Photo credit: @SJSUSpartanFB
By: Ana Kieu
As you should already know, San Jose State football wrapped up its second (and final) scrimmage at CEFCU Stadium on Saturday, August 18th. Both season ticket holders and media members were impressed by the Spartan defense, who shined in the scrimmage and entertained the crowd last Saturday night at CEFCU Stadium. Also, the majority of the guests enjoyed a complimentary barbecue dinner, which was delicious to say the least.
Perhaps you might’ve already figured this out, but the Spartans’ coaching staff has a lot on their minds. Yet, there’s a likely chance they could put their previous misfortunes in the rear-view mirror and focus on their current goals—one of which is to win more than two games in the 2018 season. From quarterbacks to placekickers, I’ll take a closer look at a wide variety of players who have made larger-than-life statements this off-season, and hopefully, these guys will keep up the good work when the real games kick off.
Here are 10 players San Jose State fans should pay attention to. As always, feel free to share your opinion in the comments section.
10. Montel Aaron
In my opinion, the No. 1 quarterback spot will be handed to redshirt sophomore Montel Aaron. At the moment, the Spartan offense appears to have the upper hand as Aaron has been apparently handling offensive sequences with Terrell Carter.
Aaron, however, is the current favorite among most media outlets. Of course, this decision will be made by first-year offensive coordinator Kevin McGiven, who previously worked at Oregon State. But, if Aaron becomes the starting quarterback and stays healthy, he’ll likely fall into place with the running and receiving games, respectively.
9. Josh Love
Let’s talk about some more quarterbacks, shall we?
Junior Josh Love is expected to be a part of the Spartans’ rotation when it comes to veteran quarterbacks.
Last year, Love started the first two games of the season until he suffered an injury, which was a major blow as he had the most experience in the 2017 Spartans’ quarterback department. After that, Aaron picked up the slack until he, himself, suffered an injury against the Utah Utes in Salt Lake City. But, to be fair, no quarterback was separating himself from the others, so…
8. Terrell Carter
In case you didn’t know, redshirt freshman Terrell Carter made a huge impact on the field in the Spartans’ second and final scrimmage this offseason. Carter completed 6-of-7 attempts for 64 yards. That statistic, my friends, also accounted for the scrimmage’s only touchdown that was scored by senior running back DeJon Packer, who caught the 24-yard reception from Carter.
That being said, if Aaron or Love struggle during the season, then the Spartans may experiment with Carter to see what a younger quarterback could do.
7. Chance LaChappelle
Of course, it’s too early to tell if the brand-new players will achieve the exact same success in the regular season. But I can tell you that freshman quarterback Chance LaChapelle out of Sheldon High School in Sacramento, Calif. has been showing promise.
Therefore, LaChappelle remains a part of the Spartans’ quarterback competition. And, hopefully, LaChapelle will get to start a game sooner than later.
6. Jermaine Braddock
Again, freshman Jermaine Braddock is another player whose future remains up in the air. But I have to say, Braddock has been looking great thus far.
In the Spartans’ final scrimmage, Braddock led all wide receivers with 63 yards on three catches, including a 52-yarder from Aaron–and yes, Braddock reversed to dodge a tackle and extend his play.
Expect to see more of Braddock this season.
5. DeJon Packer
Yes, senior DeJon Packer was that guy who scored the final scrimmage’s only touchdown, but in other news…Packer is reportedly competing for playing time as a running back.
Packer may not be one of the biggest names in the Mountain West Conference, but he was fourth on the Spartans in rushing yards (290) and led his new team with two rushing touchdowns. And, like many other running backs, the best is yet to come for Packer.
4. Bryce Crawford
In case you missed it, senior kicker Bryce Crawford closed out the scoring in the final scrimmage with a 35-yard field goal…and that was his only field goal attempt that afternoon.
Crawford is the Spartans’ record-setting kicker. Not only that, Crawford is a Dean’s Scholar student who also contributes to the good of the local community in the South Bay. That’s why Crawford was named to the Wuerffel Trophy watch list in July.
Let’s see if Crawford will win the Wuerffel Trophy on December 4 at the National Football Foundation’s news conference in New York City. But, in the meantime, let’s see if Crawford will keep up the great work.
3. Steven Houston
Steven Houston is a freshman who first joined the Spartans at San Jose State in 2017 for fall drills. Now, Houston is in his second season with the Spartans.
Houston should be able to work his way into the wide receiver rotation. After all, Houston is an avid long distance runner who likes to run marathons. Not the same sports, but the similar amounts of effort involved.
2. Tyler Nevens
The Spartans have been showing promise in the running game with arguably their greatest running back in modern times Tyler Nevens.
Last year, Nevens was one of the few bright spots for the Spartans, who went 2-11 (1-7 MW). That was definitely not a record for then first-year head coach Brent Brennan to brag about, but hey, you can’t always get what you want.
Anyways, Nevens has his flaws–like when his pass got intercepted by Wyoming’s Marcus Epps during the game that turned out to be the Spartans’ second win of the season versus the Cowboys. But Nevens is still an incredible running back nevertheless.
1. Tre White
There’s a lot of overlooked local kids in the Spartans’ ever-changing roster of experiments, so let’s take a look at cornerback hopeful Tre White, who is in his second season at San Jose State.
Last year, White completed a redshirt season. Coming out of De La Salle High School, White was just a three-star recruit, but now, he could find himself on the field this coming season. Plus White can also play as a running back if needed.
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