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Logan • Utah State quarterback Chuckie Keeton's eyes light up when discusses receiver Brandon Swindall.

"I'm glad he is back," Keeton said.

That might be an understatement because the duo of Keeton and Swindall might be one of the most dangerous combinations in the Mountain West this season.

While Keeton is recognized as one of the league's top quarterbacks, Swindall, a 6-foot-4, 205-pound senior from Oklahoma City, is out to prove he should be one of the most feared targets in the league.

Swindall had hoped to accomplish the goal last year, but his season was cut short when he tore his Achilles tendon in the second game of the season.

Like Keeton, Swindall spent the rest of the season in the training room, aiming to get back to 100 percent for his final campaign. A few weeks from the opener, Swindall says he is ready.

"I feel like I am in good football shape," he said. "I spent the summer working with the guys, getting the conditioning in and running routes. We did a lot of reps, and it feels good to practice with them again. We are amped."

The Aggies are excited about having him back, too, especially with Hunter Sharp suspended for the first two games and Devonte Robinson suffering a knee injury that could set him back.

Utah State needs a dynamic receiver to replace JoJo Natson's big-play capability, and Swindall looks like the best candidate.

"He is a good player, not just as a receiver, but helping in the run game, too," Utah State coach Matt Wells said. "He is a great blocker, so he can help us out in a lot of ways."

Normally injuries to the Achilles tendon take a long time to heal, but Swindall improved his speed during rehabilitation.

"I try to look at it as a blessing," he said of the rehab. "You have to think that everything happens for a reason. For me, when you have something taken from you, you realize how much you love it. I came in every day and didn't miss a day of physical therapy or workouts, and I feel better than I ever have in my college career."

Swindall also spent plenty of time studying the offensive tweaks new offensive coordinator Josh Heupel brought, namely an up-tempo game. The Aggies were hoping for a similar style last year, they gave up on it because of quarterback injuries.

This year, if Keeton can stay healthy, Swindall believes the offense will be hard to stop.

"I feel like our goal should be to be the highest-scoring team in the nation," he said. "The tempo should help us tremendously in reaching that goal. The sky is the limit with this team. We have so many weapons." —

Wide-receiver rundown

Brandon Swindall should be in for a big season, but the Aggies have some other talented receivers. Here is a look at some of the USU receivers to watch this season

The veterans

Hunter Sharp • Suspended for the first two games, Sharp had a strong camp and should be even better than he was last year, when he had 66 catches for 939 yards.

Devonte Robinson • Listed as a starter, the senior is sidelined with a knee injury that could jeopardize his playing time early in the season.

The ones to watch

Ethan Cortazzo • A transfer from Mesa Community College, the 6-foot-1 junior stuck out with several nice plays in camp.

Zach Van Leeuwen • Redshirt freshman will get plenty of looks with Robinson injured and Sharp sidelined for the first two games.

Braelon Roberts • After redshirting in 2013 and playing in five games in 2014, the 6-foot-3 sophomore could be in for a breakout year.