By Haddy Barghouti – Spear Reporter – Freshman Quarterback Tama Amisone throws a pass during SJSU’s spring practice on Mar. 20 (Photo by Christian Vieyra – The Spear)
With the starting job already decided, San Jose State enters 2025 with quarterback stability behind senior Walker Eget.
It took time for the Spartans to settle on Eget as their starting quarterback last season, but after former SJSU quarterback Emmett Brown transferred to Coastal Carolina and was benched, Eget faced less competition for the role.
Brown started the season as the Spartans’ quarterback, but after he was benched midgame for Eget, the former backup took over as the full-time quarterback in their 35-31 win versus Nevada on Oct. 5, 2024.
“I think the biggest thing in this could be something that just as a quarterback you can always get better at and that’s decision making,” Eget said. “Being a good decision-maker at the quarterback position is a big role for the offense.”
Eget threw 10 interceptions last season, but ended the season on a high note with his decision-making, as he had zero games with multiple picks during that span.
“His decision making, his own talent and just going off last year, being able to make plays in important situations throughout the game,” junior wide receiver Matthew Coleman said.
Coleman had one of his best performances of the season during SJSU’s 41-39 loss to South Florida in the Hawaii Bowl on Dec. 24, recording 12 receptions for 119 yards and a touchdown from Eget.
“I’ve been catching passes from him since my freshman year,” Coleman said. “He knows how I like to run routes and where I’m going to be, so we just want to continue to build that relationship.”
Coleman will return for the Spartans, but besides that, Eget will now work with a relatively new receiving core, as his two number one targets from last season, former receivers Nick Nash and Justin Lockhart, are now moving on to the NFL draft this Thursday.
“Got some guys last year that were ready to make some plays and some new guys that are coming in making some plays,” Eget said. “Just seeing them come together and build up the tight ends and receivers is really cool.”
Although Eget now needs to build chemistry with a new group of guys, he has faith that his guys are putting in the work.
“Everyone is staying extra for film and getting treatment, taking care of their bodies and taking advantage of this opportunity that they’re getting,” Eget said.
Eget has complete confidence in his weapons and the coaching staff continues to trust him, with no second thoughts about naming him the starting quarterback.
“You know, ending off the season as the first-string quarterback, obviously that gives you confidence and it goes without saying you’re pretty much a team leader,” offensive coordinator Craig Stutzmann said.
Eget helped lead the Spartans to a double-overtime battle in their last game, and his performance solidified the coaching staff’s trust that he’s their guy.
“Every day after practices, when the coaches were watching, as a staff were watching films, he’s grabbing the receivers and he’s leading the receivers and watching film with them,” Stutzmann said. “He’s still out there throwing with everybody. It doesn’t matter if it’s a fifth-string quarterback, fourth-string receivers, he’s out there and he’s always present.”
Eget has been working with senior quarterbacks Xavier Ward and Macloud Crowton, who are both battling for the QB2 position this season.
Although Eget could play a role in developing both backup quarterbacks, he is still playing for himself first.
“You can’t be the starting quarterback, the mayor, and do 18 service projects around the city,” head coach Ken Niumatalolo said. “I just want him to be good at what he does, lead by example, kind of show those guys the way and he’s doing all that.”
The Spartans and Eget will now move on to their spring game on Saturday at CEFCU Stadium, where Eget will aim to make a strong impression in front of fans during his first live action of the year.
