San Diego State head coach Rocky Long announced the signing of 22 athletes to the Aztec football team Wednesday afternoon.
The numbers swells up to 24 when counting two junior college transfers who are already enrolled and practicing with the team.
Breaking it down, the Aztecs inked 11 new offensive players, nine players on the defensive side of the ball and three players listed as “athletes.”
Winning the Mountain West Championship and Hawai’i Bowl last season, coupled with seven straight bowl game appearances, have helped the Aztecs net higher-level recruits, according to Long.
“As you win, more people seem to follow you. Kids follow teams that are winning,” he said during a Wednesday press conference. “If you get on national TV, and the better you are, the more national TV games you get.”
Four of the Aztecs’ recruits come from high schools in San Diego.
Linebacker Troy Cassidy (Carlsbad High), Will Stricklin (Mission Hills High), defensive lineman Forrest Hanlon (Helix High) and offensive lineman Zachary Thomas (Carlsbad High) round out the local group.
The Aztecs begin spring practices on Feb. 22.
