We can't spend the entire next 5 months discussing Texas and scUM. Here's cfbnews.com's preview of San Diego State, written by Pete Fiutak, with some comments at the end by John Harris. It's good that Kirk Morrison is gone, but Lynell Hamilton returns.
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You'll have to forgive San Diego State head coach Tom Craft if he's expecting the college football gods to cut him a little bit of a break. He had the offense in year one, but no defense. He had the defense in year two, but no offense. And then last year, the Aztecs never had star RB Lynell Hamilton, struggled a bit at quarterback and didn't get a killer performance out of its defense, yet was dead even in just about very statistical category with their opponents. One 4-7 record later, Craft is on the hot seat.
What will San Diego State be able to do if everyone can finally stay healthy on offense? How good will this team be now that it has had full spring practices after having probation cut them short the last few years? Now there should be a chance to develop the depth needed and get all the new starters in place to make a run at the Mountain West title. In other words, there aren't many excuses that can be made if this isn't a bowl season.
There are some concerns like replacing the linebacking corps and making sure the defensive line can get the job done, but there are some very good things to get excited about. Hamilton appears to be 100% and ready to be the Mountain West's most exciting back. Jeff Webb and Robert Ortiz should be the league's best 1-2 receiving punch, and the return of Jacob Elimimian from his academic problems gives the Aztecs an All-America caliber corner. Now everyone has to stay healthy and everyone has to play up to their talent level.
- Penalties: SDSU 89 for 817 yards - Opponents 66 for 604 yards
- Third down conversion percentage: Opponents 34% - SDSU 29%- Punt return average: SDSU 9.0 - Opponents 6.2
Star of the Class
Dallas Mauga DL 6-1 300 Lemon Grove (Helix) Ca.
A local product who should provide immediate help in the defensive line ... First-team J.C. Gridwire All-American in 2004 ... Two-time first-team all-conference selection ... Was the Foothills Conference defensive player of the year as a sophomore when he had 62 tackles, 11 quarterback sacks and forced five fumbles ... Had seven sacks and 51 tackles as a freshman ... Grossmont was 24-2 in his two seasons and never lost a regular-season game
Instant Impact Players
Ramsay Fiapai OL 6-3 285 Anaheim (Western) Ca.
Tyrell Smith WR 5-11 170 Detroit (Cody) Mich.
Could be the first member of this class to make a contribution ... A receiver with great speed who is considered among the state's very best community college players ... Holds a load of COC records, including touchdown catches in a game (3), season (14) and career (25), catches in game (13), season (97) and career (152), single-season receiving yards (1,261), career receiving yards (2,480) and longest reception (96 yards).
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Player that has to step up and become a star: QBs Matt Dlugolecki, Kevin O'Connell and Darren Mougey
Unsung star on the rise: Sophomore OT Will Robinson
Best pro prospect: Hamilton
Top three all-star candidates: 1) Hamilton, 2) WR Jeff Webb, 3) WR Robert Ortiz
Strength of the offense: Running backs
Weakness of the offense: Starting quarterback
Is Lynell Hamilton's ankle 100% and ready for a full-time pounding? If so, the running game will be the focus of the Aztec offense as Hamilton is too talented and too good not to get the ball in his hands 20-25 times per game. The ground game wasn't horrible last year with Hamilton out as Michael Franklin and Brandon Bornes contributed different skills and styles to the attack, but neither one is Hamilton. The rating is assuming Hamilton is fully healthy.
Player to keep an eye on: Brandon Bornes, Soph.. ... Running back rating: 8
Projected Starters
- Lynell Hamilton, Soph. - Simply put, Hamilton is one of the most talented backs in college football. At 220 pounds with speed, quickness and moves, he can do it all starting his career off with a bang rushing for 1,087 yards. All set for a breakout into superstardom last year, he missed the entire season with a broken ankle. All indications are that the sophomore is ready to roll and ready to become one of the Mountain West's top players.
Top Backups
- Brandon Bornes, Soph. - The 230-pound Bornes became the main focus of the offense over the second half of the season finishing with 578 yards and six touchdowns. He isn't just big, he's fast with home-run hitting speed as a running back and kickoff returner.
- Michael Franklin, Sr. - The scatback in the mix compared to the big backs in the rotation, the 5-7, 180-pound Franklin will be a change of pace back. He started out last year as the main back rushing for 463 yards and two touchdowns with Lynell Hamilton out, but he didn't show enough of a spark to keep Brandon Bornes from taking over.
Go ahead and call this the Mountain West's best receiving corps. Jeff Webb and Robert Ortiz form the league's best 1-2 punch and should combine for 130 catches this year. Considering the problems at quarterback last season, Webb and Ortiz should've received more credit for their great campaigns. The question is at flanker where true freshman DeMarco Sampson and sophomore Chazerey Schilens will combine to try to take the heat off Webb and Ortiz. The tight ends have the potential to be good as the season goes on.
Player to keep an eye on: DeMarco Sampson, Fr. ... Receiver rating: 7.5
Projected Starters
- Robert Ortiz, Sr. - As the slot receiver, Ortiz finished second on the team with 52 grabs for 728 yards and six touchdowns. He isn't quite as big as running mate Jeff Webb, but he's more of a deep receiver and is occasionally used to carry the ball. He was tremendous over the second half of 2004 and will look to carry the momentum over to this year and become a factor from the start.
- Jeff Webb, Sr. - Webb led the team with 71 catches last year for 863 yards and six touchdowns remembered most for a brilliant one-handed grab against Michigan. He's a big, physical receiver who isn't afraid to take a shot. While not a blazer and not necessarily a home run hitter, he has the speed to get deep on a consistent basis.
- Chazeray Schilens, Soph. - Schilens is keeping the flanker seat warm for true freshman DeMarco Sampson. Schilens has the size at 6-4 and 200 pounds and will at least be in the receiver rotation if he doesn't beat out Sampson for the starting spot.
- Tight end Lance Louis, Soph. - The 260-pound Louis saw time as a true freshman making six catches for 64 yards. Even though he's big enough to be a key cog in the running game, he'll be used as more of a receiver this season.
Top Backups
- DeMarco Sampson, Fr. - One of the most interesting prospects in the receiving corps, the 6-2 Sampson joined the team in January and is expected to quickly be a contributor at flanker along with Chazeray Schilens. Sampson has the total package of skills, but he obviously has to get used to college ball before he can make a huge impact.
- Brett Swain, Soph. - A true possession receiver, Swain caught 13 passes last year for 104 yards. He has good size and nice hands playing behind Robert Ortiz in the slot.
- Marcus Edwards, Sr. - The South Florida transfer made five catches for only 24 yards last year. With his size and experience, he's expected to be a big contributor behind Jeff Webb at split end.
- Tight end Eric Miclot, Soph. - While not as big as Lance Louis, the 6-5, 240-pound sophomore is a good all-around player and a potentially top-notch receiving threat. He only made one catch last year, but he made it count for a 17-yard touchdown against Air Force. He missed spring ball recovering from shoulder surgery.
- H-Back Fale Poumele, Sr. - When the Aztecs use an H-Back, Poumele is the man used more for his blocking than for his hands.
It's not like the offensive line was bad last season considering it had to overcome a bizarre year. No one was healthy and there was never any consistency to the starting lineup as players had to become jacks-of-all-trades. The positive out of last year's problems is an experienced line that has developed with some promising reserves. This will be one of the Mountain West's better lines if the starters can stay healthy.
Player to keep an eye on: Will Robinson, Soph. ... Offensive line rating: 7
Projected Starters
- Tackle Will Robinson, Soph. - Robinson got the world tour of positions on the line last year filling in when needed. He'll settle at left tackle this season where his good feet and pass blocking abilities should quickly make him one of the leaders on the line. At 6-6 and 270 pounds, he looks a bit like an oversized tight end with the frame to carry a bit more weight.
- Guard Taylor Schmidt, Sr. - One of the few constants on last year's line, Schmidt started every game seeing time at center as well as guard. He could still end up in the middle, but the 325-pound senior is more suited to guard where he's a strong pass blocker.
- Center Nick Smith, Jr. - The JUCO transfer is expected to take over right away in the middle. At 6-6 and 295 pounds, he's huge and has enough experience to handle the job right away. If he doesn't perform, that means Taylor Schmidt will have to move back to center from guard; the coaching staff would rather not have to do that.
- Guard Chris Pino, Sr. - Potentially the line's top star, the former JUCO transfer came in and instantly became a factor. He got hurt late last year with a concussion and his absence hurt. At 330 pounds, he's big enough to be a dominant guard while possessing the athleticism to play tackle.
- Tackle Robert Nelson, Jr. - Nelson missed all of last year recovering from shoulder surgery and is penciled in as the starter on the right size. At a whopping 6-10 and 320 pounds, he's an imposing player on the right side and, at the very least, a great reserve.
- T Ramsey Fiapai, Jr. - Robert Nelson is the projected starter at right tackle, but that could change in a heartbeat as Faiapai is a top recruit ready to take over a starting role. At 6-3 and 285 pounds, he's a good athlete for a player of his size.
- G Brandyn Dombrowski, Soph. - If Taylor Schmidt moves from guard to tackle, the left guard spot will be Dombrowski's. Ankle problems limited him last year, but he's expected to be a strong candidate for a starting spot somewhere.
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Player that has to step up and become a star: The entire linebacking corps
Unsung star on the rise: Sophomore DE Antwan Applewhite
Best pro prospect: Elimimian
Top three all-star candidates: 1) Elimimian, 2) Applewhite, 3) DT Jonathan Bailes
Strength of the defense: Secondary
Weakness of the defense: Experienced producers
Kirk Morrison was one of the Mountain West's all-time great linebackers. Gone. Matt McCoy was one of the nation's most productive weak side linebackers. Gone. Heath Farwell. Gone. Stephen Larsen. Gone. That's 312 tackles of production gone from the league's best linebacking corps. There isn't anywhere near the talent returning to replace that quartet and even less to get excited about among the backups. Freddie Keiaho is a former running back who should be fine in the middle, but there's a lot to worry about on the outside.
Player to keep an eye on: Brett Martin, Soph. ... Linebacker rating: 4
Projected Starters
- Joe Martin, Jr. - 16 tackles ... Martin has the smallest shoes to fill in the depleted linebacking corps taking over on the strong side for Heath Farwell. Martin is a former walk on who has hung around as a backup for the last few years. Now he's going to have to prove he can hold up against the run on a full-time basis.
- Freddie Keiaho, Sr. -25 tackles, 0.5 sacks, 4.5 tackles for loss ... Keiaho has had to sit and learn behind Kirk Morrison over the last two years, but he has been a special teams terror. He'll be the new man in the middle with better speed than Morrison had and enough experience to be productive right away.
- Brett Martin, Soph. - 9 tackles ... Martin is only 215 pounds, but he's extremely quick. He'll have to take over for Matt McCoy and his 90 tackles on the weak side. His speed should make him great in space, but it remains to be seen if he can handle the responsibility of getting into the backfield on a regular basis like McCoy did.
Top Backups
- Russell Allen, RFr. - One of the stars of the future, Allen will play in the middle behind Keiaho. He's the most talented linebacker on the roster and will likely be tested out on the outside to get him on the field.
- Stephen Houston, RFr. - Houston's freshman year never got off to a start suffering from a knee injury. He's speedy enough to be a factor if he's back to 100%. He'll play behind Brett Martin on the weak side.
The secondary was a major disappointment last year allowing over 227 yards per game and rarely getting the big plays when needed most. Things aren't quite as bad as they might appear if CB Jacob Elimimian is back to form after missing all of last season. The key will be to find a second corner to allow Marcus Demps to stay at his more natural safety position. The depth is razor thin and will take most of the preseason practices to develop. It would be a big help if Reggie Grigsby became a star at strong safety.
Player to keep an eye on: CB Donny Baker, Jr. ... Secondary rating: 6
Projected Starters
- CB Donny Baker, Jr. - 21 tackles, 2 interceptions, 13 broken up passes ... Baker flourished in a part-time role always making plays when picked on. He's tremendously quick making up for his 5-9, 170-pound size. He has a tenuous hold on the starting job, but he has the swagger to keep it.
- FS Marcus Demps, Sr. - 35 tackles, 1 interception, 8 broken up passes ... Demps has to become the star of the secondary with the experience and all-around skills grow into a top player. He moved from safety to corner last year and will become a safety yet again using his size, athleticism and toughness.
- SS Reggie Grigsby, Sr. - 5 tackles, 1 interception, 2 broken up passes ... Grigsby has the unenviable task of trying to replace Marviel Underwood and his 58 tackles and ten broken up passes, but he should be up for the challenge. He hasn't lived up to his prep hype yet being nothing more than a good backup. Now he has to become a top producer.
- CB Jacob Elimimian, Sr. - Elimimian was growing into a star breaking up a whopping 18 passes and picking off four passes in 2003. However, he had problems in the classroom and missed all of last year. He appears to be back in playing shape and ready to be a star again holding down one starting corner spot.
Top Backups
- CB Terrell Maze, Jr. - 16 tackles, 1 broken up pass ... Maze hasn't been able to crack the lineup much over the last few years waiting his turn. Now it's his time to shine combining with Donny Baker to, hopefully, become a shutdown player. He has the speed to become a major factor.- FS Josh Gomez, Jr. - The JUCO transfer has the experience to play right away. If he looks great, that will allow the coaching staff to move Marcus Demps to corner if needed.
The special teams weren't pretty last year with two freshman kickers playing prominent roles. However, PK Garrett Palmer and P Michael Hughes have plenty of promise. Brandon Bornes will handle most of the kick returns with the speed to become one of the Mountain West's best. The rating is relatively low, but it could quickly be better with the renewed focus.
Special Teams rating: 6
- Placekicker Garrett Palmer, Soph. - 12-21 FGs, 26-27 extra points ... Palmer's stats would be far better if he didn't get four kicks blocked. He has a good leg and decent range, but consistency was an issue; he'll only get better after getting through his freshman season.
- Punter Michael Hughes, Soph. - 38 yard average, 12 inside the 20 ... Hughes has to be better after only averaging 38 yards per boot last season with his longest kick only 50 yards. He has to hang it up a little bit more and has to be better at getting the team out of trouble.
1<SUP>st</SUP> and Ten – Healthy Hamilton – With over a thousand yards rushing in 2003, Aztec true freshman Lynell Hamilton may have been one of the best unknown stars in the nation; however, he looked to be the second coming of former Aztec star Marshall Faulk. But, a season ending injury against UNLV put him on the shelf for the rest of the season. Regardless, in 2004, Hamilton projected to be the offensive star for the surprise team on the West Coast. Well, if only all stories had a happy ending. Hamilton, the 6’1” 220 pound uberstud, was not 100% healthy and sat out the entire season. Consequently, the Aztec offense never found its way, in particular, on the ground. However, the former freshman All-America is as healthy as he has been since that game against UNLV, and it couldn’t come at a better time. Hamilton combines power with quickness and has the vision to find the hole and the burst to blow through it. The question, obviously, is how much of that explosiveness he’s lost, if any at all. The Aztec running game averaged 130 on the ground last year, but with a fully healthy Hamilton and returning ball carriers Brandon Bornes and Michael Franklin, the prospects of controlling the ball on the ground are much improved. If Hamilton can approach the success that he had in 2003, racking up 20 to 25 carries per game, the Aztec offense will go to a much needed, higher level.
3<SUP>rd</SUP> and Three – Musical Chairs – Continuity. Flow. Growth. All aspects that were seemingly missing from the Aztec offense in 2004 due to a combination of ineffectiveness and injuries. The offensive line had a hard time keeping the same five starters in the same position from game to game. QB Matt Dlugolecki couldn’t keep his job, yielding to freshman hotshot Kevin O’Connell halfway through the season. The aforementioned Hamilton redshirted, when it became obvious he wasn’t healthy, and neither of the running backs snatched the number one position. However, the experience gained by the offensive line could prove to be invaluable, while WR Robert Ortiz and Jeff Webb (if his shoulder recovers as expected) could be the MWC’s 2005 equivalent of Paris Warren and Steve Savoy. Don’t expect USC on offense, but if the music stops and the players are still there, the offense has a chance to improve. If musical chairs continue, uh oh.
4<SUP>th</SUP> and One – Identity Crisis? – Three years. 14 wins. Going forward? Heading back? A 6 win season in 2003 seemed to be the stepping stone to MWC prominence. Well, unless you think four wins are prominent, then it didn’t turn out that way. Head coach Tom Craft came out of Palomar College with a high powered offensive attack and the energy to turn this program into the MWC version of Boise State. But, where is the program now? Utah jumped to the forefront of the nation’s conscience last year, and for 2005, the conference has added another solid program in TCU. BYU is showing signs of improving, and Wyoming has rallied around head coach Joe Glenn, coming off of a bowl win against a BCS school. Where does that leave SDSU? Good question.
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2005 Schedule
</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left width=27>[font=Arial, Helvetica]9/3[/font]</TD><TD align=left width=119>[font=Arial, Helvetica]UCLA[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left width=27>[font=Arial, Helvetica]9/10[/font]</TD><TD align=left width=119>[font=Arial, Helvetica]at Air Force[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left width=27>[font=Arial, Helvetica]9/17[/font]</TD><TD align=left width=119>[font=Arial, Helvetica]at Ohio State[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left width=27>[font=Arial, Helvetica]9/24[/font]</TD><TD align=left width=119>[font=Arial, Helvetica]San Jose State[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left width=27>[font=Arial, Helvetica]10/[/font][font=Arial, Helvetica]1[/font]</TD><TD align=left width=119>[font=Arial, Helvetica]BYU[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left width=27>[font=Arial, Helvetica]10/8[/font]</TD><TD align=left width=119>[font=Arial, Helvetica]at UNLV[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left width=27>[font=Arial, Helvetica]10/15[/font]</TD><TD align=left width=119>[font=Arial, Helvetica]at Utah[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left width=27>[font=Arial, Helvetica]10/22[/font]</TD><TD align=left width=119>[font=Arial, Helvetica]New Mexico[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left width=27>[font=Arial, Helvetica]10/29[/font]</TD><TD align=left width=119>[font=Arial, Helvetica]TCU[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left width=27>[font=Arial, Helvetica]11/12[/font]</TD><TD align=left width=119>[font=Arial, Helvetica]at Colorado State[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left width=27>[font=Arial, Helvetica]11/19[/font]</TD><TD align=left width=119>[font=Arial, Helvetica]Wyoming[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left width=27>[font=Arial, Helvetica]12/3[/font]</TD><TD align=left width=119>[font=Arial, Helvetica]at Hawaii[/font]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD bgColor=#ffffff height=18><TABLE id=table11 cellSpacing=0 width="100%" border=0><CENTER></CENTER><CENTER><TBODY><TR><TD bgColor=#ff0000 height=1>
2004 Schedule
[font=Arial, Helvetica]CFN Prediction: [/font][font=Arial, Helvetica]7-4
2004 Record: 4-7[/font]
</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left bgColor=#ffffff height=16>[font=Arial, Helvetica]Preview 2004 predicted wins[/font] <TABLE id=table12 width=153><TBODY><TR><TD align=left width=27>[font=Arial, Helvetica]9/4[/font]</TD><TD width=112>[font=Arial, Helvetica]Idaho State[/font][font=Arial, Helvetica] W 38-21[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left width=27>[font=Arial, Helvetica]9/18[/font]</TD><TD width=112>[font=Arial, Helvetica]at Michigan L 24-21[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left width=27>[font=Arial, Helvetica]9/25[/font]</TD><TD width=112>[font=Arial, Helvetica]Nevada[/font][font=Arial, Helvetica] W 27-10[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left width=27>[font=Arial, Helvetica]10/2[/font]</TD><TD width=112>[font=Arial, Helvetica]at UCLA L 33-10[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left width=27>[font=Arial, Helvetica]10/9[/font]</TD><TD width=112>[font=Arial, Helvetica]at Wyoming[/font][font=Arial, Helvetica] L 20-10[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left width=27>[font=Arial, Helvetica]10/16[/font]</TD><TD width=112>[font=Arial, Helvetica]Colorado St[/font][font=Arial, Helvetica] L 21-17[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left width=27>[font=Arial, Helvetica]10/23[/font]</TD><TD width=112>[font=Arial, Helvetica]at New Mexico L 19-9[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left width=27>[font=Arial, Helvetica]10/30[/font]</TD><TD width=112>[font=Arial, Helvetica]Utah[/font][font=Arial, Helvetica] L 51-28[/font] </TD></TR><TR><TD align=left width=27>[font=Arial, Helvetica]11/6[/font]</TD><TD width=112>[font=Arial, Helvetica]at BYU L 49-16[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left width=27>[font=Arial, Helvetica]11/13[/font]</TD><TD width=112>[font=Arial, Helvetica]at Air Force[/font][font=Arial, Helvetica] W 37-31[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left width=27>[font=Arial, Helvetica]11/20[/font]</TD><TD width=112>[font=Arial, Helvetica]UNLV[/font][font=Arial, Helvetica] W 21-3[/font][font=Arial, Helvetica]CFN Prediction: [/font][font=Arial, Helvetica]7-4
2004 Record: 4-7[/font]
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[font=Arial, Helvetica]Ten Best Aztec Players
1. RB Lynell Hamilton, Soph.
2. CB Jacob Elimimian, Sr.
3. WR Jeff Webb, Sr.
4. WR Robert Ortiz, Sr.
5. DE An. Applewhite, Soph.
6. FS Marcus Demps, Sr.
7. DT Jonathan Bailes, Jr.
8. OG Chris Pino, Sr.
9. OT Will Robinson, Soph.
10. RB/KR Bran. Bornes, Soph.[/font]
</TD></TR></CENTER></TBODY></TABLE>1. RB Lynell Hamilton, Soph.
2. CB Jacob Elimimian, Sr.
3. WR Jeff Webb, Sr.
4. WR Robert Ortiz, Sr.
5. DE An. Applewhite, Soph.
6. FS Marcus Demps, Sr.
7. DT Jonathan Bailes, Jr.
8. OG Chris Pino, Sr.
9. OT Will Robinson, Soph.
10. RB/KR Bran. Bornes, Soph.[/font]
You'll have to forgive San Diego State head coach Tom Craft if he's expecting the college football gods to cut him a little bit of a break. He had the offense in year one, but no defense. He had the defense in year two, but no offense. And then last year, the Aztecs never had star RB Lynell Hamilton, struggled a bit at quarterback and didn't get a killer performance out of its defense, yet was dead even in just about very statistical category with their opponents. One 4-7 record later, Craft is on the hot seat.
What will San Diego State be able to do if everyone can finally stay healthy on offense? How good will this team be now that it has had full spring practices after having probation cut them short the last few years? Now there should be a chance to develop the depth needed and get all the new starters in place to make a run at the Mountain West title. In other words, there aren't many excuses that can be made if this isn't a bowl season.
There are some concerns like replacing the linebacking corps and making sure the defensive line can get the job done, but there are some very good things to get excited about. Hamilton appears to be 100% and ready to be the Mountain West's most exciting back. Jeff Webb and Robert Ortiz should be the league's best 1-2 receiving punch, and the return of Jacob Elimimian from his academic problems gives the Aztecs an All-America caliber corner. Now everyone has to stay healthy and everyone has to play up to their talent level.
The Schedule: It'll be tough to get off to a quick start with UCLA and road dates at Air Force and Ohio State. The Mountain West road games aren't too nasty going away to face Utah and Colorado State, but BYU, Wyoming, TCU and New Mexico have to come to San Diego.
Best Offensive Player: Sophomore RB Lynell Hamilton. After missing all of last year recovering from a broken ankle suffered in 2003, Hamilton is back and once against drawing comparisons to Marshall Faulk. He should have a huge season behind one of the league's best offensive lines.
Best Defensive Player: Senior CB Jacob Elimimian. His loss last year to academic suspension was every bit the hit that Lynell Hamilton's loss was. He broke up 18 passes two years ago and should once again be a dominant shutdown corner.
Key player to a successful season: The entire linebacking corps. You don't lose Kirk Morrison, Matt McCoy, Heath Farwell and Stephen Larsen without suffering a major dropoff in production. The Aztecs are relying on a former running back and a few former walk-ons to take over.
The season will be a success if ... the Aztecs got to a bowl. Winning the Mountain West might be asking for a little too much, so just getting a winning season and to a bowl game would be a big step for the Tom Craft regime.
Key game: Oct. 1 vs. BYU. After what should be a rocky start, the Aztecs have to start off the home portion of the Mountain West season with a bang with tough road dates ahead. A win over the Cougars would show that this should be a better season, but a loss could make life impossible with at UNLV and at Utah to follow.
2004 Fun Stats:
- Penalties: SDSU 89 for 817 yards - Opponents 66 for 604 yards
- Third down conversion percentage: Opponents 34% - SDSU 29%- Punt return average: SDSU 9.0 - Opponents 6.2
2005 Recruiting Class
Star of the Class
Dallas Mauga DL 6-1 300 Lemon Grove (Helix) Ca.
A local product who should provide immediate help in the defensive line ... First-team J.C. Gridwire All-American in 2004 ... Two-time first-team all-conference selection ... Was the Foothills Conference defensive player of the year as a sophomore when he had 62 tackles, 11 quarterback sacks and forced five fumbles ... Had seven sacks and 51 tackles as a freshman ... Grossmont was 24-2 in his two seasons and never lost a regular-season game
Instant Impact Players
Ramsay Fiapai OL 6-3 285 Anaheim (Western) Ca.
Tyrell Smith WR 5-11 170 Detroit (Cody) Mich.
Could be the first member of this class to make a contribution ... A receiver with great speed who is considered among the state's very best community college players ... Holds a load of COC records, including touchdown catches in a game (3), season (14) and career (25), catches in game (13), season (97) and career (152), single-season receiving yards (1,261), career receiving yards (2,480) and longest reception (96 yards).
OFFENSIVE PREVIEW
Basically ... Just erase what happened last year as injuries prevented the offense from being everything it could be. For starters, top back Lynell Hamilton never saw the field missing the season recovering from a broken ankle. Next, the offensive line was 100% healthy for about 45 seconds meaning a year-long reshuffling job. Finally, the quarterback situation was never settled with any sort of steady production. All should change this year as the Aztecs get Hamilton back, boast a strong line, and have the best receiving corps in the Mountain West. If a quarterback emerges from the derby as a bona fide playmaker to run the triple option, spread attack, the offense will be outstanding. <TABLE cellSpacing=6 width="30%" align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width="100%">
[font=Arial, Helvetica]Returning Leaders
[/font][font=Arial, Helvetica]Passing: Kevin O'Connell
115-236, 1,328 yds, 9 TD, 9 INT
Rushing: Brandon Bornes
133 carries for 578 yds and 6 TDs
Receiving: Jeff Webb
71 catches for 863 yds and 6 TDs[/font]
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[/font][font=Arial, Helvetica]Passing: Kevin O'Connell
115-236, 1,328 yds, 9 TD, 9 INT
Rushing: Brandon Bornes
133 carries for 578 yds and 6 TDs
Receiving: Jeff Webb
71 catches for 863 yds and 6 TDs[/font]
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Star of the offense: Sophomore RB Lynell Hamilton
Player that has to step up and become a star: QBs Matt Dlugolecki, Kevin O'Connell and Darren Mougey
Unsung star on the rise: Sophomore OT Will Robinson
Best pro prospect: Hamilton
Top three all-star candidates: 1) Hamilton, 2) WR Jeff Webb, 3) WR Robert Ortiz
Strength of the offense: Running backs
Weakness of the offense: Starting quarterback
Quarterbacks
The Aztecs need one quarterback to take the job by the horns. Inconsistency was the primary issue last year as Matt Dlugolecki's injured ankle forced Kevin O'Connell to come in a bit early. O'Connell provided a bit of a spark, but his youth and inexperience contributed to problems throwing the ball. On the plus side, he was a rushing threat. Redshirt freshman Darren Mougey, with his speed and mobilitly, has the potential to be the best option if he can prove in the off-season that he can handle the job of being the number one guy. Player to keep an eye on: Darren Mougey, RFr. ... Quarterback Rating: 6Projected Starter
- Kevin O'Connell, Soph. - O'Connell has the slight edge in the starting quarterback derby once he returns from shoulder surgery. He's a rushing threat compared to the statue that Dlugolecki is, but he isn't quite the same passer only completing 48.7% of his throws last year with nine touchdowns and nine interceptions. At 6-6 and with 347 rushing yards last year, he's too good a prospect to keep on the bench.
Top Backups
- Darren Mougey, RFr. - While the focus will be on the Matt Dlugolecki/Kevin O'Connell battle, Mougey will be the wild-card in the mix with the best combination of skills among the quarterbacks. He's 6-5 with mobility and talent; all that's missing is playing time. He has the tools to run Tom Craft's offense and could quickly take over this fall.- Matt Dlugolecki, Sr. - Injuries prevented Dlugolecki from having a big year, but he also had problems when he was 100% throwing eight interceptions and only six touchdown passes. He has the arm and the size to be successful, but he's not all that mobile and has to become a better decision maker. Unfortunately, he's not the right fit for the offense.
- Kevin Craft, Fr. - Head coach Tom Craft's son is expected to be in the backup mix after throwing for over 2,400 yards and 16 touchdowns last year. He's a smart player with good size and potential.
The Aztecs need one quarterback to take the job by the horns. Inconsistency was the primary issue last year as Matt Dlugolecki's injured ankle forced Kevin O'Connell to come in a bit early. O'Connell provided a bit of a spark, but his youth and inexperience contributed to problems throwing the ball. On the plus side, he was a rushing threat. Redshirt freshman Darren Mougey, with his speed and mobilitly, has the potential to be the best option if he can prove in the off-season that he can handle the job of being the number one guy. Player to keep an eye on: Darren Mougey, RFr. ... Quarterback Rating: 6Projected Starter
- Kevin O'Connell, Soph. - O'Connell has the slight edge in the starting quarterback derby once he returns from shoulder surgery. He's a rushing threat compared to the statue that Dlugolecki is, but he isn't quite the same passer only completing 48.7% of his throws last year with nine touchdowns and nine interceptions. At 6-6 and with 347 rushing yards last year, he's too good a prospect to keep on the bench.
Top Backups
- Darren Mougey, RFr. - While the focus will be on the Matt Dlugolecki/Kevin O'Connell battle, Mougey will be the wild-card in the mix with the best combination of skills among the quarterbacks. He's 6-5 with mobility and talent; all that's missing is playing time. He has the tools to run Tom Craft's offense and could quickly take over this fall.- Matt Dlugolecki, Sr. - Injuries prevented Dlugolecki from having a big year, but he also had problems when he was 100% throwing eight interceptions and only six touchdown passes. He has the arm and the size to be successful, but he's not all that mobile and has to become a better decision maker. Unfortunately, he's not the right fit for the offense.
- Kevin Craft, Fr. - Head coach Tom Craft's son is expected to be in the backup mix after throwing for over 2,400 yards and 16 touchdowns last year. He's a smart player with good size and potential.
Running Backs
Is Lynell Hamilton's ankle 100% and ready for a full-time pounding? If so, the running game will be the focus of the Aztec offense as Hamilton is too talented and too good not to get the ball in his hands 20-25 times per game. The ground game wasn't horrible last year with Hamilton out as Michael Franklin and Brandon Bornes contributed different skills and styles to the attack, but neither one is Hamilton. The rating is assuming Hamilton is fully healthy.
Player to keep an eye on: Brandon Bornes, Soph.. ... Running back rating: 8
Projected Starters
- Lynell Hamilton, Soph. - Simply put, Hamilton is one of the most talented backs in college football. At 220 pounds with speed, quickness and moves, he can do it all starting his career off with a bang rushing for 1,087 yards. All set for a breakout into superstardom last year, he missed the entire season with a broken ankle. All indications are that the sophomore is ready to roll and ready to become one of the Mountain West's top players.
Top Backups
- Brandon Bornes, Soph. - The 230-pound Bornes became the main focus of the offense over the second half of the season finishing with 578 yards and six touchdowns. He isn't just big, he's fast with home-run hitting speed as a running back and kickoff returner.
- Michael Franklin, Sr. - The scatback in the mix compared to the big backs in the rotation, the 5-7, 180-pound Franklin will be a change of pace back. He started out last year as the main back rushing for 463 yards and two touchdowns with Lynell Hamilton out, but he didn't show enough of a spark to keep Brandon Bornes from taking over.
Receivers
Go ahead and call this the Mountain West's best receiving corps. Jeff Webb and Robert Ortiz form the league's best 1-2 punch and should combine for 130 catches this year. Considering the problems at quarterback last season, Webb and Ortiz should've received more credit for their great campaigns. The question is at flanker where true freshman DeMarco Sampson and sophomore Chazerey Schilens will combine to try to take the heat off Webb and Ortiz. The tight ends have the potential to be good as the season goes on.
Player to keep an eye on: DeMarco Sampson, Fr. ... Receiver rating: 7.5
Projected Starters
- Robert Ortiz, Sr. - As the slot receiver, Ortiz finished second on the team with 52 grabs for 728 yards and six touchdowns. He isn't quite as big as running mate Jeff Webb, but he's more of a deep receiver and is occasionally used to carry the ball. He was tremendous over the second half of 2004 and will look to carry the momentum over to this year and become a factor from the start.
- Jeff Webb, Sr. - Webb led the team with 71 catches last year for 863 yards and six touchdowns remembered most for a brilliant one-handed grab against Michigan. He's a big, physical receiver who isn't afraid to take a shot. While not a blazer and not necessarily a home run hitter, he has the speed to get deep on a consistent basis.
- Chazeray Schilens, Soph. - Schilens is keeping the flanker seat warm for true freshman DeMarco Sampson. Schilens has the size at 6-4 and 200 pounds and will at least be in the receiver rotation if he doesn't beat out Sampson for the starting spot.
- Tight end Lance Louis, Soph. - The 260-pound Louis saw time as a true freshman making six catches for 64 yards. Even though he's big enough to be a key cog in the running game, he'll be used as more of a receiver this season.
Top Backups
- DeMarco Sampson, Fr. - One of the most interesting prospects in the receiving corps, the 6-2 Sampson joined the team in January and is expected to quickly be a contributor at flanker along with Chazeray Schilens. Sampson has the total package of skills, but he obviously has to get used to college ball before he can make a huge impact.
- Brett Swain, Soph. - A true possession receiver, Swain caught 13 passes last year for 104 yards. He has good size and nice hands playing behind Robert Ortiz in the slot.
- Marcus Edwards, Sr. - The South Florida transfer made five catches for only 24 yards last year. With his size and experience, he's expected to be a big contributor behind Jeff Webb at split end.
- Tight end Eric Miclot, Soph. - While not as big as Lance Louis, the 6-5, 240-pound sophomore is a good all-around player and a potentially top-notch receiving threat. He only made one catch last year, but he made it count for a 17-yard touchdown against Air Force. He missed spring ball recovering from shoulder surgery.
- H-Back Fale Poumele, Sr. - When the Aztecs use an H-Back, Poumele is the man used more for his blocking than for his hands.
Offensive Line
It's not like the offensive line was bad last season considering it had to overcome a bizarre year. No one was healthy and there was never any consistency to the starting lineup as players had to become jacks-of-all-trades. The positive out of last year's problems is an experienced line that has developed with some promising reserves. This will be one of the Mountain West's better lines if the starters can stay healthy.
Player to keep an eye on: Will Robinson, Soph. ... Offensive line rating: 7
Projected Starters
- Tackle Will Robinson, Soph. - Robinson got the world tour of positions on the line last year filling in when needed. He'll settle at left tackle this season where his good feet and pass blocking abilities should quickly make him one of the leaders on the line. At 6-6 and 270 pounds, he looks a bit like an oversized tight end with the frame to carry a bit more weight.
- Guard Taylor Schmidt, Sr. - One of the few constants on last year's line, Schmidt started every game seeing time at center as well as guard. He could still end up in the middle, but the 325-pound senior is more suited to guard where he's a strong pass blocker.
- Center Nick Smith, Jr. - The JUCO transfer is expected to take over right away in the middle. At 6-6 and 295 pounds, he's huge and has enough experience to handle the job right away. If he doesn't perform, that means Taylor Schmidt will have to move back to center from guard; the coaching staff would rather not have to do that.
- Guard Chris Pino, Sr. - Potentially the line's top star, the former JUCO transfer came in and instantly became a factor. He got hurt late last year with a concussion and his absence hurt. At 330 pounds, he's big enough to be a dominant guard while possessing the athleticism to play tackle.
- Tackle Robert Nelson, Jr. - Nelson missed all of last year recovering from shoulder surgery and is penciled in as the starter on the right size. At a whopping 6-10 and 320 pounds, he's an imposing player on the right side and, at the very least, a great reserve.
Top Backups
- T Ramsey Fiapai, Jr. - Robert Nelson is the projected starter at right tackle, but that could change in a heartbeat as Faiapai is a top recruit ready to take over a starting role. At 6-3 and 285 pounds, he's a good athlete for a player of his size.
- G Brandyn Dombrowski, Soph. - If Taylor Schmidt moves from guard to tackle, the left guard spot will be Dombrowski's. Ankle problems limited him last year, but he's expected to be a strong candidate for a starting spot somewhere.
DEFENSIVE PREVIEW
Basically ...With only three returning starters and the top seven tacklers gone including the great linebacking corps it might be hard for the Aztecs to be better than last year when it was one of the Mountain West's top defenses. The secondary will end up being fine in time thanks to the return of CB Jacob Elimimian and the moving of Marcus Demps from corner to safety. The front seven is the concern replacing too many players to expect last year's production. It'll be a long year for the run defense if the linebacking corps struggles. <TABLE cellSpacing=6 width="30%" align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width="100%">
[font=Arial, Helvetica]Returning Leaders
[/font][font=Arial, Helvetica]Tackles: Marcus Demps, 38
Sacks: Antwan Applewhite, 4.5
Interceptions: Donny Baker, 2[/font]
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[/font][font=Arial, Helvetica]Tackles: Marcus Demps, 38
Sacks: Antwan Applewhite, 4.5
Interceptions: Donny Baker, 2[/font]
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Star of the defense: Senior CB Jacob Elimimian
Player that has to step up and become a star: The entire linebacking corps
Unsung star on the rise: Sophomore DE Antwan Applewhite
Best pro prospect: Elimimian
Top three all-star candidates: 1) Elimimian, 2) Applewhite, 3) DT Jonathan Bailes
Strength of the defense: Secondary
Weakness of the defense: Experienced producers
Defensive Line
This is a very young line with some decent potential, but not many obvious stars. The two to watch are end Antwan Applewhite and tackle Jonathan Bailes who both have All-Conference capabilities. However, they haven't done it yet. In other words, the proven production isn't there on the line. Getting to the quarterback will be a huge issue if Applewhite doesn't shine. The depth is young, but it's there to push for playing time and make for a nice rotation.
Player to keep an eye on: DT Emil Metroka. ... Defensive Line rating: 5
Projected Starters
- DE Antwan Applewhite, Soph. - 17 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 1 interception ... One of the rising young stars in the Mountain West, Applewhite is about to blossom as one of the league's premier sack artists. At 6-3 and 235 pounds he has good size and tremendous speed coming off the edge. His highlight of last year was a 75-yard interception return against Michigan leading to a touchdowns, but he'll be known more this year for getting to the quarterback.
- DT Jonathan Bailes, Jr. - 25 tackles, 1 sack, 6 tackles for loss ... This is the third year as a starter and he should be the anchor of the line. At 305 pounds he's the team's biggest lineman and strong enough to occupy two blockers. With a little more improvement he'll be an All-Mountain West performer.
- DT Emil Metroka, Jr. - The JUCO transfer has the size at 285 pounds to be a nice complement to Jonathan Bailes. He started for the last two seasons at Weber State and should be ready to start from the word go.
- DE Kurt Kahui, Sr. - 25 tackles, 1 sack, 3.5 tackles for loss ... Kahui is a former walk on who has been an average backup over the last three seasons. While not the best all-around end on the team, he has the experience to handle one of the starting jobs. For now. JUCO transfer Sean McMaster should quickly have a say in the matter.
Top Backups
- DE Sean McMaster, Jr. - One of the nation's best JUCO linemen, the 255-pound McMaster will battle this off-season for the job on the other side of Antwan Applewhite. He's a smart player who's good enough to start right away.
- DE Robert Miller, Sr. - 4 tackles, 0.5 sacks... Tendonitis only allowed Miller to play in four games last year. He's a 6-6 thin player who has taken a while to become strong enough to handle the job at end. He'll play behind Antwan Applewhite.
- DT Brian Wilson, RFr. - One of last year's scout team stars, the 280-pound Wilson appears ready to be a factor on the inside behind Jonathan Bailes. He'll compete with fellow redshirt freshman Joran Ohmstad for the backup job.
This is a very young line with some decent potential, but not many obvious stars. The two to watch are end Antwan Applewhite and tackle Jonathan Bailes who both have All-Conference capabilities. However, they haven't done it yet. In other words, the proven production isn't there on the line. Getting to the quarterback will be a huge issue if Applewhite doesn't shine. The depth is young, but it's there to push for playing time and make for a nice rotation.
Player to keep an eye on: DT Emil Metroka. ... Defensive Line rating: 5
Projected Starters
- DE Antwan Applewhite, Soph. - 17 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 1 interception ... One of the rising young stars in the Mountain West, Applewhite is about to blossom as one of the league's premier sack artists. At 6-3 and 235 pounds he has good size and tremendous speed coming off the edge. His highlight of last year was a 75-yard interception return against Michigan leading to a touchdowns, but he'll be known more this year for getting to the quarterback.
- DT Jonathan Bailes, Jr. - 25 tackles, 1 sack, 6 tackles for loss ... This is the third year as a starter and he should be the anchor of the line. At 305 pounds he's the team's biggest lineman and strong enough to occupy two blockers. With a little more improvement he'll be an All-Mountain West performer.
- DT Emil Metroka, Jr. - The JUCO transfer has the size at 285 pounds to be a nice complement to Jonathan Bailes. He started for the last two seasons at Weber State and should be ready to start from the word go.
- DE Kurt Kahui, Sr. - 25 tackles, 1 sack, 3.5 tackles for loss ... Kahui is a former walk on who has been an average backup over the last three seasons. While not the best all-around end on the team, he has the experience to handle one of the starting jobs. For now. JUCO transfer Sean McMaster should quickly have a say in the matter.
Top Backups
- DE Sean McMaster, Jr. - One of the nation's best JUCO linemen, the 255-pound McMaster will battle this off-season for the job on the other side of Antwan Applewhite. He's a smart player who's good enough to start right away.
- DE Robert Miller, Sr. - 4 tackles, 0.5 sacks... Tendonitis only allowed Miller to play in four games last year. He's a 6-6 thin player who has taken a while to become strong enough to handle the job at end. He'll play behind Antwan Applewhite.
- DT Brian Wilson, RFr. - One of last year's scout team stars, the 280-pound Wilson appears ready to be a factor on the inside behind Jonathan Bailes. He'll compete with fellow redshirt freshman Joran Ohmstad for the backup job.
Linebackers
Kirk Morrison was one of the Mountain West's all-time great linebackers. Gone. Matt McCoy was one of the nation's most productive weak side linebackers. Gone. Heath Farwell. Gone. Stephen Larsen. Gone. That's 312 tackles of production gone from the league's best linebacking corps. There isn't anywhere near the talent returning to replace that quartet and even less to get excited about among the backups. Freddie Keiaho is a former running back who should be fine in the middle, but there's a lot to worry about on the outside.
Player to keep an eye on: Brett Martin, Soph. ... Linebacker rating: 4
Projected Starters
- Joe Martin, Jr. - 16 tackles ... Martin has the smallest shoes to fill in the depleted linebacking corps taking over on the strong side for Heath Farwell. Martin is a former walk on who has hung around as a backup for the last few years. Now he's going to have to prove he can hold up against the run on a full-time basis.
- Freddie Keiaho, Sr. -25 tackles, 0.5 sacks, 4.5 tackles for loss ... Keiaho has had to sit and learn behind Kirk Morrison over the last two years, but he has been a special teams terror. He'll be the new man in the middle with better speed than Morrison had and enough experience to be productive right away.
- Brett Martin, Soph. - 9 tackles ... Martin is only 215 pounds, but he's extremely quick. He'll have to take over for Matt McCoy and his 90 tackles on the weak side. His speed should make him great in space, but it remains to be seen if he can handle the responsibility of getting into the backfield on a regular basis like McCoy did.
Top Backups
- Russell Allen, RFr. - One of the stars of the future, Allen will play in the middle behind Keiaho. He's the most talented linebacker on the roster and will likely be tested out on the outside to get him on the field.
- Stephen Houston, RFr. - Houston's freshman year never got off to a start suffering from a knee injury. He's speedy enough to be a factor if he's back to 100%. He'll play behind Brett Martin on the weak side.
Defensive Backs
The secondary was a major disappointment last year allowing over 227 yards per game and rarely getting the big plays when needed most. Things aren't quite as bad as they might appear if CB Jacob Elimimian is back to form after missing all of last season. The key will be to find a second corner to allow Marcus Demps to stay at his more natural safety position. The depth is razor thin and will take most of the preseason practices to develop. It would be a big help if Reggie Grigsby became a star at strong safety.
Player to keep an eye on: CB Donny Baker, Jr. ... Secondary rating: 6
Projected Starters
- CB Donny Baker, Jr. - 21 tackles, 2 interceptions, 13 broken up passes ... Baker flourished in a part-time role always making plays when picked on. He's tremendously quick making up for his 5-9, 170-pound size. He has a tenuous hold on the starting job, but he has the swagger to keep it.
- FS Marcus Demps, Sr. - 35 tackles, 1 interception, 8 broken up passes ... Demps has to become the star of the secondary with the experience and all-around skills grow into a top player. He moved from safety to corner last year and will become a safety yet again using his size, athleticism and toughness.
- SS Reggie Grigsby, Sr. - 5 tackles, 1 interception, 2 broken up passes ... Grigsby has the unenviable task of trying to replace Marviel Underwood and his 58 tackles and ten broken up passes, but he should be up for the challenge. He hasn't lived up to his prep hype yet being nothing more than a good backup. Now he has to become a top producer.
- CB Jacob Elimimian, Sr. - Elimimian was growing into a star breaking up a whopping 18 passes and picking off four passes in 2003. However, he had problems in the classroom and missed all of last year. He appears to be back in playing shape and ready to be a star again holding down one starting corner spot.
Top Backups
- CB Terrell Maze, Jr. - 16 tackles, 1 broken up pass ... Maze hasn't been able to crack the lineup much over the last few years waiting his turn. Now it's his time to shine combining with Donny Baker to, hopefully, become a shutdown player. He has the speed to become a major factor.- FS Josh Gomez, Jr. - The JUCO transfer has the experience to play right away. If he looks great, that will allow the coaching staff to move Marcus Demps to corner if needed.
Special Teams
The special teams weren't pretty last year with two freshman kickers playing prominent roles. However, PK Garrett Palmer and P Michael Hughes have plenty of promise. Brandon Bornes will handle most of the kick returns with the speed to become one of the Mountain West's best. The rating is relatively low, but it could quickly be better with the renewed focus.
Special Teams rating: 6
- Placekicker Garrett Palmer, Soph. - 12-21 FGs, 26-27 extra points ... Palmer's stats would be far better if he didn't get four kicks blocked. He has a good leg and decent range, but consistency was an issue; he'll only get better after getting through his freshman season.
- Punter Michael Hughes, Soph. - 38 yard average, 12 inside the 20 ... Hughes has to be better after only averaging 38 yards per boot last season with his longest kick only 50 yards. He has to hang it up a little bit more and has to be better at getting the team out of trouble.
The following part is by John Harris, also of CFBNEWS.com:
With a fresh set of downs…1<SUP>st</SUP> and Ten – Healthy Hamilton – With over a thousand yards rushing in 2003, Aztec true freshman Lynell Hamilton may have been one of the best unknown stars in the nation; however, he looked to be the second coming of former Aztec star Marshall Faulk. But, a season ending injury against UNLV put him on the shelf for the rest of the season. Regardless, in 2004, Hamilton projected to be the offensive star for the surprise team on the West Coast. Well, if only all stories had a happy ending. Hamilton, the 6’1” 220 pound uberstud, was not 100% healthy and sat out the entire season. Consequently, the Aztec offense never found its way, in particular, on the ground. However, the former freshman All-America is as healthy as he has been since that game against UNLV, and it couldn’t come at a better time. Hamilton combines power with quickness and has the vision to find the hole and the burst to blow through it. The question, obviously, is how much of that explosiveness he’s lost, if any at all. The Aztec running game averaged 130 on the ground last year, but with a fully healthy Hamilton and returning ball carriers Brandon Bornes and Michael Franklin, the prospects of controlling the ball on the ground are much improved. If Hamilton can approach the success that he had in 2003, racking up 20 to 25 carries per game, the Aztec offense will go to a much needed, higher level.
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2<SUP>nd</SUP> and Seven – Depleted Dark Side? – Kirk Morrison. Gone. Matt McCoy. History. Heath Farwell. More like farewell. Marviel Underwood. Whoa, sensing a theme here? The Dark Side defense that featured the talents of the aforementioned stars returns only four starters, none of which was in the top five in tackles in 2004. The most pressure will be on the linebacking corps that lost Morrison, McCoy and Farwell, who combined for 274 tackles, 28 TFL and 10 sacks. Whoa, where’s Darth Vader when you need him?3<SUP>rd</SUP> and Three – Musical Chairs – Continuity. Flow. Growth. All aspects that were seemingly missing from the Aztec offense in 2004 due to a combination of ineffectiveness and injuries. The offensive line had a hard time keeping the same five starters in the same position from game to game. QB Matt Dlugolecki couldn’t keep his job, yielding to freshman hotshot Kevin O’Connell halfway through the season. The aforementioned Hamilton redshirted, when it became obvious he wasn’t healthy, and neither of the running backs snatched the number one position. However, the experience gained by the offensive line could prove to be invaluable, while WR Robert Ortiz and Jeff Webb (if his shoulder recovers as expected) could be the MWC’s 2005 equivalent of Paris Warren and Steve Savoy. Don’t expect USC on offense, but if the music stops and the players are still there, the offense has a chance to improve. If musical chairs continue, uh oh.
4<SUP>th</SUP> and One – Identity Crisis? – Three years. 14 wins. Going forward? Heading back? A 6 win season in 2003 seemed to be the stepping stone to MWC prominence. Well, unless you think four wins are prominent, then it didn’t turn out that way. Head coach Tom Craft came out of Palomar College with a high powered offensive attack and the energy to turn this program into the MWC version of Boise State. But, where is the program now? Utah jumped to the forefront of the nation’s conscience last year, and for 2005, the conference has added another solid program in TCU. BYU is showing signs of improving, and Wyoming has rallied around head coach Joe Glenn, coming off of a bowl win against a BCS school. Where does that leave SDSU? Good question.
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