SPECIAL TEAMS
Regarding the NCAA-mandated eligibility freeze from the 2020 season, I’ve learned the player’s eligibility will continue to accrue. Once the player reaches his 4th or 5th season, depending on if the player uses a redshirt season, the player will have the option to return to school for a 5th or 6th season and continue playing one more season. The player will then move from being listed as a senior (Sr.) to a graduate senior (Gr-Sr.)
LONG SNAPPER
2022 players not returning: None
2023 post-spring ball attrition: Caden Kellow (Left Team)
Returning players: Jacob Garica
New Faces in 2023: None
2023 OUTLOOK
JACOB GARCIA
Junior Jacob Garcia has a firm hold on the top spot here. As a sophomore in 2022, Garcia saw action in all 13 games, he also was credited with 1 tackle on special teams. As a redshirt freshman in 2021, he saw action in all 14 games. As a true freshman in 2020, he did not see any action. Garcia was ranked as the No. 10 long snapper nationally by 247sports. As a senior at Servite High (CA) in 2019, he finished his career as the No. 3 rated long snapper by Rubio Long Snapping and the No. 4 rated long snapper in the country by Kohl’s Kicking School. Garcia puts his snaps right in the punter or holder’s hands nearly every time. His speed and timing in getting the ball to his target are exceptional. He also excels in his ability to get downfield and make a tackle once his primary job is complete. He prides himself on his accuracy.
PROJECTED 2023 PRESEASON DEPTH CHART
LONG SNAPPER
49 Jacob Garcia (6-0, 250, Jr., 1L, 3*)
PUNTER
2022 players not returning: None
2023 post-spring ball attrition: None
Returning players: Stephen Kotsanlee, Ryan Marks
New Faces in 2023:
Colton Schlimgen 6’0″ 200 (Kohl’s 4.5*) – Camarillo HS, CA – (Preferred Walk-on)
2022 (Sr.) Stats: 35 punts 30.7 yards per punt 13 inside the 20; 29 of 31 PATs; 6 of 13 FGs
2021 (Jr.) Stats: 19 punts 19.7 yards per punt 2 inside the 20; 7 of 8 PATs; 0 for 1 FGs
2020 (So.) Stats: 59 of 64 PATs; 1 of 1 FGs
2019 (Fr.) Stats: 5 of 5 PATs; 1 of 4 FGs
https://www.hudl.com/profile/11221347/Colton-Schlimgen:
2023 OUTLOOK
STEPHEN KOTSANLEE
Senior Stephen Kotsanlee is without a doubt the starter at punter this season. Due to the COVID NCAA eligibility extension, Kotsanlee has one more season of eligibility beyond 2023 remaining. As a junior in 2022, Kotsanlee punted in all 13 games and averaged 43.4 yards per punt, with a long punt of 60 yards. He also landed 24 punts inside the 20. As a sophomore in 2021, he punted in all 14 games and averaged 42.5 yards per punt, with a long punt of 54 yards. He also landed 19 punts inside the 20 and forced 20 fair catches. As a true freshman in 2020, he punted in all 6 games and averaged 40.7 yards per punt, with a long punt of 63 yards. He also landed 17 punts inside the 20 and forced 14 fair catches. For his effort, he earned Honorable Mention all-Mountain West honors. Kotsanlee is a punter from Australia. He has the Aussie style of punting, which brings him outside the pocket on his kicks. He does a good job of creating hangtime which allows the Aggie defenders plenty of time to cover the kick. He has good accuracy and he will only continue to improve.
RYAN MARKS
Holding down the second spot on the depth chart is redshirt freshman preferred walk-on Ryan Marks. As a true freshman in 2022, Marks spent the season as a redshirt while participating on the Aggie practice squad. As a senior at Farmington High (UT) in 2019, Marks handled punting and kicking duties for the Phoenix as he averaged 38.4 yards per punt and landed 11 punts inside the 20. He also connected on 6 of 8 field goal attempts and hit 25 of 28 of his PAT attempts. As a junior in 2018, he averaged 42.6 yards per punt and landed 20 punts inside the 20. For his effort over his career Marks participated in the 2019 Under Armour All-American game. Marks ended his high school career ranked by Kohl’s Kicking School as the No.7 punter in the country. According to Kohl’s rating system, He is not only a 5-star punter but is a 4-star kicker as well. He punts from the traditional style of kicking. He kicks with poise and can hit a spiral that turns over very impressively. He has a big leg and will continue to improve.
COLTON SCHLIMGEN
Adding depth to the position is true freshman Colton Schlimgen. Schlimgen arrived on campus in time to participate in spring ball. As a senior at Camarillo High (CA) in 2022, Schlimgen averaged 30.7 yards per punt and landed 13 punts inside the 20. He also connected on 6 of 13 field goal attempts and hit 29 of 31 of his PAT attempts. As a junior in 2021, he averaged 19.7 yards per punt and landed 2 punts inside the 20. He missed his lone field goal attempt and hit 7 of 8 of his PAT attempts. As a sophomore in 2020, he connected on his only field goal attempt and hit 59 of 64 of his PAT attempts. Schlimgen is a very talented high school kicking and punting prospect. He is a great-looking athlete with a live leg. he is a bit raw, but there is excellent potential here. He shows that he can hit a college-level ball off the ground on the field goal. His “A” ball is college ready. His kickoffs are a strength. He drives the ball into the end zone with solid hang time. He also has the ability to develop into a college-level punter. As I said before, his “A” ball is very strong. As he continues to work on his technique and consistency in all areas of his game, he will challenge for a top spot at the collegiate level.
PROJECTED 2023 PRESEASON DEPTH CHART
PUNTER
63 Stephen Kotsanlee (6-1, 215, Sr*., 3L, 3*)
47 Ryan Marks (5-11, 225, RsFr., RS, 3*)
62 Colton Schlimgen (6-0, 200, Fr., HS, 4.5*)
KICKER
2022 players not returning: Connor Coles (Graduation)
2023 post-spring ball attrition: None
Returning Players: Elliott Nimrod
New Faces in 2023:
William Testa 5’10” 203 (NR) – New Mexico Military Institute, NM – (3 years to play 2)
2022 (So.) Stats: 14 of 23 Field Goals; 43 of 43 PATs
2021 (Fr.) Stats: 13 of 17 Field Goals; 61 of 62 PATs
2020 (Fr.) Stats: 7 of 12 Field Goals; 26 of 28 PATs
Offers from: None
Primary Recruiter: Bobby Dodd
https://www.hudl.com/profile/7545457/William-Testa
Britton Watts 5’10” 160 (NR) – Roy HS, UT – (Grayshirt)
2021 (Sr.) Stats: 4 of 9 FGs; 33 of 36 PATs
2020 (Jr.) Stats: 3 of 5 FGs; 35 of 42 PATs
2019 (So.) Stats: 8 of 8 FGs; 49 of 50 PATs
2018 (Fr.) Stats: 4 of 4 FGs; 32 of 35 PATs
Offers from: Carthage, Christian CC, Clarke, Fort Lauderdale, Jefferson Post-Grad, Lincoln, Ottowa
Primary Recruiter: Bobby Dodd
https://www.hudl.com/profile/11531242/Britton-Watts
2023 OUTLOOK
WILLIAM TESTA
Junior William Testa will make a strong push to be the Aggies placekicker in 2023. As a junior college transfer, Testa will have 3 years to complete his final 2 seasons of eligibility. As a sophomore at New Mexico Military Institute (NM) in 2022, Testa made 14 of his 23 field goal attempts and hit 43 of his 43 PATs. In 2021 as a covid-true freshman, he hit 13 of his 17 field goal attempts and made 61 of his 62 PATs. As a true freshman in 2020, he made 7 of his 12 field goal attempts and nailed 26 of his 28 PATs. Testa is skilled in all three phases of the kicking game. He is just as capable of place-kicking as he is punting. He has a big leg and can reach the endzone with ease on kickoffs, or hit the long field goal. He is also versatile in his abilities, altering his kicks depending on the situational need. He has improved his short-range kicking as his career has progressed. Testa will compete for a role right away and is capable of seizing it. He is originally from Italy.
ELLIOTT NIMROD
Making a strong case for more playing time at the position is senior preferred walk-on Elliott Nimrod. Due to the COVID NCAA eligibility extension, Nimrod has one more season of eligibility beyond 2023 remaining. As a junior in 2022, Nimrod once again served as the Aggies kick-off specialist, kicking in all 13 games averaging 60.2 yards per kick, and forcing 22 touchbacks. As a sophomore in 2021, he served as the Aggies kick-off specialist, kicking in all 14 games averaging 57.8 yards per kick, and forcing 31 touchbacks. Nimrod began his collegiate career at Arkansas State. As a true freshman at Arkansas State in 2020, he played in all 7 games and 50.1 yards per kick, and forced 8 touchbacks. Nimrod displays excellent ball-striking ability in the field goal and kick-off portions of his game. His drill work is sound and he is very confident in his ball striking and he has a good command of his rotation. Coming out of high school at Bentonville High (AR), he was rated as a 5* prospect by Kohl’s Kicking Camp.
BRITTON WATTS
Adding depth to the position will be true freshman Britton Watts. Watts chose to join the Aggies over offers from Carthage College, Christian Community College (CA), Clarke College, Unversity of Fort Lauderdale, Jefferson Post-Grad (AL), Lincoln University, and Ottowa University. Watts left the Utah high school ranks as the 8th leading scorer all-time. As a senior at Roy High (UT) in 2021, Watts made 4 of his 9 field goal attempts and hit 33 of his 36 PATs. As a junior in 2020, he connected on 3 of his 5 field goal attempts and made 35 of his 42 PATs. As a sophomore in 2019, he nailed all 8 field goal attempts and drilled 49 of his 50 PATs. As a freshman in 2018, he made all 4 of his field goal attempts and hit 32 of his 35 PATs. Watts precision and accuracy on the field, have established himself as a formidable opponent for any opposing team. He hits 45+ yard field goals with ease. He is able to angle the ball through the uprights from either hash mark. His work ethic and dedication to his craft are second to none. He is always striving to improve to help his team’s chances of winning.
PROJECTED 2023 PRESEASON DEPTH CHART
KICKER
59 William Testa (5-11, 190, Jr., JC, NR)
89 Elliott Nimrod (6-0, 180, Sr*., 2L, NR)
53 Britton Watts (5-10, 160, Fr., HS, NR)
PUNT RETURN
2022 Players not returning: None
2023 post-spring ball attrition: None
Returning players: Cooper Jones, Terrell Vaughn
New Faces in 2023:
Micah Davis 5’11” 185 (NR) – Iowa Western CC, IA – (3 years to play 2)
2022 (So.) Stats: 33 receptions 289 yards 2 TDs
2021 (Fr.) Stats: 47 carries 360 yards 4 TDs; 10 receptions 221 yards 2 TDs at Air Force
2020 (Fr.) Stats: Redshirted at the Air Force Academy; Played in 4 games
Offers from: Coastal Carolina, Indiana, Southeast Missouri St, Wyoming
Primary Recruiter: Kyle Cefalo
https://247sports.com/Player/Micah-Davis-46136018/
https://www.hudl.com/profile/6624603/Micah-Davis
2023 OUTLOOK
COOPER JONES
Graduate senior preferred walk-on Cooper Jones will continue to sit atop the depth chart here. As a senior in 2022, saw action in all 13 games and returned 20 punts for 131 yards, for an average of 6.6 yards per return. Jones calling card is his speed. He is often able to make one cut, hit the hole, and get upfield. He is a versatile player and because of his outstanding burst of speed, he can add value to the running attack if the opportunity arose. His excellent field vision helps him to quickly determine which move to make next. He is also a very capable pass catcher and could be a threat out of the backfield in that capacity as well.
TERRELL VAUGHN
Senior Terrell Vaughn had a surprise breakout season for the Aggies and he intends to build on that success in 2023. As a junior in 2022, Vaughn did not get an opportunity to return punts. Vaughn is a small and shifty receiver capable of turning short passes into huge gains. He picks up yards after the catch with little issue. He runs smooth routes and changes direction effortlessly, leaving defenders scrambling to catch up to him. He has high-end speed that makes him a threat to score from anywhere on the field. He is another one of those guys that I like to say can “make guys miss in a phone booth.” He is also a weapon in the return game where he is a big-time threat with the ball in his hands. Vaughn is one of my picks to land post-season honors following the 2023 season.
MICAH DAVIS
After having started his career at Air Force and then moving on to a junior college, Davis is returning to the Mountain West. He will enter the 2023 season as a junior and have 3 years to complete his final 2 seasons of eligibility. Davis chose to become an Aggie over offers from Coastal Carolina, Indiana, Southeast Missouri State, and Wyoming. As a sophomore at Iowa Western Community College (IA) in 2022, Davis handled 29 punts for an average of 11.2 yards per return. Davis is a prolific route-runner who specializes in deep balls thanks to his releases at the line of scrimmage. He is dangerous with the ball in his hands, gaining immediate separation and reaching top speed right away. He is shifty, with “make guys miss in a phone booth”, type of footwork. He has great field vision and can also be used in jet sweeps and other plays designed to get him in the open field. He does most of his damage playing out of the slot. I believe he will play immediately for Utah State.
PROJECTED 2023 PRESEASON DEPTH CHART
PUNT RETURN
31 Cooper Jones (5-6, 170, Gr-Sr., 2L, NR)
0 Terrell Vaughn (5-7, 170, Sr., 1L, NR)
13 Micah Davis (5-11, 185, Jr., JC, NR)
KICK RETURN
2022 Players not returning: None
2023 post-spring ball attrition: None
Returning players: Robert Briggs, Jalen Roylas, Terrell Vaughn
New Faces in 2023:
Davon Booth 5’10” 200 (247 3*) – RB – Cerritos CC, CA – (3 years to play 2)
2022 (So.) Stats: 223 carries 1,442 yards 8 TDs; 22 receptions 179 yards 2 TDs
2021 (Fr.) Stats: 122 carries 564 yards 7 TDs; 11 receptions 171 yards 1 TD
Original Offers from: San Jose St
Offers from: None
Primary Recruiter: Anthony Tucker, Nick Paremski
https://247sports.com/player/davon-booth-46078963/
https://www.hudl.com/profile/11317111/Davon-Booth
2023 OUTLOOK
TERRELL VAUGHN
Senior Terrell Vaughn had a surprise breakout season for the Aggies and he intends to build on that success in 2023. As a junior in 2022, Vaughn returned 15 kicks for an average of 25.5 yards per return which includes a 100-yard return for a touchdown. Vaughn is a small and shifty receiver capable of turning short passes into huge gains. He picks up yards after the catch with little issue. He runs smooth routes and changes direction effortlessly, leaving defenders scrambling to catch up to him. He has high-end speed that makes him a threat to score from anywhere on the field. He is another one of those guys that I like to say can “make guys miss in a phone booth.” He is also a weapon in the return game where he is a big-time threat with the ball in his hands. Vaughn is one of my picks to land post-season honors following the 2023 season.
ROBERT BRIGGS
Sophomore Robert Briggs is fighting back from a season-ending injury last season but the definitely Aggies want to use his elite speed on the special teams side of things. As a true freshman in 2022, Briggs handled one kick and returned it 9 yards. Throughout his high school career at Bellville High (TX), he returned 29 kicks for an average of 27.7 yards per return. Briggs is a powerful compact runner who switches to another gear once he gets downfield and can run vertically. He is a patient runner who waits for plays to develop and shakes off tackles around the line of scrimmage. His forte is getting outside of the tackles and shaking free with slippery open-field moves. He is also able to add value in the passing game, thanks to his ability to line up as a receiver. That can add a new wrinkle to the offense making him more difficult to guard. As long as his shoulder can hold up I see Briggs being a big part of the Aggie offense in 2023.
DAVON BOOTH
Junior College transfer junior Davon Booth joined the Aggies in January and was able to participate in spring ball. He will have three years to complete his final two seasons of eligibility. Booth chose to become an Aggie over an offer from San Jose State. Prior to coming to Utah State Booth spent two seasons at Cerritos Community College (CA). Booth did not return any kicks during his junior college career but the Aggies want to utilize his strength and speed on special teams. Booth’s number one trait is his speed. He has the ability to blow past defenders on his runs. He blends quickness with power and balance. He is not afraid to bowl over tacklers and he makes crisp, smooth cuts in the open field. He gets to the next level of the defense with seemingly little effort. He also possesses sure hands, which helps to get him into the open field. I believe he should be able to play right away this season.
JALEN ROYALS
Junior Jaylen Royals ended spring ball sitting at the top spot of the depth chart at this position and I expect him to begin fall camp there as well. As a sophomore in 2022, Royals did not return any kicks but the Aggies would like to use his elite speed to flip the field and improve their starting field position. Royals was a surprise attendee at the Aggies summer prospect camp last June where he was twice clocked at a blazing 4.32 40-yard dash. He has the rare ability to play in the slot and outside and with his speed, he is dangerous all over the field. His strong lower body makes tackling him a challenge for smaller defensive backs. At his JuCo he was used primarily out of the slot, running seam, and out routes. His superior speed and physical nature allow him to easily gain separation from opposing defenders. As long as he continues to maximize his reps and continue to improve, he will continue to remain atop the depth chart.
PROJECTED 2023 PRESEASON DEPTH CHART
KICK RETURN
0 Terrell Vaughn (5-7, 170, Sr., 1L, NR)
22 Robert Briggs (5-6, 175, So., 1L, 3*) OR
4 Davon Booth (5-10, 200, Jr., JC, 3*) OR
81 Jalen Royals (6-0, 190, Jr., 1L, NR)
Coming Up On Monday: Defensive End/EDGE