The San Diego State Football Coach is juggling Hawaii Bowl preparations with recruiting for SDSU’s next 25 signing class.
The Aztecs leave for Honolulu on Monday for a week of activities leading up to the Christmas Eve contest with Middle Tennessee.
“There are some things going on outside of practice,” said SDSU head coach Brady Hawke. “I’m really looking forward to the autograph session.”
In the midst of luaus and other bowl events comes the 3-day early signing window opening December 21st for the 2023 class.
SDSU has one final weekend to host future players and get commitments that could become official when the country’s letter of intent is signed.
Hawk said he expects 18 to 23 players to be signed next week, both freshmen and college transfers.
“I am not happy with the current situation, but I like the current situation,” he said.
New students must sign during the 3-day early period or wait until the regular signing period beginning February 1st.
The regular period has become largely irrelevant: SDSU’s 2022 class included only two February signatories.
Complicating matters is the NCAA Transfer Portal, which opened Monday.
The portal has grown its pool of proven players since it was created three years ago.
Last year, SDSU signed 14 freshmen early and then added seven more players through the transfer portal.
Hawke said he expects “some portal people” to sign it next week.
A transfer is a signing grant, not a letter of intent document signed by a freshman.
An important difference is that subsidies are binding only on schools, so players may change their minds until they attend classes.
SDSU has lost multiple players at wide receivers and linebackers, but Hawke said the focus will be on the defensive line.
The Aztecs are missing their three senior starters are Ke’Shaun Banks and his brothers Jonah and Justus Tabai.
Hawk said senior defensive lineman Daniel Oppoko, who appeared as a backup this season, will return to use his “COVID year” qualification.
So far, SDSU sophomore safety CJ Baskerville and redshirt freshman tight end JP Murphy are the only Aztec players to officially announce plans to enter the portal.
The Texas native, Baskerville, said Tuesday on social media that he plans to move to Texas Tech University.
Additional Aztecs are expected to enter the portal after the bowl game.
“We have some guys,” Hawk said.
team award
Jaylen Maiden He was honored as SDSU’s MVP at the Aztecs’ annual team banquet on Sunday night, becoming the first quarterback since to win the award. Kevin O’connell in 2007.
Maiden (122-194, 1,721 yards, 10 TD/7 INT) made the mid-season transition from safety to starting quarterback and was also recognized as Offensive Player of the Year after leading the Aztecs to five wins in seven games. rice field.
defensive end Jonah Tabai He also won two awards for Defensive Player of the Year and Defensive Lineman of the Year.
center Mark Uluabe He was the Offensive Lineman of the Year.
kicker/punter Jack Browning Awarded Most Valuable Special Teams Player.
wide receiver meki showWalk-On, who was awarded a scholarship late in the season, was the most inspirational player.
linebacker Michael Shawcroft Received the President’s Award for athletic and academic achievements.
Scout Team Player of the Year goes to quarterback DJ Ralph (Attack), Linebacker DJ Herman (defense) and linebackers tray white (special team).
Tabai Earns AP Honors
Jonah Tabai was named an Associated Press All-American for the second team.
Tabay leads the Aztecs with 9 sacks, 12.5 tackles for loss and 13 quarterback hurleys.
The Pro Football Focus, which recently named him a First Team All-American, gave Tavai the 3rd highest pass rushing grade (91.9) and the 5th highest defensive grade (92.1) among FBS players.
Burmeister non-participation
backup quarterback Braxton Burmeister not practicing.
A school spokesman said Monday that Burmeister is still on the team, but has not participated.
“He’s not here,” Hawk said. “He doesn’t go to bowl games.
“This is nothing new. We’ve had several players miss bowl games in 2019, and for different reasons.”
Burmeister is not believed to be ill or injured, but no details have been provided about his absence.
“I’m not going to talk about it,” Hawk said. “It’s for them to make the decision.”
Last week, Hawk said that Burmeister was the person in charge. turn foot Behind Maiden.
with Aumavae Kyle Crumbboth true freshmen are currently the QBs behind Maiden.
Crum returned to practice last month after missing the second half of the season after breaking his collarbone at Boise State.