April 2, 2001
SAN DIEGO - Perhaps the two most overused words in college athletics are perseverance and commitment. And yet those two words are the most applicable for the next edition of San Diego State football.
The Aztecs are coming off of a bumpy 3-8 season that featured a rash of season-ending injuries and a couple of near misses. The injury bug first began to swarm the San Diego State camp well before the Aztecs began their grinding schedule.
Entering the 2001 campaign, SDSU was admittedly in a rebuilding mode, but had a pair of known commodities in quarterback Jack Hawley and running back Larry Ned. Neither player made an impact anywhere outside the training room.
As a result, the SDSU offense struggled early while a rebuilt defense did its best to stem the tide. And yet in a season that saw its share of setbacks, the Aztecs persevered enough to register a handful of high points that hadn't been attained on Montezuma Mesa in some time.
SDSU picked up its first win in Wyoming since 1984, its second all-time win at Brigham Young, and a mammoth comeback in New Mexico resulted in another victory.
Perseverence.
The result was still a 3-8 season yet the Aztecs had laid a foundation. During the off-season it picked up another victory. When the NFL's Cleveland Browns came calling for head coach Ted Tollner with a lucrative offer, he quickly declined.
"We haven't done everything we came here to do," he told a heavily attended news conference just 24 hours after the offer came from new Browns head coach and former Miami (Fla.) boss Butch Davis.
Commitment.
Ted Tollner re-upped his commitment to the SDSU football program and in an off-season that has the Aztec football complex busting at the seams with returning players, the timing couldn't be better.
"Those meeting rooms do seem awfully full for springtime," Tollner said. "I look up and see 80 guys and a lot of them have played for us."
San Diego State welcomes back 43 returning lettermen and a monstrous redshirt class that is 27 strong. Across the board the Aztecs appear bigger, stronger and more experienced. Talented backups are waiting in the wings to push the returning veterans. It is not a bold prediction to pencil in San Diego State as a much-improved squad in 2001.
"We are back where we were a year ago (1999) in that we have some strong, experienced players," Tollner said of his eighth Aztec squad. "And yet we are very excited to see what some of the younger athletes can do. We are still a pretty young team."
An amazing 23 players can be listed as returning starters for San Diego State, including 10 on the offensive side of the ball where only receiver Sean Pierce has completed his eligibility and will now concentrate on the Aztec baseball program. The defense must replace a valuable member of the secondary and a linebacker, but it figures to field a very strong unit for the third consecutive season.
The following is a look at the Aztecs, position by position, heading into the spring drills.
DEFENSE
For the last two seasons, defense has been the buzzword around Aztec football. At a university that prides itself on its offensive heritage, and for good reason, the San Diego State defensive crew has gained a reputation as perhaps the best in the Mountain West Conference. This year's squad figures to continue to foster that school of thought. The Aztecs are experienced, they run well and they are bigger than last year.
"The front seven is very solid with some returning experience and quality backups, Tollner said. "Our goal for the spring will be to develop depth in the secondary."
Defensive Tackle
It seems as long as the Aztecs have been entrenched on Montezuma Mesa Jerome Haywood (5-9, 280) has manned a tackle spot for the Aztecs. The two-time all-conference player is back for his senior season and will again anchor the middle while occupying two and sometimes three offensive players.
Haywood's backup will be Sagan Atuatasi. The 6-3, 295-pound redshirt signed with Southern California out of high school and when the rust falls away, he could be an impact player.
The other starting tackle is Anthony Foli (6-4, 265). The active lineman comes off a strong freshman season that saw him credited with six tackles behind the line of scrimmage and a pair of quarterback sacks.
Behind Foli is senior Jared Ritter (6-3, 255). He had his moments last year and should ensure a quality rotation in the trenches.
"Obviously, with Jerome back we will be strong at tackle," according to Tollner. "We have some players at that position. This group represents better size and experience than maybe we have ever had."
Defensive End
The whole gang is back at defensive end for the Aztecs. And with redshirt freshman Marcus Levi joining the fray, look for San Diego State to make some plays on the outside.
Senior Andrew Brigham (6-3, 260) is coming off a good junior season. He eventually emerged as the starter and carries that label heading into the spring. Last season he was credited with 25 tackles in 10 games.
Listed behind Brigham is junior Amon Arnold (6-4, 255). He was among the team leaders last season with four quarterback sacks and five more tackles behind the line of scrimmage. He could be considered a returning starter as well and figures to benefit greatly from a year of battle.
On the other side of the ball is returning starter Ryan Iata (6-4, 265). Like most of the Aztec defenders he is bigger and more experienced than a year ago.
His backup is Akbar Gjababiamila. The 6-5, 270 defensive end was the starter entering the 2000 campaign and had an impressive performance in the opener with seven tackles against Arizona State. He injured his Achilles before week two and was lost for the season.
Behind Gbajabiamila is redshirt freshman Marcus Levi (6-3, 275). One of the headliners of last year's recruiting class, coaches feel he could excel on the outside.
Linebacker
If there is a better group of linebackers in the Mountain West Conference than the Aztecs, the offenses are in big trouble.
SDSU returns a big, fast and physical corps that is led by Jomar Butler. The team's MVP a year ago, Butler was just one of five players in the league to reach triple digits in tackles.
What SDSU lacks in returning players, it may have filled with junior-college help and some redshirt enlistees.
"We have to replace Brian Berg, but I'm excited about seeing these young guys as they increase their playing time," Tollner said. "We have seniors that will play, but we have some young kids that can play."
Starting in the middle Beau Trickey (6-0, 230) replaces the departed Brian Berg. Trickey saw action in all 11 games last season, playing through injury much of the season. His backup is redshirt freshman Kirk Morrison (6-1, 220), an athletic, physical player who lacks only experience at the Division I level.
Butler (5-11, 205) returns at one outside spot where San Diego State hopes he can continue to terrorize the opposition. He recorded 89 unassisted tackles last season.
His backup is senior Jay Kos (6-3, 220), who fits the mold of the Aztec defenders who can cover the field with their speed.
The other outside spot returns another starter in Dylan Robles (6-1, 225). He improved through 2000 and late in the season became one of SDSU's staples. He could be pushed, however, with the arrival of Loo Heather (6-3, 235). One of the nation's most sought after junior-college players, he will likely end up on the field somewhere. He arrived on campus in January.
Cornerback
The one area on the field that will see lots of attention in the fall is at cornerback. One starting spot is up for grabs and Tollner is anxious to establish depth in the secondary. SDSU lost superstar utility player Brian Russell, who started at safety and at corner, but there are some candidates.
Junior Ricky Sharpe (6-1, 190) is an all-conference caliber player who wasn't often tested in 2000. His place in the secondary is assured. Two potential backups for him include squad member Greg Taylor (5-8, 170) or Montana transfer Jeff Shoate (5-11, 180). Both will get plenty of repetitions in the spring.
Donte Gamble (5-8, 160) is listed as the starter at the other corner. He went from walk-on to starter last season in a matter of weeks. He was up-and-down during the season, but brings lots of experience to the table. Redshirt freshman Marviel Underwood (5-10, 195) will play a prominent role. He was on the verge of entering the action throughout his first season on campus, but the coaching staff was able to preserve his redshirt status.
Safety
The last line of defense appears in good hands and San Diego State will spend the spring looking to develop depth.
Will Demps (5-11, 200) was an all-MWC performer a year ago and returns for his senior season. His backup is Shane Johnson (6-0, 195), a sophomore who saw action on special teams a year ago and increased his play from scrimmage as the season progressed.
At free safety, Garret Pavelko (6-0, 195) returns. He took over starting duties late in the season after Brian Russell made the transition to safety. Redshirt Josh Dean (6-0, 195), son of former Aztec and NFL great Vernon Dean, is listed on the depth chart.
"We have three guys (Demps, Sharpe, Pavelko) in the secondary who have played at a pretty good level for us," Tollner said. "The rest of it is going to have to shake down. We have several players to look at and some we think that are ready to make a contribution. They are young, but we may need them now."
OFFENSE
A year ago, the San Diego State offensive line was so depleted by injuries that Tollner and his staff adjusted several practice plans to account for a lack of healthy bodies. Rest assured that things have changed up front with a quality two-deep on board and more help on the way in the fall.
And just 12 months removed from watching Jack Hawley take every snap during spring drills, the Aztecs are suddenly four deep at quarterback, including a now-experienced starter in junior-to-be Lon Sheriff.
The receiving corps returns a pair of potential stars and some quality depth and at tight end SDSU is stocked, including the return of an all-conference player from injury.
The running back position returns a Doak Walker finalist, another, senior, a sophomore and a redshirt freshman.
Options are plenty and the spring should be highly competitive.
"During the spring we will work on everything," Tollner said. "Every basic fundamental and all of our philosophies on offense, defense and special teams will be developed and instilled.
"There is a higher expectation of understanding when you return this many people," he added. "They have some game time under their belt and they have a better appreciation of what it takes to be good and what level of commitment you have to have in order to be successful."
Offensive Line
The unit of 2001 will reap the benefits of the trials and tribulations the 2000 squad endured. The shuffling and experimenting that Damon Baldwin's crew was forced to endure week-to-week a year ago has helped evolve the squad into a solid and experienced two-deep.
Senior Chester Pitts (6-4, 305), a former walkon who has worked himself into a potential all-star candidate, is entrenched at the quick tackle position. The mobile 305-pounder will be spelled by redshirt freshman Mike Kracalik. The 6-foot-8 rookie has the look of a future contributor.
Brendan Darby (6-7, 285) is a player who steadily improved during the 2000 campaign as injuries opened up playing time for him. He is a steady performer, but he could be pushed by second-teamer Mike Houghton (6-5, 310), one of five seniors listed on the two-deep up front, he was a starter though much of 2000 and could still be in the first group when August arrives.
SDSU is stacked at the guard spots. David Moreno (6-2, 290), an all-Mountain West Conference performer a year ago, is back for his senior season. His opposite number is Johnathan Ingram (6-2, 290). He was sidelined by injury early last fall, but rebounded to finish strong and as a solid starter.
The backups at guard include Sikoti Uipi (6-2, 290) and Shawn Dickie (6-5, 300).
Raul Gomez (6-2, 290) solved the revolving door at center last year and is the returning starter. He could be pushed by Zach LaMonda (6-1, 290), who was the starter entering camp last fall, but lost the season to a foot injury before the Aztecs reached full pads.
Tight End
Gray McNeill (6-1, 250), the all-conference player in 1999 who was lost early last season with a knee injury, is returning for his "second" senior season. He strengthens a position that is suddenly very deep. Brian Gelt (6-3, 245), who caught 15 passes last season, is also back.
Newcomers Jason Dion and Tyson Thompson, who joined the program in January, will also figure in the mix.
"Overall, we should have as much talent and depth as we have ever had there."
Running Back
Another player back for his second senior season is running back Larry Ned (5-11, 210). Already on the Aztec career charts, Ned was banged, bruised and finally sidelined in 2000. His final run through the league figures to be much better with an experienced offensive line and quarterback in front of him.
The offensive side's answer to Brian Russell is James Truvillion (5-10, 200). The senior super sub can play at receiver, running back and in the past has also excelled on special teams. SDSU coaches will find a place for him on the field.
The youngsters in this group include Jason Van (5-9, 190) and Justin Green (6-0, 200). Van saw limited action last season on special teams and in the backfield, but he was eye-catching in those capacities.
Green, more of a power back, redshirted and should step into a role in the fall.
Receiver
San Diego State may return the best pass-catching duo in the conference in senior Derrick Lewis (6-2, 190) and sophomore J.R. Tolver (6-1, 205). Tolver was a second-team all-league pick a year ago while Lewis continued his career-long speciality as one of the west's best big-play men. Those two have playmaking abilities and after a slow start last season, turned in solid efforts.
Also returning is Thomas Howard (6-1, 205), who caught 14 passes a season ago, and Deric Martin (6-2, 185), who is listed as a starter at H-back in the position vacated by Sean Pierce. Pierce represents the lone lost starter for the offense.
Squad members Justin Stewart (6-1, 200) and Craig Mitchell (5-9, 170) also figure in the picture, as do redshirt freshmen Lonnel Penman (6-2, 200) and Adam Gray-Hayward (6-1, 185).
Quarterback
One year ago, San Diego State limped through spring drills with one healthy quarterback in Jack Hawley. When he was lost for the season in game two, SDSU's experience level behind center was non-existent.
This spring, four healthy and talented bodies will be taking snaps. Lon Sheriff is the encumbent. The junior from nearby Santee turned in a solid effort as Hawley's replacement. He passed for 2,163 yards and led SDSU to a pair of come-from-behind road victories and three overall wins in his nine starts.
Three players are waiting in the wings. Adam Hall, a transfer from Texas, is chomping at the bit to display his talents that made him one of America's most sought-after prep quarterbacks. He spent the past season guiding the Aztec scout team.
Two redshirt freshmen are also anxious to enter the fray. Jon Stoner and Danny Armstrong were both within a snap of seeing action last season. However, thanks to Sheriff's durability, both were able to preserve their redshirt seasons.
"Everyone will get their opportunity to play," Tollner said. "They play a like but each person has his own unique style."
SPECIAL TEAMS
SDSU will need to replace departed senior kicker Nate Tandberg, who provided the margin of victory in the wins at Brigham Young and New Mexico. Help could be on the way in the fall, but Brian Simnjanovski (6-3, 225) will take his shot at the position in the spring. He was a second-team all-conference punter a year ago and could push for even higher honors his last two seasons on campus.