Discover the Complete San Jose State Football Roster and Key Players for This Season
Through the program, local schools will partner with SLU to identify and nominate promising students to receive half-tuition scholarships worth more than $28,000 per year. Applicants will remain eligible for additional scholarships above this level.
As I sit down to analyze this season's San Jose State football roster, I can't help but feel the palpable excitement surrounding the program this year. Having followed collegiate football for over fifteen years, I've seen programs rise and fall, but what's happening at San Jose State feels particularly special this time around. The recent coaching change has injected fresh energy into the team, and I'm genuinely optimistic about what this season could bring. Let me walk you through what makes this roster stand out and which players I believe will be crucial to the team's success.
When the school made the official announcement and handed the reins to the Red Warriors program to the former PBA coach, my initial reaction was cautiously optimistic. Having watched his previous work, I know he brings a disciplined approach that could transform this team's defensive capabilities. The roster currently stands at 112 players, which gives them decent depth compared to last season's 105-player squad. What I particularly like about this coaching appointment is how quickly he's implemented his system - we're already seeing more aggressive defensive schemes during preseason practices. The transition appears smoother than I anticipated, though we won't truly know until they face real competition.
Looking at the quarterback position, I'm genuinely excited about what I'm seeing. Senior quarterback Mark Thompson returns for his final season after throwing for 2,847 yards and 24 touchdowns last year. His decision-making has improved dramatically based on what I've observed in spring practices, and his connection with the receiving corps looks sharper than ever. Behind him, redshirt freshman Jason Rodriguez has shown flashes of brilliance that suggest the future is bright at this position. Personally, I think Thompson could surpass 3,000 passing yards this season if the offensive line holds up, which would put him among the top quarterbacks in the conference.
The running back room might be the deepest position group on the team, and I'm not just saying that. With three legitimate starters, the coaching staff can employ the rotation system that proved so successful at the coach's previous programs. Senior captain David Martinez rushed for 1,102 yards last season, but what impresses me more is his pass protection - he allowed only 2 sacks in 412 passing plays. That kind of reliability is invaluable. Meanwhile, sophomore sensation James Wilson brings explosive playmaking ability that can change games in an instant. I've counted at least 17 plays during last season where he gained 20+ yards, which is remarkable for a freshman.
Where I think this team could really surprise people is in the receiving corps. The addition of transfer wideout Michael Brown from Oregon gives them a legitimate deep threat they've been missing. During spring practices, I watched him consistently beat defensive backs on go-routes, and his hands are as reliable as any receiver I've seen at this level. Combined with slot receiver Tyler Johnson, who caught 78 passes last season, this receiving group could be among the conference's best. If I had to pick one player who might exceed expectations, it would be Johnson - his route running has become incredibly precise during the offseason.
Defensively, the front seven looks substantially improved from last year's unit that allowed 185 rushing yards per game. The defensive line features three returning starters, including tackle Robert Williams, who recorded 8.5 sacks last season. What doesn't show up on stat sheets is how he commands double teams, freeing up linebackers to make plays. Speaking of linebackers, the combination of senior captain Anthony Lopez and junior transfer Carlos Rodriguez gives them both experience and athleticism. I watched Rodriguez closely during spring practices, and his sideline-to-sideline speed is exactly what this defense needed.
The secondary was a concern last season, but I'm seeing significant improvement already. Cornerback Marcus Green, who led the team with 5 interceptions last year, has taken his game to another level based on what I've observed. His footwork looks cleaner, and he's playing with more confidence in press coverage. The safety position features experienced senior David Chen, whose leadership could be as valuable as his on-field production. Having spoken with several players during media day, they consistently mentioned how Chen's film study habits have raised the entire secondary's preparation level.
Special teams often get overlooked, but I want to highlight kicker Andrew Parker, who made 18 of 22 field goals last season. His consistency from 40+ yards could be the difference in close games, and I've noticed his kickoffs are reaching the end zone more consistently during practices. Punter Kevin Mitchell averaged 42.3 yards per punt last season, but what impressed me was his ability to pin opponents inside the 20-yard line - he managed it 14 times in 48 attempts.
As I reflect on this roster, what excites me most is the balance between experienced veterans and promising young talent. The coaching change has brought renewed energy, and I believe this team could exceed last year's 7-6 record. If the offensive line gels quickly and the secondary performs as expected, we could be looking at a 9-win season. The schedule features 8 home games this year compared to last season's 6, which should provide a significant advantage. Having attended San Jose State games for the past decade, I can confidently say this is the most complete roster I've seen since the 2012 team that went 11-2. The pieces are there for a special season - it's now about execution and staying healthy through the grueling conference schedule.