There’s just something about Spring and second chances.
The cold(ish) San Diego winter nights have finally come to an end.
Aztecs basketball gave you a wild ride—only to crash hard in the big dance. But it’s portal szn now—we’re turning the page and we are GOONING again!
The sun is shining brighter, the days are longer, and new life is in bloom. Better days are ahead my friend.
This is exactly the kind of positive mindset we all need to take as we enter into year #2 of the AztecFast Sean Lewis era at SDSU. Last year’s 3-9 season is what it is—last year. For every D1 program in America change continues to be the constant within the walls of the locker room, as well as the halls of the staff offices.
So what’s brewing in Coach Lewis’ year two at SDSU? Here are a few top things to watch as Spring ball is ongoing.
1. Rebuilding After Key Departures
The Aztecs face the challenge of replacing significant contributors from the previous season. Notably, running back Marquez Cooper, who amassed 1,274 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, has departed.
In his absence, players like Senior Cam Davis and Junior Lucky Sutton are expected to step up as two players with tons of experience being both dedicated carryovers from the Coach Hoke years. Neither were granted much live in-game action last season as Davis’ carries were limited to just 14 and Sutton an even more minuscule 5.
Coach Lewis has expressed confidence in their development this Spring however, stating they each have the opportunity to “cement themselves as the guy” during upcoming training sessions.
Both runners present very drastically different running styles and skillsets. Davis the smaller low center of gravity runner at 5’8″ 175 benefits with quick, shifty, hide behind the big ol O-line blockers that Aztec Nation has experienced in the past. Runners like Donnel Pumphrey and Juwan Washington come to mind.
Sutton on the flip-side is a much bigger back listed at 6’1″ 212 and capable of bulldozing or side stepping around defenders. With such few game minutes logged last season though, it is yet to be seen if Sutton has the pass catching ability out of the backfield or pass blocking awareness his size would be ideal for.
Such contrasting styles suggests both would be an effective tandem together providing a change of pace for different situational needs and formations for Coach Lewis. With last season’s focus on singular distribution of carries we will see just how married Lewis’ is to his statement as one being “the guy”.
2. The BIG Battle at Quarterback
San Diego State University’s quarterback competition features four contenders, each bringing unique skills and experiences. Kyle Crum the QB with the most seniority in the program, joined SDSU in 2022 from Norco High School, California.
Though showing fantastic athletic ability with the mobility to throw on the run, Crum has only really shown playing time in just 3 games dating back to 2022 before a collarbone injury sidelined him the rest of the season. That limited experience and not being a Coach Lewis recruit may eliminate any real chance to see him in this competition.
Bert Emanuel Jr. transferred from Central Michigan University after three seasons playing in the MAC. There he played 13 games, had notable rushing performances notching 844 yards and 12 touchdowns.
No stranger to his game Coach Lewis and the Aztecs saw Emanuel Jr. up-close and personal when the Chippewaas defeated SDSU last season. With a dual-threat capability he set a CMU record with 293 rushing yards in a game.
Jayden Denegal transferred from the University of Michigan also after three years. There he was backup quarterback during Michigan’s 2023 National Championship season and appeared in seven games.
Denegal’s standout height at 6′ 5″ gives him an edge to the coaches eye and on paper should benefit his own field vision of the defense. His limited playing time at Michigan however acts as a double edged sword however.
The con; Denegal needs to establish rhythm as ‘the guy’ in SDSU’s new system. The pro; his experience in a championship level program should set him up with the mindset and work ethic needed to thrive at this level.
JP Mialovski committed to SDSU over multiple offers in 2024 from Millikan High School, Long Beach, California. In high school JP was the definition of a standout with 2,764 passing yards and 30 touchdowns in his last season.
Mialovski’s attributes are a strong arm with accuracy which is a change of pace for Coach Lewis’ QB room. More of a pocket passer style JP differs completely from the others in the battle and is yet to be seen if that hurts or helps him in his time on the Mesa.
Emanuel Jr.’s dual threat experience gives him the edge in our book. But don’t discount Denegal if he can show there is more to his game than just his physical nature. No matter the end result, coaches will determine who they think is the best fit to lead this program. But with such differing styles, do they just not know what kind of QB they want yet?
3. Defensive Continuity Amid Coaching Changes
The defense will see continuity with key players returning, such as linebacker Tano Letuli and edge rusher Trey White. White notably led the nation in sacks at one point, finishing with 12.5, while Letuli topped the team with 70 tackles.
Their leadership is expected to be pivotal as the team adapts to new defensive strategies under first year DC Rob Aurich. With most of the defensive backfield returning as well, it may be a return to defense and special teams leading the way for this program as the constant performers week in and week out.
4. Integrating the 2025 Recruiting Class
Coach Lewis has emphasized a balanced approach in the 2025 recruiting class, comprising 19 high school signees and 18 transfers, with 22 hailing from California. This strategy calls out a commitment to local talent and long-term development.
Lewis underscored the importance of building “relationships year after year, in our backyard,” aiming to create a consistent foundation for the program’s future.
As the Aztecs strive for improvement in Coach Lewis’ second season at the helm, there will be more specific position battles to learn about. You will probably not learn much more about those battles on April 19 at Snapdragon Stadium as the AztecFAST showcase is set to unveil the public’s first look at the team.
Or maybe you will learn more about those position battles.
Full of 14-man teams competing in a round robin skills tournament and a 7 on 7 session to follow, this is guaranteed to be a much different Spring showcase than we’ve seen before. More to come, so stay tuned.
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