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Logan • Chuckie Keeton always has a story to tell.

One of the pleasures of interviewing Utah State's senior quarterback involves how he takes the conversation to another level, beyond merely answering questions. The subject of the Aggies' missing two of their top receivers led him into the story of how he used Odell Beckham to inspire his other receivers.

USU coach Matt Wells this summer has dismissed JoJo Natson from the team and suspended Hunter Sharp (along with two other players) for the first two games of 2015, vs. Southern Utah and Utah. The Aggies also have lost defensive tackle Travis Seefeldt for the season, due to injuries sustained in an auto accident.

"I'm excited to work with whatever Aggie team steps out on the field," Keeton said.

In talks with his own receivers, Keeton has cited the legendary, one-handed catch made by Beckham of the New York Giants last season. "You just never give up on the circumstance," he said.

Keeton's comments came after Tuesday's two practice sessions, in which Sharp was among the offense's stars. In addition to Sharp, USU will be missing offensive lineman Tyshon Mosley and defensive back Bryant Hayes for two games, due to violations of team rules.

The Beckham example reflects "just the mind-set we have to have going into the season," Keeton said, "at least the first couple games until we get back, hopefully, to full strength."

USU's third game is Sept. 19 at Washington. After an open date, the Aggies launch Mountain West play Oct. 3 vs. Colorado State.

Amid injuries to Keeton and other key players and various personnel issues of the past two seasons, the Aggies have learned to adjust. They're used to it by now, having overcome those troubles to go 19-9 under Wells. "Stuff like that's going to happen," said linebacker Nick Vigil. "Not everyone's perfect and people are going to make mistakes and people are going to get kicked off and people are going to get injured."

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