Faulk Expected to Leave Aztecs and Join NFL

Marshall Faulk, who almost single-handedly elevated the San Diego State football program to national prominence, is expected today to formally announce his decision to forgo his senior season and make himself available for the NFL draft.

A midday news conference has been scheduled at San Diego Jack Murphy Stadium, where the running back made an inauspicious debut Sept. 8, 1991, when he rushed for only 39 yards against Long Beach State. Six days later, in a game against Pacific, he gained 386 yards, scored seven touchdowns and in so doing, never left the national spotlight.

If Faulk does indeed leave San Diego State--and every indication points toward such a decision--he takes with him numerous NCAA, Western Athletic Conference and school records. Other than Georgia’s Herschel Walker, Faulk is the only player in college football history to gain more than 3,000 yards by the end of his sophomore season.

But for all of his many accomplishments, the Aztecs were unable to do better than seasons of 8-4-1, 5-5-1 and most recently, a record of 6-6. The disappointing finishes ultimately cost Coach Al Luginbill his job and might have contributed to Faulk’s early departure. Faulk also was reportedly upset with the school’s decision to dismiss Luginbill less than two weeks ago.

New coach Ted Tollner met with Faulk for half an hour Monday. “Marshall did not tell me his decision,” Tollner told the Associated Press late Monday. “I think he’s leaning toward leaving.”

Faulk was originally recruited by other schools as a defensive back. Luginbill offered him a chance to play running back and Faulk thanked him with 1,429 yards and 21 touchdowns. He became the first freshman in NCAA history to lead the nation in rushing.

The next season, Faulk gained 1,630 yards and again was the NCAA’s Division I-A rushing leader. Had it not been for a series of late-season injuries, he likely would have won the Heisman Trophy. Instead, he finished second to Miami quarterback Gino Torretta.

This year, despite every defense keying almost exclusively on him, Faulk gained 1,530 yards and scored 24 touchdowns, tops in the nation.