After a turbulent offseason, the Utah State Aggies have their work cut out for them in college football week one. Early in July, former defensive coordinator Nate Dreiling was forced to take on the unpleasant role of temporary head coach following the dismissal of former head coach Blake Anderson. Dreiling and the Aggies are ready for a successful season in the Mountain West Conference, despite the peculiar uncertainty surrounding the program.
Sam Farnsworth of KSL Sports had a conversation with USU’s first-year head coach about the upcoming 2024 campaign.
“Prioritizing the players should always be the first priority,” Dreiling clarified his methodology. “It all depends on how strong and resilient your locker room is going to be in the face of everything that is going on.”
“After everything we’ve gone through this summer, I feel that the coaching staff and this squad are really close. We’re just about ready to light up the Robert Morris game and win it.
Despite not having a single player returning from 2023 who played under center, USU has a strong quarterback room headed by graduate transfer Spencer Petras. After less than six months in the building, Petras was named a captain and is without a doubt the team’s leader.
He is an amazing athlete. There is no one in all of college football with stronger arms than him. More importantly, this team will be carried by his leadership qualities and level of maturity.
In a recent press conference, Utah State Football Interim Head Coach Nate Dreiling shared his thoughts on the upcoming season. With a mix of experienced players and new talent, Dreiling is optimistic about the team’s chances.
“We’re excited about the potential of this team,” Dreiling said. “We’ve got a good balance of veteran leaders and young players who are eager to make an impact.”
“We were close in several games, and we’re working to fix those little things that cost us wins,” Dreiling explained. “We’re focusing on attention to detail and executing in critical situations.”
Dreiling highlighted several key players who will be crucial to the team’s success. Quarterback Cooper Legas returns for his senior season, bringing valuable experience and leadership.
“Cooper is a talented quarterback who has grown into a true leader,” Dreiling said. “We’re counting on him to make big plays and guide our offense.”
Other players to watch include running back Calvin Tyler Jr., wide receiver Justin McGriff, and defensive lineman Daniel Grzesiak.
The Aggies have added several new players to the roster, including transfers and freshmen. Dreiling is excited about the potential of these new additions.
“We’ve brought in some talented players who will push our returners and create competition,” Dreiling said. “We’re looking for guys who will buy in and contribute to our team culture.”
The Aggies face a tough schedule, including matchups against Power Five teams and rival Mountain West opponents. Dreiling acknowledges the challenges ahead but is confident in his team’s preparation.
“We’re focusing on one game at a time and making sure we’re prepared for each opponent,” Dreiling said. “We’ll take it one week at a time and see where it takes us.”
As the Utah State Football team prepares for the upcoming season, Interim Head Coach Nate Dreiling is optimistic about the team’s chances. With a mix of experienced players and new talent, the Aggies are looking to build on last season’s success and make a push for a bowl game appearance.
