Aztecs coaches use bye week to scour schools for Class of 2022 recruits

San Diego State’s bye week affords a little R&R for the SDSU players, who get a late-week break from practice and a chance to watch football over the weekend rather than play it.

SDSU’s coaching staff won’t be enjoying a similar break, however. Aztecs coaches will be out recruiting players for their 2022 signing class.

Staff members spent Tuesday and Wednesday visiting schools, coaches and players within San Diego County.

Thursday and Friday they spread out across California, as well as into SDSU’s other recruiting areas in Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.

The NCAA’s early signing period is less than three months away — Dec. 16-18 — and SDSU already has a dozen commitments toward its 25-member class.

SDSU head coach Brady Hoke said this week’s focus will be “more going to see guys who we’re waiting on, that we’re recruiting hard. Either watching them play or making a presence known in the high school.

“We will, obviously, go see some who are already committed to us, but we want to maximize our time and use it efficiently.”

This is the fifth year since the NCAA initiated an early signing period — the regular period begins the first Wednesday in February — and SDSU has used the opportunity to sign 75 percent of its annual 25-man recruiting class.

Last year, the Aztecs signed 23 players early, leaving only two spots to fill in February.

SDSU doesn’t expect to sign as many players early this year, but it still should be a majority of the Class of 2022.

The NCAA transfer portal has had a significant impact on recruiting classes, with some scholarships being diverted from high school recruits to players who pop up in the portal.

SDSU’s 2021 signing class included two Mississippi State transfers — sophomore quarterback Jaylen Mayden and junior wide receiver Tyrell Shavers — and that number is expected to increase this year.

“I think you’ll see everybody save a few (scholarships) because of the portal,” Hoke said. “If you’ve got 25, maybe you sign 18 or 19. And you take six and (get) them through the portal.”

So far, SDSU has received commitments from three defensive backs, two linebackers, two offensive linemen, two tight ends, two running backs and one quarterback. SDSU can’t comment on recruits until they have officially signed.

While the Aztecs will keep an eye on the best available athletes, they must be mindful of keep a balance among the class levels at each position.

SDSU has two senior quarterbacks — Jordon Brookshire and Lucas Johnson — and its top four running backs — Greg Bell, Jordan Byrd, Chance Bell and Kaegun Williams — all are seniors.

Other senior-heavy positions are wide receiver (five of the top seven), offensive line (three of five starters), defensive line (four of top six) and linebacker (four of top six).

While replenishing positions loaded with seniors is normally a priority, this is not a normal year. That’s because the NCAA last year granted an additional year of eligibility to players due to the coronavirus pandemic.

So seniors who would be graduating and moving on with life could be back for another year.

“We’ve got some guys who we’ve had conversations with,” Hoke said, “and we’ll have even more conversations with who wants to come back and who we’re going to bring back.”

There is one other pending piece of NCAA legislation that could impact recruiting numbers, allowing schools to increase their recruiting class from 25 to as many as 32 players. The overall scholarship limit remains at 85.

The NCAA football oversight committee has recommended schools be allowed to add another spot for each player who transfers (up to seven).

Final approval of the measure is expected to come when the NCAA Division I Council votes on it next week.

SDSU’s 2022 football commitments

NAME | SCHOOL | POS. | HT, WT | COMMITMENT DATE (on Twitter)

Sheldon Canley Jr. | Lompoc HS | RB | 5-10, 175 | Aug. 6

Notable: Fits SDSU mold of compact running backs with sprinter’s speed. Off to a big start this season with 79 carries for 879 yards (11.1 ypc) and 16 TDs in five games. Also has nine receptions for 103 yards and a TD.

Max Garrison | La Cañada Flintridge St. Francis HS | ATH | 5-9, 180 | Sept. 6

Notable: In four games this season has rushed 43 times for 538 yards (12.5 ypc) with 10 TDs and caught 11 passes for 141 yards and a TD. Had a 371-yard, six TD performance in win over Mira Costa HS. Ranked No. 73 prospect in the state by 24/7 Sports.

Josh Hunter | Santa Ana Mater Dei HS | S | 5-9, 175 | Aug. 7

Notable: Standout defensive back is also a kickoff and punt returner for Mater Dei. Earned Trinity League defensive MVP last season. Ranked No. 72 prospect in the state by 24/7 Sports.

Chris Johnson | Corona Eleanor Roosevelt HS | CB | 6-0, 175 | June 25

Notable: Athletic cornerback with length and quick read and react as plays unfold. Ranked No. 89 prospect in the state by 24/7 Sports.

Laakea Kapoi | Honolulu St. Louis School HS | OT | 6-4, 305 | June 24

Notable: Had offers from nearly two dozen schools, including nine Power Five programs. Ranked No. 3 prospect in the state by 24/7 Sports.

Jacoby Kelly | Los Angeles Loyola HS | WR | 6-3, 195 | Aug. 20

Notable: He has 21 receptions for 303 yards and four TDs in six games this season. Ranked No. 67 in the state by 24/7 Sports.

Clayton Lynam | Mountain View St. Francis HS | LB | 6-4, 240 | July 13

Notable: Could play virtually anywhere on the field for St. Francis, which uses him to pressure the quarterback from outside linebacker position.

Rambo Mageo | Cathedral Catholic HS | OT | 6-5, 305 | Aug. 17

Notable: Active lineman who moves well for his size while opening holes in the run game. Lone local player on list is actually a transfer from Tohopekaliga High in Kissimmee , Fla.

Jordan Morris | Mesa (Ariz.) Red Mountain HS | TE | 6-4, 225 | June 29

Notable: Receptions reflect quality over quantity, with 30 catches in two-plus season (24 games) for 760 yards and 10 TDs. That’s 25.3 yards a catch and a TD every third touch. Ranked No. 28 in the state by 24/7 Sports.

Marshon Oxley | Inglewood HS | LB | 6-3, 205 | Aug. 2

Notable: Totaled 57 tackles, including eight sacks, in eight games last season. Ranked No. 87 prospect in the state by 24/7 Sports.

Oakie Salave’a | Tafuna (Pago Pago, AS) HS | ATH | 6-2, 185 | June 20

Notable: Dual-threat quarterback who is coached by his father, Okland Salave’a, a standout at Oceanside High in the 1980s. Top-ranked prospect from American Samoa by 24/7 Sports.

Logan Tanner | Houston St. Pius X HS | TE | 6-4, 225 | July 22

Notable: Has 50 receptions for 1,156 yards and 14 TDs over the past two seasons (10 games). Plays defensive end on defense.