SAN JOSE – Ken Niumatalolo is saving a few surprises for San Jose State’s football opener on Thursday night, notably who’ll be starting at quarterback against Sacramento State.
“We know who it is, we’re just not going to tell you guys,” Niumatalolo joked to reporters on Tuesday.
Navy’s all-time leader in wins takes over a San Jose State program that has undergone a massive change since last season. Niumatalolo replaces Brent Brennan, who was hired by Arizona after leading the Spartans to their second straight bowl appearance and third in his seven seasons at SJSU.
One of the biggest questions in camp was who will try to replace Chevan Cordeiro, SJSU’s quarterback the past two seasons who on Wednesday was released by the Seattle Seahawks.
Niumatalolo said a decision had been made “pretty recent” between redshirt sophomore Emmett Brown and redshirt junior Walker Eget, but it’ll remain a mystery until the Spartans offense takes the field at CEFCU Stadium on Thursday night.
Brown is a Washington State transfer whose mobility could unlock a very different looking element of the offense. Eget, who has two career pass attempts in four games over the past three seasons, boasts a big arm and coaches are impressed with his decision making.
Interestingly, the Southern California natives played against each other in high school and are friendly rivals for the starting job.
“Coming here is cool to rekindle a friendship and obviously get to know each other more and hang out,” said Brown.
It’ll be the first career start for either quarterback hopeful.
Niumatalolo made it clear during his introductory news conference that he “wants to build a family” with this program and that leaders within every family can be loud or quiet.
Asked who has emerged as leaders coming out of camp, Niumatalolo noted defensive players Soane Toia, Taniela Latu, Jordan Cobbs, Michael Dansby and Jalen Apalit-Williams as well as offensive returners Nick Nash and Marist Talavou as well as his two quarterbacks.
“To have an elite team, you have to be player-led,” said Niumatalolo.
He also mentioned the team formed a ‘leadership council’ where coaches have no say.
“Some of those things that have come out of those meetings have been very eye opening for me.”
Edge rusher Dylan Hampsten may be the only freshman in the starting lineup for the opener after impressing coaches this spring.
After walking onto the team last season, the 6-foot-3-inch, 237 pound Santa Clarita High grad has worked himself onto the first team defense.
“He earned it. It wasn’t a handout, it wasn’t anything. The kid just works,” said Niumatalolo.
SJSU is looking to rebuild a defense that lost 18 of its 24 sacks last season to graduation and transfers.
Toia, a three-year starter and preseason All-Mountain West pick. and Quincy Likio, who played in all 12 games last season. will join Hampsten on the defensive line.
“If our team plays like him and plays with the effort level that he has, we’re going to have a really good year,” said Niumatalolo.
Niumataolo was the head coach at Navy for 16 seasons, and the Midshipmen went 109-83 and played in 11 bowl games under his direction. But Niumataolo, 59, concedes he’ll have butterflies in his stomach for his SJSU debut.
“I wouldn’t say I’m nervous,” he said. “Anxious. We’re all anxious and excited to see what we have.”
San Jose State had the third fewest returning players(53) this season out of all FBS schools, trailing only North Texas(46) and Colorado (51).
“We’re excited about creating a product that you want to come and watch, that we’re an exciting football team,” said Niumatalolo.
