This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Matt Austin, Utah State's leading receiver last season and one of the best receivers in the Western Athletic Conference, has been granted a sixth season of eligibility.
At 6-foot-3 with big hands and a physical nature, Austin was the Aggies' best deep threat last year. He repeatedly hooked up with quarterback Adam Kennedy on big plays. He caught game-winning passes against San Jose State and New Mexico State, and his return greatly enhances an offense that will emphasize the pass much more next season.
Austin missed the 2009 season with a broken foot. He was great in the 2010 season-opener against Oklahoma before disaster struck late in the first half of that game and he tore his patella tendon, missing the rest of the year because of it.
Next season, with Austin's return, the Aggies could have one of their best, deepest and most talented receiver corps in school history.
Along with Austin, Travis Van Leeuwen and Travis Reynolds both return. Add in highly touted 6-5 recruits Dwayne Lorick and Alex Wheat, and USU looks to have weapons all over the field.
— Tony Jones