Former Utah QB Jason Shelley Provides Healthy Competition For Utah State’s Fall Camp

LOGAN, Utah – After the departure of star quarterback Jordan Love, Utah State will need to find a new signal caller.

The Aggies are in the middle of fall camp as they prepare for their season opener on Saturday, October 24 against Boise State. Challenges that they have faced is getting a team prepared for a season with an abbreviated camp, no spring football and a new offensive coordinator.

“We’re really making up for lost time, because we didn’t have a spring or summer to create relationships with the quarterbacks and the receivers, and the timing and intricacies of the passing game,” said offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Bodie Reeder. “We’re just trying to get efficient throwing the football and the operations of a new offense. I’m really pleased with them and their willingness and readiness to compete and get better every day.”

Only one quarterback with any game experience in an Aggie uniform is back in Logan. Andrew Peasley appeared in four games in two seasons at Utah State. Gary Andersen put two QB’s on redshirts this past season, including Bellflower, California product Josh Calvin and former Orem High School star Cooper Legas.

Here's your first look at former Ute @jason15shelley with his new team😍@USUFootball #AggiesAllTheWay pic.twitter.com/6QQfIYbH8U

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) October 13, 2020

A massive addition for the Aggies is the transfer from Utah, Jason Shelley. After spending three seasons with the Utes, Shelley played in 19 games through two seasons, passing for 1,205 yards and rushing for 223 yards.

“Fall camp has been really fun and interesting,” said Shelley. “We’re getting the hang of everything and I think I’m throwing the ball well, leading the offense and doing a good job overall. I’m just trying to better myself as a passer – dropping back and making sure I can get my guys in an open space to make plays. I’m having to learn the offense of course, with a new offensive coordinator and a new team, but I’m for sure trying to be a better passer and a better leader.”

Reeder loves the experience and competitiveness that Shelley brings to the quarterback room.

“Jason was a late addition to our quarterback room and he brings a level of experience, competitiveness and leadership that I think is a big boost for us. We can all learn from his game experiences and being in a different program. His level of athleticism is obviously his big attribute. Andrew is a tremendous athlete as well. He has a little bit of a stronger arm, but he hasn’t played a lot of football coming off the injury and not getting spring ball. He just needs reps and he’s going to be a great player,” added Reeder.

Utah State will open the 2020 season on the road against Boise State on Saturday, Oct. 24 at 5 p.m. on FS1.