|
Rookie
|
Re: The Coaching Legacy of Dan Shkreli
Position Breakdown (Will be adding photos)
OFFENSE
The O-Line
A balanced attack is at the root of San Jose State’s offensive philosophy. For the Spartans, a necessary staple is an effective ground game. San Jose State last averaged over 4.0 yards per carry in 2006 - the most recent season the program finished with a winning record and participated in a bowl game.
The Spartans have a veteran group of linemen to lead the way.
Guards Isaac Leatiota (6-4, 305, SR, 3V) and Ailao Eliapo (6-2, 320, SR, 3V) have 47 starts between them since 2007.
Tackle Fred Koloto (6-3, 290, JR, 2V) is a two-year starter while center Robbie Reed (6-3, 290, SR, 2V) and tackle Andres Vargas (6-4, 305) broke into and stayed in the starting lineup last season.
Tackle David Quessenberry (6-6, 290, SO, 1V) is the only other lineman with any major college action. Any number of the five returning redshirts and four incoming freshmen can work their way quickly up the depth chart and earn playing time.
Running Backs
The line plans to be an effective unit for possibly San Jose State’s most varied set of running backs in years. The Spartans have nearly a dozen prospects. There are a number of big back hopefuls, all-around backs that are capable pass receivers, big-play threats and grinders who look to churn out a repetition of first downs.
Lamon Muldrow (5-9, 210, SR, 1V) topped the 2009 team with 592 yards, a disappointing total to him, and a 4.5 yards per carry average.
Brandon Rutley (5-10, 195, JR, 2V) seeks to show more of the form he displayed in 2008 when he was the team’s number-two rusher and a meaningful multi-purpose threat. With an interest to use some two-back sets,
Wade O’Neill (6-1, 225, SO, 1V), a 2009 redshirt, from linebacker to a fullback role and tops the opening fall depth chart at that position.
Ina Liaina (6-1, 225, SO, 1V) was used as a power back runner in 2008 and also is coming off a redshirt season. He will serve as a fullback and short yardage back for the Spartans this year.
As many as six newcomers could find themselves with specific running back roles.
David Freeman (5-8, 195, SO, TR), a transfer from the University of Washington, averaged 5.6 yards per carry for the Huskies and played effectively in 2008 games against BYU, Oklahoma and Stanford.
George Shkreli (5-10, 171, FR, HS) and Ben Thompson (6-2, 220, FR, HS) are two incoming freshmen hoping to provide power and versatility to the running game and the offense.
Quarterbacks
Throughout the spring, quarterbacks Jordan La Secla (6-3, 205, SR, 1V), Matt Faulkner (6-2, 205, JR, JC) and Dasmen Stewart (6-3, 205, FR, RS) waged an even battle for the number-one job.
La Secla made a quantum leap as a quarterback in 2009. A starter eight times, he threw for 1,926 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Faulkner and Stewart were productive and successful before joining the Spartans.
Following the 2010 Spring Game, Shkreli stated the number-one quarterback won’t be named until closer to the start of the playing season.
“...All of them are capable. All three of them have different strengths,” said
Shkreli following the Spring Game.
He also has newcomer Chris Shkreli (6-1, 186, FR, HS) joining the mix at quarterback in August.
Wide Receivers
Whoever is under center will have a young pass receiving corps of wide receivers and tight ends.
Jalal Beauchman (6-4, 225, SR, 3V) and Josh Harrison (5-11, 183, JR, 2V) each caught 35 passes a year ago and are the top returning pass catchers.
Devin Newsome (5-10, 185, SR, 3V) and James Orth (6-2, 190, SO, 1V), two defensive backs in 2009, now are wide receivers.
Five incoming freshmen, including Shkreli’s third recruited son, Tom Shkreli (6’2, 176, FR, HS) and three returning redshirts all have a chance to become part of the playing rotation at wide receiver.
Tight End
Ryan Otten (6-5, 230, SR, 3V), who had 10 receptions in 2009, stood out at tight end in the spring, particularly with his two touchdown grabs in the 2010 Spring Game. Going into preseason camp, he tops a group of seven hopefuls.
Five of the seven could find themselves at another position as the Spartans develop their position depth throughout the roster.
As a unit, the entire offense seeks more productivity in all areas compared to a year ago. An increase in meaningful output can go a long way to making the San Jose State defense have a much better season in 2010.
DEFENSE
Impact Players
Quite simply, the defense intends to be better in every phase of play. The majority of playing experience is in the backfield, but there is a viable core to build on in the defensive line and at linebacker. The Spartans return three of their six busiest tacklers and their co-leader in sacks from the 2009 team.
Safety Duke Ihenacho (6-1, 210, SR, 3V) is a two-time, first-team All-Western Athletic Conference player. As a safety in 2009, his 89 tackles were second best on the team.
Linebacker Pompey Festejo (6-0, 215, SR, 3V) earned a starting role early in the season and was right behind Ihenacho with 83 tackles. Festejo tops the opening fall depth chart at middle linebacker in the Spartans’ new defensive scheme.
D-Line
Defensive linemen Pablo Garcia (6-2, 290, JR, 2V), who shared the team lead with 4.0 quarterback sacks, and Travis Johnson (6-3, 235, SO, 1V), who started the final four 2009 games at a defensive end position, return for 2010.
The Spartans are counting on Mohamed Marah (6-0, 245, SR, 2V) playing a key role. Marah started as an end in the 2009 season opener, picked up a quarterback sack against #4-USC, was injured in the game and missed the remainder of the season.
Anthony Larceval (6-1, 265, FR, HS), a redshirt freshman, joins Johnson, Garcia and Marah at the top of the opening fall depth chart. Justin Willis (6-1, 290, SR, 2V) and Vincent Abbott (6-0, 230, SO, 1V) had their best season as freshmen in 2006 and 2008, respectively and hope to steadily increase their playing time.
It’s possible Ailao Eliapo and Ray Rodriguez (6-1, 265, SO, 1V), a two-way player in 2009, will be part of the defensive line group. With a real need for players and depth in the defensive line, the Spartans signed eight prospects, two of which are possible multi-positional players.
Ja’Rodd Watson (6-2, 275, JR, JC) was the only one of the eight making an impression in spring practice. The coaching staff expects the other seven to report when pre-season drills commence.
Linebackers
Besides Festejo, Tiuke Tuipulotu (5-10, 205, JR, 2V) and Kyler O’Neal (5-11, 225, SO, 1V) top the opening fall depth chart at the linebacker positions. Tuipulotu was a safety his first two seasons with the Spartans. O’Neal, a 2009 redshirt, was a contributing reserve linebacker as a freshman.
Ryno Gonzalez (6-1, 230, SR, 3V) and Braden Storaasli (6-0, 213, SR, 3V) have started games for the Spartans.
Rashad Gayden (6-2, 255, JR, JC) had the advantage of being a midyear transfer and participated in 2010 spring practice.
Defensive Backs
In the defensive backfield, Dominique Hunsucker (5-10, 194, SR, 3V) returns to the defensive side and a safety position along side of Ihenacho. He saw some action as a safety in 2006.
Peyton Thompson (5-11, 180, JR, 2V) and Ronnie Yell (5-9, 165, SO, 1V) top the opening fall depth chart at the cornerback spots. Thompson was credited with 48 tackles and a pair of interceptions in his first full season as a starter. Yell started the final six games as a true freshman.
Redshirt returnees Brandon Driver (6-0, 185, JR, RS) and Ralph Johnson (5-10, 175, SO, 1V), Tanner Burns (6-1, 185, SO, 2V) Chris Hill (5-9, 175, SO, SQ) and Evan Taylor (6-0, 192, SO, SQ) are battling for significant roles in the secondary.
Newcomer Frank Rukaj (5-11, 184, FR, HS) can make a strong first impression during preseason camp.
SPECIALISTS
Harrison Waid (6-1, 175, FR, RS), is the Spartans’ number-one kicker. He is in line to handle all of the kicking responsibilities.
Ben Zorn (6-3, 270, SO, SQ), was the top long snapper in the spring.
Last edited by spanky23; 09-30-2010 at 09:24 AM.
|
09-29-2010, 03:53 PM
