Arcata, Calif.---- The fresh air of Humboldt County in Northern California and the tree-lined Redwood Bowl tucked in the picturesque Humboldt State University campus created a familiar and welcoming environment for the San Jose State University football team as it began its fall preseason practice for the 2021 season.
The Spartans returned to Humboldt State, where they trained in early October 2020, since many of San Jose State University athletics facilities at its South Campus are being used through August 8 to host the Women's Tennis Association's (WTA) Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic tournament. The success of last year's 12 days at the California State University system sister campus 325 miles north of San Jose was the foundation for San José State's Mountain West championship and undefeated regular season.
"For our returning players, there is a lot of comfort being up here. Humboldt was a refuge for us a year ago right in the middle of a crazy time. Our time here was really special for our team," said San Jose State University football head coach Brent Brennan, the 2020 Mountain West Coach of the Year. "So, coming back to here, there is some nostalgia. You know how hard it was, how fun it was, and how it brought us together.
"There's a lot of desire from everyone on our team to recreate some of that environment and recreate some of that experience."
The Spartans coach is appreciative of University President Dr. Mary A. Papazian, new Athletics Director Jeff Konya and "… all the people who put in so much time, effort and work to make it happen. Every player and every coach feels incredibly grateful to be here," said Brennan, now in his fifth season as the San José State head coach.
KYLE HARMON SAYS "BEST FIRST DAY"
Returning first-team All-Mountain West linebacker Kyle Harmon concurred with Coach Brennan that everyone's familiarity with the Humboldt State genuine hospitality is a big help. One difference Harmon pointed out between last year and this year is the Spartans know they will return to San Jose on Sunday, August 8, compared to a year ago when the return date was uncertain prior to the season opener.
Harmon expected a strong first day, but according to the team's leading tackler last year, "… out of all my first days in college football, I think, honestly, this one was the best one.
"There are a lot of 'old guys' out there competing. We had a lot of young guys who feel comfortable in their roles. Now, they have a little more experience. With that experience brings confidence. Those young guys are confident, moving a little faster. There's more pep in their step," said Harmon, who described Humboldt State as a "great place, great environment and loving the fresh air."
"it (the first day) was great. We had incredible energy, all kinds of enthusiasm. It was awesome to see. Since our numbers are in a good place we were able to double up on our reps, get two full 7-on7's. Then when we went to 'team,' we were able to get two full team drills going on at the same time which allowed us to double up our reps giving more opportunity for our new players and young players who are learning the scheme for the first time," said Brennan, who has 23 returning starters and 62 letterwinners from a year ago.
LOOKING AHEAD
Spiritually, Brennan wants to continue building the team brotherhood. There are 27 new players ranging from first-time freshmen to graduate transfers who already have an undergraduate degree and Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) playing experience.
On the field, the emphasis over the first weekend will be on special teams fundamentals and techniques. Last year, the Spartans ranked eighth nationally in kickoff return average and converted 35-of-37 extra points and field goal attempts. Two-time honorable mention All-Mountain West kicker Matt Mercurio is back for his third season along with long snapper Andrew Gonneville. Return specialists Shamar Garrett and Charlie Bostic each returned a kickoff a for a touchdown in 2020 and top a large group of potential punt and kickoff returners.
