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Logan • Utah State senior offensive lineman Jake Simonich has always played tackle.
But that's about to change.
When the Aggies open their season Thursday night against Weber State at Maverik Stadium, Simonich is scheduled to start at right guard.
According to Simonich, he was a little surprised when assistant coach Steve Farmer approached him about the possibility of shifting from tackle.
"I was like, 'Whatever we've got to do to get our team right,'" Simonich said. "... At first, I was a little bummed. I dedicated four years here basically trying to master the right tackle position the best I possibly could. It was kind of a curveball at first. But the last few weeks I feel I've gotten strong with it."
Simonich has played in more games (41) and made more starts (28) than anyone on Utah State's roster.
Playing guard instead of tackle, he said, "… is more physical, for sure. But the biggest change is the angles you take. It's amazing how moving one spot makes such a difference in how you see the game."
Simonich will likely play some right tackle during the season, which will add versatility to the Aggie offensive line.
It might also help the 305-pounder from Danville, Calif., when he tries to make the jump to professional football next year.
"I've given that some thought," Simonich said, "and that's what coach Farmer said, too. But that's not the main reason we're doing this. This is just where we are from a personnel standpoint."
Uasike awarded a scholarship
Coach Matt Wells announced Monday that senior linebacker Leki Uasike from Hurst, Texas, has been awarded a scholarship. He's listed as a starter against Weber State.
"We have a lot of success stories like that here at Utah State," Wells said. "… He's a guy who has stayed around and stood the test of time. He earned himself some playing time and I'm proud of him."
Wells hopes to redshirt freshman quarterback
Junior quarterback Kent Myers will start against Weber State, with junior Damion Hobbs and sophomore DJ Nelson listed behind him on the depth chart.
What about highly regarded freshman Jordan Love, who is from Bakersfield, Calif.?
"Kent's our starter," Wells said. "... My ideal situation is the starter plays well and stays healthy and we get to redshirt Jordan Love."
There's a new name at wide receiver
At wide receiver, freshman Rayshad Lewis has moved onto the two-deep and will likely play against Weber State.
"He's been in here since the first week of June," Wells said. "He'll play that slot. He's been good with the ball in his hands. He's had limited missed assignments [and] really done a nice job. He has some playmaking abilities. Now we have to find out what kind of player he is come game-day."
Lewis' father, Ray, is a former NFL star.
Kicker battle settled
Senior Brock Warren has emerged from a three-way battle in training camp to become Utah State's No. 1 field-goal kicker.
Warren edged freshman Dominik Eberle and senior Jake Thompson for the job.
According to Wells, however, Eberle will kick "long" field goals and Thompson will handle all kickoffs.
Warren was 8-for-11 on field goals last season, but he struggled down the stretch. He is 8-for-12 in his career.
Twitter: @sluhm —
Weber State at Utah State
P Thursday, 6 p.m. TV • None