SDSU Notebook : Andrews Has Studied for a Starting Role

Marlon Andrews is a new San Diego State football player, having transferred from Pasadena Community College, but he is hardly unfamiliar with the Aztec program and its recent history.

While at Muir High in Pasadena, Andrews said, he followed SDSU and used to watch Aztec games on television, hoping that he would some day start for them.

Some day should be a week from today, because Andrews has earned a starting cornerback spot for the Aztecs’ opener at Air Force. Andrews will be counted on to help shore up a defense that was 100th in the nation last season, allowing 34.9 points per game.

Andrews said the defense is much improved. “We’re getting a lot of hats to the ball,” he said. “I watched them on TV a lot last fall, and no way were they getting enough guys to the ball.”

The reason for the improvement?

“It’s cohesive,” he said. “Everybody’s behind one another. Everybody’s helping out one another. There’s a positive attitude.”

Having watched the Air Force game on TV last year--a 39-36 SDSU victory--Andrews offered his scouting report on the Falcons: “They’re always waiting for you to make that one mistake. They’re not going to dominate us physically. But mentally, they’re real sharp. They kind of bore you. It’s like a chess game to them. They come at you. They come at you, and just when you’re about to doze off . . . Boom, they score.

“I can’t believe how many points they score. There aren’t many teams that can pass for (58 yards, last year’s total against SDSU) and score 36 points.”

SDSU’s tentative starters on offense: Dan McGwire at quarterback; either Darrin Wagner or Ron Slack at running back; Jimmy Raye, Monty Gilbreath and Dennis Arey at receiver; Roman Fortin and Tony Nichols at tackle; Derek Sang and Damon Baldwin at guard; Nick Subis at center, and Ray Rowe and Mitch Burton alternating at tight end, bringing in the plays.

On defense: Jason Swaney and Todd Coomes at end; Eric Duncan and Pio Sagapolutele at tackle; Tracey Mao and Sai Niu at linebacker; John Wesselman at nickel back; Morey Paul and Larry Maxey at safety, and Marlon Andrews and Gary Taylor at cornerback.

Freshman Andy Trakas or senior Tom Wurth will be the kicker; Luginbill said he would make a decision after today’s scrimmage. Joe Santos is the punter and will backed up by McGwire.

Mitch Burton (bronchitis) did not practice Friday and is questionable for today’s scrimmage. Merten Harris, who simulates Air Force quarterback Dee Dowis on SDSU’s scout team, did not practice because of a strained arch.

“He’s got to be healthy,” said Al Luginbill, adding that Harris will play in the scrimmage. “He doesn’t have a choice.”

Because Harris was an option quarterback at College of the Desert, it is of little surprise he is so adept at mimicking Dowis.

The afternoon practice Friday was canceled, making Thursday the final day of two-a-days. The Aztecs’ will have Sunday off--their first day off since camp opened for everybody Aug. 10.