Russell Isabella – USA TODAY Sports
While the Utah State Aggies came up short in their bid for a second-straight win over the Utah Utes, their quarterback Chuckie Keeton put his talent on full display for the country to see. While he likely won’t get the attention he deserves playing in the Mountain West Conference after losing their opening game, Keeton is a bona fide star for the Aggies and will be one of the premier playmakers in college football in 2013.
Last season, Keeton showed that he was one of the best signal callers at the mid-major level as he completed 67.6 percent of his passes for 3,373 yards with 27 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He is a true dual threat under center, however, and added 619 yards rushing and eight touchdowns. He was a dynamic part of the Aggies offense and a key piece of their run to an 11-2 record in 2012.
Heading into 2013, this was going to be his team and the offense was going to be put squarely on his shoulders. He responded in the opener against Utah by showing that he’s ready to lead this offense. He completed 31 of 40 passes for 314 yards and two touchdowns through the air with six different receivers hauling in multiple receptions. Keeton also led the Aggies in rushing, carrying the ball 15 times for a game-high 84 yards and a touchdown.
Keeton is a dynamic dual-threat quarterback who has drawn favorable comparisons to Colin Kaepernick with his ability to attack down the field with his strong arm or blow past defenders with his elite athleticism. Whether he gets the recognition he properly deserves or not, he will continue to be one of the most exciting young stars to watch in college football this season.
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