Craft’s future all up
to current Aztecs

With the gift of talent comes the curse of expectations.

Nowhere is that better known than at San Diego State. The Aztecs usually have a good collection of athletes, but they don't always add up to a winning football team.

This year will show how much they want to keep coach Tom Craft around. If SDSU underachieves again, the former Aztecs quarterback will likely be shown the door. Craft's record is 14-22 going into the last season of a four-year contract. SDSU was 2-5 in the Mountain West and 4-7 overall last year after 6-6 the previous season.

Sophomore Lynell Hamilton could help save Craft's job if he plays like he did two years ago before injuries forced him to redshirt in 2004. Hamilton rushed for 1,087 yards and four touchdowns in 2003, on the way to MWC freshman of the year honors.

The run game should also improve because of the return of offensive line coach Ed White, the 17-year NFL great. White has lots of experienced big boys to work with because of injuries last season. Sophomore right guard Brandyn Dombrowski (6-feet-5, 320 pounds) is the least experienced among the starters, but even he opened six games last year. The left side is especially solid with seniors Taylor Schmidt (6-4, 325) and Chris Pino (6-5, 330).

Sophomore Kevin O'Connell is the starting quarterback, after taking over for Matt Dlugolecki late last fall. He led the Aztecs to wins against Air Force and UNLV to close the season.

Jeff Webb (71 receptions, 863 yards) and Robert Ortiz (52, 729) each caught six touchdown passes in 2004. Sophomore Lance Louis is the tight end.

On defense, senior Kurt Kahui (6-1, 245), a Baldwin High graduate, will start somewhere on the defensive front, maybe at tackle with junior Jonathan Bailes (6-1, 305). Sophomores Antwan Applewhite (6-3, 235) and Nick Osborn (6-4, 260) are the top two candidates at the ends.

All the starting linebackers from last year are gone, including conference player of the year Kirk Morrison. Senior Freddie Keiaho will try to lead from the middle.

Free safety Marcus Demps broke up eight passes as a junior last year and is joined by junior Donny Baker at one corner and junior Terrell Maze or senior Jacob Elimimian (brother of former and current Hawaii players Abraham and Solomon) at the other. Senior Reggie Grigsby starts at strong safety after solid play as a backup last fall.

Brandon Bornes will back up Hamilton at tailback and return kicks. Garrett Palmer is the kicker and Michael Hughes the punter. They are all sophomores.

San Diego State Aztecs Basic Offense: One-back Basic Defense: 4-3 2004 Record: 4-7 (2-5 Mountain West) Lettermen Returning/Lost: 44/21 Starters Returning: 21 Head coach: Tom Craft (14-22) 2004 Results Date Opponent Result Sept. 4 Idaho State W, 38-21 Sept. 18 Michigan L, 24-21 Sept. 25 Nevada W, 27-10 Oct. 2 UCLA L, 33-10 Oct. 9 Wyoming L, 20-10 Oct. 16 Colorado State L, 21-17 Oct. 23 New Mexico L, 19-9 Oct. 30 Utah L, 51-28 Nov. 6 BYU L, 49-16 Nov. 13 Air Force W, 37-31 Nov. 20 UNLV W, 21-3 2005 Schedule Date Opponent Sept. 3 UCLA Sept. 10 at Air Force Sept. 17 at Ohio State Sept. 24 San Jose State Oct. 1 BYU Oct. 8 at UNLV Oct. 15 at Utah Oct. 22 New Mexico Oct. 29 TCU Nov. 12 at Colorado State Nov. 19 Wyoming Dec. 4 AT HAWAII