Special teams need a boost
Lopez is looking to regain form, kick-start SJSU
SAN JOSE — Overlooked amid the attention on San Jose State’s quarterback competition, red zone rehabilitation, pass rush potency and all the other issues on offense and defense, are the Spartans’ special teams.
From punting to the return game to placekicking, the units require acrossthe-board improvement in order for SJSU to reverse its downward trajectory.
So far, the reaction from training camp is mixed in at least one vital category.
“I’m hitting them real well,’’ senior kicker Austin Lopez said. “I have high hopes for 2015.’’
Lopez made just 50 percent of his field goals last season and was 3 of 11 from 40 yards and out.
“My stats were terrible,’’ he said, “but I didn’t need changes to my mechanics. I just had to get my confidence back.’’
Lopez sought offseason advice from his personal coach, former NFL kicker Scott Blanton, and believes his mental reset is complete.
“Seeing it go through the uprights is all I needed,’’ he said.
But coach Ron Caragher wasn’t ready to pronounce Lopez back to his form of 2013, when he was a second-team all-Mountain West selection.
“It’s too early,’’ Caragher said. If not Lopez, then who? Freshman Bryce Crawford, who looks more like a fullback than kicker at 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, is the top challenger.
“We have a lot of guys competing,’’ Caragher added. “Nothing is set in stone.’’
Quarterback update: n There is no quarterback update.
Caragher declined to indicate when he might name a starter. The competition has been whittled to veteran Joe Gray and junior college transfer Kenny Potter.
“There is no timetable,’’ Caragher said, “and that’s my prerogative.’’
Caragher was equally n hesitant to discuss which true freshmen could play this season and which were on track to redshirt.
“It’s too early,’’ he said. “Once they hear redshirt, it’s easy to go into cruise control.’’
Defensive lineman n Nick Oreglia has been placed on scholarship. The junior from San Jose’s Willow Glen High is the seventh walk-on to receive a free ride this summer, according to a school spokesman.
The Spartans will host a Fan Fest on Saturday with a public scrimmage at 4 p.m. in the stadium, followed by an autograph session.