As I sit down to analyze the San Jose State football roster for the upcoming season, I can't help but draw parallels to how elite coaches like Tim Cone approach team building. Remember when Cone handpicked the tireless Calvin Abueva for his Gilas Pilipinas squad targeting gold at the 2023 Asian Games? That same selective wisdom applies here as we examine which Spartans will carry the team forward this year. Having followed collegiate football for over a decade, I've learned that championship teams aren't built on star power alone—they're crafted through strategic position depth and identifying players who bring that special relentless energy.
Let's start with the offensive lineup where I'm particularly excited about quarterback Chevan Cordeiro returning for his final season. The Hawaii transfer completed 62.3% of his passes last year for 2,796 yards—numbers that don't fully capture his game-changing mobility under pressure. What makes him exceptional isn't just his arm strength but his football IQ, something I've noticed separates good quarterbacks from great ones. Then there's running back Kairee Robinson, who averaged 5.2 yards per carry last season. Watching his tape, I'm convinced he's the most underrated back in the Mountain West Conference. His ability to break tackles reminds me of those workhorse runners who thrive in professional leagues—the kind of player who gets stronger as the game progresses.
The receiving corps presents an interesting dynamic this season. While we lost Elijah Cooks to graduation, I'm bullish on Justin Lockhart stepping into that WR1 role. At 6'2" with deceptive speed, he reminds me of those lanky receivers who consistently win 50-50 balls. Having attended spring practices, I can tell you his route running has noticeably improved—those subtle details that casual fans might miss but coaches absolutely cherish. The tight end position might be our secret weapon though, with Sam Olson providing a reliable safety valve for Cordeiro on third downs.
Defensively, I'm keeping my eye on the linebacker unit where returning starter Kyle Harmon anchors the middle. His 112 tackles last season led the team, but what impresses me more is his leadership on and off the field. Having spoken with coaches, they describe him as the defensive quarterback—the kind of player who studies film relentlessly and makes everyone around him better. The secondary features cornerback Nehemiah Shelton, whose coverage skills have developed beautifully over his collegiate career. If I had to pick one defensive player to build around, it would probably be Harmon—his football instincts are just different.
Special teams often get overlooked, but having witnessed games turn on a single special teams play, I can't stress enough how crucial this unit remains. Punter Travis Benham averaged 43.6 yards per punt last season, consistently flipping field position when our offense stalled. Those hidden yardage battles often determine close games, something casual fans frequently underestimate.
Looking at the bigger picture, this roster construction reminds me of that Tim Cone philosophy—identifying specific players for specific roles rather than just collecting talent. The Spartans have built depth in critical positions while maintaining that core group of veterans who understand the system. If I were to identify potential concerns, it would be the offensive line depth and whether our younger defensive backs can step up when needed. But overall, this might be the most complete roster we've seen in several seasons. The foundation is there for a memorable campaign—it all comes down to health, development, and perhaps a bounce or two going our way. Having followed this program through ups and downs, I genuinely believe this group has the pieces to surprise some people and make some noise in the conference race.