The two are defensive backs at Utah State. Seniors on the football field. Twins officially, but with different identities since they don't look alike and because they've worked hard over the years at forging their own unique characteristics.

But that time is coming to a close. The Aggies are a month from ending their season, which would likely end an era in which one always had the other, a career that started before high school.

"I do think about it at times," Caleb said. "I don't take anything for granted. If we both go to the next level, we most likely won't be playing with each other. I've always loved playing with Josh. We've always had each other's backs. I'm just enjoying the time we have left together."

The two are one of eight brother combos playing Division I football. Caleb, who plays safety, is the second leading tackler on the team and a leader of the defense. Josh is a cornerback, quick to the ball and has blocked a kick this season. Both are playmakers, both are long, rangy athletes, and both were a part of Brent Guy's first real recruiting class.

Off the field, the two are quiet, as close as brothers are expected to be. The twin thing? They'd have to admit it first, since neither of them look alike. There was the time when their parents thought dressing them alike would be cool. But while Caleb didn't seem to care one way or the other, the trend got "annoying" to Josh pretty quick.

"I didn't really like that too much," Josh said through a chuckle. "They tried to dress us alike, 24/7."

The best thing about playing with Caleb? That's the easy part. Josh, so diplomatic in other areas of life, doesn't have to bite his tongue with Caleb. If he screws up, Josh can say what he feels without holding anything back. That honesty, frankly, is what makes the relationship go between the two. They have their own identities, to be sure. But they haven't forged those identities at the expense of being brothers or being twins. And that's been their greatest triumph through life on and off the field.

"They've both been great for our program," USU coach Brent Guy said. "They've been real consistent, they've both been great students and real good team guys in the locker room. They've contributed a lot to this program over the course of their careers."

tjones@sltrib.com

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