by Christian Vieyra (@thecvieyra) – Co-Executive Editor | Freshman offensive linemen blocks his teammate during practice on Monday at CEFCU Stadium. Photo by Christian Vieyra
The Ken Niumatalolo era kicks off at 7 p.m. on Thursday at CEFCU Stadium as the Spartans have many new faces expected to make major contributions.
With a lot of question marks, mostly on the offensive side of the ball, here is a list of the top-five position groups to keep an eye on during the home opener
1. Quarterbacks
To start with the obligatory, the quarterback room has been the biggest mystery up until today.
Sophomore Emmett Brown will be the starting quarterback for the Spartans according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
The competition was between Brown and junior Walker Eget in the spring, with junior Xavier Ward entering himself into the discussion of QB1 this summer.
In the weeks leading up to the season Brown and Eget became the front runners, officially listed on the depth chart contesting for that starting spot.
Niumatalolo announced that the Spartans have made a decision at QB on Tuesday, but they would not publicly announce the choice.
Brown’s ability to extend plays with his athleticism alongside his quick release have been his defining traits in the coaching staff’s eyes.
2. Running Backs
When it comes to the backfield, expect to see a lot of sophomore Jabari Bates and junior Floyd Chalk IV.
“Jabari is extremely tough and he’s got juice,” offensive coordinator Craig Stutzmann said. “He can run.”
Stutzmann compared Chalk IV to a jitterbug, “it’s hard to get your hands on him.”
In Stutzmann’s eyes, Bates brings breakaway speed while Chalk IV brings elusiveness, two unique skill sets that are expected to compliment each other.
3. Tight Ends
Sacramento City College transfer, junior Jacob Stewart, is listed as the starter on the two-deep depth chart.
Stewart said the biggest difference between D1 and JUCO is the level of competition
“Everyone here would have been the best player on a JUCO team,” he said.
Stewart feels his play style fits well with the spread and shred offense.
“I think it’s a good offense for tight ends like myself who are on the skinnier side,” Stewart said. “We get to run block a little bit and then we get some fun routes where he gets to send us deep.”
For Stutzmann, the addition of a tight end has allowed his creative muscles to flex more than usual.
“We haven’t had a tight end in this particular offense for eight or nine years,” he said.
Stutzmann said the spring was useful for identifying the role of a tight end in his offense.
“Having a bigger body in the slot or in the core and then flexing them out or doing different things,” Stutzmann said. “It really opens up this other compartment that we haven’t been able to use.”
4. Offensive line
The only surefire starter on the offensive line is senior Marist Talavou at right guard.
“Marist has really come out of his shell, He’s the heart and soul of this offense,” Stutzmann said.
Every other offensive line position is not decided on the two-deep roster.
“We’re gelling as a unit right now the longer we will be with each other the better we will be,” offensive line coach John Estes said.
Estes said two players who have improved the most since the spring are juniors Hudson Mesa and Malik Williams .
Meza is listed as Talavoa’s backup and Williams is competing for the left tackle spot with freshman Nate Hale.
“When the big guys are rolling I think it gives confidence to the rest of the offense and the rest of the team,” Estes said.
5. Defensive line
Senior Soane Toia is the stall worth of the defensive line.
“(He’s) an integral, key part of our football team,” Niumatalolo said. “If Soane Toia has a good year we’re gonna have a good year.”
The most interesting player to watch on the defensive front is listed as a freshman. Dylan Hampsten will be a first-year starter after not playing in 2023.
“I’m excited for him, (Hampsten) reminds me of Cade Hall,” Toia said.
Hall was the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year and a first-team All-American in the Spartans 2020 season that saw them win the Mountain West championship.
“Seeing him transition to the player he was from last year to this year has been amazing,” Toia said. “He’s gonna do a lot of great things.”
