By Kellen Concentine — Staff Writer
College football is right around the corner, with San Jose State’s home opener on August 29. Here are some of the players that could make big plays throughout the season.
Tre Walker – WR
Walker finished the 2018 season with 39 receptions for 714 yards. His 18.3 yards per catch was the second highest average in the Mountain West Conference. He also led the team in touchdowns as a sophomore with five. His ability to make spectacular catches down the field plus his tremendous speed makes him one of the Spartans biggest deep threats going into next season. The duo of Walker and Bailey Gaither has potential to be one of the top receiving combos in the MW.
Ethan Aguayo – LB
Aguayo has played in 33 games while at San Jose State and has made 29 starts. With 106 tackles, he finished sixth in the conference in 2018. Against Nevada on November 17, Aguayo finished the game with 20 tackles, making him the first Spartan with 20 or more tackles since Keith Smith on September 27, 2013. Aguayo and the Spartan defense can make a name for themselves for the West division this fall.
DeJon Packer – HB
Competing for playing time in a crowded backfield, Packer saw limited action last season. He was 3rd on the team in rushing with only 74 yards compared to his 290 yard season in 2017. The Spartans had over five running backs carrying the ball last season. However, without Malik Roberson on the roster, Packer becomes the secondary option of the Spartan running back committee.
Jay Lenard – S
Previously known as Jonathon Lenard Jr, he returns as a starter at the safety position, previously playing in 25 games with 18 starts. Lenard was one of four defensive players to start all 12 games. He led the Spartans with 56 solo tackles. He also finished the season with one interception, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.
Tre Webb – CB
Webb will be a returning starter in his fourth season this fall. He started in the first 10 games of the season as safety. Now listed as a corner, Webb was fifth on the team in tackles with 72 and 17th in the Mountain West in tackles per game. He finished three games with 10 or more tackles. The secondary will be in good hands with Webb and Lenard returning.
Billy Humphreys – TE
Humphrey played behind Josh Oliver his entire career at San Jose State. Now that Oliver is in the NFL, Humphrey has a chance to be the primary tight end for the Spartans offense. He had four receptions for 17 yards this past season while Oliver finished led the team with 58 receptions. Expect Humphrey’s role of a blocking tight end to evolve into one of Josh Love’s favorite targets.
Jesse Osuna – LB
Osuna, a fifth year senior, had the best season of his career in 2018. He was one of the four defensive players to start all 12 games. Osuna led the team in tackles for loss with 10.0 and fumble recoveries with three. He was second in total tackles with 93, behind only Ethan Aguayo. The linebacker also had one interception and one forced fumble. Opposing offenses will have trouble with Osuna and Aguayo rushing the edge together.
These seven Spartans have the potential to make a name for themselves not only on campus, but in the conference and throughout the nation. Returning starter or not, a lot is expected from these players next season.
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