Fall Preview for the San Jose State Spartans
QB
#18 Stewart, Dasmen QB 6-4 217 Jr. Oxnard, Calif. (Oxnard HS)--4 games played, 2
starts. 20 carries for 111 yards and 1 TD. 21-52 passing for 158 yards.
#14 Jurich, Blake QB 6-4 230 So.
Santa Cruz, Calif. (Scotts Valley HS)--1 game played. 3 carries for 22 yards.
1-3 passing for 4 yards.
#16 Gray, Joe QB 6-2 179 Fr.
Inglewood, Calif. (Dorsey HS)--Redshirted in 2011.
#10 Fales, David QB 6-3 220 Jr.
Salinas, Calif. (Monterey Peninsula College) (Palma HS)--JUCO transfer.
The starting quarterback job is
completely up for grabs going into the fall for the Spartans going into 2012
with a combing 55 passes thrown between the players. Junior Dasmen Stewart
looks to have the inside track after making 2 starts in 2011 and throwing 52 of
the 55 passes attempted. Sophomore Blake Jurich could challenge Stewart after a
year in the program and getting into one game as a freshman. Joe Gray was
redshirted in 2011 and looks to need some seasoning to challenge for a spot.
JUCO transfer Davis Fales could come in and make some noise and win the
starting or backup job this fall with a strong summer camp.
RB
#04 Freeman, David RB 5-8 202 Sr. Inglewood,
Calif. (U. of Washington) (Inglewood HS)--3 games played, 3 starts. 20 carries
for 71 yards and 1 TD. 2 catches for 13 yards.
#20 Ervin, Tyler RB 5-10 176 So.
Colton, Calif. (Colton HS)--12 games played. 29 carries for 107 yards and 1 TD.
3 catches for 17 yards. 28 kickoff returns for 24 yard average and 1 TD.
#32 Simpson, Jason RB 6-0 211
Jr. Redwood City, Calif. (Woodside HS)--11 games played, 1 start. 20 carries
for 64 yards and 1 TD. 1 catch for 10 yards. 2 kickoff returns for 15.5 yard
average.
#27 Thompson, Ben RB 6-2 227 So.
Temecula, Calif (Temecula Valley HS)--12 games played. 8 carries for 14 yards.
#42 Liaina, Ina RB 6-1 243 Sr.
Oxnard, Calif. (Rio Mesa HS)--12 games played, 4 starts. 4 catches for 24
yards.
#46 Rodriguez, Ray RB 6-1 267
Sr. Hacienda Heights, Calif. (Los Altos HS)--11 games played. 1 kickoff return
for 0 yards.
#49 Aigbuza, Osa RB 5-9 185 Sr.
San Francisco (Riordan HS)--No stats in 2011.
#30 Brown, Josh RB 5-7 180 Sr.
Stockton, Calif. (Edison HS)--No stats in 2011.
#02 Eskridge, De'Leon RB 5-11
215 Sr. San Francisco, Calif. (U. of Minnesota) (Serra HS)--No stats in 2011.
#24 Simmons, Cedric RB 6-1 214
Fr. Gilbert, Ariz. (Perry HS)--Redshirted in 2011.
#?? Alvin Jelks RB Salinas, CA Hartnell C.C. 6'1" 190--Incoming
freshman.
#?? Jalynn McCain RB Richmond, TX Bush 5'11" 208--Incoming
freshman.
Even though senior Davis Freeman
seems to be the starter going into the fall, any number of running backs
(Ervin, Simpson, Thompson, Liaina, Rodriguez) should expect to get carries in
what will be a running back by committee approach. Expect at least 4 players to
earn 25+ carries on the season. Aigbuza, brown and Eskridge dont look to factor
in. Redshirt freshman Cedric Simmons could earn special teams duties. Expect
both freshmen to be redshirted.
TE
#82 Otten, Ryan TE 6-5 245 Sr.
Loomis, Calif. (Del Oro HS)--11 games played, 6 starts. 52 catches for 739
yards and 5 TD. 1 tackle.
#15 Tuitupou, Peter TE 6-4 246
Sr. Orem, Utah (Snow College, U. of Utah) (Mountain View HS)--11 games played,
6 starts. 5 catches for 29 yards.
#85 Brown, Keenan TE 6-5 256 Sr.
San Bernardino, Calif. (Arroyo Valley HS)--9 games played. No stats in 2011.
#37 Tomlitz, Sam TE 6-3 230 So.
San Jose, Calif. (Archbishop Mitty HS)--12 games played. 1 tackle.
#80 Miller, Max TE 6-6 243 Jr.
Stuart, Iowa (Iowa Western College) (West Central Valley HS)--No stats in 2011.
#88 Lorius, Travis TE 6-5 245
Jr. San Jose, Calif. (Foothill College) (Pioneer HS)--No stats in 2011.
#83 Galewski, Stefan TE 6-2 241
Fr. Scotts Valley, Calif. (Scotts Valley HS)--Redshirted in 2011.
#?? Billy Freeman TE Mesa, AZ Red Mountain 6'3" 235--Incoming
freshman.
#?? Jordan Thiel TE Simi Valley, CA Simi Valley 6'4" 225--Incoming
freshman.
The Spartans have 2 talented
tight ends in seniors Ryan Otten and Peter Tuitupou. Otten is the more athletic
player and will get the majority of the receptions from the tight end spot
while Tuitupou will be more of a blocker with occasional receptions. Sophomore
Sam Tomlitz looks to continue to play special teams with the occasional snap on
offense when needed. Lorius and Galewski may not be able to contribute other
than in special teams this fall. Freshmen Freeman and Thiel will have a long
way to work up the depth chart this fall.
WR
#23 Grigsby, Noel WR 5-11 175
Jr. Los Angeles, Calif. (Crenshaw HS)--12 games played, 12 starts. 89 catches
for 886 yards and 2 TD. 1 tackle.
#22 Carr, Jabari WR 6-0 180 So.
San Jose, Calif. (Oak Grove HS)--12 games played, 10 starts. 33 catches for 476
yards and 4 TD. 1 tackle.
#89 Jones, Chandler WR 5-11 174
Jr. Los Angeles, Calif. (Bishop Montgomery HS)--12 games played, 9 starts. 4
carries for 21 yards and 1 TD. 61 catches for 566 yards and 2 TD. 1 fumble
return 23 yards for a TD. 9 tackles.
#17 Nunn, Kyle WR 6-2 198 Jr.
Carson, Calif. (Mira Costa HS)--10 games played. 14 catches for 139 yards.
#84 Linton, Sean WR 6-1 186 So.
La Mesa, Calif. (Helix HS)--2 games played. No stats in 2011.
#86 Nwadibia, Kelechi WR 6-0 175
Jr. Stockton, Calif. (San Jose City College) (Bear Creek HS)--No stats in 2011.
#44 Kearney, Chris WR 5-11 188
Fr. Laguna Niguel, Calif. (Dana Hills HS)--Redshirted in 2011.
#03 Boyd, Sam WR 6-3 238 Fr. St.
Petersburg, Fla. (Roosevelt HS)--Redshirted in 2011.
#05 Bradbury, Daniel WR 6-1 189
Fr. Los Angeles, Calif. (Beverly Hills HS)--Redshirted in 2011.
#11 Pearce, K.C. WR 6-3 178 Fr.
Visalia, Calif. (Redwood HS)--Redshirted in 2011.
#35 Wilson, Hansel WR 5-10 170
Fr. El Cajon, Calif. (Valhalla HS)--Redshirted in 2011.
#19 Wilson, Jake WR 5-11 160 Fr.
San Jose, Calif. (Sobrato HS) (Willow Glen HS)--Redshirted in 2011.
#?? Travis Talianko WR La Canada, CA St. Francis 6'0" 200--Incoming
freshman.
Grisby and Carr are the definite
starters at wide receiver for the Spartan offense after making 89 and 33
catches respectively in 2011. Chandler Jones and Kyle Nunn should easily see
many snaps this fall as well. With 6 redshirted freshmen from 2011 and a couple
of others, the competition for the last couple of receiver slots as well as
special teams should be fierce.
OL
#75 Kaspar, Nicholas OG 6-4 284
Jr. Dana Point, Calif. (Dana Hills HS)--12 games played, 12 starts. 2 tackles.
#76 Quessenberry, David OT 6-6
291 Sr. Carlsbad, Calif. (La Costa Canyon HS)--12 games played, 12 starts. 1
tackle.
#55 Ngatuvai, Moa OG 6-3 300 Jr.
San Leandro, Calif. (San Leandro HS)--12 games played, 3 starts.
#54 Hasani, Reuben C 6-3 284 Jr.
Los Angeles, Calif. (Venice HS)--1 game played, 1 start.
#74 Jones, Ryan OG 6-4 292 Jr.
San Francisco, Calif. (Riordan HS)--1 game played.
#71 Bendixen, Keith OT 6-4 291
So. Santa Maria, Calif. (St. Joseph)--9 games played.
#61 Pal, Amar OT 6-4 282 Jr.
Santa Monica, Calif. (Santa Monica HS)--5 games played.
#64 Salimu, Abasi OT 6-5 284 Jr.
Los Angeles, Calif. (Crenshaw HS)--No stats in 2011.
#63 Peterson, Jake OL 6-4 315
So. El Cajon, Calif. (West Hills HS)--No stats in 2011.
#51 Peterson, David OL 6-5 290
So. Redlands, Calif. (East Valley HS)--No stats in 2011.
#62 Grattan, Jeff OL 6-4 282 Sr.
Campbell, Calif. (Gavilan College) (Westmont HS)--No stats in 2011.
#66 D'Angelo, Sal C 6-2 260 Jr.
Folson, Calif. (American River College) (Folsom HS)--No stats in 2011.
#79 Meyer, Jon OG 6-5 275 Jr.
San Jose, Calif. (Foothill College) (Pioneer HS)--No stats in 2011.
#77 Satele, Justin C 6-1 276 Fr.
San Jose, Calif. (Valley Christian HS)--Redshirted in 2011.
#56 Blacksill, Doug OL 6-5 275
Fr. Bakersfield, Calif. (Liberty HS)--Redshirted in 2011.
#50 Diaz, Nick OL 6-3 293 Fr.
Downey, Calif. (St. John Bosco HS)--Redshirted in 2011.
#72 Schweitzer, Wes OL 6-5 275
Fr. Scottsdale, Ariz. (Chapparal HS)--Redshirted in 2011.
#?? Oscar Barron OL Buena Park, CA Buena Park 6'3" 254--Incoming
freshman.
#?? Kyle Hart OL Ridgecrest, CA Burroughs 6'3" 240--Incoming
freshman.
#?? Jeremiah Kolone OL Fallbrook, CA Fallbrook 6'3" 290--Incoming
freshman.
#?? Evan Sarver OL Chandler, AZ Basha 6'5" 255--Incoming freshman.
#?? Fernando Villanueva OL San Jose, CA Independence 6'6" 280--Incoming
freshman
Kaspar and Quessenberry look to
lead the Spartan offensive line after both made all 12 starts in 2011. The only
other offensive lineman with any starting experience is guard Moa Ngatuvai who
started 3 games in 2011 while playing in all 12. He will compete with a large
numbers of returning players including 4 redshirt freshmen and 5 incoming
freshmen. The Spartans need 3 players to step up and show they are ready to
play significant amounts of time this fall in order for the Spartan offense to
be productive in 2012.
DL
#43 Johnson, Travis DE 6-3 244
Sr. Sunnyvale, Calif. (The King's Academy)--12 games played, 12 starts. 73
tackles, 15.5 for loss. 9.5 sacks. 1 fumble recovery, 2 blocked kicks and 1
safety.
#97 Larceval, Anthony DT 6-2 284
Jr. Spring Valley, Calif. (Helix HS)--12 games played, 3 starts. 33 tackles,
4.5 for loss. 1 sack.
#90 Raciti, Travis DT 6-5 286
So. Pleasant Hill, Calif. (College Park HS)--12 games played, 9 starts. 26
tackles, 3.5 for loss. 1 sack, 2 fumble recoveries.
#91 Nigos, Joe DT 6-1 278 Sr.
San Jose, Calif. (Oak Grove HS)--4 games played, 3 starts. 7 tackles, 0.5 for
loss.
#53 Abbott, Vincent DE 6-0 233
Sr. Long Beach, Calif. (Lakewood HS)--11 games played. 9 tackles. 1 pbu.
#95 Bacon, Sean DE 6-3 226 So.
Inglewood, Calif. (Serra HS)--7 games played. 1 tackle, 1 for loss.
#41 Tuitupou, David DE 6-5 260
Sr. Orem, Utah (Snow College) (Mountain View HS) (Brigham Young U.)--12 games
played. 6 tackles, 0.5 for loss. 1 fumble recovery.
#93 Vae, Foloi DE 6-3 278 So. Stockton,
Calif. (Edison HS)--1 game played. No stats in 2011.
#96 Howard, Marcus DE 6-2 300
So. Inglewood, Calif. (Inglewood HS)--No stats in 2011.
#86 Hill, Christian DE 6-4 240
Fr. Fresno, Calif. (Sanger HS, Edision HS)--Redshirted in 2011.
#98 Popovich, Tony DE 6-2 275
Fr. Kentfield, Calif. (Marin Catholic HS)--Redshirted in 2011.
#69 Catalano, David DT 6-4 274
Fr. Tucson, Ariz. (Canyon Del Oro HS)--Redshirted in 2011.
#57 Falo, Nate DT 6-1 286 Fr.
Sacramento, Calif. (Inderkum HS)--Redshirted in 2011.
#?? Niko Kittrell DE Tucson, AZ Sahuaro 6'3" 240--Incoming
freshman.
Senior Travis Johnson looks to
lead the San Jose State defensive line after starting all 12 games in 2011
making 73 tackles with 15.5 for loss and 9.5 sacks in 2011. He is helped by
returning starters Anthony Larceval and Travis Raciti and Joe Nigos who all
made at least 3 starts in 2011. Abbott, Bacon and Tuitupou all look to get into
the rotation as well but dont be surprised to see one of the 4 redshirt
freshmen make an impact this fall.
LB
#31 Smith, Keith LB 6-2 229 Jr.
Covina, Calif. (Charter Oak HS)--12 games played, 12 starts. 104 tackles, 3.5
for loss. 1 fumble recovery, 1 pbu, 3 forced fumbles.
#36 Buhagiar, Vince LB 6-4 237
Jr. Concord, Calif. (Clayton Valley HS)--12 games played, 3 starts. 50 tackles,
2.5 for loss. 0.5 sacks, 1 pbu, 2 fumble recoveries.
#34 Muaava, Derek LB 6-0 235 So. San Jose, Calif. (Independence
HS)--12 games played. 15 tackles. 1 pbu, 1 interception.
#44 Zizzo, Tony LB 5-11 210 Jr.
Morgan Hill, Calif. (Modesto College) (Willow Glen HS, Sobrato HS)--No stats in
2011.
#51 Penn, Shannon LB 6-2 235 So.
Los Angeles, Calif. (Crenshaw HS)--No stats in 2011.
#15 Parrish, Doug LB 6-0 223 So.
San Francisco, Calif. (Sacred Heart Cathedral)--No stats in 2011.
#48 Saucedo, Moses LB 6-0 225
Fr. Los Angeles, Calif. (Garfield HS)--Redshirted in 2011.
#99 Brown, Nick LB 6-2 210 Fr.
Burbank, Calif. (John Burroughs HS)--Redshirted in 2011.
#11 Fasavalu, Josh LB 5-11 225
Fr. Long Beach, Calif. (Poly HS)--Redshirted in 2011.
#33 Moon, Jonah LB 5-10 218 Fr.
San Jose, Calif. (Piedmont Hills HS)--Redshirted in 2011.
#42 Poti, Simon LB 6-2 230 Fr.
Fullerton, Calif. (Fullerton Union HS)--Redshirted in 2011.
#22 Roach, Hector LB 6-1 212 Fr.
Stockton, Calif. (Edison HS)--Redshirted in 2011.
#?? Addison Gillam LB Palo
Cedro, CA Foothill 6'3" 215--Incoming freshman.
#?? Brad Kuh LB San Jose, CA
Bellarmine Prep 6'2" 220--Incoming freshman.
#?? Lemaki Musika LB Milpitas,
CA Milpitas 6'1" 245--Incoming freshman.
Junior Keith Smith is the heart
and soul of the Spartan defense with a team leading 104 tackles on the season
from his linebacker spot. He looks to be flanked by junior Vince Buhagiar and
sophomore Derek Muaava who had 50 and 15 tackles respectively in 2011. With six
2011 redshirts and sophomores Penn and Parrish, there will be plenty of
competition to get some playing time on defense and special teams within the
linebacker group.
DB
#81 Orth, James S 6-2 206 Sr. Modesto,
Calif. (Modesto Central Catholic HS)--12 games played, 12 starts. 78 tackles, 2
for loss. 4 interceptions, 2 pbu, 1 fumble recovery.
#25 Yell, Ronnie DB 5-10 188 Sr.
San Diego, Calif. (Lincoln HS)--10 games played, 6 starts. 37 tackles, 1.5 for
loss. 4 pbu, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble.
#21 Benwikere, Bené S 6-0 192
Jr. Los Angeles, Calif. (Serra HS)--10 games played, 2 starts. 18 tackles, 0.5
for loss. 3 pbu, 1 interception.
#39 Newsome, Cullen S 5-10 207
Sr. Roseville, Calif. (American River College) (Roseville HS)--12 games played,
1 start. 26 tackles, 1.5 for loss. 1 pbu.
#35 Hightower, Forrest CB 5-10
177 So. Concord, Calif. (Concord HS)--11 games played. 2 tackles.
#06 Ogburn, Jr., Damon CB 5-11
181 Jr. San Bernardino, Calif. (Arroyo Valley HS)--11 games played. 13 tackles.
1 fumble recovery.
#87 King, Akeem S 6-3 214 So.
Nipomo, Calif. (Nipomo HS)--2 games played. No stats in 2011.
#24 Fiscalini III, Rob S 5-11
215 Jr. San Jose, Calif. (Foothill College) (Valley Christian HS)--No stats in
2011.
#14 Jackson, Ralph CB 5-10 175
So. Morgan Hill, Calif. (Sobrato HS)--No stats in 2011.
#29 Hill, Chris CB 5-10 185 Jr.
Carson, Calif. (Carson HS)--No stats in 2011.
#26 Kelly, Marced CB 5-10 176
Fr. Stockton, Calif. (Edison HS)--Redshirted in 2011.
#37 Whitehurst, Herbert CB 6-0
180 Fr. Modesto, Calif. (Enochs HS)--Redshirted in 2011.
#28 Connette, Simon S 5-11 193
Fr. Corona, Calif. (Santiago HS)--Redshirted in 2011.
#?? Ryan Harper DB Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix C.C. 6'2" 185--Incoming freshman.
#?? Miles Milner DB San Marcos,
CA Mission 5'11" 170--Incoming freshman.
#?? Jimmy Pruitt DB San Diego,
CA Helix 6'0" 175--Incoming freshman.
In the secondary, senior James
Orth leads a defensive backfield that had 4 return players that made at least
one start in 2011. Orth started all 12 making 78 tackles and 4 interceptions in
his junior year. Senior Ronnie Yell made 6 starts with 37 tackles and an
interception. Junior Bene Benwikere made 2 starts as a sophomore recording an
interception and 18 tackles. Senior Cullen Newsome started one game but played
in all 12 with 26 tackles. Hightower, Ogburn, and King look most ready to earn
some playing time although with 3 redshirts and several other players working
for playing time, it will not be easy.
LS
#38 Gilbreath, Arthur LS 5-10
205 Jr. Oxnard, Calif. (Ventura College) (Saint Bonaventure HS)--No stats in
2011.
#41 Telles, Jeffrey LS 6-1 243
So. Tracy, Calif. (St. Mary's HS)--No stats in 2011.
Special teams snaps should be
quite an adventure this fall with neither of the snappers having actually made
a snap in a game on the college level. It is an open competition for the spot
but Gilbreath looks to be the front runner.
P
#10 Waid, Harrison P 6-1 173 Jr. Sunnyvale,
Calif. (Fremont HS)--12 games played. 2-5 field goals, long of 25 yards. 1
blocked. 52 punts for 42.8 yard average. 16 inside the 20 yard line. 65
kickoffs, 8 touchbacks.
Junior Harrison Waid was used in
every facet of the kicking game in 2011, punting the ball, kicking off, and
even attempting field goals. Waid's talent lies in the punting aspect with a
nice 42.8 yard punting average including 16 punts that landed inside the 20
yard line. If the incoming kickers come in and take control of the field goal
game, expect Waid's numbers to improve even more this fall.
K
#12 Anastasi, Alex PK 5-10 184
Fr. Pacific Palisades, Calif. (Palisades HS)--Redshirted in 2011.
#?? Austin Lopez K Euless, TX Trinity 5'11" 160--Incoming
freshman.
Anything can happen with the
kicking game this fall as both kickers have not attempted a field goal on the
collegiate level yet and are unproven commodities. Anatasi looks to be the
favorite going into the fall due to his one year on the team as a redshirt. It
is vitally important for one of the two kickers to step in so that some of the
pressure can be taken off of punter Harrison Waid who attempted 5 field goals
in 2011.
ATH
#?? Christian Tago ATH Palmdale, CA Highland 6'2" 209--Incoming
freshman.
After a 5-7 season that ended on
a 2 game winning streak, the Spartans think there is a chance of playing for a
bowl game in 2012. The Spartans get Utah State, BYU, and Louisiana Tech at home
but must travel to Stanford, San Diego State and Navy in the first 5 weeks of
the season. It will be difficult but not impossible for the Spartans to get to
six wins but they will have to rely heavily on that experienced defense until
the offense gets settled in. Expect another 5-7 type finish for the Spartans in
2012.
No comments:
Post a Comment