By Christian Vieyra (@thecvieyra) – Co-Executive Editor | Spartans defensive linemen Gafa Faga makes a tackle in a 33-10 loss at Fresno State. (Photo by Nick Orozco- Co-Executive Editor of The Spear)
With No.13 ranked Boise State coming to town, San Jose State’s defensive line will have its hands full with Heisman front-runner Ashton Jeanty.
Jeanty leads the nation in rushing yards (1,734), rushing touchdowns (23) and all-purpose yards (1,827).
The Spartans’ defensive linemen will be the first level of defense against Jeanty’s rushing prowess.
“He’s the best back that I’ve seen since Marshall Faulk,” head coach Ken Niumatalolo said. “He’s not just another back, he’s really really good.”
The Broncos also have allowed the fifth-least sacks this season behind their formidable offensive line.
But, Niumalolo said Jeanty has the Spartans’ attention.
“We’re obviously preparing for the running back,” SJSU defensive linemen John Ward said. “He knows how to keep his feet moving, he’s a big running back, we just need to power through our tackles and get him down.”
SJSU defensive line coach Al Lapuaho said Jeanty is the best player in all of college football in his opinion.
“Obviously this is gonna be the best team we play this year,” Lapuaho said. “The biggest thing that we need to work on is ourselves first and foremost.”
His message to the defensive line was simple; do your job, be confident and don’t do too much.
“At the end of the day we are all human beings who bleed the same even though that guy might not bleed the same as us but, he’s a dang good player and I think a lot of them are just happy to have the opportunity to play against him,” Lapuaho said on Jeanty.
Lapuaho said the defensive line relies on its leadership, especially in matchups like this. Those leaders include captain Soane Toia, Ward, junior Gafa Faga and senior Quincy Likio.
“All the young guys kind of follow what those guys do,” Lapuaho said.
Likio only appeared in the first four games this season before being sidelined with a season-ending injury.
That hasn’t stopped Likio from being a leader. Lapuaho said Likio leads through example and helps the younger guys understand the defense.
“Although he is injured he does anything and everything that he can,” Lapuaho said. “You wouldn’t even think that he’s injured if you were to see him on the practice field, the weight room or the classroom.”
After Likio’s injury, Ward filled his spot. His breakout game came at Colorado State where he had three tackles for loss, seven total tackles and a forced fumble.
“He just works, I wish I had him for another year,” Lapuaho said of Ward.
Lapuaho recruited Ward to Utah State in 2022 but left for Nevada before being able to coach him.
“It’s kinda nice that I was able to get him here for his last year and see what he’s doing,” Lapuaho said. “He’s still playing his best ball.”
Lapuaho said SJSU team captain Toia is a huge part of the defense.
“He’s the one that has the most experience and his experience speaks for itself,” Lapuaho said of Toia.
Lapuaho also said that the mentality and attitude of the group has been different at practice this week. A welcomed change for him.
“We can’t bring the juice for them, they gotta bring their own and they do,” Lapuaho said.
