One 4-star and 13 Three Star prospects lead the SDSU recruiting pack for 2010. This years recruiting class has Hoke focusing his attention on rebuilding both lines; in particular, the offensive line. If size was ever a concern, it will be no longer. Leading the offensive charge is Juan Bolanos; at a mammoth 6-7, 340 pounds look for him to cover Lindley’s backside at the left tackle position. Complimenting Bolanos are two other notable acquisitions: Emmanuel Beavers from Wilmington Ca and Riley Gauld from Santa Maria. Both are 300+ pounds and will add the missing and needed size to improve both the running game and pass protection: an offensive dynamic that has been notably missing for many years. Another offensive line acquisition worth mentioning is the recent addition by the name of Calvin Tonga from Riverside. He played on both the offensive and defensive lines for Arlington High, producing 40 tackles during defensive play. At the impressive size of 6-4 320 pounds, this recruit moves the average offensive line weight up to a whopping 320 pounds! A far cry from the 280 pound average the Aztecs have been fielding over the past few years.

Defensively, the most notable acquisition is Perry Jackson. Recently upgraded to a 4-star recruit, he has the potential to make a lot of noise in the upcoming years. He will compliment Rocky’s 3-4-3 well by adding speed and size to the defensive end position; somewhat of a necessity when using a 3-4 defense.

What a difference a coach makes. In 2006, Chuck Long’s first full recruiting year, he was only able to recruit 5 3-star athletes. Of the 18 total recruits, not one of them exceeded 300 pounds. I believe his strategy was quickness at the line-as opposed to size and strength. Yeah, that proved to be a “successful” philosophy; amounting to a zero-run game. In fact, in Chuck Long’s entire tenor with the Aztecs, he failed to reach out to one 4-star recruit. Not to say that you need 4 or 5-star athlete(s) to build a successful program, but they certainly can’t hurt your program. Hoke is no joke! His recruiting gravitas and area knowledge of all the San Diego county high schools has yielded some impressive recruits for 2010. Moreover, with the highly touted Mustafa Jalil (a 4 or 5-star recruit) already committed, look for the 2011 recruiting class to be even more impressive.

Watching the game left me once again frustrated; but then again, what else is new. This team cannot escape the stigma of being a bad team during away games. Is this Cowboys in December? It’s maddening and with their talent inexcusable. The offense is all over the court. They continually fail to cover the three and when faced with a 2-3 zone, they implode. Fisher needs to make adjustments and sew up this offensive break-down. For some reason they fell compelled to hurry on every possession; rushing down the court forcing bad passes and struggling from behind the arc.

This is their second bad loss. ASU is a mediocre team and far less athletic than SDSU, so there is simply no excuse for this loss. Maybe they are not ready this year and it pains me to say that but the reality check that hit me when watching them play ASU has awaken me to that possibility. Now, as has happen so many times in the past, the Aztecs inconsistent play has them looking outside in when the NCAA committee considers determine who will be playing in March. The equation now becomes rudimentary and explicit: win the MWC and your in-there simply will be no other alternative.

Aztecs add new scoreboard to Vejas Arena. Click on the thumbnail below to expand image. I have been to a few games and the new scoreboard is a vast improvement over the original.

How good will he be? Well, if the Cal State Fullerton (a team that beat UCLA) game is any indication (82-68 Aztecs), he is going to be AWESOME! In only his ninth game, Kawhi reached his 3rd double-double by amassing 18 rebounds (10 OFF and 8 DEF) and 23 points (9 of 17 shooting). This will go down, I believe, as his break-out game. They anointed him Mr. California and man were they right. This guy is unbelievable: the length; the athleticism and shear quickness. The power in the paint and quickness off the dribble will label him as a threat to even the most seasoned teams. Remember Marcus Slaughter, well, he will be much, much better.

I going to step out on a limb and proclaim Kawhi’s as a player that will go down as one of the best players ever recruited by and played for Aztec Basketball. Definitely an NBA prospect and hopefully a 4 year started at SDSU.

The Blog will now report on Aztec Football.