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Logan • A glance at Utah State's roster shows the Aggies are taking several veteran, proven players into fall camp.

But wise USU fans will quickly look past the probable starters and focus on the second- and third-string teams.

After two seasons of devastating injuries, fans are aware that the depth of the Aggies has as much, if not more, to do with the team's success than the would-be starters do.

The Aggies' injury issues have been well-documented with the carousel at quarterback, and the injuries at linebacker turned the most experienced unit to one of the most inexperienced on the field.

The injuries have provided USU coach Matt Wells with plenty of inspiration for the team as it heads into fall camp Friday.

"The last two years have proven that old adage 'You are one or two plays away from being in the game' is true," he said. "But we've shown that we had the guys in the right position, and they trained and prepared well to help us. That is what we need again this year."

The quarterback position seems anchored around Chuckie Keeton, who played in three games last year before reinjuring his knee.

Unlike his rehab after the initial injury in 2013, Keeton participated in spring ball and is expected to be closer to his old form than he was a year ago, when live action took a toll on his knee.

"He's good," Wells said. "He has done a great job of leading this team, and we expect him to keep doing that."

Finding his backup will be part of the goal for camp. Darell Garretson was the logical choice, but he transfered to Oregon State in the offseason, leaving Kent Myers, DJ Nelson and Damian Hobbs as the backups.

Myers has the inside track after going 5-1 last year, but Wells said all the backups will get their chance.

"It's hard because Chuckie is going to have to get his reps, so reps are going to have to be earned," Wells said. "But reps have to be earned, and they can be hard to come by."

Defensively, the Aggies bring back Alex Huerta and Kyler Fackrell, players who should have big roles for the Aggies as they recover from their injuries.

The secondary is solid as well, although Wells is stressing the need to build depth.

"We have to build the chemistry and culture that we have had here," Wells said. "That is what is important." —

Camp schedule

Friday • 2:15-4:15 p.m.

Saturday • 9:15-11:15 a.m.

Monday • 9:15-11:15 a.m.

Tuesday • 9:15-11:15 a.m.

Wednesday • 9:15-11:15 a.m.

Thursday • 3:30-4:15 p.m.

Friday • 9:05-11:10 a.m. —

Aggie notables

Key veterans • Linebacker Nick Vigil, a first-team all-Mountain West honoree, is back — as is senior receiver Hunter Sharp. The Ags bring back five players on offense and three on D.

Who might be missing • Defender Travis Seefeldt is recovering from injuries from a car crash while linebacker LT Filiaga is recovering from an Achilles tendon injury.