Utah State RB Riley Burt Excited For Rivalry Game Against Former Team
Oct 31, 2019, 12:08 AM
Photo Courtesy of Utah State Athletics
SALT LAKE CITY – Utah State running back Riley Burt is in his one and only season with the Aggies. The former Box Elder High star was a graduate transfer to Utah State from rival BYU.
With Saturday’s game coming up this weekend, Burt is excited to take on his old team that he spent the past four years with. But he’s happy with where he ended up in Logan.
“I entered the transfer portal and a couple of schools contacted me – a couple of Mountain West schools – and Utah State was just the best fit. Coach A called me and told me they needed me up here and that we have a good team. So I came up here. Get to play my former team so I’m excited about that,” said Burt.
#AggieNation please welcome Riley Burt, Sean Carter, Siaosi Mariner, Caleb Repp & Noah Young to @USUFootball! https://t.co/E7H8gOjSE2#AggiesAllTheWay pic.twitter.com/0gHBG3jlBJ
— USU Football (@USUFootball) June 13, 2019
Burt who’s enrolled in the grad program for physical education at Utah State is currently listed as the third-string running back behind Gerold Bright and junior college transfer Jaylen Warren heading into this week’s game. But Warren has been battling injuries and it could create a bigger opportunity for Burt to play more against BYU.
Burt has rushed for 62 yards on 17 carries so far this season.
The emotions that could come with facing an old team haven’t phased Burt to this point in his preparations.
“It’s just really about the Wagon Wheel. It’s a rivalry,” Burt said. “Obviously I have some friends over there. But it’s work time it’s about the wagon wheel and the rivalry. So I’m more worried about that.”
Not many players over the years can say they’ve seen and experienced both sides of the BYU-Utah State rivalry. In the past, BYU used to not view the game as a rivalry, but now it is one of the stated goals for BYU’s program every year. On the Utah State side of the rivalry, this game has always been a big deal.
“It’s a big rivalry up here. The town’s excited, the team’s excited, and everybody is ready for the game,” said Burt.
Listen to the full interview with Utah State Running Back Riley Burt below.
