Constantly adjusting to the less than desirable weather conditions of opening week, the San Jose State University football team concluded its first week of spring practice with players wearing full pads for the first time on Saturday, March 9.
Originally scheduled for a mid-day session, the Spartans were on the CEFCU Stadium practice field just after sunrise to take advantage of the dry, but cold conditions before any forecasted rain cell moved through the area.
For San Jose State defensive coordinator Derrick Odum, there are five returning starters and several others that started three or more games a year ago on the defensive side of the ball. Linebackers Ethan Aguayo and Jesse Osuna and safety Jonathan Lenard, Jr., the team's top three tacklers from a year ago all are back.
"Spring football is critical in that you establish the guys that redshirted last year, the guys that didn't get a lot of playing time last year to get involved and play football so we can evaluate those guys and see what they have. And, with the vets, to polish up they did last year," said Odum.
"You really want to see those younger guys get out there and compete a little bit."
Lenard, Jr., surprisingly is entering his junior season. He, like Osuna, started every game last season. Lenard, Jr., is ready to take on a greater role in 2019.
"I'm trying to bring the team together as a captain, stepping into that leadership role. I see a lot of younger guys getting better every day. Spring is another step of getting better. I've been here. I've seen it. I've done it. My main goal is to come together as a team," Lenard, Jr. said.
Offensive tackle Jackson Snyder is another Spartan to start in every game last season. He started the first game at right tackle before become a fixture at left tackle the rest of the way. This spring, he wants to master the offense, not just what the offensive linemen are expected to do, but also everyone else's role.
"Spring ball is a great time to improve. We have a lot of stuff to work on. We had a lot of guys last year. It's time for us to master our craft," said Snyder, who recently was named Academic All-Mountain West for the second year in a row.
"School is something really Important to me. I want to be successful in everything I do in life. I feel if I take time off in the classroom, then I won't be able to do that everywhere else," said the business administration major.
San Jose State has practices planned for Tuesday and Thursday, March 12 and 14, from 10:00 a.m. to noon. The team's first scrimmage is Saturday, March 16, starting at 7:40 p.m. There is no admission charge to watch the team's first weekend scrimmage of the spring.
Remaining Spring Practice Schedule
| Tuesday, March 12 | 10:00 a.m. - Noon |
| Thursday, March 14 | 10:00 a.m. - Noon |
| Saturday, March 16 - scrimmage | 7:40 p.m. |
| Tuesday, March 19 | 10:00 a.m. - Noon |
| Wednesday, March 20 - Pro Day | 11:00 a.m. |
| Thursday, March 21 | 10:00 a.m. - Noon |
| Saturday, March 23 - scrimmage | 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. |
| Tuesday, March 26 | 10:00 a.m. - Noon |
| Thursday, March 28 | 10:00 a.m. - Noon |
| Monday, April 8 | 10:00 a.m. - Noon |
| Tuesday, April 9 | 10:00 a.m. - Noon |
| Thursday, April 11 | 10:00 a.m. - Noon |
| Saturday, April 13 - Spring Game | 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. |