Written By
Written By
Written By
Written By
The quarterback position sees Jayden Denegal return. He is coming off shoulder surgery but will be good to go. He is solid and steady. Improving his competition percentage (58.8%) and cutting down on interceptions (9 to 8 touchdowns to interceptions) will be key. This will still be a run first team though.
The running back room returns experience in Lucky Sutton and Christian Washington. Washington rushed for 563 yards, on 5.7 yards per carry last season. Sutton may be the best running back in the Group of Six. He rushed for 1,297 yards and 10 touchdowns, at just over five yards per carry. The addition of Colorado State transfer Javion Kinnard provides another threat, who is also a great pass catcher.
The wide receiver room returns production in Jordan Napier, Jacob Bostick, Donovan Brown, Nathan Acevedo, Jaylon Hawkins, and tight end Jackson Ford. Bert Emamuel Jr. makes the move from quarterback and is one of the best athletes in the country. The additions of Justius Lowe (Oregon), Ayo Shotomide-King (Oklahoma State), and Aidrich Doe (Bryant), help make this a very deep unit.
The offensive line returns experience in Kalan Ellis, Joseph Borjon, Michael Levelle Watkins, and Cam May. The additions of Evan Lawremce (Indiana), Isaac Lucas (Ball State), Charlton Luniewski (Michigan State), Mercer Luniewski (Michigan State), Matthew Montgomery (Western Illinois), and Dennis Jones (Texas Southern) bring a lo of talent to this unit.
The defensive line room returns experience in Brady Nassar, Amari Comier, Malachi Finau, and Krishna Clay. The additions of Djibril Rahman (Rutgers), Kai Wallin (Oregon State), Tuaoa Tauili’ili (Portland State), Gavriel Lightfoot (Colorado), and Nate Henrich (D2 Gannon) will all see action.
The linebacker room returns experience in Tano Letuli, who brings a lot to the table, but will need transfers to produce around him. The additions of Cameron Cooper (D2 Western Colorado), Sione Hala (Weber State), and Jeremiah Lewis (JUCO) will all play major roles for this unit.
The secondary returns experience in Josiah Cox, Prince Williams, Jelani Whitmore, Jelani McLaughlin, Dalesean Staley, and Max Garrison. The additions of Mike Lindsey (Idaho State), Jalen Thomeson (Ohio), Caleb Ricks (Idaho), Carsten Mamaril (Portland State), Soloman Davis (Oregon), Jason Oliver (Sacramento State), and Isaiah Green (Portland State) help make this a deep room.
The punting duties will belong to Toshi Dorje, who saw limited action last season. The kicking role will see a competition between transfers Tyler Prasuhn (Arizona), Cooper DiLeva (Arkansas), and Lane Garner (JUCO). Jordan Napier and Colorado State transfer Javion Kinnard are prolific return men.
Sean Lewis and company saw a huge turnaround last season, from three wins to nine wins. An elite defense had a lot to do with that. The offense should be more balanced and productive this season. The Aztecs will be at or near the top of the new lock Pac-12.
