Feb. 2, 2005
SAN DIEGO - Four of the top high school players in the state of California, three junior-college All-Americans, four of the most talented players in the state of Hawaii and an influx of talent from the southeast highlight the 2005 San Diego State football recruiting class, announced Wednesday by head coach Tom Craft.
The incoming class features 30 players, including 23 high-school products and seven from the community-college ranks. Six members of the class, including two high school players, are already enrolled at San Diego State and will participate in spring drills, beginning March 1. Quarterback Kevin Craft and receiver DeMarco Sampson, were two high school signatures from 2004 that enrolled in January and are now attending San Diego State.
The 2005 high school list includes seven players rated among the top 70 in the country at their position and the seven players arriving from two-year schools should provide immediate help in the secondary, offensive line and at receiver. San Diego State has also re-signed 2003 San Diego County offensive player of the year Patrick Gates, who will be a freshman in August.
"We have given ourselves a chance to improve in the short term and in the long term," head coach Tom Craft said. "The offensive and defensive lines should get the most immediate help. And we have added players that can help right now at receiver and in the secondary."
Receiver Tyrell Smith, defensive lineman Dallas Mauga and safety Josh Gomez are the three junior-college All-Americans. Smith was considered one of the top receiving prospects in the country, high school or junior college. Mauga (Grossmont College), and Gomez (Palomar College), are both local high school products. Gomez will participate in spring drills.
San Diego State signed four players from Hawaii, and got four signatures from the southeast, including prep stars from Louisiana, Mississippi and two players from talent-rich Florida.
Members of the California top 100 include linebacker Luke Laolagi, defensive end Tony DeMartinis and receiver Roberto Wallace of Oceanside. Gates was among the top 100 California prep players a year ago. SDSU also inked one of the top players from Arizona in receiver/kick returner Mekell Wesley and Colorado all-stater Matt Kawulok, who projects as a tight end at San Diego State.
San Diego State will be looking to sign the Mountain West Conference's top-rated class for the third consecutive year.