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Following the dream

Digz28
By Digz28
27/07/08 10:14 PM
star star star star star
3 Comments | 238 Views

Alright, here it goes...

It has been a long time since Utah State has produced a successful football program, but that is what the next coach, simply dubbed as Digz will be trying to do. Just like Utah State, Digz is looking for a new start. His first four years in the coaching profession, he was seen as one of the most dilligent workers as head coach of the Sandhills High Spartans. A man whose offenses featured a spread attack with a heavy emphasis on the run and defenses known for line stunts and confusing zone coverages, Digz saw his last three seasons prolonged due to post-season play. After accumulating a 23-14 record at SHS, Digz was abruptly told to leave on undisclosed terms. After two weeks of looking for openings, Digz received a phone call and offer from his high school alma mater; he almost said yes over the phone, but decided to sit on it a few days. It was when he was figuring out when he would begin to move back to his hometown that Utah State gave him a call, they also had an offer he couldn't refuse. Digz went against his initial instinct and chose Utah State, a school he has always dreamt coaching at.

Already, Digz has hired three important coaches to his staff. Andrew Westerman is the new Aggie defensive coordinator, he comes with Digz from Sandhills. Westerman's defenses averaged more than 3 sacks per game over Digz' four-year tenure. Mark Rooney was also hired to the Utah State staff, he will be the new recruiting coordinator. And last, but not least, Trystan Theobald has been hired as a co-offensive coordinator. Rooney and Theobald previously were on staff at Wayne State College, they have known Digz since their college days.

"It's been a long time since fans of Utah State have smiled at the football program we have here, but that is what we are trying to change. Respect, hard-working, and chemistry: these are the three aspects we will try to thrive in our first year. As much as the Win-Loss column decides how people precieve us, the wins won't mean anything if everybody cannot trust each other. Forgive me on making this conference short, i'm sure you all have questions, most of which I will answer eventually, but I have a football team to coach." This was the only public statement Digz has given while head coach at Utah State. When leaving the room, one local reporter asked what to expect from this year's team, Digz simply replied with, "Growing pains, unwanted but necessary growing pains."

Utah State opens the year at UNLV. Kickoff is set for 7 MST.

This blog-series will feature two blogs per season, plus an off-season blog as well. The Season 1, blog 1 will be posted after the sixth game is finished.

Edit: If you want to see each blog just msg me or leave a comment. Otherwise, I will only post a blog on here once every five years just to avoid spamming the blog pages.

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Digz28
by Digz28 on 11/21/08 3:05 PM
"...but that has been somewhat of a blessing in disguise as we have had players like Scott Price step up and fill that role. Interestingly enough, both players are only juniors this year and it has been hard sharing carries between the two." Montoya has a team-best 1,188 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns while Price has 787 and 8 repsectively. Both players also have over 150 yards recieving and 2 touchdowns apiece. "All-Americans, what can you say?"

Thus far in the 2013 season, Utah State is finally looking to have an unblemished record. The currently are 10-0 and have wrapped up their fourth WAC title in six seasons. But their last two opponents should show us whether this team will make the BCS or not. In addition to playing at Nebraska the first game of the year, Utah State closes out against #23 Wisconsin and at #7 Notre Dame. Can the Aggies get over the hump? "Patience as been a virture for us, but we can now finally look at these games. I know we will come to play."

#2 Utah State (10-0) hosts #23 Wisconsin (9-2). Kickoff is at 1 EST.
Digz28
by Digz28 on 11/21/08 2:59 PM
Six years have passed since we last got in touch with Coach Digz, but one word quickly comes to mind when describing his coaching career at Utah State: successful. Immediately during his first season at the helm, he guided the Aggies to a 10-3 record and their first bowl bid this century. "Players were willing to accept their roles and play together as a cohesive unit. We were also very fortunate to not sustain too many injuries that year." And those growing pains that were to be expected? "The players really bought into the system and, again, it comes back to the fact we remained healthy. Overall, I did not expect a 10-win season, but look at how that proved to be a lauch-pad for the next five seasons." His record over five seasons was 57-8 including three straight 12-1 seasons. When asked what has been the hardest moment to swallow as the USU head coach, Digz pointed to the 2010 season. "Here we were at 12-0 and ranked #2 or #3 by most polls in the country. We had wrapped up the WAC title, but moved a non-conference opponent back to the second to last week of the regular season. To put it discretely, Arkansas took it to us that first half. We had no answer to their speed or skill on defense. Our defense was keeping us in the game, but our offense had way too many turnovers." Utah State went on to lose that game 36-14 and was demoted to the Hawaii Bowl that season.

Recruiting has been boosted as well with Digz. His ties to Nebraska have been a big reason why the Aggies have 10 players on the team from the Cornhusker state. "I love making the trips back, and I think some of those players enjoy seeing me just because I use to coach at their level. It made a big difference. When asked who was the first recruit to make a big impact, Digz was hesitant but eventually settled on a few players. "I remember when Coach (Mark) Rooney got Scott Montoya out of California. Everyone was so excited we got a 4-star prospect. He has had an injury-riddled career so far...
Digz28
by Digz28 on 7/27/08 3:16 PM
oh and the censored part is the word c-u-m-u-l-a-t-e (aka accumulate, probably should have used this one)