LOGAN — Ike Larsen still can't believe it.
The Utah State safety marveled as he watched his freshman teammate CJ Tiller perform a magic trick that culminated in a signed greeting card appearing in his backpack, which he had worn throughout the day.
It happened during Larsen's favorite memory of fall camp — a talent show where many Aggies players showcased a different side of themselves.
"It just spreads love throughout the whole place, and laughter," Larsen said. "It was a good time."
On the surface, the talent show looks like the type of typical team bonding event many athletic programs use, but what's unique about Utah State's show is that it offered a glimpse into Nate Dreiling.
Last month, Dreiling was named the team's interim head coach when Blake Anderson was fired after a university investigation found he and three other administrators violated Title IX by not promptly reporting an alleged domestic and sexual assault in 2023.
Since then, Dreiling, who is 33 and has never been a head coach before, has been scrambling to get up to speed before the Aggies host Robert Morris in Saturday's season opener.
As Dreiling has adjusted to being the man in charge, it didn't take long for the players to notice something about him that wasn't fully perceivable — even just a couple of weeks ago.
"He's actually super fun, and he just wants us to have fun," Larsen said. "He emphasized that a lot at the start of fall camp."
The talent show and other outings and events, Larsen said, came out of Dreiling's emphasis on fun. Other events included outings to the movies, a cooking competition between the position groups, and a video game tournament where the "Final Four" was played at the local movie theater.
"We wanted things where the guys would be around people maybe not that they would normally be around, (but) still competing, so we actually do get some understanding new people and now it's not just a name — now you know who you're actually playing for." Dreiling said. "Because at the end of the day, talent is awesome, but talent is not going to win you games. It's how much you love one another and how hard you're going to play for each other."
Dreiling said a player dressed up "John Cena vs. The Undertaker in a full-blown cage match." He also said players told jokes and did impersonations.
"It's so cool how young he is, but how smart he is at the same time because he gets us," Larsen said. "He was in this position not too long ago. It's cool to have a coach like that."
Larsen said he's "still in shock" over Tiller's card truck, but added that he didn't have any talents of his own to showcase.
"I have a few talents," Larsen said. "But I was just like, 'I'm gonna let the young'uns take it over and see what they can come up with. And they did great."
Dreiling said the linebackers took home the culinary crown with their dish of "waffles with sausage with some sugar on top and bacon all over it." Offensive linebacker Falepule Alo was a bit sad his group's funeral potatoes came in last, but said he had a good time emceeing the talent show.
"This summer, we've been through a lot," Alo said. "But we also did a lot of things that helped us get closer."
Taking on his new role
While Dreiling didn't have much to say about what he learned about himself during fall camp, he did mention what he's learning about being a first-time head coach.
Dreiling is also the co-defensive coordinator and defensive ends coach. During the majority of camp, though, he asked co-defensive coordinator Bobby McMillen to run the defense by himself so Dreiling could focus on practicing his situational coaching, such as when to call timeouts or certain plays.
"I want to make sure when the game comes that I just don't mess this up for the players," Dreiling said. "I want to make sure I have all the experience I can going into my first game."
While Dreiling understands there will be a learning curve as a new coach, he doesn't seem to be giving himself too much leeway.
"Will there be mistakes? I'm sure," Dreiling said, "but my whole objective from now until kickoff is to make sure that doesn't happen. Obviously, time will tell on that."
Dreiling has made it a point to foster a collaborative environment — not only with his coaching staff, but players, as well. He's implemented several suggestions brought to him by players, including taking vitamins while an illness is circulating, and having more access to water and sports drinks.
"The biggest thing when you're in this chair is you have to be able to serve these players and give them what they need," Dreiling said.
Sometimes, they'll need fun. And while they'll be plenty of that throughout the season, there will also certainly be plenty of work as the Aggies try to exceed expectations.
