San Diego State 2014 Spring Football Wrap Up

Strengths & question marks coming out of spring

Fans and journalists didn’t get a good look at SDSU starting quarterback Quinn Kaehler this spring. He took very limited snaps due to a minor corrective surgery on his right elbow. But I’d definitely say Kaehler will be a strength next year for an SDSU offense that will go against the trend of the last four years and center on passing instead of running. 

SDSU’s wide receivers look to be the team’s biggest strength—a little surprising because the Aztecs graduate three wide receivers this year. However, SDSU’s best receiver, Ezell Ruffin, returns for his senior year, and freakishly athletic receivers like Larry Clark (6’4”, 210 pounds) and Eric Judge (6’1”, 190 pounds) have emerged this spring as big-time targets. Coach Rocky Long and company also recruited a talented 2014 receiver class, including ESPN’s 74^th ranked receiver Dionte Sykes (6’2”, 215 pounds). 

SDSU returns all linebacker starters and all but one defensive lineman starter—expect these units to make the 21^st best rushing defense from last year even better. 

There are definitely two big question marks: second running back and safety. 

SDSU uses a tandem running back system, with one big-play running back and one between-the-tackles running back. Current freshman Donnel Pumphrey (5’9”, 170 pounds) was the big-play speedster this year and will fill the same role next year, but Adam Muema leaves the between-the-tackles spot empty.

Long says the race will come down to current sophomore Chase Price (5’8”, 200 pounds) and redshirt freshman Marcus Stamps (6’1”, 195 pounds). Both these backs are solid and performed well in the spring game, so this isn’t necessarily a “bad” question mark to have. 

The Aztecs lose their two starting safeties to the NFL Draft in Nat Berhe and Eric Pinkins. These two were also the teams’ two best tacklers, so they will be sorely missed.  Sophomore Stan Sedberry (6’2”, 210 pounds) backed up Berhe this year, and junior David Lamar (6’2”, 180 pounds) had a great spring.  No matter who Long choses, the Aztecs will start inexperienced safeties next year.

Name a few breakout players to keep an eye on in 2014

Quinn Kaehler (QB)

Kaehler started as a walk-on quarterback last year after Adam Dingwell injured his back and couldn’t play up to his talent. Kaehler performed way beyond expectations, completing nearly 60 percent of his passes for 3,007 yards and 19 touchdowns. He often outperformed his fellow Mountain West Conference quarterbacks David Fales and Derek Carr, both of whom will play on Sundays next year. This will be his first full season as starter—look for him to explode.

Larry Clark (WR)

Last year Ruffin broke out to the tune of 1,136 yards and three touchdowns. This year I believe Clark will break out. Most people looked to Eric Judge to be the next big target going into spring, but Clark outperformed Judge and is poised for a big season in the outside slot. 

Donnel Pumphrey (RB)

Pumphrey will be “the guy” this year. He was second fiddle to Muema in last year’s running tandem and ran 752 yards for eight touchdowns, but this year he will be the first option. If Pumphrey can bulk up a little and break more tackles, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better running back in the conference. 

Christian Heyward (DT)

A four-star recruit out of high school, San Diego’s very own Christian Heyward chose to play at USC. Unfortunately, a shoulder injury held Heyward back and he only played five games as a Trojan. Heyward will transfer to SDSU next fall. Back home and finally healthy, Heyward could have the season everyone expected when he graduated high school.

Grade each position group

Quarterback: A-

I believe Kaehler will do very well in his first full season as starter. 

Running back: B-

The traditionally run-dominated Aztecs will most likely turn to Kaehler’s arm as their first option. The running backs will by no means be bad, though, especially if Pumphrey breaks out. 

Receivers: A

This will be a big strength. Fans: be excited to watch this receiving group this fall. 

Offensive line: B-

The O-lineman did not have a good spring, which is a little surprising. SDSU brings in some great 2014 recruits, including El Camino College’s Pearce Slator (6’7”, 340 pounds). 

Defensive line: A

All but one starter returns to an already good line. 

Linebackers: A

Three returning starters. All seniors. 

Secondary: C+

The secondary was very inconsistent last year: it was either phenomenal or dreadful. Losing its two senior safeties won’t help. 

Special teams: C

It can’t get much worse than last year…can it? In 2013-14, SDSU’s kickers combined to go 8-16 on field goal attempts, and Seamus McMorrow, the only returning kicker, went 0-4. McMorrow will compete with two excellent recruits, John Baron II and Donny Hageman, for the job. ESPN said Baron has the strongest kickoff leg in the country.

What can we expect from SDSU in 2014?

SDSU’s strengths (linebackers, defensive line, quarterback, wide receivers) outweigh its weaknesses (secondary and offensive line) and the Aztecs should improve upon last season. Fresno State loses Davante Adams and Derek Carr to the NFL Draft, so the Aztecs will most likely be favored to win the MWC West Division and play in the MWC title game.

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Matthew Bain of Mountain West Connection provided the information for our San Diego State Football 2014 Spring Wrap Up.  For more SDSU football information, commentary and analysis, you can follow Matthew on Twitter @MatthewBain10. 

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