Aggies have lots of positives in Day 1

The Aggies were all smiles as they came off the field following their first practice of fall camp. With Chuckie Keeton looking like his old self and several defensive players making standout plays, it was hard not to be enthusiastic after the two-hour session, said offensive lineman Kevin Whimpey. "We had a lot of guys flying around and the quarterbacks did a nice job, but Chuckie is a special player and it was good to have him out there." Keeton wore a brace on his left knee, which was the only reminder of the injury that cut short his 2013 season. Otherwise he looked strong, hooking up with receivers JoJo Natson and Damoun Patterson. Hunter Sharp also made some nice plays as did some of the newcomers, making it seem coach Matt Wells was correct when he said the receivers are deep this year. "It was good to see Chuckie make some nice throws," he said. Wells said he believes Keeton has improved even more since last year as he benefited from seeing the game on the sidelines and in the box. "He is sharp," Wells said. About the only player not giving the day high praise was receiver Brandon Swindall, who tried to keep his team in check. "It was a good day for an average team," he said. "But we don't want to be average." As for other players, running back Joe Hill also looked good in his return to practice and made several cuts on his surgically repaired knee. Quarterback Darell Garretson also made some nice throws down the field. Defensively, corner Rashard Stewart and linebacker Torrey Green were among those who came away with interceptions, although Wells said he would wait to heap praise on the defense when the 'real' defensive practices started. Damion Hobbs, the Oregon transfer who is redshirting this year, was on the sidelines which bodes well for the future, although the distant future isn't the concern right now, not with the present looking so good for the Aggies. - Lya Wodraska