Sacramento State football has started its spring practices with a new look, and hopes for new results come fall.

The team can get in a total of 15 practices before April 22 before they have to shut down until summer.

Coach Steve Mooshagian said the team looks like it will have a very good defensive line with three guys up in the 290- to 300-pound range.

“Dallas Mauga has been everything he was advertised to be,” Mooshagian said of the Grossmont Junior College transfer. Scout.com named Mauga a top-30 defensive line recruit as a sophomore,One of the intriguing things in the upcoming season will be how Jacob Houston adapts to his role on offense. Arguably the best defensive player on the Hornets two years ago, Houston had to sit out last year with a back injury and has returned to play tight end this season. He had 10 sacks in 2003.

“It’s been working out well,” Mooshagian said of Houston’s switch. “He’s been slowed a little bit with the back injury. Hopefully he will be healthy for the season.”

With the departure of quarterback Chris Hurd, the Hornets will also have a new signal caller this season.

Mooshagian said that transfer Tim Brockwell has done a nice job of managing the offense. Brockwell led Glendale (Ariz.) Community College to an 11-0 record last season.

Mooshagian also said the running back position is deep in talent this season, and all the backs have looked good this spring.

A new-look offensive line will protect whoever starts at quarterback.

“Our most improved unit by far,” Mooshagian said of the line. “Best athleticism since I’ve been here.

Sac State is coming off a 2-9 campaign last season. They are returning 41 players, including last year’s top running back, Ryan Mole (827 yards), and top returning wide receiver, Ryan Coogler (45 receptions, 441 yards).

The Hornets will have a scrimmage at 11 a.m. Saturday at Cordova High School.

Robert Alvis can be reached at [email protected]