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When San Jose State hired coach Ken Niumatalolo, wide receiver Nick Nash was understandably skeptical. Niumatalolo had been a standout coach at Navy, winning more than 100 games and orchestrating three 10-win seasons with the Midshipmen. However, he also ran the option offense — a nightmare scenario for a wide receiver.
After the hire, Nash entered the transfer portal to explore his options. He had excelled in his first full season as a wide receiver after switching from quarterback in 2023, posting 728 yards and eight touchdowns receiving. But before leaving a place that had become home, new offensive coordinator Craig Stutzmann and receivers coach Kevin McGiven convinced him to stay.
“It was a little bit scary to hear at first, to not know what we’re going to be doing offensively,” Nash told CBS Sports. “But when I talked to [Stutzmann], he eased my mind. We’re going to throw the ball, that’s what he said. Don’t worry about that.”
Stutzmann has lived up to his word. Nash has become one of the top receivers in America and a serious NFL prospect since the coaching change. He has spent most of the season leading every major receiving category in the country. He still tops the nation in both receptions (96) and receiving touchdowns (14) and is only four yards behind Bowling Green’s Harold Fannin Jr., who leads with 1,291 yards in 11 games.
From part-time QB to alpha receiver
For Nash, this success is the latest milestone in what is shaping up to be a legendary career in the Mountain West. When he was recruited to San Jose State, he dreamed of playing quarterback like he had at Woodbridge High School in Irvine, California. The staff, however, saw him more as a safety. He eventually started five games under center in 2021, throwing for 971…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/inside-san-jose-state-wr-nick-nashs-journey-from-backup-qb-to-the-nations-top-pass-catcher/
Author : Shehan Jeyarajah
Publish date : 2024-11-28 14:36:00
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