Author: Sports Radio Service

San Francisco 49ers podcast with Joe Lami: Will loss to the Falcons be something Niners can shake off?

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo credit: nbcsports.com

On the 49ers podcast with Joe:

#1 After a close loss to the Atlanta Falcons, will there be much recovery for the 49ers coming off the loss mentally and physically?

#2 Close contest as Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan had himself an afternoon throwing against the 49ers defense throwing 25 for 39 for 210 yards but the key play for Ryan was his five-yard pass to Julio Jones for the gamer.

#3 Injuries are insurmountable against the 49ers, but cornerback Richard Sherman (hamstring) and nickle corner K’Waun Williams (concussion) are both scheduled to return to practice after they sat on the sidelines last Sunday.

#4 With defensive end Dee Ford (hamstring) out for the rest of the season, the 49ers were trying to acquire pass rusher Terrell Suggs, a seven-time Pro Bowler. Suggs was snapped up by the Kansas City Chiefs.

#5 The 49ers have four players going to the Pro Bowl in edge rusher Nick Bosa, Sherman, tight end George Kittle, and fullback Kyle Juszczyk.

Joe Lami does the 49ers podcasts each Friday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Jose State spreads holiday cheer in hospital pediatric unit

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo credit: sjsuspartans.com

By Ana Kieu

San Jose State football linebackers Tysyn Parker and Alii Matau and gymnasts Chelsey Andrada, Jada Mazury and Emma Milne spent an afternoon after final exams distributing toys to children in the pediatric unit of Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Gatos, Calif.

Bags of toys and donations to purchase additional gifts were collected at an athletics department-hosted student-athlete party prior to final exams.

“The stuff they have to go through on a daily basis is pretty tough. The fact they have to spend the holidays in the hospital and possibly fight every day for their life is tough. I don’t think I would be able to do it as an adult. For then to do it as a young kid, it’s hard,” said Parker, one of the football team’s most active players in the Beyond Football program.

“If it’s just me showing up and giving them a toy, see a smile, and give them a little bit of hope, I can make a difference.”

HOSPITAL CEO THANKS THE SPARTANS
“It’s absolutely wonderful to have San Jose State here to help our pediatric patients recover. The kids really enjoy seeing the athletes come in and share time with them and their families,” said Joe DeSchryver, Good Samaritan Hospital Chief Executive Officer and a close friend of San Jose State football head coach Brent Brennan.

“It’s actually unique to have visitors come and see our patients. We have musicians that come here at times, but we’re very fortunate that San Jose State reached out to us (through Beyond Football coordinator Tobruk Blaine) and provided the community with good will through the Beyond Football program. We’re very excited to have them here.”

“It was very humbling to see the families and kids here. We just got to talk to the kids a little bit, but they were mostly excited about their new toys. I was happy to see that,” said Andrada, who has experienced spreading holiday cheer to less fortunate families in her hometown of Benicia, Calif.

The visit consisted of hospital staff escorting the Spartan contingent of the five student-athletes, Coach Brennan and his wife Courtney Brennan, director of football operations Ben Thienes, Blaine from Beyond Football, and director of football digital communications Cam Radford to patients’ room in the pediatric unit.

GIVING IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN RECEIVING
“I love seeing the kids happy. I remember when I was younger the struggles my family and I went through. They always provided my brother and I with toys and gifts and it brightened up the mood. Now, I can return the favor to children in need. It puts a smile on my face,” said Matau, who remembers handing out Christmas dinners as a teenager in church-sponsored events. Matau credits his parents with instilling a sense of philanthropy through his family.

“My parents said giving is more important than receiving. And, I can feel that, especially the last couple of years when I stuff to give. It was just awesome to give back. I love giving.”

“It meant a lot for all of us to be here and help the kids, wish them a Merry Christmas and happy holidays, because they will remember it for the rest of their lives. It’s important to give back to the community,” said Mazury, a freshman who has volunteered at food banks in San Jose and at home in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

For more information on Beyond Football, visit www.sjsuspartans.com/sports/beyondfb.

That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary: MLB’s Coming Attractions? 3-Batter Minimum Rule

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo credit: usatoday.com

By Amaury Pi-González

Major League Baseball (MLB) is trying to reduce the number of pitching changes and cut down the average time on each game. Beginning next season that requires pitchers to either face a minimum of three batters in an appearance or pitch to the end of a half-inning, with exceptions for injuries and illnesses.

Currently, Rule 5.10(f) states that the starting pitcher must pitch to one batter until that batter is put out or reaches base. Rule 5.10(g) states that any reliever must pitch to one batter until that batter is put out or reaches base, or the offensive team is put out, with exceptions for injuries and illnesses.

The 2020 change will likely cause a decline in the number of specialists, the kind that poses the situation where you bring one pitcher to face one hitter like lefty vs. lefty for a one out match-up.

Basically, the argument persist that baseball games are too long,and most people do not sit down to watch and listen to the whole game.

Question: If you go to a movie that you have not seen, and you know this movie is over three hours, would you go and see it? The one beauty about a game of baseball is that you know when it is scheduled to start, but you do not know when it is going to end.

The way I see it a Hollywood film editor takes more and more scenes from the movie to the point that it takes away from the original story. Nowadays, there are many ways you can see what happened in a game by highlights of all the action in just a few minutes, and unlike decades past, you do not have to wait to come home to see the 11 o’clock news sports segment, but in the palm of your hand with your phone.

There are other issues on the table. Before the All Star Game this July in Cleveland, Astros pitcher Justin Verlander said that the ball baseball is using is a “joke”. Also, during the final day of the Winter Meetings in San Diego, a study concluded that a variance of stitching and lack of drag in the baseball contributed this past season to another historic surge in home runs. So Verlander is correct as we do not need another attorney to translate.

In the words of an old Chinese curse, “we live in interesting times”. Yes, this also applies to baseball.

Cal Bears podcast with Michael Duca: Gael forces to hand Cal their first home loss; Bears try to regroup against Boston Saturday

Published on by Sports Radio Service

Photo credit: cbssports.com

On the Cal Bears podcast with Miguel:

#1 Just overwhelming as the Cal Bears were outplayed by the St. Mary’s Gaels on Saturday night at Haas Pavilion.

#2 The Bears came into Haas undefeated at home this season, but couldn’t stop the Gales offensive evening, losing by 12 points for their first home loss.

#3 Two of the Gales forces that were just unstoppable were Jordan Ford’s 32 points and Malik Fitts’ 28 points, who led St Mary’s in scoring.

#4 Cal head coach Mark Fox said that St. Mary’s offense was very good and trying to shut them down proved difficult.

#5 The Bears will try to get back into the win column as they matchup against Boston College at the Al Attles Classic on Saturday, Dec. 21 at the Chase Center in San Francisco.

Join Michael each Thursday for the Cal Bears basketball podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Jerry Feitelberg: Haase rallies the troops in comeback game against USF

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo credit: paloaltoonline.com

On the Cardinal podcast with Jerry F:

#1 Great coaching by Stanford head coach Jerod Haase as the Cardinal were able to rally the troops against the USF Dons on Tuesday night at Maples Pavilion with a comeback second half. Down 23-18, the Cardinal came back with a 46-33 second half.

#2 Oscar da Silva and Daejon Davis each scored 18 points for Stanford Tuesday. Two of four players to get into double figures.

#3 Talk about how impressive this team is now improving to 10-1. They will certainly get some national attention real soon.

#4 Bryce Willis had 12 points and Spencer Jones had 10 to follow up behind da Silva and Davis in scoring.

#5 Up next for the Cardinal, they will face San Diego at Chase Center in San Francisco this Saturday December 21st in the Al Attles Classic

Jerry does the Cardinal podcasts each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Reign edge Barracuda 4-3

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo credit: @sjbarracuda

By Marko Ukalovic

SAN JOSE, Calif. — The Ontario Reign have had their way with the San Jose Barracuda this season. Their success continued once again in a 4-3 victory over their Pacific Divison rival on Wednesday evening at SAP Center.

The loss is the third in the row for San Jose, while Ontario has points in five straight games and are now 4-1 against the ‘Cuda this season.

This was the first game featuring the three players that were sent down by the San Jose Sharks: Noah Gregor, Joachim Blichfeld and Dylan Gambrell. All three were on the number one line together set by assistant head coaches Michael Chiassson and Johnny Bonneau.

Ontario (13-11-3-1) drew first blood just under eight minutes in the first period. Chaz Reddekopp sent a cross ice pass from left point over to the right where Paul LaDue snapped a wrist shot past Cuda goalie Josef Korenar for his second goal of the season at the 7:41 mark.

San Jose (9-14-0-2) scored the equalizer under a minute later when Maxim Letunov led a rush into the Reign defensive zone and fed a pass up to Lukas Radil near the right slot. Radil then fed it back up to Nick DeSimone at the right point. DeSimone surveyed the ice before sending a shot through a sea of traffic that went past the five-hole of Reign goalie Cal Petersen for his third goal of the season at the 8:32 mark.

Ontario had a chance to extend their lead while on the power play when Nich Meloche went into the sinbin for slashing. Korenar came up huge stopping a shot from the point and then the immediate rebound chance from Brett Sutter as he slid over to the left with a pad save to keep the score even at 1-1.

The Reign outshot the ‘Cuda in 15-10 in the opening 20 minutes as they controlled play, outshooting San Jose 15-5 after the first two minutes.

San Jose gained the lead early on the power play early in the second period. Jonny Brodzinski did a spin-a-round cross-ice pass over to Blichfeld. The Danish native touched passed into the middle where Kellamn tapped home the puck into an empty net for a tic-tac-toe goal, his fourth of the season at the 3:19 mark.

“I think I’m more comfortable out there,” said Blichfeld regarding how his game has evolved this season. “I’m making more plays with the puck, yeah feeling more comfortable.”

Like in the first period, the lead didn’t last long as Ontario returned the favor 50 seconds later. Jaret Anderson-Dolan won a faceoff draw back up to Austin Strand from just above the right faceoff circle. Strand delayed a bit before firing a slap shot just under the arm of Korenar for his fifth goal of the season at the 4:09 mark.

“Our 5-on-5 play we gotta do a better job. We had great O-zone possession. We gotta do a better job at getting inside, whether that’s (generating) traffic or it’s taking the puck to the net,” said Chiasson.

Korenar bailed out his team twice in the middle frame when defensive breakdowns led to golden scoring opportunities for Ontairo. A loose puck jumped on to the stick of Johan Sodergren, whose point-blank shot was stoned away by the Czech goaltender with under 13 minutes remaining. Then he spoiled a 2-on-0 break when he absolutely robbed Anderson-Dolan with a left pad save.

“Like always he tries to keep us in the game and most nights he does. When we get the chances, we gotta score on those when he keeps making save after save for us,” said Blichfeld.

Ontario regained the lead on the power play late in the period. Boko Imama picked up the puck at the right faceoff circle. He then skated back up to the middle of the slot where he snapped a wrist shot that was tipped past Korenar by Sutter, who was camped out in front of the crease. The second goal of the season for the Reign captain, that came at the 16:10 mark, snapped an 18-game goal-less drought for Sutter.

“They were getting pucks to the net, getting bodies to the net, getting rebounds. And that’s something we just weren’t doing. We had a lot of offensive zone time, it looks pretty but it’s not really effective,” said Brodzinski.

Ontario scored an insurance goal right at the 6:00 mark of the third period. Imama snapped a wrist shot on goal from the right slot. Korenar wasn’t able to freeze the rebound as Mason Bergh slid the puck underneath the right pad of Korenar for his second goal of the season. Bergh snapped a seven-game goal-less drought.

San Jose cut the lead to one-goal deficit with Korenar pulled for an extra attacker. Thomas Gregoire fed a pass over to Blichfeld just above the right faceoff circle. Blichfeld then lasered a wrist shot past Petersen into the far side of the net for his 10th goal of the season at the 17:56 mark.

“I think when Butchie (Blichfeld) has a shooting mentality, when the puck is on his stick and he’s looking to shoot, he’s a threat,” said ‘Cuda co-head coach Chiasson.

The calls seemed to be one-sided throughout the game as San Jose was frustrated with the lack of calls against Ontario. Jeffery Viel received a game misconduct penalty with under a minute remaining in the second period for unsportsmanlike conduct after arguing with the officials.

Petersen made 29 saves on 32 shots to earn his 12th win on the season. Korenar, who was arguably the best player on the ice for the ‘Cuda, made 33 saves on 37 shots in the losing effort.

GAME NOTES: San Jose was 1-for-2 on the power play. Ontario was 0-for-3.

‘Cuda defenseman Jacob Middleton was also reassigned back down by the Sharks and played in the game.

Letunov, with the assist on DeSimone’s goal, extended his home point streak to eight games and has points in 12 of his last 13 games overall.

The announced attendance was 2,892.

UP NEXT: San Jose travel down to San Diego to take on the Gulls on Friday 12/20 at 7:00 pm at Pachenga Arena.

San Jose State drops a close game against Santa Clara 89-84

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo credit: @SanJoseStateMBB

By Ana Kieu

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The San Jose State men’s basketball team paid a visit across town at Santa Clara in the hopes of snapping a six-game losing skid in the Leavey Center on Wednesday night.

The Spartans’ starting five featured Brae Ivey, Omari Moore, Christian Anigwe, Seneca Knight and Ralph Agee.

SJSU won the tip and the game was underway. Santa Clara hastily jumped out to a 9-0 advantage, and as a result, Spartans head coach Jean Prioleau called a timeout.

The Spartans finally got on the board, thanks to Ivey’s three-pointer in the opening minutes the first half. Yet, SJSU trailed 13-5 at the under-12 timeout and went on to trail 41-26 at the halftime break. SJSU’s scores such as Knight’s finger roll against a Santa Clara contact to convert a three-point play, Ivey’s second trey of the evening and Anigwe’s deficit-cutting triple weren’t much of a help.

Ivey made it rain with multiple buckets in the second half. SJSU had some hope as Ivey’s early bucket cut the deficit by 10 points, 43-33, early in the second. Then, SJSU extended its run to seven points to pull within eight points, 43-35, at 16:37, and Zach Chappell hit a three to cut the deficit to 11.

However, Santa Clara stormed back with six unanswered points to lead 55-38 at 13:30. But the Spartans refused to back down as Anigwe buried two back-to-back deep balls to make it a nine-point game, 55-46, at the 12-minute mark. Santa Clara led by just seven, 61-54, at the under-eight timeout.

Santa Clara scored a triple and SJSU’s Anigwe responded back with a triple of his own. The Spartans cut the deficit to 10, but the Broncos continued to lead 76-66 late in the second.

A Broncos foul allowed the Spartans a pair of free throws, which were successful made to cut the deficit to six, 87-81, with 29.4 seconds left in regulation. SJSU mustered in a last-second free throw to make it a five-point game, but lost by a final of 89-84.

With the win, Santa Clara improved to 11-2, 0-0 West Coast Conference. With the loss, SJSU fell to 3-9, 0-2 Mountain West.

The Spartans return home to host UC Riverside on Sunday, December 22 at 2 pm PST.

San Jose Barracuda podcast with Marko Ukalovic: Barracuda battling to get out of cellar, try for win tonight against Ontario

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo credit: @sjbarracuda

On the San Jose Barracuda podcast with Marko:

#1 The Stockton Heat in Saturday’s game at Stockton Arena put the game away against the San Jose Barracuda in the third period scoring two goals and the Barracuda went down losing by three 5-2.

#2 The Barracuda put 49 shots on net against the Heat, but weren’t able to capitalize a lead for much of the game. Lots of shots, but no conversions.

#3 What’s worse for San Jose, they have lost three of their last four games and got swept Friday and Saturday by the Heat.

#4 Would you say that former Barracuda head coach Roy Sommer’s promotion to the parent club Sharks is one of the reasons why the Barracuda have struggled without his presence?

#5 The Barracuda are home tonight against the Ontario Reign. The Cuda will have to work hard to get this one as they try to get out from last place in the Pacific Division in the AHL.

Marko Ukalovic is a San Jose Barracuda beat writer and does the Barracuda podcasts each Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Jose Sharks podcast with Len Shapiro: Sharks have now lost 7 of last 8 games; Can’t hold Yotes in 3-2 loss

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo credit: @SanJoseSharks

On the Sharks podcast with Len:

#1 Not enough offense for the Sharks on Tuesday night, despite scoring a goal in each of the first and second periods at SAP Center against the Arizona Coyotes.

#2 The Coyotes got goals from Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Carol Soderberg, and Derek Stepan. Arizona scored one goal in each of the first, second and third periods.

#3 How frustrating is a loss like this losing by just a goal, playing a close game, but not able to pull the trigger against Coyotes goalie Darcy Kuemper, who stopped 26 shots against the Sharks?

#4 Head coach Bob Boughner has coached for a total of four games since taking over for former head coach Peter DeBoer and is 1-3.

#5 The Sharks host the St. Louis Blues on Saturday night at SAP Center as the Sharks and Boughner try to string some wins together.

Len Shapiro does the San Jose Sharks podcasts each Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

16 prospects sign NLIs with San Jose State football program

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo credit: sjsuspartans.com

By Ana Kieu

The San Jose State football team ended the 2019 season with a bang, a come-from-behind 17-16 win over rival Fresno State to reclaim the Valley Trophy on November 30th. But the Spartans are now gearing up for the 2020 season as 16 new prospects signed NLIs on Wednesday.

Here are the players who signed NLIs.

Lamar Barrett
OL | 6-4 | 325 | JR | Bartow, Fla./Independence College
A 2019 second-team All-Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference honoree, Lamar joins the Spartans this summer as an offensive line prospect. Barrett played for Independence College (Coach Kiyoshi Harris), the 2019 KJCCC champion and ranked eighth in the December 9 National Junior College Athletic Association poll. The Bartow (Fla.) High graduate competed in football (Coaches Ray Tiller and Brian McRae), weightlifting, and track and field. Barrett was a two-time All-Polk County honoree and a 2016 Class 7-A honorable mention all-state pick for Bartow High. In weightlifting his senior season, he was the 2018 Class 2A, District 12 unlimited champion, fourth at the Class 2A Region 6 meet, and finished tied for seventh at the 2018 Florida state championships. In track and field, he threw the shot put. Lamar is considering business administration as his major. He’s intrigued about the job opportunities in Silicon Valley. Three of his favorite hip-hop artists are Kodak Black, NBA Young Boy and Chief Keef. Besides weightlifting, he enjoys distance running. Barrett is a native of Bartow, Fla.

Malik Welch
CB | 6-1 | 195 | JR | Torrance, Calif./Long Beach City College
A 2019 second-team All-Northern League pick for Long Beach City College (Coach Brett Peabody), Malik is a cornerback hopeful enrolling at SJSU this spring. Welch was second on the team in tackles with 51, was in on 4.0 tackles for loss, intercepted two passes and was credited with six pass break ups. The El Segundo (Calif.) High graduate was a cornerback on the football team (Coach Steve Shevlin) and a sprinter in track and field. He began his high school career at North High in Torrance, Calif. (Coach Todd Croce) and participated in the same two sports.

Sam Olson
TE | 6-4 | 225 | FR | Visalia, Calif./Redwood HS
A two-time first-team All-West Yosemite League honoree for Redwood High in Visalia, Calif. (Coaches Kevin Scharton and Shaun Ball), Sam begins his SJSU football career as a tight end. Named the best tight end in Tulare County in 2019 by the Visalia Times Delta, Olson caught 33 passes for 586 yards and a team-best 11 touchdowns. His 66 points was good to share team-high scoring honors. The versatile player also served as a punter and a long snapper. He also played a season on the Rangers boys’ basketball team. He’s interested in majoring in environmental science and becoming a firefighter. During his junior year, he was named to the school’s Spanish National Honor Society. He lists Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Malcolm X as his heroes. The San Francisco 49ers are his favorite NFL team. All-Pro 49ers tight end George Kittle and Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jarvis Landry are his favorite athletes. Olson is a native of Visalia, Calif.

Elijah Lawson
LB | 6-2 | 205 | FR | Hayward, Calif./Stellar Prep HS
After playing six different positions in high school for Stellar Prep in Hayward, Calif. (Coach Desmond Gumbs), Lawson will begin his SJSU career as a linebacker prospect. Lawson saw action as a quarterback, running back, wide receiver, linebacker, cornerback and safety for the Thunder football program. In his junior season, he intercepted five passes. He’s undecided on an academic major. Lawson would like to pursue a sports broadcasting career. For the last three years, he has served as a youth counselor for children ages 3-to-13 at the Life City Church in Stockton, Calif. He’s the third male in a family of nine children to play college football. His oldest brother, Rodney Lawson, played at the University of Nevada in 2015 and Western New Mexico University in 2017. His older brother Michael Lawson was named a 2019 first-team All-Southland Conference safety and punt return specialist as a junior for Lamar University. Lawson is a native of Stockton, Calif.

Jalen Apalit-Williams
S | 6-2 | 185 | FR | Martinez, Calif./Las Lomas HS
A 2018 honorable mention All-Bay Area News group selection, Apalit-Williams is a safety prospect joining the SJSU football program. He divided his high school football career between Las Lomas High in Walnut Creek, Calif., (Coach Doug Longero) and Alhambra High in Martinez, Calif., (Coach Alan Hern). As a junior, he was a first-team All-Diablo-Foothill League pick and his team’s Defensive Most Valuable Player. A three-sport athlete, he was a sprinter at Las Lomas High and played on the Alhambra High boys’ basketball team. He’s targeting communication studies as his major. Kim Apalit, his mom, played volleyball at the University of Cincinnati in the 1990’s. He enjoys Meek Mill’s music. Two of his favorite movies are “Creed” and “Remember the Titans.” His favorite football team is the Dallas Cowboys and his favorite athlete is four-time NBA scoring champion Allen Iverson. Apalit-Williams is a native of San Francisco.

Dion Leonard
LB | 6-3 | 215 | JR | Milpitas, Calif./Foothill College
A first-team All-Pac 7 League choice for Foothill College (Coach Kelly Edwards), Leonard is a linebacker prospect joining the Spartans this spring. He was credited with 44 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, was in on a quarterback sack, forced a fumble and recovered two fumbles and broke up four passes his sophomore season. As a freshman, he was a defensive back for San Jose City College (Coach Connor Carlton). The Milpitas (Calif.) High graduate lettered in football (Coach Kelly King), basketball and was a sprinter on the track and field team. He was a first-team All-Santa Clara Valley Athletic League wide receiver who caught 32 passes for 648 yards and four touchdowns in two seasons.

Chance Johnson
S | 6-0 | 185 | FR | Spring Valley, Calif./Steele Canyon HS
A football (Coach Scott Longerbone) and track and field letterwinner at Steele Canyon High in Spring Valley, Calif., Johnson is a safety candidate enrolling at SJSU this summer. During his career, he played safety, wide receiver, linebacker, cornerback and was a return specialist. In his sophomore season, the Cougars captured the 2017 California Interscholastic Federation (C.I.F.) Division 3-A state championship. The two-time, first-team All-Grossmont Hills honoree was credited with 126 tackles and three pass interceptions in his junior and senior seasons combined. As a senior, he returned three punts and two kickoffs for touchdowns. He concluded his high school career playing in the Alex Spanos All-Star Classic and the Makasi Bowl all-star football games in San Diego. He also was a sprinter and hurdler in track and field. He plans to major in psychology and is interested in becoming either a high school counselor or a police detective. He participates in the school’s Mito Action Club, which raises funds to fight against mitochondria diseases; volunteering at Hope City Church in El Cajon, Calif., where his dad is a pastor; and participating in an award-winning dance group, Candyman, using the stage name of “Snickers.” Johnson is a native of SD.

Shamar Garrett
RB | 5-9 | 179 | FR | Livermore, Calif./De La Salle HS
One of the top all-purpose high school players in California, Garett is a running back prospect enrolling at SJSU this summer. He was a running back, defensive back and return specialist at De La Salle High in Concord, Calif. (Coach Jason Alumbaugh). A scoring threat from anywhere on the field, he rushed for 27 touchdowns, returned three interceptions and one punt return for six points, and passed for seven scores in three seasons. In the 2019 California Interscholastic Federation Open Division state championship game, he rushed for three touchdowns including a 60-yard score and played cornerback. He was a CalHiSports.com first-team all-state selection as a multi-purpose back, and a first-team San Francisco Chronicle All-Metro and Bay Area News Group pick his junior season. His choices for an academic major are business administration and psychology. He has been a member of De La Salle’s Black Student Union organization since his freshman year. He enjoys sketching cartoon characters. Two of his cousins are Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Carter and running back C.J. Anderson, a seven-year National Football League veteran. Garrett is a native of Berkeley, Calif.

Grady Manley
DL | 6-4 | 265 | FR | Lincoln, Calif./Lincoln HS
A two-time first-team All-Foothill Valley selection, Manley is a defensive line candidate joining the Spartans this summer. He was a prolific tackler during his three seasons at Lincoln (Calif.) High (Coach Chris Bean). He played middle linebacker his sophomore and junior seasons and was a defensive lineman as a senior. At Lincoln High, he was credited with 322 tackles, 29.0 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries, and two safeties. As a junior, he led the Fighting Zebras with 142 tackles and was a 2018 Sacramento Bee honorable mention All-Metro honoree. He was tops on the team with 18.0 tackles for loss and contributed 73 tackles as a senior. The three-sport athlete also played on the basketball team and was an outfielder for a season of baseball. One of his favorite activities is skeet shooting. Manley is a native of Citrus Heights, Calif.

Mikale Greer
CB | 6-2 | 185 | FR | Compton, Calif./Lawndale HS
A cornerback prospect, Greer comes to SJSU from Lawndale (Calif.) High. (Coach Travis Clark). Greer played both defensive back and wide receiver for the Cardinals. He was credited with three interceptions his senior season. He began his high school football career at Paramount (Calif.) High, where he was used primarily as a wide receiver. He’s planning on majoring in sport management or kinesiology. One of his cousins is Calgary Stampeders defensive backfield coach Josh Bell, who played safety for San Diego, Denver and Green Bay during the 2008 through 2010 seasons. He enjoys listening to the music of Young Boy and Rod Wave. Greer is a native of Bellflower, Calif.

Jalen Bainer
CB | 5-11 | 180 | FR | San Marcos, Calif./San Marcos HS
A two-time All-Avocado League award winner, Bainer is a versatile player joining the Spartans. He was a wide receiver, cornerback, kicker and return specialist at San Marcos (Calif.) High (Coaches Derek Stank, Jason Texler). As a senior, he was a team captain and a second-team all-league wide receiver after leading his team with 36 receptions 615 yards and seven touchdowns. He scored two more touchdowns rushing and a third on an interception return. He was a first-team all-league defensive back as a junior after intercepting four passes and making 29 tackles. The two-sport athlete was a sprinter, long jumper and triple jumper in track and field. He was the 2019 Avocado League champion in the long jump with a school-record setting mark of 22-feet-10.5. Jalen would like to major in business administration. Named twice to the Avocado League all-academic team, he’d like to own and operate an athletic performance facility. His dad, Chris Bainer, was a member of the 1993 University of San Diego football team. Bainer is a native of San Diego.

Zavion Reese
CB | 6-0 | 175 | FR | San Marcos, Calif./San Marcos HS
A two-time All-Avocado League defensive back, Reese is a cornerback hopeful to join the Spartans this summer. He was a first-team selection as a junior and second-team choice as a senior at San Marcos (Calif.) High (Coaches Derek Shank and Jason Texler). In his three seasons, he played cornerback, wide receiver and was used as a return specialist. As a senior, he was a team captain and was named his team’s Defensive Most Valuable Player at the end of the season. He concluded his high school football career playing in the Alex Spanos All-Star Game in San Diego. The two-sport athlete is a sprinter and a long jumper on the track and field team. He’s interested in majoring in either mechanical engineering or business administration. One of his goals is achieving and maintaining financial stability. At San Marcos High, he’s a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and the Black Student Union. One of his brothers, Nacion Reese, was a linebacker at Minot State University. Zavion is a native of Oceanside, Calif.

Elijah Wood
LB | 6-3 | 205 | FR | Elk Grove, Calif./St. Mary’s HS
A two-time All-Tri-City Athletic League honoree, Wood is a linebacker candidate enrolling at San Jose State this summer. At St. Mary’s High in Stockton, Calif. (Coach Tony Frank), he played outside linebacker, cornerback, strong safety, wide receiver, tight end and was used as a return specialist. As a senior, he was a second-team all-league choice who was in on 53 tackles, intercepted three passes and was credited with eight pass break-ups. In his junior season, he was a first-team all-league wide receiver. He began his high school football career at Cosumnes Oaks High (Coach Derrick Milgrim) in Elk Grove, Calif. He was invited to conclude his high school football career at the January 18, 2020 Bay Area Cali Classic Senior Showcase matching the Bay Area All-Stars vs. the Valley All-Stars in San Leandro, Calif. He plans to major in business marketing. His business interests include earning a real estate license, become a realtor, and owning and operating a shoe store. He enjoys traveling and Hawaii and Florida are his top destinations. His favorite sports teams are the Pittsburgh Steelers, Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Lakers. Wood is a native of Modesto, Calif.

Noah Wright
DL | 6-5 | 315 | JR | Lemoore, Calif./College of the Sequoias
The 2019 Valley League Defensive Player of the Year, Wright is joining the Spartans this spring as a defensive line candidate. He played two seasons for the College of the Sequoias (Coach Joe D’Agostino). As a sophomore, the first-team All-Valley League honoree led the conference with 21.0 tackles for loss and added 4.0 quarterback sacks, one fumble recovery. The Lemoore (Calif.) High graduate lettered in football (Coaches Mitch Crossley and Shannon Pulliam) and wrestling and was a catcher on the baseball team. He was the 2016 West Yosemite League Defensive Player of the Year in football and placed fourth in the heavyweight division at the 2017 California Interscholastic Federation state championship meet. He began his high school career at Wilcox High in Santa Clara, Calif., and was on the football (Coach Dan Brown), wrestling and baseball teams. He’s undecided on an academic major, but he’s interested in social work and would like to work with children. He likes to listen to reggae music. Wright is a native of Mountain View, Calif.

Kenyon Reed
CB | 6-0 | 170 | FR | Concord, Calif./Long Beach Poly HS/Kansas State
A transfer from Kansas State University, Reed is a cornerback prospect joining the Spartans this spring. He lettered in football (Coach Stephen Barbee) and track and field at Long Beach (Calif.) Poly High. He played cornerback, wide receiver and was a return specialist as a senior. As a wide receiver, he caught 17 passes for 284 yards and three touchdowns and earned second-team All-Moore League honors. He excelled in track and field his senior season at Long Beach Poly. At the 2019 California Interscholastic Federation state championship meet, he finished ninth in the 100 meters, eight in the 200 meters and helped the Jackrabbits 4×100 meter relay team take third place. He has personal bests of 10.63 in the 100 and 21.09 in the 200 meters. He was named the 2019 Long Beach Press Telegram’s Boys Track & Field Athlete of the Year. He began his high school career at Cosumnes Oaks High in Elk Grove, Calif. (Coach Derek Milgrim) and was a teammate of fellow Spartan signee Elijah Wood.

Jay Kakiva
DL | 6-5 | 325 | JR | Las Vegas, Nev./Fresno City College
A two-time first-team All-Valley Conference award winner, Kakiva plans on joining the Spartans this summer as a defensive line candidate. In his two seasons at Fresno City College (Coach Tony Caviglia), he was in on 50 tackles, 10.0 tackles for loss, and 4.5 quarterback sacks. A three-time first team all-league football selection, he earned the honor at three different schools. As a senior, he played at Green Valley High in Henderson, Nev. (Coach Brian Castro). As a junior, he played for Liberty High (Coach Rich Muraco) — also in Henderson. He played his freshman and sophomore seasons at McLane High in Fresno, Calif. (Coach Pete Joseph). He’s deciding on an academic major. He’d like to pursue a sports broadcasting career. His favorite movies are “The Lion King,” “Miracle” about the 1980 U.S. Winter Olympics men’s ice hockey team, and “Pursuit of Happiness.” He’s a youth group leader at a church near his Nevada home. Kakiva was born In Honolulu, Hawaii.