Photo credit: @SJSUSpartanFB

By: Ana Kieu

SAN JOSE, Calif. — By now, you should already know that former San Jose State linebacker Frank Ginda was the guy who delivered the hits at CEFCU Stadium. Ginda went undrafted in the 2018 NFL Draft and was signed by the Arizona Cardinals, but his stint was short-lived, as he was waived by the team on June 15. Pro Football Talk has reported that Ginda will try to continue his bid with another NFL team, but let’s see what happens. After all, Ginda was rushed to the emergency room following a car crash just months before the draft.

Anywho, Ginda may not be a Spartan anymore, but he was still one of the many tough guys with a lovely lady by his side. The Spartan roster–and coaching staff–have some of the most beautiful wives and girlfriends in the nation. But what’s the scoop on the team itself?

Now, I’m not green with envy. I’m actually happy for the Spartans and their WAGs and I wish them nothing but happiness. Most recently, SJSU receivers coach Kevin Cummings wed his college sweetheart, Nellie, and head coach Brent Brennan was in attendance for their picturesque Portland, Ore. wedding.

However, I’m also concerned about the future of this team, just like any other SJSU alumna out there.

Last year, SJSU finished with a 2-11 record (1-7 Mountain West). That’s so awful to say the least. I understand that it’s likely difficult for a first-year head coach, like, say, Brent Brennan to find what works for a NCAA team, but two wins is a downright disappointment. Hopefully, things will start to look up this year.

Right now, there are 12 receivers and 4 tight ends on the current SJSU roster. Most of the receivers are returning from last season, which is a good thing. The 6 players that’ll be contending for playing time at their position include Thai Cottrell, Jeremy Kelly, Bailey Gaither, Tre Walker, JaQuan Blackwell, and Justin Holmes–all of whom have had some playing time in the past. The other 5 players include Steven Houston, Leki Nunn, Antwaun Ayers, Ray Surry, and Austin Liles–all of whom face the unfortunate possibility of being the odd men out once the 2018 season kicks off.

Though, the TEs are currently competing for game day roster spots. For example, Gurdeep Chopra and Jackson Parks, who are having a hard time getting reps at their position and will likely continue facing adversity, as the starter and backup TEs will return, as Josh Oliver and Billy Humphreys are here to stay. Also, it’s likely that Humphreys will take Oliver’s place after Oliver graduates after the end of the 2018 campaign.

As for the running back position, there are currently 8 guys who are competing for playing time: Brendan Manigo, Francoise Sims II, Tyler Nevins, Jamar Williams, Brandon Monroe, DeJon Packer, and Malike Roberson. I believe that Nevins and Roberson will contribute the most, and Monroe will (hopefully) return to full strength.

When it comes to the quarterback position, Montel Aaron will return as a starter, while his backup has yet to be announced. But it’ll be 1 of these 4 guys: Ryan Johnson, Terrell Carter, Josh Love, or Michael Carrillo. I believe that the Spartans will try Carter instead of Love this year, as Love was fairly ineffective last year. Plus, Carter finished 4-of-5 with 77 yards in the Spring Game following a redshirt season. Spring Game numbers aren’t regular season numbers, but I can definitely see Carter proving his worth in times of need.

Of course, I could be wrong and you could be right, but I’m just sharing my opinions for the 2018 season, which is just around the corner. . .There’s a chance that SJSU may need another year to continue their rebuild that was centered on offense and now defense. Lows are nothing new for SJSU, but let’s hope that there’ll be some highs to talk about in August.