--Senior CB Christopher Owens' 12 career interceptions are tied for the second most in the nation among returning players. The 2007 second-team All-WAC honoree has made 25 consecutive starts and will alleviate the loss of All-American Dwight Lowery from the Spartans' secondary.

--Senior WR Kevin Jurovich ranked second in the WAC and ninth in the nation last fall in receiving yards with 98.6 per game and was fourth in the league and 13th nationally in receptions with 7.1 per game. With so many questions in the running game and the use of more spread formations, he could eclipse those totals in 2008.

SPRING MOVERS

QB Myles Eden -- With Cal transfer Kyle Reed sidelined with a foot injury, Eden got a leg up in the quarterback competition this spring. The junior completed four of seven passes for 39 yards and a touchdown in the spring game. "There's no question that Myles is No. 1 right now, but that doesn't mean anything beyond that," head coach Dick Tomey said.

OT Steve Lightsy -- The 6-4, 350-pound junior college transfer from Fresno City College had a solid spring and is expected to fill the starting position vacated by second-team All-WAC tackle John Booker. "We're really excited to add his aggressiveness and maturity to what is already a good group," Tomey said.

LB Mohamed Marah -- The junior has dropped about 40 pounds from last season and switched from running back to shore up a unit that must replace starters Matt Castelo and Demetrius Jones. "He's really shown some good stuff," Tomey said.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"We're doing some new things both offensively and defensively. Last year really helped us in our struggles for this year. It made us a tougher team. We realized that we have to work harder on both sides of the ball. You see a lot more energy and physical, fast-paced play than you would have seen from us last year." -- San Jose State defensive end Justin Cole.

Copyright (C) 2008 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.