Linebackers Christian Webb and Lionell Wiggins share a lot in common. They are in their first spring with the San Jose State University football team after joining the Spartans last fall as community college transfers. They contributed mainly as special teams players last year and are looking to earn spots in the linebacker rotation in their senior season.
"My first spring as a Spartan has been amazing. I really love the environment. It's a great chance to learn plays and get used to the system than when you come (than) in during the fall," said Webb, an Orange Coast College transfer.
"Spring has been going very well. Having a new linebackers coach in Coach (Scott) White and having him open his hands up to me and show me my assignment and what I am supposed to do on each and every play, it's been going quite well," said Wiggins, a transfer from San Jose City College. "He keeps coaching me and helps me get better as a player," His older brother is former San Jose State defensive lineman Larnell Ransom who was a Spartan during the 2002 through 2004 seasons.
When Webb and Wiggins are on the field for Saturday's first full-contact scrimmage, they will be keeping their eyes on a wide receivers group hoping for big things. Tre Walker, who came on strong at the end of the season to finish as the team leader in receiving yards with 714, swift Bailey Gaither, who averaged 20.4 yards per catch, JaQuan Blackwell and Leki Nunn have the most experience in the group.
According to wide receivers coach Kevin Cummings, he will be looking for big plays from his group not just in the passing game, but in the running game, too.
"This Saturday, I want guys to be physical. It will be the first time our guys can be 'live' in their blocking. I want our guys to be very physical in the run game, because we have to be a better run team this year. We know that. It starts with the receivers getting out on the perimeter and giving the running backs space to run," said Cummings.
"For the linebacker corps, we want to make sure we want to grade out high first. We want to do our jobs and know our responsibilities. After that, we want to be explosive. We want to make plays and have '100-100' effort," Webb added.
When Webb referenced '100-100,' it also could refer to he and Wiggins giving it a 100 percent effort in the classroom, too. Webb and Wiggins are two more of the program record-setting 29 Spartan football players to be named Academic All-Mountain West for last season.
"That was a huge accomplishment. It shows I'm not just a football player. I'm also a student as well. They say we're 'student-athletes.' You have to be a student, first, and an athlete, second," said Wiggins, a sociology major.
The first San Jose State football scrimmage of the 2019 spring practice session is Saturday, March 16, 7:30 p.m. in CEFCU Stadium. There is no admission charge.