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Athlon Sports
San Diego State Football: 2024 Aztecs Season Preview and Predictions
By Athlon Sports,
19 days ago
With so many unknowns on both sides of the ball and a non-conference slate that features three former Pac-12 schools, reaching a bowl game might be the ceiling in Year 1 for head coach Sean Lewis. Between the new scheme and leftover skill-position talent, the offense should find a way to move the ball, but there are questions at all three levels on defense that need answers in the fall.
San Diego State 2024 Season Preview and Prediction
Previewing San Diego State’s Offense for 2024
There will be major changes as former Kent State head coach and Colorado offensive coordinator Sean Lewis comes to revive the San Diego State program after Brady Hoke’s retirement. There are only five starters returning as Lewis implements a fast-paced offense that had Kent State ranked No. 4 in the FBS in total yards in 2021.
Running back Kenan Christon started for the Aztecs last season and will be the lead back again after putting up 579 yards from scrimmage. Jaylan Armstead had a team-best eight rushing touchdowns.
At quarterback, there will be a battle that will carry into fall camp. Florida State transfer AJ Duffy and true freshman Danny O’Neil fought it out in spring practice, with each showing promise. The quarterback in Lewis’ system needs to be mobile, and both are dual threats.
At wide receiver, Ja’Shaun Poke played four years for Lewis at Kent State before spending one year at West Virginia. He is expected to be the Aztecs’ most productive receiver. Senior Mekhi Shaw, San Diego State’s leading wideout a year ago, is another player to watch. The offensive line has three starters back, and Akron transfer Nate Williams impressed during spring drills at right tackle.
Kenan Christon is expected to serve as the lead running back in San Diego State’s new-look offense under Sean Lewis.
Orlando Ramirez&solUSA TODAY Sports
Previewing San Diego State’s Defense for 2024
The Aztecs are switching from a 3-3-5 to a 4-2-5 alignment that will feature three safeties. The depth on the line will be challenged with only one starter back from that unit. Defensive end Marlem Louis is a newcomer to watch as a two-year starter from FCS Richmond.
At linebacker, two transfers took over the position in spring drills. Owen Chambliss from Utah and Tano Letuli from Army should be steady players for defensive coordinator Eric Schmidt.
The trio of safeties will be led by Dalesean Staley, an FCS Northern Iowa transfer who is athletic and picked up the responsibilities quickly. Deshawn McCuin is a returning player who has battled injuries but looks ready to contribute. The best cover corner will be Bennett Walker.
Sean Lewis takes over the Aztecs program after a brief stint as Deion Sanders’ OC at Colorado. He previously had successful runs as Kent State head coach and Syracuse offensive coordinator.
Orlando Ramirez&solUSA TODAY Sports
Previewing San Diego State’s Specialists for 2024
The punting and kicking jobs were still up in the air during spring ball. Punter Tyler Pastula has four years of experience, with the last two coming at FCS UAlbany. Christon earned honorable mention All-Mountain West honors as a kick returner.
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