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San Jose State reloads with transfers and depth on both sides; QB battle, strong specialists, and wide variance after last year’s 3-win drop.
Written By
Written By
The quarterback position sees a competition between redshirt freshman Robert McDaniel, true freshman Daniel Rolovich, and Hawai’i transfer Luke Weaver. Weaver has the most experience and performed well when called upon. McDaniel can make all the throws and Rolovich has great size and a strong arm.
The running back room returns experience in Jabari Bates and Viliami Teu. Bates should see increased reps after averaging 7.1 yards per carry last season. He does need to stay healthy though. The additions of Tyler Jacklich (West Virginia) and true freshman Courshawn Hill provide more depth to this unit.
The wide receiver returns some experience in Cooper Hoch and Malachi Riley. Former quarterback Tama Amisane makes the move to wide receiver. The additions of Jerry McClure (San Diego State), Jordan Anderson (Sacramento State), Anthony Ivey (Penn State), Dominique McKenzie (BYU), and true freshman Carson Clark will all see action.
The offensive line room returns experience in Joseph Harbert, Tyler Chen, Simeon Afalava, Makoni Manukainui, and Daniel Moleni. The additions of Brian Tapu (Nebraska), Ikinasio Tupou (BYU), and Lavaka Taukeiaho (Oklahoma State) make this unit a deep one.
The defensive line room returns experience in Justin Stearns, Nate Lewis, Solomane Langi, Noa Siaosi, Dejon Roney, and Etu Finau. The additions of Ian Shewell (Arizona State), Jeremiah Tuiileila (San Diego State), and Jayland McGlothen (Sacramento State) strengthen this unit.
The linebacker room returns experience in Ethan Powell, Malakai Hoeft, John Norwood, and Naseri Danielson. The addition of Aizik Mahuka (Weber State) has this coaching staff excited. If Powell and Danielson can stay healthy, along with Mahuka, this could be a very solid unit.
The secondary returns experience in Dylan Lee, Caleb Womack, Kejuan Bullard Jr., Runye Norton, and Nassir Pitters. Tuli Tagovailoa-Amosa is making the move from wide receiver. The additions of Brian Dukes Jr. (Cal Poly), Jonathan Watts (Idaho State), Isaiah Buxton (San Diego State), Jackson Barton (Nevada), and Pierce Walker (Portland State) will all see action.
Punting duties will belong to Trent Carrizosa, who is one of the best in the Mountain West. The kicking role will belong to Mathias Brown or Idaho State transfer Trajan Sinatra.
Ken Niumatalolo is a great coach and a proven winner. Last season's fall to three wins was not expected after three straight bowl seasons. The Spartans have produced the nation’s leader in receiving yards the past two seasons and are even starting over at that position. This team has a wide range of outcomes between its ceiling and its floor.
