San Diego State Aztecs Football- November Recruiting Report

After a hot start recruiting at the end of the summer, the commitments of future Aztec football players slowed down at the beginning of the season. The program usually does not conduct in-season official visits, and does few unofficial visits, to keep focused on the current season. Despite being in a traditionally slow recruiting period, the Aztecs have landed three more commitments to an already stacked list. Denaylan Fuimaono, a three star safety recruit from Carson, CA, committed to the Aztecs in October.

The 6’1, 195 lb prospect is rated 82 overall by 247sports, making him our second-highest commit of this class so far. Fuimaono transferred to Carson HS this fall, requiring him to sit out the first half of this season. In his six games back this season, Fuimaono has amassed seven INT’s (three for TD’s) and a forced fumble. It is exactly that kind of ball hawking tenacity that Aztec defensive coordinator and safety’s coach, Danny Gonzalez, looks for in prospects.

Watching his film, it is pretty obvious which player he is without needing the marker. Whether it is making the big hit in the secondary, flying in the backfield to bring down a tackle for loss, or high pointing the ball for an INT, Fuimaono is in on nearly every defensive play for the Colts. Fuimaono committed to the Aztecs over 10 other offers, including the PAC 12, MWC, and service academies. With good size, quick play recognition, and a no-fear attitude, look for Fuimaono to compete for one of the secondary positions early in his career as an Aztec.

Aztec Offensive Line Coach, Mike Schmidt, has been known to find under-the-radar and under-recruited OL prospects and turning them into great players.

Schmidt’s most notable project players are the Canadian recruits and starting RG Antonio Rosales, who he found from a Native American reservation in Arizona.

When word got out that the Aztecs received a commitment from Dallas Holliday of Oaks Christian HS (Westlake Village, CA), we were a bit stunned.

No Twitter recruiting page, no scouting pages, nothing. Although Oaks Christian is a powerhouse program in it’s area, Holliday has kept his recruitment very quiet.

The two star OL/DL prospect projects to play on the OL for the Aztecs. At 6’4 300 lbs, Holliday has the athleticism and tenacity to fit right into the offensive scheme.

Holliday chose the Aztecs over an offer from the ACC’s Boston College, and would certainly have more offers if he was actively trying to be recruited. Dallas’ older brother, Blair Holliday, was recruited by the Aztecs as well, and played WR at Duke University.

It only took three days for St. Augustine HS’s Andrew Alves to commit to the Aztecs after receiving an offer.

The local linebacker prospect held offers from the three service academies and was gaining interest from multiple PAC 12 schools.

Alves joins JR Justice as the second Aztec commit of the 2018 class from St. Augustine HS.

Watching Alves’ film, it is easy to spot the comparisons to current and recent standout Aztec linebackers. Alves is constantly making plays in the backfield and in run support, but has the loose hips and speed to make plays in the secondary.

At 6’2” 230lbs, Alves has a great frame with room to grow. What makes Alves such a great addition to the Aztec defense is his leadership ability and work ethic. Saints players and coaches rave about how great of a natural leader Alves is, and I’m sure Aztec HC Rocky Long sees him as a future anchor of his defense.

The Aztecs’ last game of the regular season is this Friday at home vs. New Mexico.

This is the first year of the early December signing period, so coach Long may decide to bring in recruits for official visits earlier than normal.

Long expects all of the committed players to sign letters of intent on the December signing date, or lose their spot.