Will San Jose State football repeat as MWC champion in 2021?
By Andrew Tineo
Nick Starkel is back to lead the offense
After a three-year tenure in the SEC, Nick Starkel looked for greener pastures and chose San Jose. His first season in the Mountain West was all a success, throwing for 2,174 yards and 17 touchdowns in eight games.
Starkel saved his best performance of the season for the end, as he threw for 453 yards and three touchdowns to capture the Mountain West title game against Boise State. He had three games in which he threw for over 300 yards and had multiple touchdown passes in six games.
Running back’s Tyler Nevens and Kairee Robinson return, after being a solid duo rushing the football in 2020. Although neither are star players, they fit the role of the offense nicely with Nevens bringing more big-play ability.
The biggest losses for the Spartans are the top two targets Tre Walker and Bailey Gaither. Finding a true No. 1 wide receiver is the biggest wildcard for this team and what may be holding them back from having the best unit in the conference.
Junior Isaiah Hamilton is hoping to take the reigns after 718 yards and four touchdowns in 2019 as a freshman.
Tight end Derrick Deese Jr. is the premier tight end in the conference and was a fantastic safety valve for Starkel in 2020. Deese caught just 20 passes but averaged 12 yards per catch and five touchdowns — 25 percent of the time he caught the ball, he found the end zone.
The swiss army knife of the offense is Isaiah Holiness, who will spread out wide or set in as the running back. He’s used in multiple ways in McGiven’s system and gives good versatility for Starkel.
The offensive line for the Spartans is the best in the conference. First-team All-MWC left tackle Jack Snyder headlines the group, with other notable starter right guard Tyler Stephens.
The Spartans bring back all five offensive lineman from last year and a unit that was good at keeping Starkel protected. The Spartans offense also got some lucky breaks in 2020 with none of their five fumbles lost.
The offense is expected to play at a high level, with the amount of experience returning. If Hamilton can live up to his freshman year and the Spartans have another dynamic piece outside that opens up the playbook for more possibilities.