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Logan • With two of their playmakers hobbled by injuries, Utah State's offense needs to have some other playmakers emerge.

Running back Rashad Hall believes he could be that guy.

Hall, a 6-foot-1, 200-pound junior running back, says he is ready to emerge as the Aggies' next threat.

"We know our offense has been slow and we have to pick it up," he said. "We are still working on our identity and who our go-to guys are, but every position can pick it up too."

Hall could be getting more looks because running back Joe Hill is slowed by an ankle injury. Receiver JoJo Natson is evolving into one of the team's best weapons because he can get around the corners so fast, but the Aggies still need a bigger back who can make some headway in the middle of the field.

Hall could be that guy. So far he has rushed 33 times for 141 yards this year.

While excited to get more chances, Hall is just happy to be a part of the Aggies' team.

He rushed for 1,402 yards and 16 touchdowns at Contra Costa College in San Pablo, Calif., in 2012.

Despite his strong showing at the JC level, Hall worried he wouldn't get a chance to play for a major college program until USU assistant coach Kendrick Shaver saw him and offered him a chance to play for the Aggies.

It was an unfamiliar position for Hall to be in since he was ranked the 67th best running back in the country by ESPN as a high school senior. He originally committed to go to Colorado, but went the JC route instead after failing to qualify academically.

Hall may have been forgotten while he was in the JC ranks, but he hopes he can make teams remember who he is — starting with Friday's contest at BYU.

"I still have a huge chip on my shoulder," Hall said. "I want to prove to my coaches and everyone what I can do."

Hall redshirted last year, but didn't just sit around waiting for his turn. Working with other backs such as Joey DeMartino and Hill helped his game.

"I want to be the big, aggressive back that one guy isn't going to be able to take down," he said. "I've got the power so I want to go in and be the guy who finishes things up."

The Aggies need that kind of back. Utah State's offense has had plenty of chances in recent outings to put games away but have struggled to finish off drives.

Crucial penalties, turnovers and a simple inability to convert prime scoring chances have hurt the Aggies. They know they need a much better showing against the Cougars and Wells is challenging the running backs to step up.

"They need to continue to be consistent," he said. "They need to run the ball through arm tackles, that's what great running backs do. You're not going to get blocked up front every time, it's not going to be perfect. Elite backs run through those tackles and that's what we want for them."

If he gets his name called to do the job, Hall says he is ready.

"Hopefully we can help the offense by running well and opening up the passing lanes," he said. "We don't want them to be able to key on just one guy." —

USU's running game

BYU's defense is giving up just 88.5 rushing yards per game. Here is a look at how the Aggies have performed in the run game this season as a team.

at Tennessee • 24 carries, 100 yds., 0 TDs

vs. Idaho St. • 45 carries, 311 yds., 3 TDs

vs. Wake Forest • 35 carries, 60 yds., 0 TDs

vs. Arkansas St. • 37 carries, 145 yds., 0 TDs —

Utah State at No. 18 BYU

P Friday, 8:15 p.m.

TV • ESPN