2013 SDSU Football Season Preview: Offensive Line

January 17, 2013June 17, 2013 / Hunter O. Hewitt / 12 Comments

Left tackle Bryce Quigley (78), an honorable mention all-conference selection last year, returns for his senior season in 2013. (Ernie Anderson/SDSU Media Relations)

Who’s gone

G Nik Embernate
G Riley Gauld
G/C Jimmy Miller
C Alec Johnson

Projected starters

LT #78 Bryce Quigley – Sr., 6-foot-5, 295 pounds
LG #65 Japheth Gordon – RS Sr., 6-foot-3, 295 pounds
C #73 Jordan Smith – RS So., 6-foot-5, 270 pounds
RG #56 Nico Siragusa – RS Fr., 6-foot-5, 315 pounds
RT #64 Zach Dilley – RS Jr., 6-foot-5, 295 pounds

Key reserves

G/T #70 Arthur Flores – RS Fr., 6-foot-5, 300 pounds
G/C #74 Austin Maass – RS Fr., 6-foot-4, 270 pounds
T #75 Kwayde Miller – RS Fr., 6-foot-7, 305 pounds
T #69 Paul Rodriguez – RS So., 6-foot-7, 285 pounds
G/T #67 Garrett Corbett – RS Jr., 6-foot-5, 290 pounds
T #79 Terry Poole – RS Jr., 6-foot-5, 300 pounds

Players to watch

LT #78 Bryce Quigley – Sr., 6-foot-5, 295 pounds – In just his first season playing offensive line, Quigley had a solid year in 2012 and was an honorable mention all-conference selection. With another offseason to gain strength and improve his fundamentals, look for him to be a dominant force on the left side in 2013.
C #73 Jordan Smith – RS So., 6-foot-5, 270 pounds – With Johnson and Miller gone, San Diego State will need to find someone to take over the snapping duties in 2013. Often regarded as the quarterback of the offensive line, the center is a very important position that requires considerable knowledge in defensive fronts and schemes. Smith, who saw playing time in 2012 as an extra offensive lineman in short yardage situations, will be the frontrunner for the starting job.
G/T #67 Garrett Corbett – RS Jr., 6-foot-5, 290 pounds – Corbett entered the 2012 season as a candidate for the starting job at right tackle, but injured his ankle in fall camp and missed the remainder of the year. A versatile lineman who can play multiple positions, look for him to bounce back from his injury and compete with Siragusa for the starting spot at right guard.

2013 Commitments
San Diego State currently has four offensive lineman commits. Lenicio Noble and Braxton Isaac are two junior college transfers expected to sign, while Sergio Phillips and Antonio Rosales are high school commits. Expect all four to redshirt in 2013, as it is extremely difficult for a lineman to learn the offense and compete for playing time right away. Noble, who is expected to join the team in the spring and compete for the starting center spot, is the most likely of the bunch to see the field next season.

Analysis
Last season, San Diego State’s offensive lineman, led by newly hired offensive line coach Mike Schmidt, exceeded expectations and helped the Aztecs rush for over 220 yards per game. Next season, they will need to find replacements for Johnson and Embernate, its most experienced lineman in 2012.

Keep an eye on Smith and Maass in spring practices and fall camp, as they will likely battle to replace Johnson for the starting center spot. Both are skilled linemen, but they will need to get stronger and add weight in the offseason if they want to be effective in 2013. Noble will also be in the mix, but he will need to learn the offense quickly in the spring and gain ground on Smith and Maass if he wants a chance to play next season.

At right guard, Siragusa has a solid chance to win the job in 2013. He impressed the coaches last season, showing flashes of talent throughout fall camp. Although his youth and inexperience might be worrisome, he is one of the strongest offensive lineman and will get a ton of reps in the offseason. He and Corbett will likely be the frontrunners to replace Embernate, but don’t be surprised if some of the other young linemen get reps at the position in spring practices and fall camp.

In their first season as starters on the offensive line, Quigley, Gordon and Dilley played fairly well as a group. All three return in 2013, and will continue to pave the way for an explosive ground attack.

Pass protection will be the main focus for the offensive line in the offseason, as the Aztecs allowed 35 sacks last year, ranking them in the bottom 20 of all Division 1 FBS teams. Expect Quigley and Dilley to improve their fundamentals in the offseason and help San Diego State drastically reduce its total number of sacks in 2013.

Prediction
Quigley will be a first-team all-conference selection in 2013.

2013 Season Preview: Home
2013 Season Preview: Defensive Line
2013 Season Preview: Linebackers
2013 Season Preview: Cornerbacks
2013 Season Preview: Safeties
2013 Season Preview: Special Teams
2013 Season Preview: Wide Receivers
2013 Season Preview: Running Backs
2013 Season Preview: Tight Ends

Stay tuned tomorrow for a preview on the quarterbacks of the 2013 San Diego State Aztecs

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Hunter Hewitt: Twitter – http://twitter.com/hunterhewitt89
Hunter Hewitt: Facebook – http://facebook.com/hunterhewittSDSU
Hunter Hewitt: About.me – http://about.me/hunterhewitt
Hunter Hewitt: BrandYourself – http://hunterhewitt.brandyourself.com/
Hunter Hewitt: GoAztecs.com Player Profile – http://goaztecs.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/hewitt_hunter00.html
Hunter Hewitt: SDSU News Team Story: http://newscenter.sdsu.edu/sdsu_newscenter/news.aspx?s=73846

by Hunter Hewitt

GO AZTECS

2013 SDSU Football Season Preview: Tight Ends

January 16, 2013June 17, 2013 / Hunter O. Hewitt / 8 Comments

San Diego State tight end Adam Roberts, who caught the game-winning two-point conversion against Nevada last season, returns in 2013. (Ernie Anderson/SDSU Media Relations)

Who’s gone

TE D.J. Shields
TE Hunter Hewitt
TE Gavin Escobar

Projected starter (2012 stats)

TE #44 Adam Roberts – Jr., 6-foot-3, 235 pounds (3 catches, 23 yards, one touchdown)

Key reserves/Players to watch

TE #87 Aaron Boesch – RS So., 6-foot-5, 230 pounds – After using his redshirt season last year, expect Boesch to see the field often in 2013. The athleticism and skills are there, but how much he plays will depend on the strength and size he is able to gain in the offseason. If he is able to get stronger and add 10-15 pounds, look for him to be a solid contributor on offense and special teams next year.
TE David Wells – Fr., 6-foot-5, 230 pounds – True freshman rarely come in and play right away at San Diego State, but losing three players from a position group is just as rare. A three-star recruit, look for Wells to show up in fall camp and compete for playing time immediately next season. With an impressive skill set and a good combination of size and speed, Wells has a legitimate chance to make an impact as a true freshman.
TE #85 Dominique Bierria – Jr., 6-foot-5, 215 pounds – A relatively unknown recruit, Bierria comes from Santa Monica City College and Carson High School in Los Angeles. At 6-foot-5, 215 pounds, he is a big target, but will need to add weight if he wants to play at the Division 1 level. Bierria will join the Aztecs in the spring and participate in spring practices, and his ability to join the team immediately will dramatically increase his chances of playing next season. Keep an eye on him throughout the offseason to track his progress.

2013 Commitments
San Diego State has two tight end commits in the 2013 recruiting class. David Wells and junior college transfer Dominique Bierria are expected to sign with the Aztecs, and both will make a push for playing time next season.

Analysis
In the past, San Diego State’s offensive coordinators have relied heavily on two-tight end sets. With newly hired offensive coordinator Bob Toledo, it is unsure if this will be the case.

Toledo plans to run a pro-style offensive, similar to what former offensive coordinators Andy Ludwig and Al Borges ran, but with three tight ends leaving, he will likely cater his play-calling tendencies to his strengths.

While there is plenty of talent among the tight end group in 2013, experience is lacking, as Roberts is the only returning tight end who played last season. This will likely lead to fewer two-tight end formations and more sets with a fullback or a third wide receiver. The Aztecs won’t abandon the tight end completely, however, as Roberts, Boesch and likely one or two others will see playing time next season. Expect Wells, Bierria, and redshirt junior Mike Miller to compete for playing time in fall camp. Also, don’t be surprised if the coaches flirt with the idea of moving former tight end and current defensive lineman Robert Craighead back to his original position. If this switch occurs, look for Craighead, a redshirt sophomore, to be in the mix for immediate playing time as well.

One thing to keep an eye on is the involvement of Toledo with the tight ends from a coaching standpoint. Because it already has the maximum number of assistants, San Diego State will not be able to hire a tight ends coach once again in 2013. The Aztecs were able to get away with not having a designated tight ends coach in years past because of the depth and experience of the tight ends, but things will be different next season.

Last season, Ludwig was listed as the tight ends coach and first-year graduate assistant Dorian Keller helped out with the position. With a young and inexperienced group, it is imperative that Toledo pays close attention to the tight ends throughout the offseason, as they will need his wisdom and expertise to progress and improve.

Prediction
Wells or Bierria will see significant playing time in their first season with the Aztecs in 2013.

Stay tuned tomorrow for a preview on the offensive lineman of the 2013 San Diego State Aztecs

by Hunter Hewitt

GO AZTECS

2013 SDSU Football Season Preview: Running Backs

January 15, 2013June 17, 2013 / Hunter O. Hewitt / 9 Comments

Adam Muema (4) and Chad Young (40) return in 2013 to lead an explosive ground attack for San Diego State. (Ernie Anderson/SDSU Media Relations)

Who’s gone

RB Walter Kazee
FB Chris Gordert

Projected starters (2012 stats)

RB #4 Adam Muema – RS Jr., 5-foot-10, 205 pounds (237 carries, 1,458 yards, 16 touchdowns ; 9 catches, 147 yards, one touchdown)
FB #40 Chad Young – RS Sr., 5-foot-10, 230 pounds (2 carries, 13 yards ; 18 catches, 108 yards, three touchdowns)

Key reserves (2012 stats)

RB #22 Chase Price – RS So., 5-foot-8, 200 pounds (29 carries, 114 yards, one touchdown)
RB #32 De’Saan Hardwick – RS So., 5-foot-9, 190 pounds (N/A)
RB #7 Dwayne Garrett – RS So., 6-foot, 205 pounds (7 carries, 32 yards)

Players to watch

RB #22 Chase Price – RS So., 5-foot-8, 200 pounds – When Kazee went down in the final regular season game against Wyoming, Price stepped in and played well as the second running back, carrying the ball seven times for 41 yards. Keep an eye on him to see if he can continue his success late in the season and lock up the backup role behind Muema.
RB #32 De’Saan Hardwick – RS So., 5-foot-9, 190 pounds – Hardwick had an impressive fall camp in 2012, but was injured shortly before the season began and missed most of the year. A speedy and agile runner, Hardwick is arguably one of the fastest players on the team, and his skill set could help the Aztecs in 2013. Expect him to be fully healthy by spring practices and to make a push for the backup spot.

2013 Commitments
Currently, San Diego State has just one definite running back commit, Donnel Pumphrey out of Nevada. Although Pumphrey is a talented three-star recruit with several Division 1 offers, he will likely redshirt due to the amount of depth the Aztecs have at running back. Marcus Stamps has also committed, and although he will likely play running back, don’t be surprised if he ends up at linebacker. Due to the depth at both positions, it is a safe bet that he will redshirt at either spot.

Analysis
Entering the 2012 season, one of the biggest concerns surrounding San Diego State was the loss of star running back Ronnie Hillman, who left school early and was drafted in the third round by the Denver Broncos.

Luckily for the Aztecs, the two-headed monster of Muema and Kazee filled the void, and helped fans forget about Hillman with their exceptional play. Together, Muema and Kazee led a ground attack that was just as explosive, if not more, than it had been in years past, rushing for a combined 2,270 yards and 24 touchdowns.

With Kazee gone, expect Price, Hardwick and Garrett to compete for the second running back spot. Muema will continue to receive a majority of the carries, but San Diego State will likely use a second running back to spell him when he needs a rest.

Price is the frontrunner, as he showed his abilities last season when filling in for the injured Kazee. Hardwick could have potentially made a push for the third spot on the depth chart behind Muema and Kazee last season, but an injury a week before the season began kept him out for the majority of the year. Look for him to get several opportunities to show his talent in spring practices and fall camp.

Garrett has good size, but will need a strong offseason to climb the depth chart. Although just one of the four is likely to receive a significant number of carries, expect the other three to make an impact on special teams in 2013 (i.e., Garrett’s blocked punt vs. Boise State).

At the fullback position, look for the same hard-nosed, smash-mouth style of football from the third-year starter Young. He will continue to bulldoze through the hole and open running lanes for Muema and the other backs next season, and will also be utilized in the passing game. He displayed his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield last year, especially on play-action passes in goal-line and short-yardage situations, and will likely see more balls thrown his way in 2013.

Prediction
Muema will rush for over 1,600 yards in 2013. He will also see an increased role in the passing game and will have over 250 receiving yards.

2013 Season Preview: Home
2013 Season Preview: Defensive Line
2013 Season Preview: Linebackers
2013 Season Preview: Cornerbacks
2013 Season Preview: Safeties
2013 Season Preview: Special Teams
2013 Season Preview: Wide Receivers

Stay tuned tomorrow for a preview on the tight ends of the 2013 San Diego State Aztecs

LINKS:
Hunter Hewitt: WordPress – http://hunterhewitt.wordpress.com
Hunter Hewitt: Blogger – http://hunterhewitt.blogspot.com
Hunter Hewitt: LinkedIn – http://www.linkedin.com/in/hunterhewitt
Hunter Hewitt: Twitter – http://twitter.com/hunterhewitt89
Hunter Hewitt: Facebook – http://facebook.com/hunterhewittSDSU
Hunter Hewitt About.me – http://about.me/hunterhewitt
Hunter Hewitt: BrandYourself – http://hunterhewitt.brandyourself.com/
Hunter Hewitt: GoAztecs.com Player Profile – http://goaztecs.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/hewitt_hunter00.html
Hunter Hewitt: SDSU News Team Story: http://newscenter.sdsu.edu/sdsu_newscenter/news.aspx?s=73846

by Hunter Hewitt

GO AZTECS

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2013 SDSU Football

2013 SDSU Football Season Preview: Offensive Line

2013 SDSU Football Season Preview: Tight Ends

2013 SDSU Football Season Preview: Running Backs