Dec. 9, 2014
SAN DIEGO - San Diego State football players Jake Fely (Oceanside, Calif./Oceanside HS) and J.J. Whittaker (Oceanside, Calif./Oceanside HS) have each decided to return for the 2015 season.
Fely was granted a sixth-year waiver request by the NCAA in July, while Whittaker got the extension waiver in November. Fely, who was classified as a junior for this season, and Whittaker, who was classified as a senior until now, will both be labeled as seniors during the 2015 campaign.
Fely recorded 12 tackles (5 solo), a pass breakup and a tackle for loss in three games off the bench this year after returning from injuries that sidelined him for the final nine contests of 2013 and the first seven this season. Fely returned to action Nov. 1 at Nevada and had a team-high-tying six tackles, despite playing limited snaps, in his first game in 399 days. He was injured two games later at Boise State and is out for the rest of the season.
Over his career, Fely has played in 36 games with 30 starts at middle linebacker, recording 182 tackles (119 solo), 21 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and four pass breakups. Fely, was a second-team all-MW selection in 2012 with 90 tackles, 11.5 TFL, seven sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and two PBUs, has led the Aztecs in tackles eight times over his career.
Whittaker, meanwhile, has set career highs in tackles (58) and solo stops (41) this year, while adding two TFL, two interceptions and six pass breakups en route to earning second-team all-MW accolades. Whittaker, who was named to the Thorpe Award Watch List for the top defensive back in the country, started all 12 games for SDSU this year and all 25 over the past two seasons.
For his career, Whittaker has totaled 90 tackles (65 solo), four tackles for loss, 17 PBUs, five interceptions and one forced fumble in 25 games (all starts). Whittaker missed his first three collegiate years (2010-12) with injuries. He was one of the team captains this year and earned one of the Dr. R. Hardy/C.E. Peterson Memorial Trophy Captain's Awards Sunday at the team's annual banquet.
The San Diego State (7-5) will play Navy in the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl on Tuesday, Dec. 23 at 6:30 p.m. PST. The Aztecs, who tied for first in the West Division of the Mountain West at 5-3, will be playing in their school-record fifth consecutive bowl game after playing in just five over their previous 43 years. SDSU is one of just 27 schools to advance to five straight bowl games and one of just three "Group of 5" programs.
Purchasing tickets to the Poinsettia Bowl through the Aztec ticket office ensures seats in the San Diego State section and helps the Aztecs reach their ticket obligation.
SDSU STUDENT TICKET INFO
Current San Diego State students will have the opportunity to purchase one discounted bowl ticket at the Viejas Arena ticket office with a reduced cost of $10 beginning on Dec. 8 at 10 a.m. PT (first 500 students will get the discounted price). Additionally, Aztec students can purchase two additional guest tickets for $35 apiece (in the same section as the student tickets).
• Beginning Sale Date/Time: Dec. 8 at 10 a.m. PT
• Location: Viejas Arena ticket office
• Cost: $10 (first 500 students) for one ticket with current SDSU student ID
- Students can also purchase two additional tickets for $35 apiece in same section as the student tickets
- After the 500 $10 tickets are sold, students may purchase up to three seats for $35 apiece
GENERAL TICKET INFO
Members of the general public can begin purchasing the San Diego State bowl ticket allotment block beginning on Monday, Dec. 8 at 9 a.m. PT at the SDSU ticket office at Qualcomm Stadium, window E, by calling (619) 283-7378 or by visiting GoAztecs.com.
• Beginning Sale Date/Time: Dec. 8 at 9 a.m. PT
• Location: SDSU ticket office at Qualcomm Stadium window E, by calling (619) 283-7378 or by visiting GoAztecs.com
• Cost: Dependent on seat location
Season ticket holders and members of the Aztec Club have until Tuesday, Dec. 9, to order to receive their priority seats.