San Diego State once again has a dynamic mix of both new and familiar faces on this season’s roster. In an era where each season feels like a free agency year, when you truly look at what Head coach Sean Lewis and GM’s Caleb Davis & Sam Popper have put together, it’s more likely to be impressive than not.
That is what Aztecs fans around the world are hoping for at least.
Filling in big shoes in the trenches, on both sides of the ball was paramount in roster construction coming into this off season. Now that Fall camp is over and game week is here for this Saturday’s opener vs Portland State, the official 2-deep depth chart has been released.
First the offense:
The most continuity of the team is reflected on the offense where the team returns essentially 7 of the 11 starters this year. Joe Borjon returns to his most natural Left Tackle spot and Kalan Ellis is solid down next to him at guard.
New center Isaac Lucas was praised by Lewis this week as his familiarity in his abilities was vouched for very much from former Aztecs RB and Ball State teammate, Marquez Cooper. Knowing how much of a trust there was between Lewis & Cooper definitely helped when establishing a bond there anchoring the line.
Michael Laville Watkins and Charlton Luniewski have the or label on them at the right guard spot, proving the competition is ongoing into week-1. And Dennis Jones’ massive frame should be consistent enough to stonewall defenders where QB Jayden Denegal can see.
Most interestingly enough in the offense is the wideout spots, as both Nathan Acevedo and Bert Emanuel Jr. get the starter spots. Both players had outstanding bowl performances together last season vs North Texas. But will they be called upon to start again in week-2 if both Jordan Napier and Jacob Bostick are not fully back from last season’s injury rehab? Only time will tell.
Next Up, the defense:
A lot of positivity has been lifted this camp when it comes to the front six of this new look Demetrius Sumler led defensive unit. It’s a senior heavy group with Brady Nassar on one side and Kai Wallin or ‘Jib’ Rahman on the opposite edge.
In the middle figures to be senior captain Malachi Finou (Fee-Now) and Colorado transfer Gavriel Lightfoot. That senior leadership is going to be relied on heavily to stop the run, something the team greatly improved from year 1 to year 2 under Lewis.
Though this is largely a new look unit, there appears to be solid depth behind each position where the drop off shouldn’t be drastic during spells of a game.
At linebackers starting is a terrific tandem of captain Tano Letuli and Weber State transfer Sione Hala. The two bring leadership, experience and a maturity that shouldn’t stray to far away from last season’s output.
In the secondary is where coach Sumler will have his work cut out for himself, replacing so many familiar faces. At corners vs Portland is seventh year senior Jelani Whitmore and opposite him is sophomore Mike Lindsay. Both very eager to show and prove consistency.
On the safeties senior Josiah Cox starts at the nickel safety, along with sophomore Jelani McLaughlin, and senior Josh Hunter. This mix will be interesting to watch both physically and schematically, as they fly to the ball aggressively without giving up the big play.
Lastly, on to Special Teams:
Coach Lewis made it known, they wanted to let the competition go on for as long as possible before anouncing starters at the special teams spots.
“Obviously, there’s a standard that needs to be upheld there that the boys have done in the past” said Lewis in Monday afternoon’s game week presser. “We’ll continue to live through as we go through.”
When asked about Cooper DiLeva getting the nod for placekicking duties Lewis replied, “(Cooper) made more than he missed. He was more consistent than the other guys and he’s going to be pretty solid as we go forward with it. He’s earned the right to be that guy and I’m excited for him to go do it for real come Saturday night.”
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