The 2009 football season already has been established as a do-or-die test for San Diego State football coach Chuck Long.
So how will he save himself?
He's already hinted at possible coaching staff changes. After Saturday's season finale against UNLV, will he go for the quick fix and load up on junior college recruits?
Not exactly, Long said.
SDSU does hope to land around three JUCO recruits to fill gaps on the defensive line, offensive line and defensive secondary.
Other than that, SDSU's third-year coach is banking his job mostly on the same players he has now.
“I believe with our guys coming back in another year, with the guys coming up, they'll be good, with all the experience we've got this year,” said Long, whose team is 1-10 this year and 8-27 in three seasons. “I think that will really pay off next year.”
About 50 non-seniors have logged playing time, including about 20 juniors. In Long's view, that seasoning will translate into a much better team next season despite its struggles in 11 statistical areas where the Aztecs rank among the nation's 20 worst teams. On defense, which ranks last in the nation against the rush, SDSU loses its top two tacklers: departing senior linebacker Russell Allen and safety Corey Boudreaux.
The good news on defense is that its line returns all starters, though only one will be a senior in 2009: Jonathan Soto. “One of our main goals is to increase our size,” said Soto, one of SDSU's bigger defensive linemen at 270 pounds.
It's why Long will seek a stopgap there from the JUCO ranks. Beyond that, he plans to mostly stay the course with his roster as he enters the fourth year of a five-year contract. Earlier this season, SDSU Athletic Director Jeff Schemmel said Long was assured of coaching through 2009.
For him to get to 2010, the bulk of his 2009 roster probably will have to show a side of itself it hasn't yet done. Long is betting his employment that it will.
“Yes, yes, very much so, yes,” Long said. “We believe in them and what they're doing.”
Brent Schrotenboer: (619) 293-1368; brent.schrotenboer@uniontrib.com
