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Logan • Utah State is using a linebacker-by-committee approach this season.
Derek Larsen has become a member in good standing.
A redshirt sophomore from Logan, Larsen played sparingly last year because of the Aggies' depth at linebacker, led by future NFL draft picks Kyler Fackrell and Nick Vigil.
Heading into Saturday night's game at Wyoming, however, Larsen ranks eighth on the Utah State defense in tackles with 33, including 11/2 quarterback sacks. He is fifth in tackles among the Aggies' corps of linebackers.
"Derek has been a solid contributor," coach Matt Wells said. "I wouldn't call it a surprise, because I really thought he would be solid. He just hasn't had the opportunity until this year.
"He's solid against the run [and] he's getting better in his pass rush. He's a very good leader … a very good player. He cares. He's a football junkie."
As a senior at Logan High, Larsen was the Most Valuable Player in Region 5 and a second-team all-state selection. But scholarship offers were scarce. He walked on at Utah State.
Just like his older brother.
B.J. Larsen was also a walk-on with the Aggies. He ended up being an all-Mountain West Conference defensive end who is playing in the NFL for the Buffalo Bills.
"That's exactly what I wanted to do," Derek Larsen said. "I saw it first-hand. My brother was in the same situation, and I want to do the same thing. …
"I wanted to continue playing football — that's why I walked on — and I've gone goal-by-goal. I wanted to earn a scholarship, then earn playing time, then start. I want to keep pushing myself forward."
There's another family member in this equation, too.
Last May, Larsen married Maddie Day — also an outstanding athlete who plays volleyball at Utah State. She is from nearby Smithfield and attended Sky View High.
"I didn't know much about volleyball before, but I know a lot about it now," Larsen said. "I'm definitely a volleyball fan. … She's doing really well. They're all playing great — a lot better than last year."
Larsen didn't know his future wife in high school, although her father was an assistant basketball coaches.
"I met her up here at college and put the puzzle together," Larsen said. "It's kind of funny."
On the field, of course, Utah State's season has created more frowns than smiles. The Aggies are 3-5 overall, 1-4 in the Mountain West and in danger of missing a bowl game for the first time since 2010.
A big piece of the puzzle has been the inability of Utah State's defense to create turnovers, which in turn would help an inconsistent offense by providing an occasional short field.
The Aggies have forced only one turnover in their last five games, which happened on a play by the special teams. Going back to last season, Utah State has forced 10 turnovers in its last 15 games.
Said Wells: "I've talked to a lot of coaches on what you do to emphasize turnovers. The resounding conclusion [when] I ask that question is, 'Matt, sometimes you get them in bunches and sometimes you don't.' … There's not a magic turnover drill, but I've got to keep believing it's coming."
According to Larsen, the Aggie defense is determined to change the situation, starting at Wyoming.
"Have the first man get there, secure the tackle and have anyone else coming in after go straight for the ball and try to get it out," he said. "I think that's something that we think about, but we're not doing all the time."
Twitter: @sluhm —
Derek Larsen file
• Former walk-on Derek Larsen has emerged has a member of Utah State's rotation at linebacker.
• Larsen, a sophomore from Logan High School, ranks eighth among Aggie defenders in tackles.
• Utah State, which has lost four of its last five games, journeys to Wyoming on Saturday night.
Utah State at Wyoming
Saturday, 8:15 p.m.
TV • ESPN2