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Logan • The sun-splashed, 60-degree, progress-conducive weather had Utah State coach Matt Wells smiling.
So did his ground game.
In perfect conditions at Maverik Stadium, the Aggies held their second scrimmage of spring practice on Friday afternoon.
Utah State's running backs, behind crisp blocking by the offensive line, dominated the 70-minute session. They combined for 134 yards on 28 carries, which was what Wells hoped he'd see.
"Our focus was trying to come in and establish the run and try and run the ball," Wells said. "We can dial up the passes when it's time. But … today was about the run game."
Sophomore Justen Hervey rushed eight times for 38 yards and one touchdown. Sophomore Tonny Lindsey carried eight times for 36 yards.
Wells credited new assistant coach Steve Farmer and his players for increased production from the run game, which was inconsistent last season.
"… Drastic improvement through this spring," Wells said. "It's been good. The offensive line has really done a nice job of wrapping their arms around Steve Farmer. I think we have really run the ball better."
Asked if any member of the offensive line caught his eye, Wells laughed.
"Never an individual on the offensive line," he said. "They are nameless [and] faceless. There's never an individual up front. There will be individual honors for the O-line only if we win enough games and play well enough. Those are the two requirements. Then those guys will get recognized. But that's kind of an anonymous group right now."
Holdover running backs Devante Mays and LaJuan Hunt played sparingly in the scrimmage. Including Hervey and Lindsey, a four-way fight for playing time might be brewing.
"It's a good battle," Wells said. "Guys are trying to earn a role and that battle will go through the summer and into training camp. But I see ways to get all four of those guys the ball."
Said Lindsey, "Off the field, we're brothers. On the field, it's a competition."
Five quarterbacks played in the scrimmage. They completed 9 of 22 passes for 121 yards overall.
Junior Kent Myers was only for 3-for-9, but he did hit sophomore tight end Dax Raymond for a 50-yard touchdown. Redshirt freshman Cade Smith was 3-for-4, including an 10-yard scoring pass to senior tight end Landon Horne
The Aggies conclude spring practice next Saturday at 2 p.m. with the annual Blue-White game.
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Storylines
• The running game highlights Utah State's second scrimmage of spring practice Friday.
• Sophomore Justen Hervey of Beaumont, Texas, carries eight times for 38 yards and a touchdown.