Big plays made during second USU scrimmage

LOGAN – After letting the offense score four times early in Friday afternoon’s scrimmage, the Utah State defense was able to turn things around and pick up points of its own.

Quarterback Kent Myers scored on his first two tries. The first was a 70-yard touchdown pass to Ron’quavion Tarver; the next was a 12-yard pass to Jordan Nathan in the back of the end zone. Jordan Love also scored on his first time out. He capitalized on the good field position following a long pass to Zach Van Leeuwen with a handoff to LaJuan Hunt for the score.

Myers threw for four touchdowns during the scrimmage, including a 23-yard strike by Jaren Colston-Green. Myers said he wants to throw the ball downfield more this year, and thinks he has the receivers to do it.

“We have some athletes out there that are really making plays,” he said. “I’m just giving them a chance to get the ball, and they’re doing a phenomenal job.”

Quarterback DJ Nelson started his first drive on the 50 and led the team to the 35. Dominik Eberle’s 52-yard field goal attempt was good, but the defense fought back and forced two safeties on the next two drives. Each started at the offense’s own 1-yard line.

Linebacker Alex Huerta said he didn’t think the defense started with the right mindset, but was happy with how the guys responded and picked up the safeties.

“We got together in that huddle and said ‘We need to stop these guys,” he said. “We went out there and executed that play.”

Head coach Matt Wells said he liked the back-and-forth battle.

“I thought the offense completely dominated early in the scrimmage, ran the ball well and made some throws and catches,” he said. “The defense won both the backup drills and had two safeties … and the defense won both two-minute drills.”

Tarver ended up with two catches for 82 yards. Both were touchdowns.

“He’s had a good spring,” Wells said. “He’s a big target. I’d like throwing to him. His catch radius is huge.”

Former quarterback and current tight end Damion Hobbs turned heads early on with a 30-yard grab from Myers. Wells said Hobbs’ attitude has been “tremendous.”

“With Dax (Raymond) limited this spring it has given Damion (Hobbs) a lot of good opportunities, especially with the No. 1 offense,” he said. “He’s done a nice job, he continued to improve.”

Wells said he is feeling good about his team, but is still waiting for some inside linebackers to “step up.” Huerta isn’t concerned. He thinks his group will.

“I think that we’re really underdeveloped right now,” he said. “We’re kind of a young unit, but we’ve got some ballers in there and I’m not worried about it.”

Rayshad Lewis made a switch from wide receiver to defensive back during practices this week. He said it may not be permanent, but he and Wells want to see how it goes. He went head-to-head with Tarver for much of the scrimmage.

“When I was a receiver, me and him we’re a duo,” he said. “When I switched to DB, it was a competition. Me and him love to compete.”

USU will have three more practices next week to finish spring camp, including the Blue vs White Scrimmage next Saturday at 2 p.m.

Free News Delivery by Email

Would you like to have the day's news stories delivered right to your inbox every evening? Enter your email below to start!

Posted in USU