San Jose State football looks to build off strong 2019, end bowl drought

Nick Starkel will battle Nick Nash for starting quarterback job

The biggest question for the Spartans offense in 2020 will be who takes over for Josh Love at quarterback.

Love, who played his final college season in 2019, leaves big shoes to fill as he threw for 3,923 yards and 22 touchdowns last season to earn an NFL contract with the Los Angeles Rams.

His replacement will be either former Arkansas and Texas A&M quarterback Nick Starkel or sophomore Nick Nash.

Starkel began his college career at Texas A&M but transferred to division rival Arkansas for his Junior season. There he played in eight games in which he threw for 1,152 yards and seven touchdowns. One of his starts came against San Jose State as he threw for a season-best 356 yards and three touchdowns in front of his future coaches.

As for Nash, he played in six games as a true freshman last season, throwing for just 133 yards and two touchdowns but ran for an impressive 255 yards and three touchdowns.

Thus, the Spartans may pick their quarterback based on if they want a dual-threat or gunslinger under center.

At running back, San Jose State will be in need of a new starter as running back leading rusher DeJon Packer is no longer around. The team will likely turn to senior Tyler Nevens, who ran for 145 yards last season or sophomore Kairee Robinson, who ran for 174 yards.

As for the receiver position, the Spartans bring back one of the Mountain West’s best groups led by Tre Walker, who hauled in 1,161 yards last season, Bailey Gaither, who hauled in 812 yards and six touchdowns and Isaiah Hamilton who racked in 718 yards and four scores.

While SJSU will miss Love at quarterback, the pieces are in place for another strong season on offense if they can find the right answer at quarterback and running back.