DATE – March 9, 2020
VENUE – Grass football practice fields
FORMAT – Shells (Helmets, shoulder pads, shorts)
WATCHING THE LINEBACKERS
"I love this group," said linebackers coach Scott White prior to Monday's spring practice. "We're high on talent, low on experience and growing every day."
To say White is excited about his linebackers' potential is an understatement. In the Spartans' 3-4 defense, White needs to use this spring to find replacements for second-team All-Mountain West selection Ethan Aguayo and Jesse Osuna. He likes what he sees.
"We have a lot of talent, length and athleticism," White said. "We need to keep growing these guys and get them the reps they need."
A player who fits that mold is community college transfer Dion Leonard. The junior from Foothill College and Milpitas HS enrolled at SJSU in January and is transitioning from a defensive back role to a linebacker for the Spartans. At 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, he certainly has the length and speed White was after in the recruiting process.
"Dion has been fantastic," White said. "He's a man. He comes ready to work every day, my kind of guy. He's a big-time athlete. His ability in space, his ability to rush the passer, he's really going to help us."
In Monday's practice, the Spartans were working on their nickel defense (three defensive lineman, three linebackers, five defensive backs) and Leonard was running with the first team. He lined up on the weakside along with junior Kyle Harmon and sophomore Jordan Cobbs.
"I'm loving it," Leonard said. "Junior college gave me some good experience but some of the other guys - Hadari Darden, Tysyn Parker, Christian Webb - have really helped me get acclimated. I have a great coach in Scott White and I'm getting used to everything."
WHO'S BACK AT LINEBACKER
With Aguayo missing a chunk of last season due to injury, it allowed some others to earn playing time. There will be some experience back at linebacker in 2020 - Harmon (13 starts, 129 career tackles), Parker (12 starts, 106 career tackles), Darden (eight starts, 54 career tackles), Webb (29 career tackles) and junior Rico Tolefree (12 starts, 51 career tackles) are all returning. Cobbs played in 12 games last year as a freshman with nine tackles and the 6-foot-1, 234-pounder is in line for increased time as a sophomore. On the first play of an 11-on-11 session, Cobbs used his speed to break up a pass in the flat.
Linebacker Cameron Hanson redshirt last season after joining the Spartans from Southwestern College.
WHO'S NEW AT LINEBACKER
In addition to Leonard, some new faces to watch include UCLA transfer junior Rahyme Johnson, community college redshirt Cameron Hanson and early-enrollee freshman Elijah Lawson. During an 11-on-11 session on Monday, Johnson, a former four-star recruit who redshirt last year, burst up the middle and forced the quarterback to roll out and eventually throw an incomplete pass. On another play, the quarterback took off and it looked like there was room for a first down scramble, but Johnson tracked him down from behind for the stop. Lawson earned praise from both White and head coach Brent Brennan for his play so far this spring. Brennan mentioned Hanson as a player who "is ready to play a lot for us."
WHAT TO WATCH FOR IN THE SPRING GAME
Keep an eye out for redshirt freshman linebacker Lorenzo Burkes in the spring game on March 28. The 6-foot-2, 230-pound Burkes redshirted last season and was originally listed as a fullback on the roster. Playing at linebacker this spring, he's used his size and athleticism to open some eyes. During an 11-on-11 session on Monday, Burkes bolted in off the edge and forced a fumble.
OTHER PRACTICE HIGHLIGHTS
After stretching and special teams sessions to open practice, the team took part in a drill called Down the Line. It's a physical, 1-on-1 matchup, with each player looking to push the other back. A sort of sumo-esque battle to teach leg drive and leverage. Two particularly fun matchups pitted wide receiver JaQuan Blackwell against corner Johnny Balderas and Hanson versus running back Deston Hawkins. After the drill ended, Johnson ran to the next practice period saying "I'm awake now, let's go!"
Quarterback Jake Simmons tucks and runs during spring practice on March 9, 2020.
QUARTERBACK BATTLE
To open up a 7-on-7 period on Monday, quarterback Jake Simmons connected with wide receiver Isaiah Hamilton for a first down and then hit Bailey Gaither for a 35-yard touchdown. Simmons later tossed another touchdown over the top to wide receiver Isaiah Holiness. For the most part though on Monday, the defense had the advantage. Safety B.J. Johnson and corner Andrew Jenkins picked off passes on back-to-back plays in the 7-on-7 period and Balderas and Stan Livingstone took interceptions to the house later in the 11-on-11 period.
SPRING RECAP SCHEDULE
March 6 – Defensive Line
March 9 – Linebackers
March 11 – Cornerbacks
There is no admission charge to watch practice and parking is available in the 7th Street Park & Ride Lot.
Season ticket renewals and new purchases for the 2020 San José State football season can be made by calling or by texting RENEW or NEW to (408) 924-7589.
