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SAN JOSE, Calif. - The San Jose State University football program opened the 2019 December National Letter-of-Intent three-day signing period with a precedent-setting emphasis on defensive players. Of the 16 prospects joining the Spartans, 13 are slated to begin their college careers on defense. There are three defensive linemen, three linebackers and seven defensive backs. A first-team all-state multi-purpose two-way player slated for running back duties, a massive community college offensive lineman and a nifty pass-catching tight end round out the student-athletes signing with San Jose State.
"Every year when you put your recruiting class together, you're trying to look at who graduated and what spots to fill and bring in the best players to replace those that left or replace the gaps in your depth. We feel we have a great group of kids and a great group of players coming in here. The coaching staff has worked extremely hard with everyone else here. It's been a big push to get this done," said San Jose State football head coach Brent Brennan, who recently signed a three-year contract extension through the 2024 season.
Ten of the 16 are high school seniors. Two of the five community college transfers, linebacker Dion Leonard (Foothill College), and cornerback Malik Welch (Long Beach City College) will be enrolling at San Jose State for the spring semester and be available to participate in spring practice activities. Kansas State transfer Kenyon Reed (Long Beach Poly), a cornerback, and high school senior Elijah Lawson (Stellar Prep, Hayward, Calif.) also will be enrolling for the 2020 spring semester.
The 2019 Valley League "Defensive Player of the Year" 315-pound Noah Wright (College of the Sequoias), two-time, first team All-Valley Conference 325-pound Jay Kakiva (Fresno City College), and incoming freshman Grady Manley from Lincoln (Calif.) High, are the defensive line candidates. Wright was credited with a Valley League-leading 21.0 tackles for loss. Kakiva has been an all-league defensive lineman every year since his sophomore year in high school. Manley outgrew being a prolific tackler as a middle linebacker and was converted into a defensive lineman. Manley was credited with 18.0 tackles for loss as a high school senior.
The linebacker candidates start with Leonard and Lawson who get a head start learning the Spartan system in spring practice. Incoming freshman Elijah Wood (St. Mary's, Stockton, Calif.), like Lawson, played a number of positions during his high school career, but is ticketed first for linebacker opportunities at the major college level.
The biggest infusion on the defensive side is in the secondary with cornerback prospects Reed, who was at Kansas State in 2019; San Marcos (Calif.) High teammates Jalen Bainer and Zavion Reese; Mikale Greer of Lawndale (Calif.) High; and Welch. Safety hopefuls Jalen Apalit-Williams from Las Lomas High in Walnut Creek, Calif., and Chance Johnson, from Steele Canyon High in Spring Valley, Calif., are two candidates for the safety positions.
On offense, 325-pound Lamar Barrett (Independence College) automatically becomes the team's biggest player in the offensive line. He was a second-team all- conference lineman from Independence College and a district weightlifting champion during his high school days at Bartow (Fla.) High.
Tight end Sam Olson (Redwood High, Visalia, Calif.), a two-time, first-team all- conference choice, and 2019 CalHiSports.com first-team all-state multi-purpose selection Shamar Garrett (De La Salle High, Concord, Calif.) frequently found the end zone for their respective teams. Olson scored 11 touchdowns on 33 receptions and boasted a17.8 yards per catch average as a senior.
Garrett scored 31 touchdowns, 27 of them as a running back. He averaged a touchdown every 11 rushing attempts in three seasons. The nifty running back also passed for seven touchdowns on just nine throws. Garrett is one of several players signing today that played on offense and defense multiple times in the same game.
"The early signing date makes it incredibly hectic finishing a season and then having two weeks to finalize the majority of a class, but that's the world we live in now. Everyone is adjusting and trying to do better year to year," reflected Brennan.
"With every recruiting class, you want to improve your roster. We feel like there are some people in this recruiting class that give us a chance to do some really good stuff and improve on what we did this year.
"There's been a positive perception of where our program is moving in the state of California. This year, we add some really big wins on national TV and people are more excited than they've ever been. You combine that with the construction of the football building and my contract extension and it is obvious to anyone paying attention San Jose State football is moving in an awesome direction. There is a lot of enthusiasm for what we are doing here from our university, our administration, our fans and our alums. When that gets pushed out, people can see the good things that are happening."
Coach Brennan and the entire staff can look forward to spring practice beginning Monday, March 2. The Spartans also will host its annual Signing Day Celebration presented by the Provident Credit Union, Wednesday, February 5, starting at 5:30 p.m., in the Student Union Ballroom.
Jalen Apalit-Williams
S | 6-2 | 185 | FR | Martinez, Calif./Las Lomas HS
Highlights
A 2018 honorable mention All-Bay Area News group selection, Jalen is a safety prospect joining the San Jose State football program. Apalit-Williams divided his high school football career between Las Lomas High in Walnut Creek, Calif., (Coach Doug Longero) and Alhambra High in Martinez, Calif., (Coach Alan Hern). As a junior, he was a first-team All-Diablo-Foothill League pick and his team's Defensive Most Valuable Player. A three-sport athlete, he was a sprinter at Las Lomas High and played on the Alhambra High boys' basketball team. Jalen is targeting communication studies as his major. Kim Apalit, his mom, played volleyball at the University of Cincinnati in the 1990's. He enjoys the music of Meek Mill. Two of his favorite movies are "Creed" and "Remember the Titans." His favorite football team is the Dallas Cowboys and his favorite athlete is four-time NBA scoring champion Allen Iverson. Jalen is a native of San Francisco.
Jalen Bainer
CB | 5-11 | 180 | FR | San Marcos, Calif./San Marcos HS
Highlights
A two-time All-Avocado League award winner, Jalen is a versatile player joining the Spartans. He was used as a wide receiver, cornerback, kicker and return specialist for San Marcos (Calif.) High (Coaches Derek Stank, Jason Texler). As a senior, he was a team captain and a second-team all-league wide receiver after leading his team with 36 receptions 615 yards and seven touchdowns. He scored two more touchdowns rushing and a third on an interception return. Bainer was a first-team all-league defensive back as a junior after intercepting four passes and making 29 tackles. The two-sport athlete was a sprinter, long jumper and triple jumper in track and field. He was the 2019 Avocado League champion in the long jump with a school-record setting mark of 22-feet-10.5. Jalen would like to major in business administration. Named twice to the Avocado League all-academic team, he would like to own and operate an athletic performance facility. His dad, Chris Bainer, was a member of the 1993 University of San Diego football team. Jalen is a native of San Diego.
Lamar Barrett
OL | 6-4 | 325 | JR | Bartow, Fla./Independence College
Highlights
A 2019 second-team All-Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference (KJCCC) honoree, Lamar joins the Spartans this summer as an offensive line prospect. Barrett played for Independence College (Coach Kiyoshi Harris), the 2019 KJCCC champion and ranked eighth in the December 9 National Junior College Athletic Association poll. The graduate Bartow (Fla.) High competed in football (Coaches Ray Tiller and Brian McRae), weightlifting, and track and field. Barrett was a two-time All-Polk County honoree and a 2016 Class 7-A honorable mention all-state pick for Bartow High. In weightlifting his senior season, he was the 2018 Class 2A, District 12 unlimited champion, fourth at the Class 2A Region 6 meet, and finished tied for seventh at the 2018 Florida state championships. In track and field, he threw the shot put. Lamar is considering business administration as his major. He is intrigued about the job opportunities in Silicon Valley. Three of his favorite hip-hop artists are Kodak Black, NBA Young Boy and Chief Keef. Besides weightlifting, he enjoys distance running. Lamar is a native of Bartow, Fla.
Shamar Garrett
RB | 5-9 | 179 | FR | Livermore, Calif./De La Salle HS
Highlights
One of the top all-purpose high school players in California, Shamar is a running back prospect enrolling at San Jose State this summer. Garrett was a running back, defensive back and return specialist at De La Salle High in Concord, Calif. (Coach Jason Alumbaugh). A scoring threat from anywhere on the field, he rushed for 27 touchdowns, returned three interceptions and one punt return for six points, and passed for seven scores in three seasons. In the 2019 California Interscholastic Federation (C.I.F.) Open Division state championship game, Shamar rushed for three touchdowns including a 60-yard score and played cornerback. He was a CalHiSports.com first-team all-state selection as a multi-purpose back, and a first-team San Francisco Chronicle All-Metro and Bay Area News Group pick his junior season. Shamar's early choices for an academic major are business administration and psychology. He has been a member of De La Salle's Black Student Union organization since his freshman year. Garrett enjoys pencil sketching cartoon characters. Two of his cousins are Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Carter and running back C.J. Anderson, a seven-year National Football League veteran. Shamar is a native of Berkeley, Calif.
Mikale Greer
CB | 6-2 | 185 | FR | Compton, Calif./Lawndale HS
Highlights
A cornerback prospect, Malik comes to San Jose State from Lawndale (Calif.) High. (Coach Travis Clark). Greer played both defensive back and wide receiver for the Cardinals. He was credited with three interceptions his senior season. Greer began his high school football career at Paramount (Calif.) High where he was used primarily as a wide receiver. Mikale is planning on majoring in sport management or kinesiology. One of his cousins is Calgary Stampeders defensive backfield coach Josh Bell, who played safety for San Diego, Denver and Green Bay during the 2008 through 2010 seasons. Greer enjoys listening to the music of Young Boy and Rod Wave. Mikale is a native of Bellflower, Calif.
Chance Johnson
S | 6-0 | 185 | FR | Spring Valley, Calif./Steele Canyon HS
Highlights
A football (Coach Scott Longerbone) and track and field letterwinner at Steele Canyon High in Spring Valley, Calif., Chance is a safety candidate enrolling at San Jose State this summer. During Johnson's career, he played safety, wide receiver, linebacker, cornerback and was a return specialist. In his sophomore season, the Cougars captured the 2017 California Interscholastic Federation (C.I.F.) Division 3-A state championship. The two-time, first-team All-Grossmont Hills honoree was credited with 126 tackles and three pass interceptions in his junior and senior seasons combined. As a senior, he returned three punts and two kickoffs for touchdowns. Johnson concluded his high school career playing in the Alex Spanos All-Star Classic and the Makasi Bowl all-star football games in San Diego. He also was a sprinter and hurdler in track and field. He plans to major in psychology and is interested in becoming either a high school counselor or a police detective. Johnson participates in the school's Mito Action Club, which raises funds to fight against mitochondria diseases; volunteering at Hope City Church in El Cajon, Calif., where his dad is a pastor; and participating in an award-winning dance group, Candyman, using the stage name of "Snickers." Chance is a native of San Diego.
Jay Kakiva
DL | 6-5 | 325 | JR | Las Vegas, Nev./Fresno City College
Highlights
A two-time first-team All-Valley Conference award winner, Jay plans on joining the Spartans this summer as a defensive line candidate. In his two seasons at Fresno City College (Coach Tony Caviglia), Kakiva was in on 50 tackles, 10.0 tackles for loss, and 4.5 quarterback sacks. A three-time first team all-league football selection, he earned the honor at three different schools. As a senior, he was at Green Valley High in Henderson, Nev. (Coach Brian Castro). As a junior, Kakiva played for Liberty High (Coach Rich Muraco) also in Henderson. He played his freshman and sophomore seasons at McLane High in Fresno, Calif. (Coach Pete Joseph). Presently, Jay is deciding on an academic major. He would like to pursue a sports broadcasting career. His favorite movies are "The Lion King," "Miracle" about the 1980 U.S. Winter Olympics men's ice hockey team, and "Pursuit of Happiness." He is a youth group leader at a church near his Nevada home. Jay was born In Honolulu, Hawaii.
Elijah Lawson
LB | 6-2 | 205 | FR | Hayward, Calif./Stellar Prep HS
Highlights
After playing six different positions in high school for Stellar Prep in Hayward, Calif. (Coach Desmond Gumbs), Elijah will begin his San Jose State career as a linebacker prospect. Lawson saw action as a quarterback, running back, wide receiver, linebacker, cornerback and safety for the Thunder football program. In his junior season, he intercepted five passes. Elijah is undecided on an academic major. Lawson would like to pursue a sports broadcasting career. For the last three years, he has served as a youth counselor for children ages 3-to-13 at the Life City Church in Stockton, Calif. He is the third male in a family of nine children with an opportunity to play college football. His oldest brother, Rodney Lawson, played at the University of Nevada in 2015 and Western New Mexico University in 2017. Older brother Michael Lawson was named a 2019 first-team All-Southland Conference safety and punt return specialist as a junior for Lamar University. Elijah is a native of Stockton, Calif.
Dion Leonard
LB | 6-3 | 215 | JR | Milpitas, Calif./Foothill College
Highlights
A first-team All-Pac 7 League choice for Foothill College (Coach Kelly Edwards), Dion is a linebacker prospect joining the Spartans this spring. Leonard was credited with 44 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, was in on a quarterback sack, forced a fumble and recovered two fumbles and broke up four passes his sophomore season. As a freshman, he was a defensive back for San Jose City College (Coach Connor Carlton). The graduate of Milpitas (Calif.) High lettered in football (Coach Kelly King), basketball and was a sprinter on the track and field team. Leonard was a first-team All-Santa Clara Valley Athletic League wide receiver who caught 32 passes for 648 yards and four touchdowns in two seasons.
Grady Manley
DL | 6-4 | 265 | FR | Lincoln, Calif./Lincoln HS
Highlights
A two-time first-team All-Foothill Valley selection, Grady is a defensive line candidate joining the Spartans this summer. Manley was a prolific tackler during his three seasons at Lincoln (Calif.) High (Coach Chris Bean). He played middle linebacker his sophomore and junior seasons and was a defensive lineman as a senior. At Lincoln High, he was credited with 322 tackles, 29.0 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries, and two safeties. As a junior, he led the Fighting Zebras with 142 tackles and was a 2018 Sacramento Bee honorable mention All-Metro honoree. He was tops on the team with 18.0 tackles for loss and contributed 73 tackles as a senior. The three-sport athlete also played on the basketball team and was an outfielder for a season of baseball. One of his favorite activities is skeet shooting. Grady is a native of Citrus Heights, Calif.
Sam Olson
TE | 6-4 | 225 | FR | Visalia, Calif./Redwood HS
Highlights
A two-time first-team All-West Yosemite League honoree for Redwood High in Visalia, Calif. (Coaches Kevin Scharton and Shaun Ball), Sam begins his San Jose State football career as a tight end. Named the best tight end in Tulare County in 2019 by the Visalia Times Delta, Olson caught 33 passes for 586 yards and a team-best 11 touchdowns. His 66 points was good to share team-high scoring honors. The versatile player also served as a punter and a long snapper. Sam also played a season on the Rangers boys' basketball team. He is interested in majoring in environmental science and becoming a firefighter. During his junior year, he was named to the school's Spanish National Honor Society. He lists Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Malcolm X as his heroes. The San Francisco 49ers are his favorite team. All-Pro 49ers tight end George Kittle and Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jarvis Landry are his favorite athletes. Sam is a native of Visalia, Calif.
Kenyon Reed
CB | 6-0 | 170 | FR | Concord, Calif./Long Beach Poly HS/Kansas State
Highlights
A transfer from Kansas State University, Kenyon is a cornerback prospect joining the Spartans this spring. Reed lettered in football (Coach Stephen Barbee) and track and field at Long Beach (Calif.) Poly High. He played cornerback, wide receiver and was a return specialist as a senior. As a wide receiver, he caught 17 passes for 284 yards and three touchdowns and earned second-team All-Moore League honors. Kenyon excelled in track and field his senior season at Long Beach Poly. At the 2019 California Interscholastic Federation (C.I.F.) state championship meet, he finished ninth in the 100 meters, eight in the 200 meters and helped the Jackrabbits 4x100 meter relay team take third place. He has personal bests of 10.63 in the 100 and 21.09 in the 200 meters. Reed was named the 2019 Long Beach Press Telegram's Boys Track & Field Athlete of the Year. He began his high school career at Cosumnes Oaks High in Elk Grove, Calif. (Coach Derek Milgrim) and was a teammate of fellow Spartan signee Elijah Wood.
Zavion Reese
CB | 6-0 | 175 | FR | San Marcos, Calif./San Marcos HS
Highlights
A two-time All-Avocado League defensive back, Zavion is a cornerback hopeful joining the Spartans this summer. Reese was a first-team selection as a junior and second-team choice as a senior playing for San Marcos (Calif.) High (Coaches Derek Shank and Jason Texler). In his three seasons, he played cornerback, wide receiver and was used as a return specialist. As a senior, he was a team captain and was named his team's Defensive Most Valuable Player at the end of the season. Reese concluded his high school football career playing in the Alex Spanos All-Star Game in San Diego. The two-sport athlete is a sprinter and a long jumper on the track and field team. Zavion is interested in majoring in either mechanical engineering or business administration. One of his goals is achieving and maintaining financial stability. At San Marcos High, he is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and the Black Student Union. One of his brothers, Nacion Reese, was a linebacker for Minot State University. Zavion is a native of Oceanside, Calif.
Malik Welch
CB | 6-1 | 195 | JR | Torrance, Calif./Long Beach City College
Highlights
A 2019 second-team All-Northern League pick for Long Beach City College (Coach Brett Peabody), Malik is a cornerback hopeful enrolling at San Jose State this spring. Welch was second on the team in tackles with 51, was in on 4.0 tackles for loss, intercepted two passes and was credited with six pass break ups. The graduate of El Segundo (Calif.) High was a cornerback on the football team (Coach Steve Shevlin) and a sprinter in track and field. He began his high school career at North High in Torrance, Calif. (Coach Todd Croce) and participated in the same two sports.
Elijah Wood
LB | 6-3 | 205 | FR | Elk Grove, Calif./St. Mary's HS
Highlights
A two-time All-Tri-City Athletic League honoree, Elijah is a linebacker candidate enrolling at San Jose State this summer. At St. Mary's High in Stockton, Calif. (Coach Tony Frank) he played outside linebacker, cornerback, strong safety, wide receiver, tight end and was used as a return specialist. As a senior, he was a second-team all-league choice who was in on 53 tackles, intercepted three passes and was credited with eight pass break-ups. In his junior season, he was a first-team all-league wide receiver. He began his high school football career at Cosumnes Oaks High (Coach Derrick Milgrim) in Elk Grove, Calif. Wood was invited to conclude his high school football career at the January 18, 2020 Bay Area Cali Classic Senior Showcase matching the Bay Area All-Stars vs. the Valley All-Stars in San Leandro, Calif. Elijah plans to major in business marketing. His business interests presently include earning a real estate license, become a realtor, and owning and operating a shoe store. He enjoys traveling and lists Hawaii and Florida as his top destinations. His favorite sports teams are the Pittsburgh Steelers, Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Lakers. Elijah is a native of Modesto, Calif.
Noah Wright
DL | 6-5 | 315 | JR | Lemoore, Calif./College of the Sequoias
Highlights
The 2019 Valley League Defensive Player of the Year, Noah is joining the Spartans this spring as a defensive line candidate. Wright played two seasons for the College of the Sequoias (Coach Joe D'Agostino). As a sophomore, the first-team All-Valley League honoree led the conference with 21.0 tackles for loss and added 4.0 quarterback sacks, one fumble recovery. The graduate of Lemoore (Calif.) High lettered in football (Coaches Mitch Crossley and Shannon Pulliam) and wrestling and was a catcher on the baseball team. He was the 2016 West Yosemite League Defensive Player of the Year in football and placed fourth in the heavyweight division at the 2017 California Interscholastic Federation (C.I.F.) state championship meet. He began his high school career at Wilcox High in Santa Clara, Calif., and was on the football (Coach Dan Brown), wrestling and baseball teams. Wright is undecided on an academic major. He is interested in social work and would like to work with children. He enjoys listening to reggae music. Noah is a native of Mountain View, Calif.