ESPN Independents and Others Blog

2008 conference record: 1-7, T-8th

Returning starters

Offense: 9, defense: 6, punter/kicker: 2

Top returners

QB Ryan Lindley, LB Luke Laolagi, DE B.J. Williams, DE Jonathan Soto, CB Jose Perez

Key losses

FS Corey Boudreaux

2008 statistical leaders (* returners)

Rushing: Atiyyah Henderson* (490 yards)
Passing: Ryan Lindley* (2,653 yards)
Receiving: Vincent Brown* (631 yards)
Tackles: Russell Allen (107)
Sacks: B.J. Williams* (3.5)
Interceptions: Corey Boudreaux, Jose Perez* (2)

Spring answers

1. Receiver depth revealed: Vincent Brown made a name for himself last year as the team's leading receiver and this year he might actually get some help. DeMarco Sampson and Jon Toledo emerged as go-to targets during the team's spring game after returning from nagging foot and toe injuries.

2. Lindley secures job: Although no depth chart was formerly released, it appeared as though quarterback Ryan Lindley secured his job as starter heading into fall camp. Lindley spent the spring predominantly working with the first team and put up strong numbers in the process. Senior Drew Westling and junior Kelsey Sokoloski have put up a fight this spring and will continue to do so through fall camp.

3. End game: Although the defensive line as a whole has some question marks, defensive ends Jonathan Soto and B.J. Williams are good anchors for improvement. The duo combined for 131 tackles last season and were first and second in sacks and tackles for loss with 6.0 and 15.0 combined respectively.

Fall questions

1. New defense a work in progress: The new 3-3-5 defense coached by defensive coordinator Rocky Long progressed during the spring, but it's going to be a work in progress into fall camp and ultimately the season. Still, during one scrimmage, the defense recorded 20 tackles for loss. That's definitely improvement considering the Aztecs had just 57 tackles for loss during 2008.

2. Running on empty: The running game has been a problem for the Aztecs for years and didn't get much better during 15 spring practices. Atiyyah Henderson and juniors junior Brandon Sullivan and Davon Brown combined to average 2.8 yards in the spring game. Incoming recruits Anthony Miller and Ronnie Hillman will have an opportunity to make an immediate splash.

3. Searching for toughness: One of Hoke's goals this spring and into the fall was to make San Diego State a tougher team. The Aztecs weren't mentally tough because of the struggles to win games in 2008. They weren't physically tough enough to handle the rest of the Mountain West, especially on the offensive and defensive lines.