The defense came up with two interceptions, three quarterback sacks and a safety in the 45-play scrimmage during the Spartan Football Spring Showcase to conclude San Jose State University's 2021 spring practice session.
Cornerback Charlie Bostic, III, who returned a kickoff for a touchdown in the 2020 Arizona Bowl against Ball State, and linebacker Isaako Togia on a deflected pass at the line of scrimmage thrown by Matt Der Torossian came up with the interceptions. Bostic's pick came on a sideline throw by Natano Woods.
Defensive lineman Sinjun Astani and linebacker Matthew Tago, a transfer from Oregon State, had two of the defense's three sacks. Quarterback Nick Nash was engulfed by a penetrating group pass rush for a third sack.
The defense also picked up a safety when a center snap went over Woods' head and the redshirt freshman quarterback prospect was unable to get out of the end zone.
Nash did lead the offense to a pair of touchdowns. He connected first with tight end Jackson Canaan on a 3yard scoring play before halftime. In the second half, Nash found a wide open wide receiver Terence Loville for a 38-yard score. Heading into his third season with the Spartans, Nash was 7-of-8 for 105 yards and did not throw an interception.
"The best part of today was having our families of our players, fans, donors, and just people that love Spartan football in the stands to watch this team play a little bit. Going through the season we just went through, as special and as magical as it was, the biggest disappointment was not being able to share it," said San Jose State University's Brent Brennan, now starting his fifth season as head coach.
"…I thought our defense looked really good. They forced turnovers and had a fourth down stop, which was exciting. It was good to see some of those young players play and some of the guys that have been here for a while participate, too," Brennan said about the activity on the field.
The 90-minute showcase also included 7-on-7 drills in which the offense had more success, especially when quarterback Nick Starkel was taking snaps.
The Spartans now will turn their attention to spring semester final exams. This spring, San Jose State had a team-record 41 Academic All-Mountain West honorees and 15 players honored at the university's annual Honors Convocation either as a President's or Deans Scholar.
Season tickets for the Spartans' six home games beginning with Southern Utah on August 28 are available at Ticketmaster.com.
Spring Showcase Scrimmage Statistics
| Rushing (20 attempts-7 yards, 0 TDs) |
| Shamar Garrett, 8-31; Brendan Manigo, 4-6; Natano Woods, 2-3; Nick Nash, 4-(-6); Matt Der Torossian, 1(-7); Team, 1-(-20). |
| Passing (14-25-2 interceptions, 161 yards, two TDs) |
| Nick Nash, 7-8-0-105 yds., 2 TDs; Natano Woods, 5-11-1-35 yds.- 0 TDs; Matt Der Torossian, 2-6-1-21 yds.- 0 TDs. |
| Receiving (14-161 yards, two TDs) |
| Malakhi Miller, 3-25; Steven Houston, 3-7; Chance La Chapelle, 2-46; Donald McKinney, 2-19; Jackson Canaan, 2-13, 1 TD; Terence Loville, 1-38, 1 TD; Billy Bob Humphreys, 1-2. |
| Sacks (3) |
| Sinjun Astani, Matthew Tago, 1, each; Team, 1. |
| Interceptions (2) |
| Charlie Bostic III, Isa'ako Togia, 1, each. |