Tag: San Jose State

Photo credit: sjsuspartans.com

By: Ana Kieu

San Jose State senior Josh Oliver was rightfully recognized for his 2017 breakthrough season as a pass-catching tight end.

Following a breakthrough season, Spartans’ Josh Oliver became one of 64 tight ends named to the 2018 John Mackey Award Preseason Watch List. The list was named after the Pro Football Hall of Fame legend, John Mackey, from the 1960’s and 1970’s, who later became the first President of the National Football League Players’ Association (NFLPA). Accordingly, the award honors the best tight end in college football each year.

Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 250 pounds, Oliver caught 35 passes for 296 yards and one touchdown in 2017. He ranked second on the Spartan team in number of pass receptions. A two-year starter for the Spartans, he was used more as a blocking tight end his first two seasons and had just seven receptions–two of them for touchdowns. His first major college touchdown came in San Jose State’s win in the 2015 AutoNation Cure Bowl.

The Paso Robles, Calif. native, Oliver is a three-time Academic All-Mountain West award recipient and a 2017 Arthur Ashe, Jr. Sports Scholar.

The 2018 John Mackey Award will be announced on December 5 and presented live on December 6 at The Home Depot College Football Awards Red Carpet Show on ESPNU.

Oliver and fellow teammate Bryson Bridges, a senior defensive tackle, will be the two San Jose State players participating in the 2018 Mountain West Football Summit on July 25 at the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Las Vegas.

Photo credit: NCAA.org

By: Ana Kieu

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Unlike most other running backs coaches, San Jose State’s Alonzo Carter took an unconventional path to the coaching world.

Carter, a 2016 Cal State East Bay graduate, is surprisingly not in his late 20s or early 30s. The 49-year-old will turn 50 on November 25th.

Anywho, Carter was born and raised in Oakland, Calif., and is a big fan of Oakland-based rapper MC Hammer, who discovered his tremendous dance abilities and took him in as a backup dancer. Yes, a backup dancer!

After his dancing years, Carter worked at Contra Costa County College for seven seasons–transforming a hapless Comets program into an unexpected winner. Carter landed a job as a running backs coach at San Jose State University in January 2017.

Following a dismal 2-11 (1-7 Mountain West) season, Carter is one of the many Spartan coaches who are on the hot seat when it comes to their coaching gigs. Although it’s too early to tell who’s going to stay or go, it’s still the offseason and I’m one of the countless media members who have questions for the current coaching staff.

With that being said, let’s catch up with Carter, who will be entering his second season as a Spartan running backs coach this coming August.

1. What has prevented the Spartan offense from reaching its full potential for No. 1?
We’re coming into this season with high expectations and we have a new offensive coordinator, Kevin McGiven, and he’s bringing a new offense that everyone’s excited about. So it’s obviously going to be a learning curve, but they’re all excited about the idea and what the offense has to offer.

The biggest challenge would be obviously we’re young–we graduated three starters on our offensive line, two of those three young men are currently on an NFL roster. Whenever you lose quality players like that, you’ll also lose quality leadership, and that’s a challenge. But we’re excited about the young talent–we’re excited about Jack Snyder and Troy Kowalski–both returning as starters on the offensive line, so we’re excited about them.

And then, obviously, the biggest question mark in the room is figuring out who the quarterback is going to be. Right now, it’s a wide-open competition, and we expect big things from whoever wins that job…All those guys are having a good offseason, running the offense, and trying to be the starting quarterback.

And, as far as the running backs, it’s about who has the depth and experience and obviously makes the new quarterback–whoever it’ll be–adjust with the transition. So we’re excited about that whole idea…Tyler Nevens is our starting running back, Malik Roberson was a starter before, and we got Brandon Monroe, who got a medical redshirt so he’s returning, and DeJon Packer, who’s strong for a walk-on running back. He (Packer) is on a scholarship as well. Pretty good, stable running backs who should be able to help.

And then, obviously, the super talented Josh Oliver at tight end. Probably one of the best tight ends in the Mountain West Conference. Probably one of the best in the West Coast. A lot of leadership. He’s a senior, and we have some good talent at wide receiver as well. We have some good experience at wide receiver in Tre Hartley and Justin Holmes.

The offense will have some chances to do some things. It’s just a matter of the coaching staff aligning it and working vigorously to make sure that they can get the offense going…We’re excited to see what happens.

2. As a running backs coach, how are you going to gear up for Year 2?
Last year was my first year on the offense, and first year on the college level on the offensive side of the ball…Going into this year, they kind of know who I am now, and they understand my motto, which is “play fast and physical.” That’s my motto…We do a lost of things different that I think will benefit us…Now, we have an experienced offensive coordinator (Kevin McGiven) that brings our team to the table…So we’re trying to make that our motto, and as a running backs coach, it’s my job to manage everyone–the group, the personalities, and at the same time, make it as fun and competitive as possible.

3. Is the Spartan offense showing life so far this offseason?
It’s doing great. Coach (Kevin) McGiven has brought a new offense, which he describes as a “scoring offense,” and we just brought a different life and a different energy to the table that everyone’s excited about. So far this offseason, it’s been real good–the players are totally all in to everyone. It’s been a good offseason so far, and we’ll make sure that they’re ready to go.

4. What can your running backs do to prove that they’re consistent for the ever changing NCAA?
The biggest thing for the running backs group is that they want to play fast and get faster, bigger and stronger in the weight room…

And, as far as the group challenging each other, we got some real good senior leadership in the room. So they’re constantly testing each other and pushing each other to see who’s the best on and off the field.

As a group, we had multiple Honor Roll students, so we just kind of push each other to be the best that we could be on and off the field.

The biggest thing that we always try is to make that a high standard. We want that group to be able to bring something different than just football and I think another big thing is that we can be competitors in the classroom and in the weight room and all the rooms–to show everybody else on the team so they can follow our lead and everyone gets along with everyone and has a good time being around each other. Just create this great family environment where everybody just respects each other and pushes each other to the max.

5. The Spartan offense is seemingly vanishing at times. How are you going to make sure your offensive weapons are going to stay at the top of their game?
We were new, the coaching staff was new, we inherited a football team and we tried to build a new offense last year. That was brand-new for them.

We had a quarterback (Montel Aaron) who had some major injuries and kind of broke down some of the things we’d like to do, but we have enough leadership on the offense to get better because that was our biggest pet peeve. We just felt like we needed to get better in different areas…I think he brought fresh abilities to the group and brought in a breath of different air…I think he’ll make us even better than what we were because we want to show progress…I think that Year 2 should bring some stability to the (football) program and some life so that people will get excited about what we’re trying to do…

The No. 1 particular thing in general–I just think me, coach (Brent) Brennan and the others need to stay together as a family who pushes each other through the good times and the bad times and utilizing a new system and getting more mature as a group. We need to retain some key people and stay healthy.

On our o-line and d-line, we lost some key people last year…If we get up and do what we need to go, I think we’ll have a good year.

Ana covers San Jose State sports for SportsRadioService.com.

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.

Photo credit: sjsuspartans.com

By: Ana Kieu

SAN JOSE, Calif. — The academic year came to an end, grades are posted and San Jose State student-athletes can celebrate another academic year in the books.

Based on the NCAA’s Academic Progress Rate scores that measure retention and graduation, SJSU can celebrate its fourth straight year with an APR score over 970 when the benchmark of 930 translates to a 50% graduation rate. 18 of the 20 teams had an APR score of 955 of higher in this year’s report and the goal is to have the APR at 985 by the end of the 2018-19 school year. The men’s cross country, women’s golf, women’s gymnastics, and beach volleyball teams received a NCAA Public Recognition Award for earning the maximum score of 1,000 in the latest report.

“One of the core values of San Jose State University Athletics is ‘academics.’ Every single day we focus our attention on surrounding our student-athletes with the resources to be academically successful. Our dedicated advisors and learning specialists, not to mention our coaches and staff, recognize the importance and the priority of academic achievement,” said athletics director Marie Tuite.

“We celebrate this past year with the knowledge we can be better, and will continue to place academic interests and pursuits as the key priority of this department. Nothing is more important than earning a degree from San Jose State University. I’m incredibly proud of the students-athletes and coaches for these accomplishments.”

Individual honors
Of the more than 100 student-athletes that graduated this year, 19 graduated with honors. 13 were cum laude graduates, five were magna cum laude, and one graduated with the highest honor–summa cum laude. Through increased focus and outreach, five former student-athletes returned to San Jose State and completed their undergraduate degrees. Another nine former student-athletes worked towards a master’s degree.

For the fourth consecutive year, more than 60 student-athletes were recognized either as a President’s Scholar or a Dean’s Scholar at San Jose State’s annual Honors Convocation.

More than 50% of San Jose State’s student-athlete population achieved a semester GPA of 3.0 or higher in the Fall 2017 or Spring 2018 semesters.

When all the conference academic awards for the year are handed out by the end of July, San Jose State student-athletes will receive 207 awards from the Mountain West, Western Athletic Conference, Mountain Pacific Sports Federation, or the Golden Coast Conference.

Last April, San Jose State led the nation with a school-record 41 student-athletes who were honored as 2018 Arthur Ashe, Jr., Sports-Scholars. The annual awards program recognizes undergraduate student-athletes of color who personify tennis star Arthur Ashe’s ideals of scholarship, athletics achievement, and humanitarianism. Selected student-athletes had at least a 3.20 cumulative GPA and were active in community service events.

Four men’s and 10 women’s water polo players were members of the Association of College Water Polo Coaches’ National All-Academic teams. The College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America named five Spartans to its Scholar All-America Team.

In the near future, the Intercollegiate Tennis Association, the Women’s Golf Coaches Association, and the United States Track and Cross Country Coaches Association will name Spartan student-athletes to 2018 national scholar-athlete achievement programs.

Football star Nate Velichko qualified for the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame’s Hampshire Honor Society. He was also a national semifinalist for the NFF William V. Campbell Trophy.

Team honors
For the first time, the American Football Coaches Association recognized San Jose State football for academic achievement based on the NCAA’s Graduation Success Rate formula. Based on this year’s NCAA report on GSR, the football program has an all-time high 81% graduation rate for the freshmen and transfer classes from 2007 to 2010.

Women’s swimming and diving, women’s water polo, and women’s tennis kept their streaks going for team GPA’s above 3.00 and were honored by their respective national coaches associations. For women’s swimming, it has been 11 consecutive semesters, eight years for women’s tennis, and two for women’s water polo.

“We look forward to our student-athletes’ future academic achievements and accomplishments. They are wonderful representatives and ambassadors of our great institution – San Jose State University,” concluded Tuite.

Photo credit: sjsuspartans.com

By: Ana Kieu

SAN JOSE, Calif. — San Jose State honored three student-athletes for the month of May on Tuesday morning. Those student-athletes were women’s track and field’s Destiny Longmire and baseball’s Andrew Mitchel and Shane Timmons. The Spartan Foundation Student-Athletes of the Month were presented by O’Connor Hospital.

Longmire became the first San Jose State women’s track and field athlete to qualify for the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships with her sixth place finish at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships West Preliminary Round meet. She won the women’s long jump at 2018 Mountain West Championship and became the second athlete in conference history to win the women’s outdoor long jump championship as a freshman and a sophomore. She’s the sixth athlete in MW history to win the women’s outdoor long jump championship twice in her college career. She also ran the anchor leg on the Spartans’ school record-setting 4×400 relay team at the MW Championship that finished seventh and added to San Jose State’s best point total (55) in its five-year conference meet history.

Mitchel recorded a 1.71 ERA in 26.1 innings pitched. In his last four starts, he faced three of the top-10 hitting teams in the nation and allowed five earned runs the entire month with 29 strikeouts. At the MW Tournament against San Diego State, he struck out nine batters and held the Aztecs to two earned runs to earn a spot on the 2018 MW All-Tournament Team.

In Game 2 against Air Force on senior weekend, Timmons recorded the game-winning hit to punch the Spartans’ ticket to the MW Tournament, and clinch third place in the Mountain West for the program’s highest finish since San Jose State joined the conference in 2013. He was responsible for all six of San Jose State’s runs on May 18th. In the bottom of the third, he hit a grand slam to left field for the 26th career home run to take a 4-0 lead. He broke John Fagan’s career record of 25, which was set nearly 20 years ago, to become San Jose State’s all-time home runs leader with 26. He batted .365 in 14 starts and recorded a .538 slugging percentage in May.