San Diego State Aztecs

Wednesday August 29, 2001 |

For some Aztecs, Arizona is more than just another non-conference opponent

Two years ago, DeAngelo Nedd wanted to be a Wildcat, but UA coaches decided they didn't want him.

Instead of giving the highly touted running back a scholarship in 1999, Arizona gave its last scholarship to former UA running back Larry Croom.

"I wanted to be a running back at Arizona," Nedd said. "I was hoping they would offer me a scholarship."

Two years later, it's a different story altogether.

Croom transferred to Nevada-Las Vegas over the summer, and the now-sophomore Nedd is the first-string nickel back and backup strong safety at San Diego State - UA's opening day opponent tomorrow night.

UA coaches say Nedd's snub is a common occurrence in college football.

"This is just something that happens in college football," UA recruiting coordinator Rob Ianello said. "Recruiting sometimes is luck. For example, we have some players starting for us that Arizona State heavily recruited."

Nedd is happy with the way thing turned out.

"Arizona had a really nice campus, and it looked like a great place to play," Nedd said. "Now, though, I couldn't be happier being an Aztec."

And the Aztecs couldn't be happier with Nedd.

The 5-foot-11 native of West Hills, Calif. decided a position change to defense would help get him playing time. He was right.

Playing only sparingly last season on special teams, Nedd has quickly moved up the ranks.

Alongside Nedd are senior strong safety Will Demps and senior free safety Garrett Pavelko. The threesome will try to improve upon last year's No. 4 Mountain West Conference defensive unit.

"They are a great defense," UA junior quarterback Jason Johnson said. "You never know how a team is going to play you in the first game. With this being my first start, they may blitz the heck out of me. I expect them to be very disciplined and a tough team to move the ball against."

San Diego State Aztecs

The Aztec defensive front is anchored by 5-foot-9, 280-pound senior defensive tackle Jerome Haywood.

Despite a lack of height, Haywood - who has played in 34 consecutive games as an Aztec - commands a double-team on every down.

But despite SDSU's recent success on the defensive side of the ball, it's the Aztec offense that has become its trademark. This season is no different.

In two career games against the Wildcats, senior tailback Larry Ned - not to be confused with DeAngelo Nedd - has been a dominant force, to say the least.

In two games against Arizona, Ned has carried the ball 62 times for 231 yards, an average of 115.5 yards per game.

"He is a good player," UA head coach John Mackovic said. "Not too many players have put up those kind of numbers against Arizona."

Despite his success, Ned's career has been dogged by injuries during the past two seasons. He suffered a knee injury in fall camp in 2000 and injured his shoulder against Brigham Young last year.

"They probably have been real careful with him in practice," Mackovic said. "When you are coming off a knee and a shoulder (injury), you just don't bang that guy around. This will be a good test for him as well as our defense."

SDSU head coach Ted Tollner said his star running back is healthy.

"He is trying to get his confidence back," Tollner said. "We believe that he is at the top of his game where he was before the injuries. If he is, he will be as good of a back as there is on the (West) Coast, we think, if he is healthy."

UA junior linebacker Lance Briggs said Ned is one player the Wildcats need to contain.

"Larry Ned is always somebody you need to make sure you contain," Briggs said. "He is a really good back."

Handing the ball off to Ned will be junior quarterback Lon Sheriff.

The 6-foot-3 signal-caller made his college debut against Arizona in last year's contest - a 17-3 UA win - by going 15 for 29 for 124 yards and a touchdown.

"He grew through some difficult times, and when you are not winning, it's not fun," Tollner said. "We expect him to be a vastly improved quarterback."

Despite a slow start, Sheriff emerged as one of the best quarterbacks in the MWC once conference play began.

Despite SDSU's ambitious non-conference schedule - the Aztecs will face UA, Arizona State and Ohio State - there is good news for Sheriff. Both of the Aztecs' top receivers will be returning.

Junior J.R. Tolver and senior Derrick Lewis both possess a big-play threat.

Tolver finished last season as SDSU's leading receiver catching 62 passes for 808 yards.

"J.R. loves to practice the game," Tollner said. "He is one of those guys who is a pleasure to coach because not only does he have ability, but he has a great pride about himself, about being the best he could be."

Lewis has put up outstanding numbers on Montezuma Mesa since coming to SDSU in 1999. Last season, he finished with an impressive 24.3 yards-per-catch average.

Mackovic is well aware of what the tandem can do.

"They go deep a lot," Mackovic said. "Our corners will get a real workout. The thing about this team is that you don't have to coax them to pass. They will come out throwing right from the start."