By Ernie Gonzalez:
The Spartans’ offensive line and defensive backs are as solid and mature they come in college football.
Four of the five offensive linemen who will likely start the 2017 season will be fifth-year seniors.
Here are just a couple.
Center Keoni Taylor is the heartbeat of the five up front, and will have his hands full over the summer and into the fall. It will be vital for Taylor to establish chemistry with his QBs as they compete for the starting role.
Fifth year senior offensive tackle Nate Velichko is the iron man and up front, having played in 25 straight games for the Spartans before missing five during the middle part of last season.
It is great to have an experienced veteran like Velichko, considering you can move him from left tackle to right tackle and get the same production. Experience won’t plague a team from a player or coaching standpoint.
Head coach Brent Brennan had some thoughts on how valuable it is to have a deep and healthy O’line, especially with a tough 2017 schedule in bee line.
“They are the positions with the most depth, the most maturity, the most snaps,” Brennan said, referring to his offensive line and defensive backs.
The super seniors all will likely play their final game for San Jose State come November, unless the Spartans participate in the December 2 MW title game or a bowl game.
The Spartan secondary is arguably one of the top defensive backfields in the conference. Ranking second in the nation in passing yards allowed per game in 2015, and top 20 last season, the DB lineage remains intact heading into the fall.
Andre Chachere had his breakout year last season as a junior for the Spartans, as he averaged three tackles per game, had a team high 14 pass breakups, four interceptions and two fumble recoveries earning him first team All-Mountain West. Another year like 2016 for Chachere will certainly open NFL doors.
Maurice McKnight is the backbone for the Spartans, providing that vet-vibe for the soon-to-be-ball-hawking secondary. McKnight seems to be involved in just about every snap for the Spartans, as he has not fell short of 60 tackles in a season throughout his SJSU career.
Safety Chad Miller’s performance on Saturday went unnoticed by some, but shouldn’t have, as he recovered not one, but two fumbles during the game.