Luginbill Greets New Class to SDSU Program

Although the sights and sounds may have been a little on the abnormal side, San Diego State football Coach Al Luginbill spent Sunday preparing for another football season.

Sunday was reporting day for a total of 32 newcomers to the Aztec football program, and Luginbill and the SDSU coaching staff directed the players through a series of meetings--and then gave them directions to their dorms and instructions on how to dress for their first team meal. Nothing formal, just no caps or tank tops.

The newcomers open practice today with drills at 8:20 a.m. and then at 3:30 p.m. Veterans report Thursday and practice for the first time on Saturday.

The newcomers will spend the week becoming acquainted with each other and with the Aztec football program. SDSU coaches will watch all but the quarterbacks and punters work on the defensive side of the football in this morning’s practice and then will shift the players to offense for this afternoon’s practice.

“By the fourth practice (Tuesday afternoon), we will have everybody divided to where we feel the best place for them is,” Luginbill said.

None of the newcomers are expected to start or even make the 60-man traveling squad. The freshmen who stand the best chance of earning some playing time are at cornerback, tight end and, possibly, wide receiver--positions where the Aztecs use several players.