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Former Nevada Union standout James Brindley will start at safety for the Utah State University Aggies in his junior season this fall. Brindley is joined at Utah State by former NU teammates Brennan McFadden and Chris Ulinski.
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ENLARGE
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Former Nevada Union lineman Brennan McFadden, left, has earned a starting role at offensive guard with the Utah State Aggies.
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ENLARGE
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Chris Ulinski, a former NU player, kicks off for the Utah State Aggies.
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Nevada Union’s trio of Aggies are coming of age as Utah State tries to rebound from a disappointing 2007 campaign.
Brennan McFadden, a 2005 alumnus, has a earned a starting spot at right guard while plackekicker Chris Ulinski (class of 2005) was offered a full scholarship to the university after his success last season as the kickoff specialist.
James Brindley, class of 2006, will retain his spot as a starting safety for the Aggies. In concert, all three are excited about their opportunities this year to contribute to the team and help it advance in the Western Athletic Conference.
The Union’s Zuri Berry caught up with each of the three former Miners in advance of the season opener.
Brennan McFadden, a 2005 alumnus, has a earned a starting spot at right guard while plackekicker Chris Ulinski (class of 2005) was offered a full scholarship to the university after his success last season as the kickoff specialist.
James Brindley, class of 2006, will retain his spot as a starting safety for the Aggies. In concert, all three are excited about their opportunities this year to contribute to the team and help it advance in the Western Athletic Conference.
The Union’s Zuri Berry caught up with each of the three former Miners in advance of the season opener.
Chris Ulinski - Placekicker
Q: Congratulations on being awarded a full fledge scholarship. How did that come about?
A: I was on an academic scholarship before. But yeah, we met back in the end of our spring game with the coaches and they basically said, ‘Hey, you had an awesome year kicking for us, but you’re not that valuable as just a kickoff guy.’ So that was kind of a wakeup call to start working on my field goals and punts. This summer back at home, I tried to go three or four times a week and kick on my own. It really paid off for me.
Q: You’ve done a great job in a niche position, being the placekicker. Do you expect your duties to be expanded this year or the next?
I’m doing the kickoffs again for sure, probably that’s just it for UNLV (Aug. 27). The other kicker, Peter Caldwell, ... him and I are about dead even right now (in field goals). I think they’re gonna go with him because he had a pretty good season last year. But we’re still competing. He’s a sophomore. It’s all I hear about a lot and beating him out is easier said than done.
Q: How about punting?
A: Right now on the depth chart, I think Pete kind of beat me out last week. So I think I’m No. 2 right now. It’s just a matter of beating him.
Q: Have you enjoyed your playing experience so far?
A:Very much so. This year, this last summer being up here with all the other football players. Getting closer with all the other football players. I think the team has a really positive attitude going into this season. I can feel it in the leadership of the team and we need that going forward.
James Brindley - Safety
Q: I see you’ve changed your jersey number from 26 to 3, you high school number at NU. What’s the significance?
A: Just 3’s always been my number. You can say lucky number or my favorite number. I couldn’t get it when I first got up here, because another guy had it ... I talked him into giving it up.
Q: What did you have to do to get it?
A: I’ve been giving him a hard time. Three wasn’t his number anyway, he just got stuck with it. So I guess he gave it to me so I would stop bothering him.
Q: What are your goals for this year?
A: As far as my position, I’d like to lead the team in interceptions ... be in the top of tackles and ... get all WAC honors. That’s my goals.
Q: What kind of team do you think Utah State will be this year?
A: We’re looking a lot better. There’s a lot more experience. I think we should be able to compete with anyone. There’s a few teams at the top that might give us a little trouble, but nothing that we don’t already know about.
Brennan McFadden - Offensive Guard
Q: How are things coming along for you in the Aggies’ system?
A: They’re going really well ... We had a really good camp. Our coaching staff almost had an NFL style camp. It was really rigorous and tough. It was really hard at the beginning then we started to get ready for the season and things calmed down a bit.
Q: What kind of team do you think Utah State will be this year?
A: I think it will be a very successful team. Since I’ve been here it’s probably been the most successful camp we’ve had. I’m really looking forward to the games and contributing.
Q: What role do you see yourself playing in the success of this program?
A: Right now I’m starting at right guard. I think I proved myself in camp. I’m extremely happy with that. I look forward to locking this spot down for the next couple of years.
To contact Sports Writer Zuri Berry, e-mail zberry@theunion.com or call 477-4244.
