FREEDOM BOWL NOTES : Luginbill Undecided on Whether to Start Maxey or Tate at H-back

Freshman running back Marshall Faulk and sophomore quarterback David Lowery had answered two of San Diego State’s offensive questions by October.

But as SDSU prepares for the Freedom Bowl, there is one spot that continues to give Coach Al Luginbill fits--H-back. He still isn’t sure whether junior Larry Maxey or sophomore Will Tate will start.

Maxey was the starter all season, but he did not catch a pass in in SDSU’s last two games. Tate sustained a pulled hamstring in fall camp, didn’t play until early October and has been improving ever since.

“That position has been nebulous for us all year,” Luginbill said. “There are some things Larry does well and there are some things he doesn’t do well. Inexperience has been a factor, injuries have been a factor, you name it.”

Maxey, who has received more time than anybody at H-back for SDSU this season, caught only 22 passes for 314 yards and three touchdowns. He has been shuffled between defensive back, receiver, running back and H-back during his three years at SDSU and, while capable at nearly any offensive position, has yet to establish himself.

Tate, who caught six passes for 56 yards this season, did not travel to Irvine with the team Saturday because he had a viral infection. He practiced Monday.

Luginbill said he probably will name a starter by the end of the week. “I’m in no hurry,” he said.