Quote:Leon Jackson III Named USU's Starting Quarterback

Sophomore has been more consistent than the other candidates this fall

Aug. 22, 2005

LOGAN, Utah - After a battle that started in the spring and was expected to go through the rest of this week, Leon Jackson III was named as Utah State's starting quarterback by head coach Brent Guy early Monday afternoon.

"Leon was the most consistent quarterback in the scrimmage we had last Saturday," Guy said. "We wanted to name him now and let him get the extra work he needs to prepare for the season opener. This way he can get more work instead of us waiting until after Thursday's scrimmage."

Jackson III completed eight of 13 passes for 164 yards and two touchdowns in Saturday's scrimmage. Meanwhile the other four quarterbacks combined to complete seven of 14 attempts for 86 yards and one touchdown.

Jackson III, a sophomore from Long Beach, Calif., will have the opportunity to make his first collegiate start this season. Last year Jackson III played in eight games as a backup quarterback to Travis Cox and completed 26 of 46 passes for 404 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He also rushed 21 times for 43 yards as well.

Other candidates for the starting job included junior college transfer Eric Sobolewski, who was a redshirt last year, junior Bryan Black, who was eight of 21 passing as a freshman in 2003, but did not see any action last year, and freshmen Jerod Walker and Jace McCormick.

"There is still a battle for the second and third quarterback positions," Guy said. "Leon is clearly ahead of the others and we didn't want to waste anymore time."

Jackson III would the youngest starting quarterback at USU since Jose Fuentes started as a sophomore against Arizona State in the third game of 2000. He should also become the youngest quarterback to start a season opener at USU since Matt Wells started as a sophomore in the 1994 lid-lifter against Utah.

Utah State will open its 2005 season hosting Nicholls State on Sept. 3 at 1:05 p.m. Season tickets for USU's six-game home schedule are available through USU's website at http://www.UtahStateAggies.com, by calling 1-888-U-STATE-1 or (435) 797-0305, or in person at the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum Ticket Office.

The Aggies are entering their first year in the Western Athletic Conference and will host home conference games against Boise State, Louisiana Tech, Nevada, and San Jose State as well as non-conference games against Nicholls State and UNLV in Romney Stadium.