Aug. 13, 2004

LOGAN, Utah - There was no place like home when it came time for Jason Stephens to decide where to play college football. Born and raised in Cache Valley, the Logan High School graduate remained in the valley to continue his education and his football career at Utah State University The Aggie sophomore spent three years at Logan High School, starting at both tight end and defensive end. The athletic Stephens earned all-state honors in basketball as well. Growing up an Aggie fan - he was a member of the former Huddle Club, now the Jr. Aggie program - wearing Aggie blue was something he always wanted to do. "It is a dream come true to come out and play on Saturday," Stephens said. "It is a lot of fun." Stephens, who played as a backup tight end last year, while starting two games, saw action behind another former Logan High player in Chris Cooley. Cooley, who was a fourth-round draft pick of the Washington Redskins this spring, earned honorable mention All-America honors a year ago catching 62 passes for 732 yards for the Aggies. Ironically, Stephens was the starting tight end for Logan High School, while Cooley played his understudy. Last year it was the opposite as Cooley shined. Stephens did catch eight passes, including one for a touchdown against UL-Monroe. With Cooley's departure, Stephens will battle for a starting spot this year. "Back in high school Chris was about half as big as me," Stephens said. "I went on my (LDS Church) mission and when I came back, he was twice as big as I was." Competition should be intense for playing time at the tight end spots with four returnees having earned letters, including Stephens, Nick George, Patrick McNutt and Trent Nate. In addition, Jimmy Bohm and Will Fausel redshirted last year and newcomers like Tanner Cooley (Chris' younger brother), Peter Shields, Sione Tavake and Ryan Wilson, will all push for time. "I definitely see Jason catching the ball this year, but it is wide open at the tight end position," said USU tight ends coach Mike Lynch. "The guys competing for the pass catching tight end spots are hungry and nothing has been won yet, but Jason does a lot of things very well for us." One spot Stephens has already won is that of husband. After returning from his mission, he married Carolyn, a member of the USU tennis team. With both family members competing in their respective sports and maintaining their marriage, Stephens still manages to find time to relax. "My wife always jokes with me that I spend most of my free time fishing or golfing," Stephens said. However, those days on the water and on the course have been put on hold as fall camp has begun and Stephens concentrates on his sophomore season. (By Jason Roundy, USU Athletic Media Relations Student Assistant)