Similar to the offensive side of the ball for SDSU, the defensive side is incorporating a new coaching staff, scheme and a bevy of personnel. Out of the 20 potential starters listed on the Week 1 Depth Chart released by the team today, 10 were not on the roster last season. From the ten that are returners, only one (Tupu Alualu) was a consistent starter. 

Defensive Coordinator Eric Schmidt hit the ground running as soon as he took over in January, getting to know the returners and the newcomers and focusing on teaching the 4-2-5 scheme. 

“We made a huge emphasis in the spring on getting to know the defense and the scheme,” Schmidt told EVT in an exclusive interview last week. “Now, in the fall, we have really been able to get after it and see where we stand. There have been individuals within the position groups that have really stepped up in fall camp.”

Below is a preview that came from the conversation and the updated depth chart.  

The grades are from EVT and reflect the confidence level in the group as they head into the year. 

Defensive Tackle Position Grade: C-

Starters: NT Sam Benjamin or Teivis Tuioti and DT Krishna Clay or Tupu Alualu

In a recurring theme throughout the Week 1 Depth Chart on the defensive side, four players are listed as potential starters, with OR designations for both the Nose Tackle and 3-Technique positions.

Schmidt noted that the two inside positions on the defensive line can be interchangeable, but it depends on the player, noting some can play both, but others are only suited for one. It is notable that three of the four players came to the Aztecs after Spring Camp. Moving from a 3-man DL to a 4-man DL required adding bulk and strength to the interior, something the team heavily lacked under the previous staff. 

Benjamin (Arizona State) and Tuioti (Colorado State) transferred in from the FBS ranks, both weighing above 285 lbs. At 300 lbs., Tuioti is the only DL on the roster reaching that mark, while at 285, Benjamin is third, behind true freshman Kodi Cornelius (290). 

In two seasons, one each at Idaho State (2022) and Arizona State (2023), Benjamin collected a total of 20 tackles and one sack.  

Tuioti played 21 snaps at Nevada in 2021 and 175 snaps at Colorado State in 2022 on the defensive line before moving to the offensive line in 2023, only playing 14 snaps at RG per Pro Football Focus (PFF). Moving back to the defensive line should invigorate Tuioti. 

Clay played one season at the College of San Mateo, totaling 19 tackles and 4 sacks. He is battling with Alualu, who played 490 snaps for the Aztecs last season and was seen as the lone bright spot on a struggling defensive line with grandeur for a big leap in his second year at the program. For a post-spring newcomer from the JUCO ranks to match Alualu on the depth chart and possibly surpass him is either a sign that the staff required more out of Alualu or Clay’s emergence in Fall Camp came as a pleasant surprise. 

Schmidt told EVT five players have been rotating at DT throughout Fall Camp and possibly on game days. While Schmidt did not name all five players, four of them are listed above from the depth chart. One name that was expected to compete in the two-deep, Darrion Dalton, could have been in the mix if not for battling a lower leg injury that caused him to miss time and the Fan Fest Scrimmage. Super senior Wyatt Draeger is another name that could fill out the depth due to his experience and size. 

EDGE Position Grade: C-

Starters: Marlem Louis or Ryan Henderson and Trey White or Dom Oliver

The most important position in the 4-2-5 defense lies on the edges, where players are expected to play the run, hold the outside on option plays, and get after the quarterback on drop-back passes.

When EVT first spoke to Schmidt in the spring, he highlighted the position as a major need in recruiting and how the success of the players at that position will not only lead them to potential futures on Sundays but help the program recruit more of them each subsequent year. 

“We want to use their skill sets and let them loose, let their abilities take over on Saturdays,” said Schmidt, while noting he has seen steady improvement from the players at the position since spring. “There’s a lot of guys that we hope to be able to create mismatches with on the edges.”

While Marlem Louis (Richmond transfer) has shined on the first team since he stepped foot on campus in the spring, it is two returners battling for the Rush EDGE role that have impressed Schmidt in Fall Camp. 

Schmidt echoed coach Sean Lewis’ sentiments recently, praising Trey White as one of the major leaps in Fall Camp. 

“White has been someone that has really improved and impressed from spring through summer and now,” Schmidt noted, stressing White’s ability to fill multiple roles at the position. White is making the transition from SAM LB in the 3-3-5 to an EDGE in the 4-2-5, a role he played predominantly at Eastlake High School.

“(Oliver) has done a great job; he has the speed to cause havoc on the edge,” Schmidt said while noting they are preparing him to be able to play all three downs. Last year, Oliver was mainly utilized on 3rd and long passing situations. 

Ryan Henderson rounds out the group, hoping to use his third year in the program as a stepping stone to a productive career. 

Other names to keep an eye on as the season progresses are Brady Nassar and two post-spring transfers, Jared Badie (Illinois) and Ezekial Larry (Yale).

Linebacker Position Grade: C

Starters: Tano Letuli and Owen Chambliss

The only two positions out of 11 on the defense on the Week 1 Depth Chart that only list a single player as starter are the two linebackers. For two newcomers only entering their second year of college football to have that spot locked up is impressive. 

Tano Letuli played 11 games at Army as a true freshman last year. The local Cathedral Catholic star hopes to become the next Hometown Hero to excel on the defensive side for the Aztecs. 

Schmidt spoke glowingly about Letuli’s emergence on and off the field. 

“He’s the same guy every day, and you know what you are getting from him,” Schmidt said about Letuli. “Any time you get a guy that comes back home, it’s special. He puts on that red helmet; it’s special. He’s been around it and now gets to be part of it. He’s got a good mindset.”

Schmidt’s remarks are affirmed by Sunday’s announcement that Letuli was named one of three captains of the team, alongside White and RB Marquez Cooper. 

Owen Chambliss began his collegiate career at Utah last year, playing in four games. He possesses the speed in a 2-LB set to run sideline to sideline and complement Letuli. 

With youth comes mistakes and growing pains. Schmidt understands that as it relates to this position group, but also likes the talent level. 

“If you look at our defense, there are not a lot of guys that have started a whole bunch of games,” he explained. “Some guys have played backup roles or played specific roles in the past, but now they’re going to be asked to do more.”

Behind the youngsters are veterans Cody Moon and Kyle Moretti. Both have earned All-Conference honors at their previous stops. Moon was an All-MW selection two seasons ago at New Mexico before transferring to SDSU for the 2023 season. Moretti earned All-MAC honors in 2022 and 2023 at Central Michigan. If one of the youngsters at the top of the depth chart falters early in the season, the staff should have confidence to bring in players who have performed well in the collegiate ranks.

DJ Herman and Brady Anderson round out the Week 1 Depth Chart. Both enter their fourth years at SDSU but yet to earn extended playing time outside of special teams. Anderson received his first career start at San Jose State last year and recorded three tackles.   

Cornerback Position Grade: B+

Starters: Chris Johnson or Jelani Whitmore and Bryce Phillips or Bennett Walker

At the start of the 2023 season, SDSU CBs coach Demetrius Sumler had his hands full, deciding between five very talented players. Four former starters, Dez Malone, Dallas Branch, Noah Tumblin and Noah Avinger, plus an up and comer in Chris Johnson all returned and vied for playing time. 

By the time December hit, Johnson was the only player left. Avinger sustained a season-ending injury at the start of the season and transferred to New Mexico. Branch left the team after four games and transferred to Kent State following the season. Malone transferred to Oklahoma. Tumblin forgo his final year of eligibility after a successful season and entered the NFL Draft.

Johnson, though, had a great season himself in 2023. His PFF grades were some of the highest on the entire defense last year, boasting a 74.0 overall grade and 82.5 and 82.7 grades in run defense and tackling, respectively. 

It was apparent to Sumler and Schmidt that reinforcements were needed at the position. Soon came transfers Bryce Phillips (Tennessee State) and Bennett Walker (Eastern Michigan), along with true freshmen early enrollees Tayten Beyer and Isaiah Buxton. The room was replenished in short order. 

Phillips is the younger brother of Clark Phillips III, the former Utah star who now plays for the Atlanta Falcons. Phillips III was selected in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL draft. Schmidt praised Phillips development and the special skills he brings to the position group. 

“One thing that (Phillips) brings that not every corner has is he’s going to play physical,” Schmidt stated. “He’s going to get his hands on you and get in your face. He’s got a great body for a corner. He’s a strong, physical dude. He has a lot of tools. He is working on his coverage skills to stay on top and play man coverage. He’s at the top of the depth chart right now.”

The biggest surprise on the Week 1 Depth Chart has to be the emergence of Jelani Whitmore and, listed as the OR starter with Johnson. Whitmore enters his fifth year at SDSU. After not playing any snaps his first three years, he played in all 12 games in 2023 on special teams. At one point, the former staff tried him out at WR due to depth issues. Now, Whitmore is back at his original collegiate position and looking to get on the field as a defensive player. The former high school track and field star has the athletic tools to be a contributor to the defense.

As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how Beyer and Buxton enter the rotation at CB. While being true freshmen, the experience both gained from participating in Spring Camp should help them see the field earlier.   

Safety Position Grade: B

Starters: Eric Butler or William Nimmo Jr, Dalesean Staley or JD Coffey III, and Deshawn McCuin or Josh Hunter

For several years, the safety position was highly regarded as the most talented and deep position on the entire roster. On paper, not much seems to have changed despite the new staff. The key will be whether the names and accolades will translate to success on the field.  

Eric Butler and three transfers are battling for the two traditional safety roles. Butler shined in limited playing time last year but was kept behind seniors Davaughn Celestine and Cedarious Barfield. 2024 seems to be his golden opportunity to start and shine in a full-time role. 

JD Coffey III transferred in from Texas last season and played 133 snaps at the Aztec position behind true freshman Marcus Ratcliffe. William Nimmo Jr (UCLA) and Dalesean Staley (Northern Iowa) transferred in for Spring Camp and flashed strong skills and abilities throughout. 

For the purposes of this preview, the STUD position is included under the safety group. Although the coaching staff has included CBs in the rotation for the role, the two players on the Week 1 Depth Chart are both safeties. 

Schmidt noted the STUD position shift based on opponent personnel but insisted the players atop the depth chart can do the things they expect the position to do regardless of who is lined up in front of them.

Deshawn McCuin and Josh Hunter are returning reserves from last year’s defense but possess key attributes. McCuin is an athletic freak with the speed to keep up with slot receivers. Hunter was arguably the best tackler on the team last season and brings excellent IQ and intangibles. 

According to Schmidt, Tayvion Beasley and Arnold Escano have also been used in the STUD role throughout Fall Camp and could match up there as needed.

Two names to keep an eye on throughout the season are true freshmen Prince Williams and Jason Mitchell. Both have experience playing CB in high school, but are listed at safety on the roster. Their versatility could allow them to play across all three safety positions. 

Andre Haghverdian

Avid sports fan and historian of basketball, baseball, football and soccer. UC San Diego and San Diego State alumni living in America’s Finest City. Diverse team following across multiple sports leagues, but Aztecs come first in college athletics.