USU Football: Fackrell turning heads with his play

At 6-foot-5, he's hard to block.

With his length and athleticism, he's progressed steadily for Utah State during fall camp.

Kyler Fackrell may be a redshirt freshman, and he may be a guy who looks young in the face. But he's a potential star at outside linebacker, a sure starter and a guy the coaching staff has drooled over for the past year.

"He's definitely a potential superstar," senior linebacker Bojay Filimoeatu said. "He's a guy who just consistently makes plays. He's young, but he's so good physically. He's a freak. We have a great relationship, and I think he's going to have a great year."

How talented has Fackrell been?

There are rumblings that, with improvement and with developed strength, Fackrell could be a three-year guy at Utah State. As in leaving for the NFL early kind of three-year guy.

Tavaris McMillian has been moved to the inside linebacker spot to make room for Fackrell, and he forms a potentially imposing tandem with Filimoeatu on the outside.

Fackrell had two sacks and a quarterback hurry in Saturday's scrimmage. He was consistently around the football, and he supported well in the run game. At this point, the Utah State defense has two guys on its defense, Fackrell and safety Brian Suite, who have ideal size for their positions.

Both have impressed during camp.

Tony Jones