This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Thanks to a lot of turnover and youth, the Utah State Aggies had a lot of question marks as to how some of their key positions will be filled this season.

Now, three games into the season, the Aggies are liking what they see from many of the newcomers.

Utah State coach Matt Wells mentioned corners Daniel Gray and Jalen Davis, linebacker LT Filiaga, receiver Hunter Sharp and center Austin Stephens as being among the team's pleasant surprises. The play of the corners comes as a bit of relief to the Aggies, whose only returning starter in the secondary is Brian Suite.

"I've been very pleased for the most part," Wells said of the corners. "I think they've been very consistent."

Filiaga ranks 24th in the Mountain West in tackles (6.5) and recovered two fumbles against Arkansas State, while Sharp is fifth in the conference by averaging 76.2 receiving yards a game. Sharp caught an 81-yard touchdown pass from Darell Garretson against Arkansas State that showed off his speed.

"That was all Hunter," Garretson said. "All I had to do was put air on it, and he made the play."

Stephens, meanwhile, is part of an offensive line that Wells said is improving.

"They're making strides," he said. "We just need them to make bigger strides."

Bye plans

The Aggies will take the weekend off so the coaches can go recruiting. Having a few days off hopefully will help guys like quarterback Chuckie Keeton and running back Joe Hill heal, but Wells noted the schedule gets harder from here on out. "It's a long nine weeks," he said.

Defensively speaking

The Aggies expected their defense to be strong again this season, and so far they are right. Utah State is allowing just 78.2 rushing yards a game to rank third in the Mountain West and tie for seventh nationally. USU also ranks first in the conference in total defense (334.8), second in sacks (3.25), second in passing efficiency defense (112.0) and eighth in scoring defense (25.8).

Linebackers Zach Vigil and Nick Vigil have been standouts for the defense, but Zach said the brothers weren't satisfied.

"We all have to get back in the film room and watch ourselves and see where we can do better," he said. "We can all do better." —

Up next

O Utah State at BYUOct. 3, 8:15 p.m.

TV • ESPN