Utah State Football Roster: 2024 Season Lineup

Alright football fans, let's dive into what we can expect from the Utah State Aggies in the 2024 season! This article will break down the Utah State football roster for 2024, giving you the lowdown on key players, new recruits, and who to watch as they hit the field. Whether you're a die-hard Aggies supporter or just curious about college football, this is your go-to guide.

Quarterbacks

The quarterback position is always a focal point, and for the 2024 season, Utah State's QB lineup is looking promising. The team is returning some experienced players while also bringing in fresh talent to compete for the starting role. Keep an eye on how these guys develop through training camp and early games.

Returning Players

Cooper Legas: A veteran presence, Cooper Legas brings experience and leadership to the quarterback room. After leading the Aggies in passing yards and touchdowns last season, Legas is expected to build upon his previous success and guide the offense with confidence. His arm strength and decision-making abilities make him a formidable threat in the Mountain West Conference. As one of the team captains, Legas’s influence extends beyond the field, helping to mentor younger players and set the tone for the team’s competitive spirit.
Levi Williams: With a strong arm and dual-threat capabilities, Levi Williams adds depth and versatility to the quarterback position. Williams has shown flashes of brilliance in previous appearances, making him a valuable asset to the team. His ability to extend plays with his legs and make accurate throws on the run keeps defenses on their toes. During the offseason, Williams has focused on improving his accuracy and reading defenses more effectively, making him a potential game-changer for the Aggies.

New Recruits

CJ Newton: A highly touted recruit, CJ Newton comes to Utah State with a reputation for accuracy and poise under pressure. Newton’s exceptional arm talent and quick release have drawn comparisons to some of the top quarterbacks in the nation. He has the potential to become a star for the Aggies and lead the team to future success. Newton’s transition to college football will be closely watched, as he adapts to the speed and complexity of the game.
Chase Stroughter: Another exciting addition to the quarterback room, Chase Stroughter possesses a strong arm and impressive athleticism. Stroughter's ability to make throws from various angles and his knack for finding open receivers make him a dynamic playmaker. He is expected to compete for playing time and contribute to the team’s offensive schemes. Stroughter’s competitive spirit and willingness to learn have already made a positive impression on the coaching staff.

Running Backs

The running back unit is crucial for controlling the clock and adding balance to the Aggies' offense. This year’s roster includes a mix of power runners and agile backs, each bringing unique skills to the table.

Key Players

Davon Booth: A powerful and elusive runner, Davon Booth is set to be a key component of the Aggies’ rushing attack. With his combination of speed and strength, Booth has the ability to break tackles and gain significant yardage. Last season, he demonstrated his potential with several explosive runs, making him a player to watch in the upcoming season. Booth's offseason training has focused on improving his agility and endurance, preparing him for a larger role in the offense.
Robert Briggs: Known for his agility and speed, Robert Briggs brings a different dimension to the running back position. Briggs excels at finding holes and making defenders miss, making him a threat in both the running and passing game. His versatility allows the coaching staff to utilize him in various formations and situations. Briggs has been working on his pass-catching skills during the offseason, aiming to become a more complete player.

Promising Additions

Micah Davis: A newcomer with a ton of potential, Micah Davis is already turning heads with his impressive speed and vision. Davis has the ability to make an immediate impact on the team. His quick acceleration and ability to change direction make him a difficult target for defenders. Davis is eager to learn from the experienced players in the running back room and contribute to the team’s success.
Cole Wright: Cole Wright, who is known for his bruising running style, brings a physical presence to the Aggies’ backfield. Wright's ability to break tackles and gain tough yards in short-yardage situations makes him a valuable asset to the team. During the offseason, he has been working on improving his footwork and explosiveness, aiming to become a more well-rounded player. Wright’s determination and work ethic have earned him the respect of his teammates and coaches.

Wide Receivers

The wide receiver corps is stacked with talent, offering a variety of skill sets to stretch the field and make big plays. From experienced veterans to promising newcomers, this group is poised to be a major factor in the Aggies’ offensive success.

Veteran Leaders

Jalen Royals: As a seasoned veteran, Jalen Royals brings experience and leadership to the wide receiver room. Royals has proven himself as a reliable target, known for his sure hands and ability to make contested catches. His understanding of the game and route-running precision make him a valuable asset to the Aggies’ offense. Royals’ leadership extends beyond the field, as he mentors younger players and helps them develop their skills.
Grant Stevens: Grant Stevens is a dependable receiver with a knack for making tough catches in traffic. Stevens’s physicality and determination make him a valuable asset in crucial game situations. He has been working on improving his speed and agility during the offseason, aiming to become an even more dynamic player. Stevens’s consistency and reliability have earned him the trust of the coaching staff and his teammates.

Emerging Talents

Kahanu Pu’ulei-Auld: This young receiver is quickly making a name for himself with his exceptional speed and agility. Kahanu Pu’ulei-Auld has the ability to stretch the field and create separation from defenders. His potential is sky-high, and he is expected to make a significant impact on the Aggies’ offense. Pu’ulei-Auld’s dedication to improving his craft has impressed coaches and teammates alike.
Micah McKay: Another rising star, Micah McKay is known for his impressive athleticism and ability to make acrobatic catches. McKay's versatility allows him to play multiple positions, making him a valuable asset to the team. He is expected to compete for playing time and contribute to the Aggies’ offensive schemes. McKay’s work ethic and positive attitude have made him a favorite among coaches and teammates.

Tight Ends

The tight end position is crucial for both blocking and receiving, and the Aggies have a solid group of players who can excel in both areas. This unit’s versatility and physicality will be key to the team’s offensive success.

Key Contributors

Josh Sterzer: Josh Sterzer is a versatile tight end who excels as both a blocker and a receiver. Sterzer's physicality and reliable hands make him a valuable asset in various offensive formations. He is known for his ability to make tough catches in traffic and his willingness to do the dirty work in the trenches. Sterzer’s leadership and work ethic have earned him the respect of his teammates and coaches.
Brody Vance: Known for his blocking prowess, Brody Vance is a key component of the Aggies’ running game. Vance's strength and technique make him an effective blocker, creating opportunities for the running backs. He has also shown the ability to make catches when called upon, adding versatility to his game. Vance’s dedication to improving his blocking skills has made him an indispensable part of the team.

Promising Newcomers

Jaxon Hammond: This freshman is already turning heads with his combination of size and athleticism. Jaxon Hammond has the potential to become a major contributor in both the running and passing game. His ability to learn quickly and adapt to new schemes has impressed the coaching staff. Hammond is eager to prove himself and contribute to the team’s success.
Dallin Heltsley: With his imposing size and solid hands, Dallin Heltsley has the potential to become a reliable target in the passing game. Heltsley's physicality and willingness to block make him a valuable asset in various offensive situations. He is expected to compete for playing time and contribute to the team’s offensive efforts. Heltsley’s determination and work ethic have made a positive impression on the coaching staff.

Offensive Line

The offensive line is the backbone of any successful offense, and the Aggies’ O-line is looking strong heading into the 2024 season. With a mix of experienced veterans and promising young players, this unit is poised to protect the quarterback and create running lanes for the backs.

Returning Starters

Wade Meacham (Center): Anchoring the offensive line, Wade Meacham brings experience and leadership to the center position. Meacham’s ability to read defenses and make quick adjustments makes him a valuable asset to the team. He is known for his communication skills and his ability to keep the offensive line organized. Meacham’s leadership extends beyond the field, as he mentors younger players and helps them develop their skills.

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Cole Motes (Guard): A physical and versatile lineman, Cole Motes is capable of playing multiple positions on the offensive line. Motes’s strength and technique make him an effective run blocker, while his agility allows him to excel in pass protection. He is expected to be a key contributor to the Aggies’ offensive success. Motes’s dedication to improving his craft has impressed coaches and teammates alike.

Key Reserves

Sione Motuapuaka (Guard): Known for his strength and tenacity, Sione Motuapuaka adds depth and physicality to the offensive line. Motuapuaka’s ability to overpower defenders in the running game makes him a valuable asset in short-yardage situations. He has been working on improving his pass-blocking skills during the offseason, aiming to become a more complete player. Motuapuaka’s determination and work ethic have earned him the respect of his teammates and coaches.
Calvin Knapp (Tackle): With his size and athleticism, Calvin Knapp has the potential to become a dominant force on the offensive line. Knapp’s ability to protect the quarterback’s blind side makes him a valuable asset in pass protection. He is expected to compete for playing time and contribute to the team’s offensive efforts. Knapp’s dedication to improving his technique has made a positive impression on the coaching staff.

Defensive Line

The defensive line is crucial for stopping the run and pressuring the quarterback. This year's roster includes a mix of powerful linemen and quick pass-rushers.

Impact Players

John Ward: A dominant force on the defensive line, John Ward is known for his exceptional strength and relentless pursuit of the quarterback. Ward’s ability to disrupt opposing offenses makes him a key component of the Aggies’ defense. He is a disruptive force in the trenches, consistently pressuring quarterbacks and disrupting running lanes. Ward’s leadership and work ethic have earned him the respect of his teammates and coaches.
Tavian Coleman: A versatile defensive lineman, Tavian Coleman excels at both stopping the run and rushing the passer. Coleman’s agility and strength make him a valuable asset in various defensive schemes. He is known for his quick first step and his ability to shed blockers. Coleman has been working on improving his technique and adding new pass-rushing moves during the offseason.

Up-and-Coming Talent

Blaine Spires: This young lineman is quickly developing into a formidable pass-rusher. Blaine Spires has shown flashes of brilliance with his speed and agility off the edge. His potential is sky-high, and he is expected to make a significant impact on the Aggies’ defense. Spires’s dedication to improving his craft has impressed coaches and teammates alike.
Kaden Jolley: Kaden Jolley, who is known for his run-stopping ability, brings a physical presence to the defensive line. Jolley’s strength and technique make him an effective run defender, clogging up running lanes and making it difficult for opposing teams to gain yards on the ground. He is expected to compete for playing time and contribute to the team’s defensive efforts. Jolley’s determination and work ethic have made a positive impression on the coaching staff.

Linebackers

The linebackers are the heart of the defense, responsible for stopping the run, covering receivers, and blitzing the quarterback. This year’s roster includes a mix of experienced veterans and promising young players.

Key Returners

MJ Tafisi: As a seasoned veteran, MJ Tafisi brings experience and leadership to the linebacker corps. Tafisi is known for his instincts, tackling ability, and coverage skills. He is a vocal leader on the field, directing the defense and making sure everyone is in the right position. Tafisi’s leadership extends beyond the field, as he mentors younger players and helps them develop their skills.
Sione Fotu: Sione Fotu is a hard-hitting linebacker with a knack for making big plays. Fotu’s physicality and tenacity make him a valuable asset in run support, while his agility allows him to excel in coverage. He has been working on improving his pass-rushing skills during the offseason, aiming to become a more complete player. Fotu’s determination and work ethic have earned him the respect of his teammates and coaches.

New Faces

Bronson Olevao: This newcomer is quickly making a name for himself with his exceptional speed and athleticism. Bronson Olevao has the ability to cover a lot of ground and make plays all over the field. His potential is sky-high, and he is expected to make a significant impact on the Aggies’ defense. Olevao’s dedication to improving his craft has impressed coaches and teammates alike.
Chase Tuatagaloa: With his size and strength, Chase Tuatagaloa brings a physical presence to the linebacker position. Tuatagaloa’s ability to shed blockers and make tackles in the backfield makes him a valuable asset in run support. He is expected to compete for playing time and contribute to the team’s defensive efforts. Tuatagaloa’s determination and work ethic have made a positive impression on the coaching staff.

Defensive Backs

The defensive backs are responsible for covering wide receivers, intercepting passes, and providing run support. This year’s roster includes a mix of experienced veterans and promising young players.

Standout Players

Omari Vili: A shutdown corner, Omari Vili is known for his exceptional coverage skills and ball-hawking ability. Vili’s ability to lock down opposing receivers makes him a key component of the Aggies’ defense. He is a physical corner who is not afraid to make tackles in the open field. Vili’s leadership and work ethic have earned him the respect of his teammates and coaches.
Anthony Switzer: A versatile safety, Anthony Switzer excels at both coverage and run support. Switzer’s instincts and tackling ability make him a valuable asset in various defensive schemes. He is known for his ability to read quarterbacks and make plays on the ball. Switzer has been working on improving his coverage skills during the offseason.

Promising Freshmen

DaiDai Mitchell: This young defensive back is quickly developing into a ball-hawking safety. DaiDai Mitchell has shown flashes of brilliance with his instincts and athleticism. His potential is sky-high, and he is expected to make a significant impact on the Aggies’ defense. Mitchell’s dedication to improving his craft has impressed coaches and teammates alike.
Saxon Pillai: With his speed and agility, Saxon Pillai brings a physical presence to the cornerback position. Pillai’s ability to cover ground and make tackles in the open field makes him a valuable asset. He is expected to compete for playing time and contribute to the team’s defensive efforts. Pillai’s determination and work ethic have made a positive impression on the coaching staff.

Special Teams

Special teams can often be the difference between winning and losing, and the Aggies have a solid group of specialists heading into the 2024 season.

Key Specialists

Ryan Marks (Kicker): A reliable kicker, Ryan Marks is known for his accuracy and leg strength. Marks is a valuable asset in field goal and extra point situations. He has been working on improving his consistency and range during the offseason. Marks’s dedication to his craft has earned him the respect of his teammates and coaches.
Stephen Kotsanlee (Punter): With his strong leg and precision, Stephen Kotsanlee is a valuable asset in the punting game. Kotsanlee’s ability to flip the field and pin opponents deep in their own territory makes him a key component of the Aggies’ special teams unit. He has been working on improving his consistency and accuracy during the offseason.

Return Game

Robert Briggs (Kick/Punt Returner): Known for his speed and agility, Robert Briggs is a dangerous return man. Briggs is always a threat to take it to the house. His ability to make defenders miss and find open lanes makes him a valuable asset in the return game. Briggs has been working on improving his decision-making and field awareness during the offseason.

Final Thoughts

The Utah State football roster for 2024 is shaping up to be a competitive and exciting team. With a mix of experienced veterans and promising newcomers, the Aggies are poised to make a splash in the Mountain West Conference. Keep an eye on these players as they battle it out on the field! As the season approaches, stay tuned for more updates and in-depth analysis of the team. Go Aggies!