San Diego State wrapped up spring football with a scrimmage on the SDSU campus Saturday afternoon and it was a perfect day for a little Spring cleaning. Two weekends ago season ticket holders were treated to an exclusive look at the team down at Snapdragon Stadium. Now after those two weeks, the general fanbase were able to see a bit cleaner version of these Aztecs.
Overall the scrimmage offered head coach Sean Lewis both encouragement and a clear reminder of the work still ahead. Speaking after the game with the media, Lewis emphasized that while the program has taken meaningful steps forward over the past six weeks, the performance was ultimately just an early checkpoint in a much longer journey towards opening day vs Portland State.
“It’s spring ball. That’s a wrap,” Lewis summed up the day. “I thought environment was good … for the most part came through it healthy. That’s the number one goal.” Deciding to have the fans gathered up-closely around the action was a return to what was normal before the construction of Snapdragon Stadium. It presents a very up-close and intimate vibe.
The program created an energetic and interactive setting, something Lewis noted could become a staple again moving forward. The day wasn’t just about evaluation on the field, but also about strengthening that connection between the team and its supporters. Something Lewis’ staff has made a point of emphasis to do since taking over.
Around the bleachers and other pop up booths scattered around the facilities were local recruits and former Aztecs players. It all gave the scrimmage a very SDSU family friendly type of environment.
On the field however, Lewis pointed to several individual performances that stood out.
As players continue carving out roles on this reshaped roster, this scrimmage gives a chance to impress not only the fans but Coach Lewis who wants to see them in real game situations. From each positional group their unit coach gets to instruct and work them out towards their part of the job. Coach Lewis gets to directly see things from a big picture perspective of all pieces coming together.
Of course Lewis as the playcaller will have a sharp eye on the offense.
“I thought Daishaun Davis (Freshman WR) had a nice day … I thought Drai (Redshirt Freshman QB Draiden Trudeau) did a nice job. I thought Stone (Redshirt Freshman QB Stone Saunders) did a good job,” he said.
Though the incumbent starter senior Jayden Denegal looked sturdy and directed the offense with both his arm and his legs. It was Stone Saunders whose method of moving the ball down the field showed the most verticality of the QB room.
There wasn’t a drive this day while he was on the field that the offense wasn’t trying to attack the secondary on deep routes. The passing numbers could’ve been way up had receivers made a few more catches.
But overall from the passing game there was much to be excited about. Sophomore WR Will Cianfrini went up for a pass catch from Saunders in one instance that got the fans making a delightful noise.
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Defensively, the group’s ability to generate turnovers was a bright spot, with Lewis noting the unit has been “very opportunistic,” an identity he hopes will carry into the season.
Still, the Lewis made it clear that progress remains incomplete. With roughly half the roster consisting of new players, much of the spring has been about building cohesion and understanding.
“We got a lot of work to do,” Lewis said. “Fifteen practices in with this team, but pleased with the growth that we have had. Long way for us to go… but today was a good positive step in the right direction.”
Mostly he stressed that improvements in physicality, fundamentals, and communication will be critical as the team transitions toward fall camp.
And that sense of urgency extends beyond just execution. Lewis repeatedly emphasized the importance of alignment across all 11 players on the field. “Getting to know one another and really getting to know and understand the calls and the intent of the calls… so that we can get 11 guys playing as one in all three phases has been good to see,” he explained.
The spring also offered a glimpse into the team’s evolving depth and versatility. Players like Max Garrison showcased positional range, getting on the field on both sides of the ball. As a senior that ability gives himself a chance to get out there more.
For younger defenders such as sophomore CB Michael Lindsey and freshman linebacker Alijah Lash, they flashed potential that coach took notice of despite still developing consistency. Lewis praised their upside but also challenged them to capitalize on game-changing opportunities, reinforcing the teams emphasis on discipline and attention to detail.
Looking ahead, the focus shifts away from the field—at least temporarily. With finals approaching, Lewis reminded that academic performance remains a priority before the team regroups for summer conditioning. From there, the goal is continuity.
“The biggest thing between now and then is still being into their tape, into their playbook… so that the work when we get back… is where we left it,” he said, underscoring the importance of maintaining momentum.
Ultimately, Lewis framed the spring as a foundational phase, not a finished product. “The work is the reward,” he said. “The shortcut is having great discipline, doing great work, and doing it consistently day after day.”
For San Diego State, the spring game may have closed one chapter, but as Lewis made clear, the real building process is just beginning.
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