SDSU FOOTBALL: Switching lines proves fruitful for Aztecs' Nelson
By SCOTT BAIR - Staff Writer | ∞
SAN DIEGO ---- Jonathan Himebauch has a keen eye for talent, both on the recruiting trail and in his own backyard. San Diego State's offensive line coach can identify the raw tools necessary to become a quality blocker, even in those who don't play the position.
As a converted defensive lineman himself, Himebauch has a sixth sense for players who can successfully cross the trench. He brought defensive tackle Fred Amano to the offensive side last season in a move that produced SDSU's starting right guard for the first six games.
Peter Nelson is this year's project.
"I've had my eye on him the last couple of years," Himebauch said. "He's a hard-working guy. We went through the same thing with Fred Amano last year. He switched over from the defensive line just like I did when I played. When you see a defensive lineman with really good hands, like Fred did and Peter does, that translates to success on the offensive front."
The Aztecs hope Nelson is a quick study. The 6-foot-5, 285-pound junior was a defender as recently as this spring, but in the wake of Mike Matamua's foot injury, he'll be the starting left tackle in the Aug. 30 season opener.
A heated position battle grew cold when Matamua went down on Friday with an injury that might keep him out for an extended period. A CAT scan will provide an exact diagnosis, but the Aztecs are preparing for the worst.
"He's going to be out for a while, regardless," SDSU head coach Chuck Long said.
That means Nelson must step in and protect quarterback Ryan Lindley's back without much experience to rely on. Though he played on both lines in high school, Nelson devoted his last three years to defense.
The coaching staff sat him down over the summer and told him he'd be switching sides.
"I was a little resistant at first," Nelson said. "I just wanted to play defense because that's what I was comfortable with. But coach sat me down over summer and said he wanted me to move over and give offense a try. I gave in, and to be honest it's been fun."
While Nelson was initially apprehensive, the new position has really grown on him.
"It kind of snuck up on me," he said. "I can't really say when. I can say that I'm really enjoying this new challenge, much more than I thought I would. It's a natural fit, and I'm gaining confidence and trying to get better every day."
Improvement has come quickly. The physical traits that Himebauch identified have eased the transition, as have left guard and three-year starter Mike Schmidt and Matamua, whom Nelson credits for accelerating his learning curve.
"We were off at first," Schmidt said. "It was hard to mesh and communicate early, but he's a good kid who listens well and has a lot of talent. I'm trying to bring him along and get on the same page. He's pretty much getting all the reps I get, so we're starting to figure it out. We're starting to get comfortable."
Every practice is valuable in achieving that end. Ideally, Nelson would have gotten more time to adjust, but injury has shoved him into the spotlight.
"We're very fortunate that he's been there and he's had those reps," Himebauch said. "Losing Mike (Matamua) is difficult. He was really coming along and having a great camp. Mike's going to bounce back, but when somebody goes down, someone else has to step up. That's the nature of game. You've got to be ready."
Aztecs notes
The coaching staff will release an updated depth chart as early as Tuesday. A starting quarterback, which likely will be Ryan Lindley, will definitely be named on Tuesday. Coach Chuck Long said a No. 1 kicker might not be named until later in the week. ... WR Roberto Wallace (Oceanside High) missed practice with swelling in his right knee, and SS Martrell Fantroy missed time with a groin strain. Both are day to day. FS Corey Boudreaux has been out for over a week, but should practice Tuesday.
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