SDSU’s Recruits Impressive : Luginbill Optimistic That His New Players Will Fill Key Roles

San Diego State first-year football Coach Al Luginbill has high hopes for his recruits after watching them practice Monday and Tuesday.

“From what I’ve seen, it’s an impressive-looking group,” Luginbill said. “They’ve gotten bigger since we’ve recruited them. But I don’t think you’ll find what you would call a heavy-set kid in the group. If they play like they look, we’re in good shape.”

There are positions open, notably at linebacker, defensive back and in the kicking game. And Luginbill anticipates some of them being occupied by his 34 recruits, a group that includes two junior college transfers and 11 walk-ons.

Luginbill said junior college transfers Marlon Andrews and Merten Harris are strong prospects at cornerback.

Andrews, a junior from Pasadena Community College, has experience and ability. He was a first-team All-Mission Conference player and Pasadena’s most valuable player last season.

“Basically, I feel I’m a top candidate because of my experience,” said Andrews. “I wanted to go to a passing conference. The WAC’s definitely a passing conference.

“I also wanted to go somewhere where I had a real good chance of starting or playing a lot. Coach Luginbill said they’d give me that chance.”

Said Luginbill: “We thought he was the best pure corner out of the junior colleges, but he’s got to prove himself at this level.”

Andrews is the nephew of NFL players Michael Dennis (Giants) and Charles Phillips (Raiders). Dennis had played for Luginbill at Pasadena and later at Wyoming.

Harris was an option quarterback at College of the Desert, but Luginbill says he is a tough athlete who should be able to make the adjustment.

Defensive coordinator Barry Lamb said, “Harris looks rough, but the skill is there, the instincts. He had a chance to go somewhere and be an option quarterback, and he chose to come here.

“I could see (him being a possible starter), but he’s a ways away.”

“We’ll see how it works with Merten Harris,” Luginbill said. “If the transition doesn’t come quickly, he has a redshirt year.”

Freshmen Eric Williams from Los Angeles Banning High and John Louis from Point Loma are considered long shots at cornerback, but as Luginbill pointed out, “There’s a spot for two young kids there. We’ll travel with five (cornerbacks).”

At linebacker, Luginbill said Eric Thompson of Los Alamitos High has a shot at starting and the position will be strengthened by the addition of Inglewood’s Terrill Steen and Orange Glen walk-on Dan Stehly.

Freshman Andy Trakas from Patrick Henry will compete with Tom Wurth for the kicker’s job.

In Saturday’s College Prep All-Star Game, Trakas, the game’s most valuable player, kicked field goals of 29, 38 and 44 yards (each with plenty of distance to spare) while kicking off the ground for the first time in a game.

“All I’ve heard is the rumblings from the county about his performance (Saturday) night,” Luginbill said. “He’s got to produce, like any kicker. This is a position where young men have come in and really make an impact on a football team.”

The other positions are fairly set with veterans making it difficult for a freshman to break in, but the newcomers nonetheless will be counted on for depth.

Orange Glen’s Cree Morris and David Lowery of Mission Viejo will compete with senior Brad Platt for the No. 2 quarterback spot behind Dan McGuire. Orange Glen’s Jake Nyberg, Southwest’s Will Tate and Keith Williams of Lodi will add to an already impressive group of receivers.

Another impressive prospect is defensive lineman Ramondo Stallings of Ansonia, Conn., who is 6-foot-7, 265 pounds. He is just 17 years old and has played football only two years.

Said Luginbill: “When you’re that big and that physical, there’s certain big expectations that go along with that.

“I don’t want to get into that situation with Ramondo. We’ll bring him along slowly at a comfortable pace.”