San Diego State Football: Aztecs looking to rebound, contend in 2019
By Zach Bigalke
Will defense rebuild or reload in 2019?
One thing that has been a relative constant for much of Rocky Long’s tenure at San Diego State is the fact that the Aztecs always have a stout run defense. Last year, they allowed only 103.8 yards per game — putting them atop the Mountain West in the category and seventh in the FBS.
It will be hard to maintain that level of dominance against the run in 2019, especially since four of the top tacklers among the front six are now gone from the roster. An undersized unit will rely on the experience of defensive end Myles Cheatum and the addition of much-needed bulk at tackle in the form of junior-college transfer Jonah Tavai.
The front six in the 3-3-5 are going to be heavily dependent on transfers and youngsters. But San Diego State has retooled before when facing similar situations under Long. While they are unlikely to reach quite the same heights they managed in 2018, this year’s defense should remain strong against the run.
Focusing on the secondary
Where the Aztecs defense is really due to improve is against the pass. Opponents threw for an average of just over 230 yards per game against San Diego State, putting them middle of the FBS pack in that category.
Unlike the linebacking corps and the defensive line, though, the defensive backfield returns a wealth of talent. A group that started to distinguish itself last year looks to come into its own as upperclassmen in 2019, starting with Tariq and Trenton Thompson. The unrelated duo combined with Tayler Hawkins to finish with 18 passes defensed as sophomores, and they will take on larger roles this year.
Look out as well for Darren Hall, who broke up five passes thrown his direction last year as a redshirt freshman and looks to evolve further as a shutdown corner. How the secondary tightens up against the pass will determine how far San Diego State can go in 2019.