Your Local SEO and Digital Marketing Experts in San Diego County
The San Diego State football team hosted 11 transfers over the weekend, and by Sunday afternoon the Aztecs received commitments from six of the players.
On defense, SDSU added Grand Valley State (Mich.) edge Niles King, Utah State linebacker Tanner Williams and Chaffey College cornerback Carrington Pierce.
On offense, SDSU added Northwestern State (La.), wide receiver Myles Kitt-Denton, Tulsa tight end Jackson Ford and Utah Tech offensive lineman Bayo Kannike.
Kannike is the second commitment on an offensive line depleted this season by injuries and transfers. Michigan State transfer Dallas Fincher, who is expected to compete for a starting spot at center or guard, committed on Friday. SDSU will have more than half a dozen new faces on the O-line in 2025.
SDSU had two dozen players, including 13 starters, exhaust their eligibility during the 2024 season. The Aztecs also lost 20 players in the transfer portal, including starting quarterback Danny O’Neil and starting wide receiver Louis Brown IV.
So there are dozens of spots to fill on a roster expected to include as many new faces as returners for the second straight year.
Positions of need include both the offensive and defensive lines, defensive back, wide receiver, tight end, running back and quarterback. SDSU’s top three QBs — O’Neil, Javance-Tupou’ata-Johnson and AJ Duffy — all entered the transfer portal.
No quarterbacks were among the visitors this weekend, but candidates should be stopping by in short order.
The departure of starting running back Marquez Cooper means SDSU will be looking for a transfer to compete with returners Cam Davis and Lucky Sutton at the position.
Ford bolsters the ranks at tight end, though the Aztecs still will look for another after losing both Jude Wolfe and Mikey Harrison. Ford, a 6-foot-6 sophomore from Melissa, Texas, played in nine games for Tulsa, but did not have a reception.
SDSU sophomore Jordan Napier is the only returning wide receiver with a reception for the Aztecs, who will be looking for three or four more receivers in the coming weeks. The team added a speedy downfield threat with Kitt-Denton (25 receptions, 452 yards, 5 TDs), who had three games this season with catches of at least 70 yards. He also is a kickoff returner.
“The atmosphere of San Diego is amazing,” said Kitt-Denton, who is from Pearland, Texas. “The coaches really made it feel like home, so I’m excited about this decision.”
The 6-6, 300-pound Kannike is a Los Angeles native who started 26 games at guard and tackle over the past three seasons at Utah Tech (formerly Dixie State), though he preserved a redshirt year by playing in only four games this season.
The 6-5, 260-pound King is from Southfield, Mich., and he could be a disruptive force on the defensive line. He totaled 20 sacks, along with four forced fumbles, the past three seasons at Grand Valley State.
Williams, a redshirt freshman from Santa Ana Mater Dei High School, appreciated the opportunity to play closer to home.
He also was impressed with new SDSU defensive coordinator/linebackers coach Rob Aurich and the staff
“I really believe the program is heading in the right direction,” Williams said. “I see myself dominating in their defense and think they will develop me as a player as well.”
Pierce, a junior from Fontana, had three interceptions and six pass breakups this season at Chaffey College. He could compete for a starting cornerback spot opened with the departure of Bryce Phillips.
Originally Published:
Your Local SEO and Digital Marketing Experts in San Diego County
