Spring is upon us. On Monday, March 10, San Diego State Aztecs Football practiced for the first time.

The weather was perfect. It was sunny and clear, and you could not ask for a better football temperature. Luckily, the media and other spectators were able to watch practice before the heavy rain started to fall the following day.

𝙁𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩 𝙙𝙖𝙮 𝙫𝙞𝙗𝙚𝙨 😤#AztecFAST 🍢 x #BeTheA1pha 🐺 x #TheClimb 📈 pic.twitter.com/SSEOcTf6p7

— San Diego State Football (@AztecFB) March 11, 2025

Day One

Practice started with early special teams drills. Special teams are important, whether it’s in the return game, blocking for a punt or field goal, or being able to flip the field with a bomb of a punt. SDSU fans saw that just a few seasons ago when former Aztec Matt Araiza hit bombs and changed momentum, earning the nickname “Punt God.”

On Monday, punters Eemil Herranen and Hunter Green were impressed with deep punts both individually and during teamwork. Kicker Gabriel Plascencia showcased his powerful leg as well. He changed from number 46 to number 11.

After practice, Head Coach Sean Lewis mentioned that they ended practice five minutes early. That means that they finished everything they wanted for the day and felt satisfied. Ending a practice early is a very good thing, even if it is just day one.

The players were in shells (helmet, pads, and shorts). There was no period longer than 10 minutes. In about 14-15 periods of practice, they were separated by position groups for individuals, ran multiple special teams drills, which included using bags and giant exercise balls, had a 1-on-1 period with quarterbacks, receivers, tight ends, running backs, and defensive backs, and also had a full team period separated by the starters and backups.

During those 1-on-1’s, some receivers impressed with their ability to create separation and catch the passes with the DB covering tight. During this period, the QBs directed their passes accurately. They made it easier on the pass catchers. Michigan transfer quarterback Jayden Denegal ran with the ones for most of the day. He delivered accurate passes all day long and seemed to be in control of the situations.

During the full team period, as you could imagine, the defense looked very good. Star edge rusher Trey White “sacked” the QBs multiple times. The coaches emphasized throughout the practice that the players needed to “stay up” after making contact. The players did a good job of that. Of course, QBs never get touched during practice, so White would tap them as he ran past, followed by a whistle. White was not the only defensive end to record a few sacks. It was tough to get a read of who they were as there were a lot of number changes and players without a number. Either way, the defensive front performed well during that period.

Once practice ended, Coach Lewis gathered the team around for the final talk before they were done. Then, he, White, and starting offensive lineman Ross Ulugalu-Maseuli spoke to the media. Ulugalu-Maseuli was at center with the one’s on Monday. He started at center during the 2023-24 season but moved to left guard last year. Now, he seems to be a great fit at center, and with his experience and leadership and, it could pay off.

Bonding Through Pain

Ulugalu-Maseuli mentioned the term “Bonding through pain” when he spoke to the media after practice.

📍Day 1 of SDSU Spring Football

Starting offensive lineman and SD native Ross Ulugalu-Maseuli spoke after practice @EVT_News @DonDeMarsPhoto pic.twitter.com/1uKtI5bu00

— Chris Spiering (@Clutch__Chris) March 10, 2025

The players did a handful of different activities and cookouts over break and the start of offseason to help build chemistry. Connecting with teammates is important. One of those activities that stood out was when the coaches and players went to the Naval Special Warfare and built a “friendship” as Lewis said, with the community there.

“We took some time to go down there and be with those special individuals that are prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice,” Lewis said. “You talk about having trust and connection, showing our guys an elite level of what that looks like, and having a tremendous learning opportunity to grow in that space.”

The players went to the gym and did a lot of hard workouts together. Building relationships when there is adversity is how strong teammates are formed. That has to start now, months before the regular season. It’s not only what the players want to do, but it’s being stressed to them that they will not earn anything without hard work. Every player starts the spring with a white shirt and black pair of shorts, according to Lewis. Some returning players were able to switch numbers, but right now, most players are wearing a number they probably do not want.

📍Day 1 of SDSU Spring Football

Star EDGE rusher and SD native Trey White talks after practice. He switched from #47 to #2 for this season – he explains why right away pic.twitter.com/bdkMMaqD5e

— Chris Spiering (@Clutch__Chris) March 10, 2025

White is one player who was able to switch his number from 47 to number 2. He returns to his hometown school as the star of the defense. The defense will continue to shine and could be one of the better units in the conference … if not the best.

When asked about Ross’s term “Bonding through Pain,” Lewis had a great response.

“Who are they when the deck is stacked against them? Who are they when things aren’t going right? Whether it’s bonding through pain or however you want to phrase it, that is the universal truth. Your best friends are ones you have been through hardship with.”

📍Day 1 of SDSU Spring Football

Hear from head coach Sean Lewis after today’s practice @EVT_News @DonDeMarsPhoto pic.twitter.com/YKdPB7zPCN

— Chris Spiering (@Clutch__Chris) March 10, 2025

Coach Lewis will continue to work his players and build a winning team that many are expecting.

Chris Spiering

Chris is a graduate of the University of San Diego. He is the former Sports Editor for the USDVista newspaper. Chris has covered the San Diego Loyal, and now covers San Diego State Men’s Basketball. He also contributes regularly about the Padres. Chris is an athlete and is a huge fan of San Diego sports.