2021 SDSU CLASS ALL BUT INKED EARLY ON
Just 2 scholarships remain for the usual February signing day
This is the fourth recruiting class since the NCAA adopted a December early signing period for football.
San Diego State has used it as an opportunity to get a head start on the regular February signing period as well as prevent Power 5 schools from poaching their top prospects.
In fact, 70 percent of the Aztecs’ signings the past three years have come during the early period.
Make that 92 percent this year.
SDSU on Wednesday signed 23 players on the first day of the 72-hour signing window. That would leave only two more spots in the 25-man class.
“We worked hard to recruit guys who fit our culture of toughness, mental and physical,” SDSU head coach Brady Hoke said. “We evaluated our needs and think that we have addressed those needs.
“Nothing is ever certain, but we feel very good about the young men we have recruited. We have recruited in a manner that we’re going to create competition at all positions and at the same time there are some guys who will benefit from the development that Adam Hall and the guys on our strength staff do. ... Really happy, excited about the class and look forward to getting them on campus.”
The way the Class of 2021 is shaping up, the Aztecs will be done with their recruiting before their Christmas shopping.
“There’s a lot of people, obviously, who are f illing up,” Hoke said. “Usually the Alabamas, the Ohio States, you know, they fill up pretty good.”
Hoke suspects there are several factors involved in the popularity of the early period, especially this year.
“Did their (prospects’) timeline speed up, and why?” Hoke said. “How much was it the pandemic? Guys trying to stay closer to home.
“There’s a lot of different reasons. I’m not sure I know them all yet, but I think there’s something to that.”
SDSU’s 2021 class is divided almost evenly between offense (11) and defense (12). It includes players from six states: California (11),
Three other Mountain West teams — Air Force, Fresno State and New Mexico — were among the other schools he considered, according to Bakersfield.com. He was team’s defensive MVP in 2019 after collecting 53 tackles that included three sacks and a fumble recovery.
Viewed as a defensive player at the next level, although he averaged 21 yards per reception last season. Totaled 39 tackles with four interceptions a year ago.
Pa’a Ewaliko | Seattle Ballard HS | DL | 6-4, 235
He had four sacks among 44 tackles for the team last season. As a tight end, had 12 receptions for 198 yards and three TDs.
Zyrus Fiaseu | Henderson (Nev.) Liberty HS | OLB | 6-0, 220
He rushed for 2,390 yards and scored 29 TDs in his career, but projects at linebacker, where he has gained a reputation as a punishing tackler with a nose for the ball (three interceptions).
Ilaisa Gonebure | Rocklin HS | DL | 6-6, 290
Cameron Harpole | Prosper (Texas) HS | TE | 6-4, 220
Aztecs have gotten thin at the position — in numbers, not quality — and he could offer as much as an offensive force (he had nearly 500 yards in receptions last season) as he could helping block on the line. According to the Little Elm Journal, Prosper had a two-week pause in midseason. Harpole had seven catches for 161 yards and one TD in the team’s win upon its return.
William Haskell Jr. | Glendale (Ariz.) Ironwood HS | QB | 6-4, 205
The dual-threat QB was 113-for-169 passing for 1,863 yards and 22 TDs/6 INTs this season. He also rushed 40 times for 453 yards (11.3 ypc) and seven touchdowns. It included a pair of 100-yard rushing games and a long run of 74 yards. Last season, Haskell was 101-for-168 passing for 1,401 yards and 20 TDs/4 INTs and also rushed 106 times for 965 yards and 14 TDs.
DJ Herman | Las Vegas Bishop Gorman HS | LB | 6-2, 225
Like Fiaseu, regarded by some scouting services among the state’s top 10 prospects. Emerged last season, when he totaled 51 tackles and collected three sacks and two interceptions.
Christian Jones | San Luis Obispo HS | OL | 6-9, 320
Virtually everyone on the field looks up to him. Size grabs attention. Could need some time to develop, but potential is intriguing in such a big package.
Zavier Leonard | Arlington (Texas) Sam Houston HS | OL | 6-4, 295
One of four offensive lineman in 2021 recruiting class. Chose SDSU over offers from New Mexico, Grambling State and Incarnate Word.
Jalen Mayden | Mississippi State | QB | 6-3, 225
Entered transfer portal two months ago in search of a place to play after appearing in only three games as a true freshman two years ago. Originally recruited out of Texas’ Sachese High, where he passed for 6,210 yards over three seasons with 74 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He also rushed for 1,876 yards (6.4 ypc) with 24 touchdowns.
Gus McGee | Miami (Fla.) Columbus HS | TE | 6-5, 235
From Newburyport, Mass., but played in Florida this season to have an opportunity to get on the field. Three-sport standout who also plays basketball and competes in track and field.
JP Murphy | Danville San Ramon Valley HS | WR | 6-0, 175
Like Harpole, he also collected nearly 500 yards in passes. Reached the end zone on eight of his 22 receptions.
Joshua Nicholson | South Grand Prairie (Texas) HS | WR | 6-0, 175
The Aztecs have gone for taller wide receivers in recent years, but his speed (timed at 4.48 in the 40) makes up for his size. He had 30 receptions for 403 yards and five touchdowns last season.
Dominic Oliver | San Jose Valley Christian HS | LB | 6-3, 220
Athleticism is apparent since he also is a two-way player on the Valley Christian baseball team. Could figure at virtually any level on the SDSU football team.
Ross Ulugalu-Maseuli | Santa Ana Mater Dei HS | OL | 6-4, 350
Former San Diego County prospect who played at Cathedral Catholic in 2018. Played at JSerra Catholic last season before moving to Santa Ana Mater Dei, where he hopes to compete in the spring.
Phillippe Wesley | Playa Del Rey St. Bernard HS | WR | 6-0, 185
Emerged as a sophomore two years ago when he had 46 receptions for 987 yards (21.5 ypc) with 11 touchdowns. Also contributed on defense and in the kick return game.
New Zealand Williams | Playa Del Rey St. Bernard HS | DB | 6-2, 200
Totaled 72 tackles with three interceptions a year ago. Talented on offensive side of the ball as well, but future is in the secondary. Carson native should be familiar with home field.