San Diego State will release its first depth chart for the 2017 season following Wednesday night's scrimmage. Based off film review and several practice viewings, AztecSportsReport took a stab at a projected depth chart with some comments. True freshmen are italicized.
OFFENSE
Backfield:
QB (top heavy)
Christian Chapman
Chris Laviano
Ryan Agnew
QB Analysis: The offense will begin to limit reps to two QBs starting next week. Laviano has looked much more comfortable with the offense during the second half of camp, especially during 11-on-11s, compared to Agnew. Laviano also throws with the most velocity out of the QB group. If Agnew doesn't win the backup role, he will at the very least be considered for wildcat-like packages.
FB (top heavy)
Nick Bawden
John Caroll
FB Analysis: Bawden's improved speed and athleticism will really be put on display as a senior. He's a sure-blocker in pass protection too, providing a solid safety not for the o-line. Isaac Lessard has an ongoing foot issue but he was impressive as the No. 2 guy up until the injury.
RB (two-deep)
Rashaad Penny
Juwan Washington
Chase Jasmin OR Tyler Wormhoudt
RB Analysis: Washington will take a large portion of the available reps when Penny needs a breather due to his much improved ability between the tackles. He's proven during camp that he's not just a jet sweep runner. Kaegun Williams and Chance Bell will likely redshirt. ASR currently rates Williams as the back that could burn his redshirt if an injury or two happens.
Offensive line:
LT (top heavy)
6-7, 300 Tyler Roemer
6-5, 290 Zach Thomas
6-6, 290 Kyle Spaulding
LT Analysis: For a redshirt frosh, Roemer is becoming one of the most impressive offensive line prospects SDSU has had in years. Spaulding has quietly settled in at tackle after having a rough start following his position change from tight end, but both he and Thomas are still far behind Roemer.
LG (inexperienced)
6-4, 320 Daishawn Dixon
6-5, 300 Nick Gerhard
6-4, 300 Dominic O'Brien
LG Analysis: Dixon has been one of the biggest surprises of camp. He's healthy, powerful and sharpening down on his consistency. Gerhard will be this year's utility lineman, capable of playing tackle, guard and center.
C (youthful depth)
6-3, 310 Keith Ismael
6-3, 300 Dominic Gudino
6-2, 290 Garrison Young OR Nick Gerhard
C Analysis: Ismael, a redshirt freshman, has become one of the most dependable blockers on the team. He has made major strides when it comes to play recognition and cleanly exchanging blocks. After a rough first week, Gudino has settled in at both center and guard.
RG (top heavy)
6-4, 305 Antonio Rosales
Gudino OR Ismael
Gerhard
RG Analysis: Rosales was the one entrenched starter on the o-line entering camp and he's been limited during practices to keep him healthy. His absence during certain reps has helped Gudino and Ismael trade off at center and guard frequently, freeing them up for much needed extra reps. Regardless, Rosales is the most complete run/pass blocker on the line.
RT (questionable)
6-7, 315 Ryan Pope
6-6, 315 Joe Salcedo
Thomas OR Gerhard
RT Analysis: Salcedo's season ending injury last season really put a damper on his potential. That said, Pope hasn't done enough to outright earn the starting job quite yet.
Skill positions:
TE (Three-deep)
Darryl Richardson
Parker Houston
Kahale Warring
Shane Coleman
TE Analysis: David Wells may not play in the season-opener but there has been little dropoff with Richardson. He has become a serious threat after the catch and he's improved every year as a blocker. Both Richardson and Houston would contend for starting roles on any MW teams. Warring has had an off and on camp but his upside is still very high.
WR (five man rotation)
Quest Truxton
Tim Wilson Jr.
Collin Andrews
WR
Fred Trevillion
Mikah Holder
Isaiah Macklin
Liam Cabrera
WR Analysis: Trevillion is a serious speed threat with size and his improved consistency has elevated him onto the first-team. Truxton doesn't have as much catching up to do as Holder, who missed several practices with a hamstring issue. Wilson and Macklin round out the top five with Wilson ranked slightly ahead due to his overall route running and pass catching skills. Macklin is the better downfield threat. If an injury happens to any of the top five, true freshman Isaiah Richardson could get called up from the scout team.
DEFENSE
Front six:
DE (depth)
Noble Hall
Chibu Onyeuwku
Myles Cheatum
NT (questionable)
Myles Cheatum
Jon'Darius Gardner
Damon Moore
DE (depth)
Randy Ricks
Anthony Luke
Damon Moore
LOS LB (top heavy)
Jay Henderson
Andrew Aleki
DL Analysis: Dakota Turner is out for the year and Sergio Phillips' concussion symptoms could linger into the season. Other than Gardner, SDSU's defensive line depth is left with nothing but speedy pass rushers.
After ending last season effectively, Henderson will be on the field a lot this year following Ricks' move to DE. Ricks transition to DE has been seamless so far.
Off ball LB (experienced)
Ronley Lakalaka
Ryan Dunn
Tyler Morris
Off ball LB (inexperienced)
Troy Cassidy
Kyava Tezino
Temerick Harper
ILB Analysis: Cassidy and Lakalaka have proven to be very instinctual blitzers in camp after originally coming out of high school touted for their open field ability. Dunn and Tezino are sure tacklers against the run while Tezino's shed skills and pass rushing has really improved this offseason.
Secondary:
CB (three-deep)
Kyree Woods
Ron Smith
Garrett Binkley
WARRIOR (questionable)
Trey Lomax
Darren Hall
Dwayne Parchment
AZTEC (top heavy)
Parker Baldwin
Trey Lomax OR Dwayne Johnson
Will Stricklin
WARRIOR (inexperienced)
Trenton Thompson
Tariq Thompson
Israel Cabrera
CB (three deep)
Kameron Kelly
Ron Smith
Jeff Clay
CB Analysis: Woods, Kelly and Smith will surely split the majority of reps this season. Woods' technique and press coverage has been outstanding while Kelly and Smith are ballhawking playmakers. Kelly is less susceptible at getting beat deep when taking risks than Smith, although the difference is marginal. Binkley could become a fan favorite if he gets playing time over Clay - who has a bum shoulder - as the fourth corner.
S Analysis: Baldwin's nose for the ball is as good as the come and he'll be on every tackle this year. If he doesn't break up a pass, he gets to the ball instantly. Trenton Thompson is a younger version of Malik Smith while freshman Tariq Thompson and Darren Hall are quick, relentless hitters.
SPECIAL TEAMS
P
Garrett Erickson
Brandon Heicklen
P Analysis: Erickson gets more hang time out of his punts but Heicklen's combination of accuracy and creativity with his aussie style kicks could help create turnover opportunities.
PK
John Baron II
KO
John Baron II
LS
Turner Bernard
Holder
Mikah Holder
KO Retuners
Quest Truxton
Juwan Washington
P Returner
Quest Truxton
