SDSU Receivers Proving Themselves

Midway through spring practice, San Diego State’s football team is full of questions, but wide receiver doesn’t appear to be one of them.

The Aztecs are without returning starters at running back, linebacker and tight end. They don’t return any starting wide receivers, either, but Coach Denny Stolz, who led SDSU to the Western Athletic Conference title in his first season, isn’t concerned about that position.

“The only (new) people who have really proven to be ready are the wide outs,” Stolz said Wednesday. “Nobody else has proven anything.”

Monty Gilbreath and Alfred Jackson, reserves in 1986, are among the candidates to start at wide receiver. Two local community college transfers also have been impressive--Robert Claiborne from Southwestern and DeAngelo Mitchell from Mesa.

Last season, SDSU’s leading pass catchers were running backs Chris Hardy and Corey Gilmore and tight end Robert Awalt, all of whom were seniors. Stolz hopes his wide receivers will be busier in 1987.

“Our receivers should be better,” Stolz said. “Absolutely.”

The Aztecs also will have an experienced quarterback returning in three-year starter Todd Santos. The question is whether they will improve at running back, linebacker and tight end.

“Nothing has been settled in any of those positions,” Stolz said. “They are areas of concern, but we think we have pretty good talent.” Aztec Notes

Mike Hooper, who started at defensive end last season, has been moved to defensive tackle. Both SDSU starting tackles in 1986 were seniors. “It’s not a significant move because our tackles and ends can play both spots,” Coach Denny Stolz said. “He’s in our front four, and we play the best four we have.” . . . Dave DesRochers, who started at offensive right tackle in the Holiday Bowl, won’t scrimmage again in the spring because of a sprained right knee. Stolz said DesRochers may still practice. . . . Running backs Danny Holmes from Southwestern and LaMont Parks from Palomar have been slowed by leg injuries but are still practicing.. . . Kicker Tyler Ackerson from Southwestern has impressed in practice. “Tyler has 50- to 60-yard field goal range,” Stolz said. “He’s at an area where we need to improve.”