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Logan • Spring might be a time for newcomers to make their best impressions, but during the Utah State Aggies' scrimmage on Friday, it was two veterans who stood out.

Quarterback Chuckie Keeton and receiver Hunter Sharp hooked up on passing plays of 68 yards and 42 yards to provide some of the day's better highlights.

The first connection set up a 5-yard touchdown run by Tonny Lindsey while the second went for a touchdown.

"Usually he tells me before a play and gives me a look, and he gave me a couple looks today," Sharp said. "He put it up there, and I just went up and got it. It was a good confidence booster for spring ball. I can't wait for the future."

Neither can Keeton, who is participating in this spring practice in an unlimited capacity, unlike the Aggies' previous spring session, when he was still hindered by his first knee injury. His rehab has gone well, and he certainly hasn't lost his touch with the ball or as a leader.

"We had a couple busted plays earlier, and I had to get on his behind," Keeton said of Sharp. "But we got back on the same page and things started to click, and the offensive line gave me enough time when I needed it. We were able to take advantage of it."

Utah State coach Matt Wells was pleased with the effort overall, right down to the kickers, which was a problematic area for the Aggies last season.

"I know you guys don't believe me, but that is a big deal," he said. "I feel better because we made some field goals. It was nice to see the ball go through the uprights today."

Quarterbacks Damion Hobbs and DJ Nelson got their share of snaps on Friday, too, with Darell Garretson missing the scrimmage to take care of some "personal matters," according to Wells.

"There was some good give and take, and we ran the ball well on the perimeter, but we have to work on running between the tackles," Wells said. "There was some sloppy play on the offense from the 2s and 3s, but that is understandable."

The Aggies started well on the other side of the ball, with senior nose guard David Moala leading the way, but Wells noted the defense got tired in the end.

That wasn't a good enough excuse for free safety Devin Centers, who said he wasn't pleased. No doubt watching Keeton celebrate by dancing down the field after his last touchdown didn't help matters.

"The best part of this is the first scrimmage is a starting point for us," he said. "We definitely know where we have to get better at. Losing Brian (Suite), Frankie (Sutera) and Zach (Vigil) leaves a lot of spaces to fill, and we have to step up. You never want to give up explosive plays. Giving up even one is one too many."

Twitter: @lyawodraska —

Aggie highlights

R Veterans make waves, with quarterback Chuckie Keeton and receiver Hunter Sharp hooking up on 68- and 42-yard passes — the latter for a touchdown.

• Running back Tonny Lindsey nabs a 5-yard touchdown.

• Kickers show improvement from dismal 2014 campaign.