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Logan • With the season opener against Southern Utah only eight days away, Utah State's offensive line continues to look like one of the Aggies' strengths this season.

Four starters return, including right tackle Jake Simonich.

"We have some depth this year," he said following practice Tuesday, "and we're able to rotate guys."

Another reason for optimism?

Simonich explained: "This summer, especially the last month, we've been able to develop a communication — a trust — that the guy next you is going to get the job done. That's a great attribute to have rolling into the season."

Simonich is a 300-pound junior from Danville, Calif., who started 14 games last year. He was All-Mountain West Conference honorable mention selection.

"As an offensive line," he said, "trust means everything. … It's great to know the guy next to you is going to play his [butt] off trying and win. That's the goal we all share."

Asked about play of his offensive line, coach Matt Wells said, "It's been a good preseason, but the proof is in the pudding, a little bit. Once we get into games, can we protect the quarterback? How are we in the run game?"

Speaking of quarterbacks, Simonich smiled when talking about the return of injury-plagued senior Chuckie Keeton.

"It's a great thing," he said. "It speaks for itself — playing in front of him, block for him. It's just great to have him back."

Hunt excels at RB

Sophomore LaJuan Hunt appears to be emerging as the starter at running back.

"LaJuan has had a good camp," Wells said. "He's starting to pull away a little bit."

A sophomore from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Hunt carried 111 times for 540 yards and one touchdown last season. His rushing total was the third-best by a freshman in school history.

Others in the mix for playing time at running back include Blinn (Texas) Junior College transfer Devante Mays and redshirt freshman Justen Hervey from Beaumont, Texas.

"Devonte practiced really well at the beginning of training camp," Wells said. "But he got a little banged up. .. And Justen has made as much progress as anybody from last spring through training camp. I'm excited about him also."

Things heat up

The Aggies practiced in 95-degree heat on Tuesday afternoon. They had taken Sunday off before going through a limited workout on Monday.

"I thought today was very spirited and very physical," Wells said. "… It's exactly what I expected, but it's nice to see that it happened. There was good competition."

Injury-wise, Utah State is in "decent shape," he said. "We still have a few more [players] to get back. But I think we're decent." —

SUU at Utah State

O Sept. 3, 7 p.m.