Aztecs’ Top 2 Tailbacks May Not Play Saturday

As if the news could not get any worse for the San Diego State football team, word came Monday that its top two tailbacks are injured and might not play Saturday night against Stanford at San Diego Jack Murphy Stadium.

Paul Hewitt sprained his left shoulder in the 34-33 loss to Texas El Paso Saturday and is questionable, trainer Don Kaverman said. Tommy Booker, who shares time with Hewitt, sprained his left ankle and is also doubtful, Kaverman said.

Booker, a Parade Magazine high school All-American last season at Vista High School, injured his ankle in the first half against Texas El Paso and did not return. Kaverman said it was more likely Booker would return for the Aztecs’ home game Oct. 24 against Cal State Long Beach.

Booker has gained 212 yards and scored a touchdown in 57 carries. His only start came two weeks ago against Wyoming.

Hewitt, a junior transfer from Citrus College in Glendora, is coming off his best game as an Aztec. He carried 31 times for 149 yards and 2 touchdowns against the Miners. He also caught a team-high 5 passes for 53 yards and a touchdown. Hewitt left the training room Monday night with his arm in a sling.

If Hewitt and Booker cannot play, Ron Slack, a sophomore from Pasadena, could start against Stanford. Slack has gained 64 yards in 13 carries. He leads the team in receptions with 24 for 191 yards.

Kaverman also said that Jeryl Williams, a reserve cornerback, should be out three weeks with a sprained left wrist. Kaverman listed three other players as probable: center Kevin Wells (sprained right ankle), and reserve wide receivers Randy Peterson (sore right knee) and Patrick Rowe (sprained right ankle).