By Ernie Gonzalez (@superego1012 ):
Freshmen, family, food and football all united for a post move-in day barbecue at the Simpkins Stadium Center Sunday evening.
The event however was open to the entire San Jose State team and several non-freshmen made it to the event as well, including Junior TE Josh Oliver, DBs Andre Chachere alongside Maurice McKnight, and QB Montel Aaron.
The first half of the event was formal.
The student athletes sat around round tables, coaches leaned on the walls of the room, and those tardy huddled around the exit signs, all while head coach Brent Brennan went over the dos, don’ts, and what ifs to his freshmen.
Fall camp begins at the end of the month, but to coach Brennan, he wants his team prepared.
“We got to put in the work these next two weeks,” Brennan said. “We have to bring these young people into the fold.”
Soon after, the team was excused. Fresh meat, sauces and salads were served, all outside, all as one.
Incoming defensive back Tre White is already fostering the ‘Moneyteam’ clan-tag and has made it crystal clear he can’t wait for week 1.
“Meeting these new DBs and having that mindset that coach Will [Harris] just instills in us — basically being a savage,” White said.
The Spartans also added two talented freshmen running backs to their squad , Jerrell Alberty from Oakland and Tyler Nevens from Hacienda Heights.
With under 50 days remaining until the start of the regular season, Nevens plans to prove he belongs out on the turf.
“…Going out there, competing, having that series attitude on the field, just really taking advantage of the time I have,” Nevens said.
Linebacker Tysyn Parker is hoping to follow the footsteps of former Spartan and current Atlanta Falcon Christian Tago as well as current Spartan middle linebacker Frank Ginda.
Both players have been defensive captains, and when Parker feels he has the skill to wear the “C’ as well.
“Be coachable, stay on top of my workouts and don’t take any days off,” Parker said in response to the first steps needed to become a reliable linebacker.
Being able to be coached will be huge for Parker and having the luxury to be working with linebacker coach Bojay Filimoeatu only makes it better.
“I love coach Bojay… He’s a little kid at heart. He brings a lot of energy to our linebacking core, Parker said.”
In all, a barbecue seemed like the perfect tool to get hungry freshmen on the right path.
