July 30, 2017
The San Jose State University football team had its first 2017 preseason practice in shoulder pads. For new offensive coordinator and tight ends coach Andrew Sowder, it was the next step in a progression to the start of the season.
"...Today was good. We put the shoulder pads on today. It was a physical practice. We got a lot done what we needed to do in the run game. It's a little hard to run the ball when you don't have pads on. So, it was really good today to get those on and see guys block and tackle and run the football a little more. That makes a little more balanced," says Sowder.
"...Every day is a better day; every play is a better play," says running back Malike Roberson, the team's leading rusher in 2016 with 508 yards. "We're getting the young guys acclimated and I like the speed of the offense."
Linebacker Frank Ginda agrees with Roberson that the newcomers are learning the new systems on offense and defense well and quickly.
"Me and Will (Ossai) have been trying to be more film in with them (the newcomers) and be more of a leader for the defense. It's been going smooth right now. For me, I love doing it, because I love giving back," says Ginda, a preseason All-Mountain West selection in a vote by media members covering the conference.
The Spartans have a full week of practices ahead of them starting at 9:00 a.m. Monday through Friday. The team's first scrimmage of the preseason practice period is Saturday, August 5, at 11:00 a.m. Practices are open to the public.
Season tickets for the 2017 San Jose State University football season are available by calling (408) 924-SJTX or by visiting www.sjsuspartans.com/tickets. The three-game mini-plan is available at bit.ly/17sjsuminiplan