FOOTBALL WRAPS UP SPRING BALL WITH FINAL SCRIMMAGE ON SATURDAY

4/20/2012

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Sacramento State football team will bring its spring practice season to a close with the annual Spring Game on Saturday, April 21, at Hornet Stadium. The team will take the field around 8:45 with the scrimmage set to get under way at 9:15 a.m.

The team is expected to run 60-70 plays, placing the offense in different starting positions on the field.

Following the scrimmage, fans are welcome to stay for a free lunch provided by the team.

SPRING SYNOPSIS
Head Coach Marshall Sperbeck offered his thoughts on spring ball prior to Friday's final practice.

"Offensively, we wanted to get our new offense installed and I feel we've done that. The quarterbacks (Garrett Safron and Mason Magleby) battled and have gone back and forth. They both have a better understanding of what we are trying to do.

"Defensively, the line got some some good experience. (Redshirt freshman) Trevor Kelly and Marques White both made some strides and I think that (former offensive players) Reese Heaslet and Devonte Martin will make an impact.

"As a team, we're trying to get used to playing faster but its a learning experience. The guys need to understand what their responsibilities are first before we can pick up the tempo. Some days we only had 55 to 60 guys available which limited what we could do."

PLAYER MOVEMENT
During the course of the spring, several players found themselves at new positions. On the line, senior Reese Heaslet will return to defense after playing the past two seasons at tight end. Another former tight end, DJ Maciel, shifted to offensive tackle and will now wear number 77.

Midway through camp, Devonte Martin switched to defensive tackle where he will help stuff the run. Martin played last season at guard on the offensive line.

A pair of redshirt freshmen also exchanged positions with Ronny Camacho at running back and Tyler Gomogda at linebacker.

One player who was expected to see time at a new position was senior Clay DePauw. A starter throughout last season at tackle, DePauw was slated to be the team's starting center. However, a bout of pneumonia has kept DePauw on the sidelines and has forced several newcomers into the role, including JC transfer R.J. Melgar.