COLLEGE FOOTBALL REPORT / WEEKDAY UPDATE : SAN DIEGO STATE : Freshman to Start at Safety Against BYU

Safety Chris Johnson, a freshman redshirt from Crawford High, will get a chance to learn what the phrase “baptism of fire” means Saturday afternoon. Aztec Coach Al Luginbill announced Thursday that Johnson will start his first collegiate game against Heisman Trophy candidate Ty Detmer of BYU. After three games, Detmer is throwing for an average of 413.7 yards and three touchdowns a game.

Johnson beat out senior David Cooper for the starting spot. “Chris has done more things correctly than David has,” Luginbill said. “We feel that Chris is much better (in the open field) than Morey (Paul) or David.”

Asked if facing the rocket arm of Detmer is too much to ask of a freshman, Luginbill said: “He’s at a spot where he’s not asked to do a hell of a lot. If he stays focused, he’ll be OK.”

Luginbill said more than anything he likes the athletic ability of Johnson, a 6-foot, 190 pounder. “He was a quarterback in high school ,and he also played point guard on the basketball team and averaged 20 points a game. He just has some very good instincts.”

Luginbill said he was generally pleased with his team’s practice habits this week. “We spent the week on San Diego State. If this team’s mind is on CBS or playing in Provo, we’re in trouble.” . . . Running back Tommy Booker, who is slowed by an ankle injury, will make the trip but is not expected to play unless the other three Aztec running backs go down. . . . Freshman linebacker Jamal Duff will also make the trip, but is definitely out with a deep thigh bruise. . . . Sophomore safety Zac Stokes is healthy after coming back from an injured shoulder, but Luginbill said he did not get enough work in practice this week and will not play.