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Logan • One of the frequent comments made at the recent Mountain West media event in Las Vegas was that Utah State quarterback Chuckie Keeton had set a record by representing the Aggies three years in a row, thanks to his prolonged career.
But while he might be recognized as one of the league's more senior players, Keeton is feeling anything like an elder.
Keeton was given an extra year of eligibility by the NCAA because he has played in just nine games in the past two seasons due to lingering knee issues. However, he insists he is better than ever now.
"I feel better than I ever have since I've been here," he said. "I've told the coaches I feel like I have finally grown into my body. Since I got here I was about the same size, but this year I am about 210 instead of 202. I can finally fill out my jeans."
Keaton knows he faces plenty of skeptics, especially since he proclaimed himself to be in similar health last year.
However, it was obvious from the start of the season that he wasn't the same, limping through the final minutes of the Aggies' opening loss at Tennessee. Two games later he was out for the season.
This season is different, though, because Keeton was able to go through spring practice, unlike the spring following his initial knee injury in 2013.
"We put in a lot of work in the spring and summer and that helped me a ton," he said. "I know I have to prove myself, but I want to show I am here for the long haul."
Utah State coach Matt Wells said he isn't concerned that Keeton can't make it through the season.
"We're just going to go out there and let him be Chuckie," he said. "He is a very dynamic young man when he has the ball in his hands. He is a smarter quarterback now and he knows when to slide and step out of bounds, but you still have to let him be Chuckie."
All those dynamic, unplanned plays Keeton became so well known for led to a big media blitz last season. The quarterback was the focus of a well-orchestrated Heisman campaign by Utah State that included a website, notebooks with Keeton's image on them and so forth.
This year, the buzz around Keeton is decidedly more low key. Instead of focusing on Keeton, USU's marketing campaign this season is more general, imploring fans to "See it Live," which alludes more to getting the fans inside the stadium than pumping up a single individual.
Keeton, who joked he enjoyed passing out the notebooks with his image on them to his teammates last year, said the low-key approach suits him. As a senior who wasn't sure he'd get another year, Keeton has focused on what he does on the field rather than any promotional campaign.
"In general I like being the underdog," he said. "I like the idea of having to work my way up the ladder. It will make me push myself and the rest of my teammates that much harder. If anything it's all going to serve as more motivation."
Still, it's worth noting that Keeton was recently named the conference's third-best offensive player behind Colorado State receiver Rashard Higgins and San Diego State running back Donnel Pumphrey. He remains a brand name in the Mountain West.
Wells said he has noticed a change in Keeton. Always known as a team leader, the quarterback has taken his focus to a whole new level.
"Sometimes guys don't know what they have until it's taken away, and I think he faced that," Wells said. "What he has gone through makes you appreciate everything a little more than you might have."
If Keeton can last the year, he stands to leave Logan as the Aggies' winningest quarterbacks.
With 19 wins, Keeton is just a few short of surpassing Tony Adams (22 wins, 1970-72). He already holds several school records, such as touchdown passes for a season (27, 2012), Passing yards (3,373, 2012), total offensive yards (3,992, 2012) and completion percentage (.676, 2012) among others.
Not surprisingly, Keeton said he is more worried about chasing wins than records. Leading the Aggies to a Mountain West title was the motivation for his offseason workouts, he said.
Extra time in the weight room and more time on the field with his teammates has left him feeling strong physically and mentally.
"I want to show I have the durability," he said. "I can't look too far ahead, you can only control things one day at a time, but I want to go out with my best season."
Camp update:
• The Aggies' third day of camp saw the team's first notable injury as receiver Devonte Robinson, listed as possible co-starter along with Hunter Sharp, injured his left knee and left practice early. Coach Matt Wells said he didn't know the extent of Robinson's injury but thought he would be OK. However, the injury was notable given that Sharp, along with offensive lineman Tyshon Mosley and cornerback Bryant Hayes, has been suspended for the first two games for violating team rules. Wells declined to comment on the suspensions.
Up next • The Aggies will practice in shoulder pads again on Tuesday before going to full pads on Wednesday. —
Record watch
Chuckie Keaton ranks among the top 10 in school history in several categories, including these:
• First all-time with a career completion percentage of 65.4 (568-869).
• First all-time with an INT percentage of 0.02 with just 17 interceptions in 869 pass attempts.
• Second all-time with 58 career touchdown passes; Jose Fuentes holds the school record with 60 (1999-2002).
• Only quarterback in school history to have five touchdown passes in three games (Air Force 9/7/93), Weber State (9/14/13), Wyoming (10/8/11).
• Third all-time with 6,387 passing yards. Jose Fuentes holds the record with 9,168 yards.