Utah State quarterback Cooper Legas prepares to throw a move in the course of the LA Bowl towards Oregon State in Inglewood, Calif., Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021. Ashley Landis, Related Press
Utah State quarterback Cooper Legas is hoisted on the shoulders of his teammates after they gained the LA Bowl 24-13 over Oregon State in Inglewood, Calif., Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021. Related Press, Ashley Landis
From left, Utah State quarterback Cooper Legas (5), extensive receiver Deven Thompkins (13), and defensive finish Nick Heninger (42) maintain championship belts after they beat Oregon State 24-13 within the LA Bowl NCAA faculty soccer sport in Inglewood, Calif., Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021. Related Press, Ashley Landis
LOGAN — A 3-star prospect popping out of Orem Excessive in 2019, Cooper Legas’ journey as a Division I quarterback has been a singular trip that has actually solely taken form over the past 5 months.
With no sport appearances in 2019 and 2020 and caught behind what was a two-man race between Andrew Peasley and Logan Bonner for the beginning quarterback spot, it seemed like Legas would once more be an extended shot to see the sector for the Aggies in 2021.
Finally, Bonner laid declare to the beginning spot, and Legas discovered himself behind Peasley within the pecking order.
When Peasley suffered a season-ending shoulder harm whereas taking a handful of snaps towards New Mexico, Legas turned the QB in ready. In actual fact, Legas took his first 5 profession snaps that sport, however they occurred throughout rubbish time and didn’t quantity to something.
So what, proper?
Bonner was nonetheless there and Legas was unlikely to see the sector for any important period of time. It seemed as if the previous Orem Tiger would go a 3rd season with little to indicate for it.
However when Utah State made its journey to SoFi Stadium to tackle Oregon State within the inaugural LA Bowl, Bonner left the sector with a knee harm late within the first quarter and the whole lot modified for Legas.
Utah State quarterback Cooper Legas is hoisted on the shoulders of his teammates after they gained the LA Bowl 24-13 over Oregon State in Inglewood, Calif., Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021.
Related Press, Ashley Landis
Legas entered the sport and threw a 62-yard landing strike to Deven Thompkins on his first collegiate move try earlier than main the Aggies to a memorable 24-13 win.
In three quarters of motion, Legas went from being an afterthought on the quarterback depth chart, to enjoying an important position in a victory that capped off the most effective season in program historical past.
4 months later, Legas carried the momentum he generated within the bowl sport into Utah State’s spring observe periods.
“I used to be glad I lastly obtained a shot to go in a sport, as a result of there’s solely a lot you are able to do at observe,” Legas stated after the Aggies’ spring contest.
“Personally I knew I might play in an actual sport, and I believe everybody (in this system) assumed that I might, however having that actual sport expertise simply let me know that I can play at this stage, and it lets my coaches and teammates know that I can play at this stage. It was only a confidence factor for myself and people round me.”
Together with his confidence boosted and with Peasley transferring from this system and beginning quarterback Bonner nonetheless nursing an harm, Legas was the signal-caller for the primary group offense all through the group’s spring practices, and appears to be the frontrunner not just for the backup spot, however doubtlessly the inheritor obvious to Bonner, who has only one extra season of eligibility remaining.
Utah State coach Blake Anderson stated Legas seemed regular all through the spring and that he and his employees really feel much more assured that he would be capable of win video games for the Aggies if wanted.
“For positive, since my time right here, it’s been by far essentially the most reps that I’ve had,” Legas stated of the spring practices.
“It’s been pleasant going with those and I believe I’ve constructed that belief inside my teammates and the coaches. I’m excited concerning the fall. As soon as Logan’s wholesome, we’ll see what occurs, however yeah, I’m very excited.”
Time will inform if Wyoming switch quarterback Levi Williams will be capable of make up floor on Legas with extra time within the system.
What's now recognized is that the onetime afterthought within the quarterback room has proven this spring that his efficiency within the LA Bowl wasn’t a fluke, and he’s able to carry out when his quantity is known as.
From left, Utah State quarterback Cooper Legas (5), extensive receiver Deven Thompkins (13), and defensive finish Nick Heninger (42) maintain championship belts after they beat Oregon State 24-13 within the LA Bowl NCAA faculty soccer sport in Inglewood, Calif., Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021.
Related Press, Ashley Landis