SAN JOSE – Ken Niumatalolo is saving just a few surprises for San Jose State’s soccer opener on Thursday evening, notably who’ll be beginning at quarterback in opposition to Sacramento State.
“We all know who it’s, we’re simply not going to inform you guys,” Niumatalolo joked to reporters on Tuesday.
Navy’s all-time chief in wins takes over a San Jose State program that has undergone an enormous change since final season. Niumatalolo replaces Brent Brennan, who was employed by Arizona after main the Spartans to their second straight bowl look and third in his seven seasons at SJSU.
One of many largest questions in camp was who will attempt to substitute Chevan Cordeiro, SJSU’s quarterback the previous two seasons who on Wednesday was launched by the Seattle Seahawks.
Niumatalolo stated a call had been made “fairly current” between redshirt sophomore Emmett Brown and redshirt junior Walker Eget, but it surely’ll stay a thriller till the Spartans offense takes the sector at CEFCU Stadium on Thursday evening.
Brown is a Washington State switch whose mobility may unlock a really completely different trying component of the offense. Eget, who has two profession go makes an attempt in 4 video games over the previous three seasons, boasts a giant arm and coaches are impressed along with his choice making.
Apparently, the Southern California natives performed in opposition to one another in highschool and are pleasant rivals for the beginning job.
“Coming right here is cool to rekindle a friendship and clearly get to know one another extra and hang around,” stated Brown.
It’ll be the primary profession begin for both quarterback hopeful.
In search of leaders
Niumatalolo made it clear throughout his introductory information convention that he “needs to construct a household” with this program and that leaders inside each household may be loud or quiet.
Requested who has emerged as leaders popping out of camp, Niumatalolo famous defensive gamers Soane Toia, Taniela Latu, Jordan Cobbs, Michael Dansby and Jalen Apalit-Williams in addition to offensive returners Nick Nash and Marist Talavou in addition to his two quarterbacks.
“To have an elite crew, it’s a must to be player-led,” stated Niumatalolo.
He additionally talked about the crew shaped a ‘management council’ the place coaches haven’t any say.
“A few of these issues which have come out of these conferences have been very eye opening for me.”
Quick mover
Edge rusher Dylan Hampsten could be the solely freshman within the beginning lineup for the opener after impressing coaches this spring.
After strolling onto the crew final season, the 6-foot-3-inch, 237 pound Santa Clarita Excessive grad has labored himself onto the primary crew protection.
“He earned it. It wasn’t a handout, it wasn’t something. The child simply works,” stated Niumatalolo.
SJSU is trying to rebuild a protection that misplaced 18 of its 24 sacks final season to commencement and transfers.
Toia, a three-year starter and preseason All-Mountain West decide. and Quincy Likio, who performed in all 12 video games final season. will be a part of Hampsten on the line of defense.
“If our crew performs like him and performs with the trouble degree that he has, we’re going to have a very good yr,” stated Niumatalolo.
Keen to begin
Niumataolo was the pinnacle coach at Navy for 16 seasons, and the Midshipmen went 109-83 and performed in 11 bowl video games beneath his path. However Niumataolo, 59, concedes he’ll have butterflies in his abdomen for his SJSU debut.
“I wouldn’t say I’m nervous,” he stated. “Anxious. We’re all anxious and excited to see what we now have.”
San Jose State had the third fewest returning gamers(53) this season out of all FBS faculties, trailing solely North Texas(46) and Colorado (51).
“We’re enthusiastic about making a product that you just wish to come and watch, that we’re an thrilling soccer crew,” stated Niumatalolo.
