While San Diego State's starting wide receivers get fit, Aztecs' understudies gain new experience – San Diego Union-Tribune

The three players who were scheduled to be the first-string wide receivers for San Diego State were unable to sit out most of training camp due to various injuries.

The silver lining for SDSU wide receivers coach Lanear Sampson? There is a chance to create more depth behind the starters.

“For the other guys, it means they get a chance to get on the field and get more reps,” Sampson said. “We always talk about opportunities. When one goes down, the mentality is that it's the next guy's turn.”

“We just have to keep working on building the other guys up. You can learn in the meeting room. You can watch film and all that stuff, but giving them real work on the field (is invaluable).”

Veteran transfer Ja'Shaun Poke and veteran returnee Mehdi Shaw both struggled with leg injuries, and junior transfer Louis Brown IV suffered a concussion early in training camp.

All three players are expected to be fully ready for the start of game week and to assume their starting spots for the season opener on August 31 against Texas A&M-Commerce.

Several supporting cast members made an impression at last week's Fan Fest practice game.

Redshirt freshman transfer Jerry McClure (6 catches, 92 yards, TD) and sophomore returner Baylin Brooks (5 catches, 100 yards) led the list. Sophomore walk-on Mikey Welsh, redshirt freshman Jordan Napier and true freshman Will Cianfrini (Carlsbad High School) also caught passes.

The highlight was a 26-yard touchdown pass that McClure caught from quarterback Javance Tupou'ata-Johnson.

The 6-foot-2-inch McClure, a graduate of Mater Dei Catholic High School, appeared in two games at UCLA last year, was waived after the season and entered the transfer portal. He is excited to play for his hometown team.

“It's been a great experience being back home in an area I know very well,” McClure said, adding: “I feel like it's brought out a different type of person in me, a happy person, which is really good on and off the field.”

Given the fast-paced nature of SDSU’s “AztecFAST” offense, that’s a good thing.

“It was a little wild for us at first,” McClure said. “Not everyone was used to driving that fast.”

Sampson expected the pace of the game to be the biggest challenge for the pass receivers, just like the other position groups on offense.

“They're not used to our pace of play,” Sampson said. “So it's clear we have to get them in shape, they have to react quickly mentally and physically and do what we ask of them. … (They have) about three seconds. That's all you have. Don't kid yourself. Get in and out of your breaks. Route urgency. Route depth. All of that is important because it all fits (together).”

While McClure came home to make a fresh start in familiar surroundings and get his college career underway, Bennett wanted a new environment to crown his solid career.

The 6-foot-3 Bennett played the last four years for Portland State, where he caught 110 balls for 1,291 yards and four touchdowns. The experience gives Bennett, who also lives closer to home, having grown up in Simi Valley, the maturity to handle whatever comes his way, making the transition to the offensive style easier for him than others.

“I learned a lot about ups and downs and adversity while I was there,” Bennett said. “You face a lot of things when you're playing, and being there helped me learn how to play the game really well despite all the things you go through.”

“There was definitely an adjustment period in the spring. We've acclimatized now. The expectations are definitely higher. We're expected to work hard every day, no matter how our bodies feel.”

Bennett said he expects to make a difference on contested catches. Off the field, he hopes he can mentor younger players like Cianfrini and another true freshman, Ben Scolari.

“I know I can use my leadership skills to help the guys when they face the same things I faced growing up,” he said.

Sampson said he likes the mix of receivers in his room. They can stretch the field or stretch for a first down. They can lead by example. They can lead the way through

“They're very athletic,” Samson said. “They all have their niches. We didn't get all the same receivers. … They have a couple of weeks until the first game and they'll be ready for it.”

Now the receivers just have to figure out who is throwing the football to them.

A decision on SDSU's starting quarterback is expected by Monday.

Originally published: August 16, 2024 at 5:03 p.m.