LOGAN, Utah – Defending Mountain West Football Champion Utah State held its initial spring practice Monday afternoon as second-year head coach Blake Anderson had 98 players suit up for the two-hour workout on Merlin Olsen Field at Maverik Stadium. Of the 98 players that were donning helmets, practice jerseys and shorts, 26 are seniors, 30 are juniors, 13 are sophomores and 29 are freshmen. “It’s good to get back out here. I thought the energy level and competitive nature was really good and it will be fun to watch some of these new guys get acclimated and see what they can do,” said Anderson. “We have obviously paid attention in the meeting rooms with our install and you could see that on both sides of the ball today. Guys were lining up quickly and communicating, and that is a big key.” This spring, Utah State returns 13 starters (O-8, D-5) as part of 36 letterwinners (O-17, D-15, S-4) from last year’s team that had its best season in program history as it tied the school record with 11 wins (11-3, 6-2 MW), won its first-ever Mountain West Championship with a 46-13 road win at No. 19 San Diego State, posted a