Utah State tight ends gaining valuable experience during Spring football practices

LOGAN, Utah – Utah State football held its 11th spring practice Thursday morning on Merlin Olsen Field at Maverik Stadium and the young tight ends group is gaining valuable experience and improving each practice.

“The whole tight end unit is really new this spring so the biggest thing with them is learning how to play fast and play physical all the time,” said tight ends/inside receivers coach Luke Wells. “There are a lot more things in the vertical passing game we are doing with the tight ends then we have in years past and I expect them to catch a lot more balls this year in this offense.”

Utah State welcomes one player back at the tight end position with experience in redshirt sophomore Dax Raymond. Another player returning with collegiate game experience is senior Damion Hobbs, who made the switch to tight end this spring after spending his first three years in the program at quarterback.

As a true freshman during the 2015 season, Raymond appeared in nine games and caught four passes for 72 yards, including a season-long of 22 yards against both Colorado State and Akron.

Hobbs has played 17 games the past two seasons at quarterback for the Aggies as he has rushed for 221 yards on 44 carries (5.2 ypc) with seven touchdowns, and added 141 passing yards with one touchdown.

“Changing positions just came about with me wanting to be on the field,” said Hobbs. “I want to be on the field a lot and help this team win. As a group, we are trying to get better every practice, be physical and finish every play.”

Utah State also welcomes back three other players at the tight end position who redshirted last season in sophomore Matt Nelson, and freshmen Travis Boman and Tyler Thornock.

Furthermore, Utah State added one new player to the tight end group this spring in freshman Preston Hobbs.

Utah State will continue its spring schedule this week by concluding its fourth week of practice with its second scrimmage on Friday, March 31, from 3:15-5:15 p.m.

During the five-week period, the Aggies will participate in 15 spring practice sessions, including their annual Blue vs. White Spring Game on Saturday, April 8, on Merlin Olsen Field at Maverik Stadium at 2 p.m.

Season ticket renewals are currently being accepted in advance of the March 31 deadline. To renew, fans should visit www.utahstateaggies.com or do so in person or by phone through the USU Ticket Office during regular business hours (435-797-0305). New season ticket orders can also be made at this time.

Fans can follow the Aggie football program at twitter.com/USUFootball or on Facebook at Utah State Football, as well as on Instagram at instagram.com/USUFootball. Aggie fans can also follow the Utah State athletic program at twitter.com/USUAthletics or on Facebook at Utah State University Athletics.

<span style=”text-decoration: underline;”><strong>2017 Utah State Football Spring Practice Dates</strong></span>

Fri., March 31 – 3:15 – 5:15 p.m. – Scrimmage

Tues., April 4 – 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.

Thur., April 6 – 6:00 – 8:00 a.m.

Saturday, April 8 – 2:00 p.m. – Blue vs. White Spring Game

* – All practice days, times and locations are subject to change.

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