STARS OF 2008:

RB Brandon Sullivan was the most consistent backfield player, including Brandon Bornes -- by season's end last year. If the Aztecs continue the path toward becoming more physical, expect Sullivan to become the workhorse out of the backfield and become a significant contributor to the offense. At 5-foot-11, 220 pounds, Sullivan is the most qualified all-around back. He can run between the tackles and still get to the outside with a burst.

WR Vincent Brown emerged with several big catches as a true freshman playing alongside seniors Brett Swain and Chaz Schilens. Now that the two are gone, Brown could emerge as the go-to receiver and put up the gaudy numbers that Swain had last season (58 catches, 973 yards).

LB Russell Allen led the MWC in tackles with 119 last season and showed his versatility with 5.5 tackles for losses as well as six pass breakups and an interception. His presence, along with a veteran linebacking corps should help the Aztecs become a much stronger unit against the run in 2008.

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DL Avery Williams had only three tackles last season as a junior, but coach Chuck Long singled him out during a pre-spring practice news conference. Long says Williams is the strongest man on the team, and the coaching staff must find a way to get him on the field.

Redshirt freshman Miles Burris also has impressed coaches during off-season workouts and will compete for lengthy playing time in the fall at linebacker. His development is another reason the SDSU coaching staff feels the run defense will be much improved in 2008.

Don't be surprised if Drew Westling wins the starting quarterback job. Westling, who spent one year at Tulsa before transferring to Southwestern College, is the son of a football coach whom Long compares to a former pupil -- Josh Heupel, who was the 2000 Heisman Trophy runner-up at Oklahoma.

WR Jon Toledo enters his junior season without much experience. Long says Toledo is a player that traditionally thinks too much instead of reacting, but the game is starting to slow down for him. The staff expects him to become a part of the rotation at receiver in 2008.

ROSTER REPORT

--TE Eric Miclot, who has been rehabbing a knee injury for two seasons, has resumed running and is expected to rejoin the team in the fall.

--WR Roberto Wallace (back) and TE Alston Umuolo (foot surgery) are not expected to participate in spring drills.

--SDSU still is awaiting word on whether FS Corey Boudreaux will receive an extra year of eligibility. Boudreaux, a starter last season, did not play in 2004-05 because he was taking care of his younger siblings following the death of their father.

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