not. I eagerly await a second post.
Visit the unofficial blog devoted to Utah State Aggie Basketball.
Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: Aggie, Aggie Blog, Aggies, Basketball, Tyler Newbold, USU, Utah State, Utah State Basketball | No Comments »
October 21, 2009 | Posted by AggieNoise
Gary Andersen follows up two aggravating losses with the kind of news that reminds us all why it is a great time to be an Aggie fan. Two impressive high school football recruits have verbally committed to Utah State University and Gary Andersen.
Jordan High School QB Alex Hart was offered by Coach Andersen on Monday and accepted the same day. Here’s what he had to say:
“I got offered today around like 2:30 (p.m.) and I called them around 7 o’clock tonight and told them,” said Hart, a senior who has helped guide the Beetdiggers to a 5-4 mark this season. “… That was my first choice from the start.”
Hart set a school record last weekend by throwing 8 touchdown passes in a single game. Even more impressive, he did that in the first half and sat out the rest of the game. Hart also leads the nation in passing yards with 3,399 yards on the season so far. You can read more about him in this Herald Journal article.
Jason Fanaika, an athletic tight end and defensive end, is the other verbal Andersen received this week. At 6-4 and 240 lbs Fanaika is a big boy. He has been impressive on both the offensive side of the ball (5 touchdown catches) and the defensive side (4 sacks). Currently the Aggies need to improve both positions and it hasn’t been said which he will play at the next level.
In basketball news, USU has a stranger on their roster. Let me introduce walk-on point guard E.J. Farris. Farris joins USU after a strong performance as a freshman at College of the Sequoias in California. There has been little press about his joining our team but I think it is important that we give him, as well as the other newcomers, a warm welcome to the Spectrum during the opening scrimmage against Northwest Nazarine on October 30th.
Aggie Noise:
Cache Valley Daily: USU finishes first in both WAC men’s basketball preseason picks Also, take a look at these pictures from the Nevada football game
Deseret News: Utah St. football: Gets commitment from Pleasant Grove tight end and Utah St. basketball: Aggies again in top poll position
Aggieville: I really enjoy the updates from Tony Jones
Herald Journal: Jordan QB Hart commits to Ags and Ag men picked to repeat as WAC champions also Aggies get one more commit
The Refraction Blog: Our Preseason WAC All-Conference Picks
Parsing The WAC: The play of Tai Wesley examined
Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: Aggie, Aggies, Alex Hart, Basketball, E.J. Farris, Football, Gary Andersen, Jason Fanaika, recruiting, USU, Utah State Basketball, Utah State Football | No Comments »
