San Jose State won enough games (6-6) to become Bowl-eligible last season but spent the postseason watching at home. This year, the Spartans are determined to become participants.
"San Jose State's football program is on an unmistakable trajectory of success," Tomey said. "We've made tremendous progress and improved the academic climate. Our attendance has risen 300 percent from my first year, when San Jose State had the lowest average in the nation."
Tomey enters his fifth year at the helm, with the 2006 New Mexico Bowl trophy to show for his overall 23-25 mark in San Jose.
In 24 previous seasons as a head college football coach with Hawaii and Arizona, Tomey has suffered four losing seasons and been to eight bowl games. A career mark of 181-135-7 attests to his winning ways.
Ken Margerum, who will be inducted into college football's Hall of Fame this year, is a former All-American at Stanford, and played in the NFL for several seasons, is among his assistant coaches.
Offensive Production Starts With the Quarterback
Senior Kyle Reed (6-3, 215) began his college career at California, though he never saw the playing field. He started seven games for the Spartans last year and played in 10. The mobile passer threw for 1,563 yards and nine touchdowns and rushed for 253 yards (not including being sacked) and another four touchdowns.
He entered fall practice in competition with junior Jordan LaSecla (6-3, 205) and senior Myles Eden (6-1, 205), both of whom saw playing time last year.
"The coaching staff believe in my athleticism and they know what I am capable of doing," Reed said. "I expect to show what I can do. Last year was experience and this year I'm ready to give it another shot."
The Spartans lost their top running back to graduation but returns the No. 2 back in sophomore Brandon Rutley (5-10, 190). Patrick Perry (5-10, 215) returns to the fold after missing two years with an injury.
The receiving corps is San Jose State's offensive strength with the return of school record-holder senior Kevin Jurovich (6-0, 190), who missed most of last year with an injury, and junior Jalal Beauchman (6-4, 220). Senior Terrence Williams (6-5, 225) was moved to tight end after a stellar receiving season.
"It's great working with Kevin again," Reed said. "I'm confident throwing to him, as I am with all the receivers."
An experienced offensive line will help too. The Spartans have six linemen who have started at least 10 games in their careers: senior Ronnie Castillo (6-0, 292), junior Ailao Eliapo (6-2, 320), junior Isaac Leatiota (6-4, 305), junior John Konye (6-4, 290), sophomore Fred Koloto (6-3, 290) and senior Jon Moreno (6-4, 285). Juniors Robbie Reed (6-3, 290) and Andres Vargas (6-4, 305) are pushing for playing time.
The Defensive Scheme
Tomey called senior defensive end Carl Ihenacho (6-3, 256) "one of the better players in the country. He led the nation in tackles for losses."
Ihenacho will be joined on the line by senior Adonis Davis (6-1, 295), senior Kalvin Cressel (6-4, 282) and Mohamed Marah (6-0, 245).
San Jose State ranked 10th nationally in pass defense last year, and 21st in team defense. Talented sophomore cornerbacks Peyton Thompson (5-11, 170) and Alex Germany (5-9, 170) are expected to fill holes in the secondary, while returning starting junior safeties Devin Newsome (5-10, 185) and Duke Ihenacho (6-1, 210) are firmly entrenched as the anchors.
Senior linebacker Justin Cole (6-3, 240) led the Spartans in tackles last year and is joined by junior Ryno Gonzalez (6-1, 230), senior Travis Jones (6-1, 230) and sophomore Pompey Festejo (6-0, 200).
Special Team Experience
Senior punter Philip Zavala (6-1, 200) performed consistently well last season and has senior long snapper Matt Wigley (6-2, 230) back. The Spartans look to sophomore transfer, from Colorado, Tyler Cope (6-1, 180) to take over place-kicking duties.
In summary, the team has 29 seniors and 53 returning lettermen with plenty of experience. But don't expect San Jose State to win the WAC title. The Spartans are good enough, however, to win up to eight games and then go bowl-ing come December.
Rick Eymer - I have written for The San Mateo Times, the Santa Rosa Press Democrat and am currently working part-time as an assistant sports editor at ...
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