SDSU’s Booker Will Redshirt This Year

Tommy Booker, San Diego State’s second-leading rusher the past two seasons, said Sunday that he will redshirt this season.

Booker, a 6-foot-1, 200-pound junior, said he and his parents met Saturday night with SDSU Coach Al Luginbill and made the decision.

“It’s something I wanted to do, basically,” Booker said. “I want to take some time to get ready and recover from some little things.”

Booker said he will remain in school and play football next year, but for now, he is looking forward to taking a break from football.

“It will be a good thing,” said Booker, who will have two years of eligibility remaining. “The pressure will be taken off as to what people expect from me. I need a break from that.”

According to players, Booker packed his bags and moved out of his dormitory room after Friday’s practice. He didn’t practice Saturday or Sunday.

Booker, who gained a total of 460 yards the past two seasons, will remain on scholarship.