2008 OUTLOOK: Head coach Dick Tomey's squad doesn't have as much talent as the WAC powers, but the disciplined Spartans put themselves in position to be successful by limiting their mistakes. They were the least-penalized team in the league last year and led the conference in turnover margin (plus-13). If they can match those numbers and avoid injuries in the backfield, there are enough playmakers on both sides of the ball to secure a fourth-place finish and a postseason invitation.

SCOUTING THE OFFENSE
If running backs are the Spartans' Achilles' heel, the wide receivers are their greatest weapon. Kevin Jurovich and David Richmond had a combined 140 receptions for 2,035 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2007. Jalal Beauchman and spring standout Michael Avila add depth for San Jose State, which plans to use more spread and option formations to take advantage. Veteran C Ronnie Castillo anchors a young and athletic offensive line that could feature three sophomore starters and JC All-America tackle Steve Lightsy.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE
In addition to LBs Matt Castelo (141 tackles) and Demetrius Jones (110), the Spartans also lost defensive coordinator Dave Fipp to the San Francisco 49ers, linebacker coach Jeff Hammerschmidt to Arizona and d-line coach Gary Emanuel to Rutgers. The cupboard isn't completely bare, however, with all-conference candidates CB Christopher Owens, DT Jarron Gilbert and DE Justin Cole. The defense dominated the spring scrimmage, tallying four takeaways and five sacks and holding the offense to one touchdown.

SCOUTING THE SPECIAL TEAMS
Oregon State transfer Coye Francies was sixth in the Pac-10 in kick returns in 2006 (22.4-yard average) and showed "live legs" in spring camp, according to Tomey. Veteran Jared Strubeck is back for his fourth season handling extra points and field goals and will enter August as the leading candidate to replace all-conference P Waylon Prather.

ROSTER REPORT

--Updating the injury list: Senior C Justin Paysinger is not expected to play this fall following back surgery; junior LB Ryno Gonzalez missed the spring with a foot injury but should be OK when practice resumes in August; junior QB Kyle Reed broke a small bone in his left foot and did not participate in the spring game.

--Players cited by head coach Dick Tomey as "pleasant surprises" this spring included LB Kyler O'Neal, WR Michael Avila, DT Kalvin Cressel and DE Liam Smith, according to the San Jose Mercury News.

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