Sacramento State’s football team signed nine more recruits this past week, raising the total number to 16. The new recruits come from eight high schools and one junior college, all from within California.

The 16 recruits reflect the team’s goal to continue building in every phase of the game. The team has added eight players to the offense, seven players to the defense, and one to special teams.

Sac State’s latest players include a pair of wide receivers, running backs and offensive linemen. The three new defensive players include a defensive back, linebacker and a defensive lineman.

Speaking to a crowd of former players and their families, Head Coach Marshall Sperbeck spoke about how the team has progressed during the past two seasons.

“Last year we were able to finish 6-6, which was one of the better years that we’ve had in a while,” Sperbeck said.

While the team has improved from 3-8 to 6-6, Sperbeck is not content to just have an even record.

“Six and six, it means you’re mediocre,” he said. “But yet we needed to get to mediocre before we got to good.”

Listed as 6 feet 8 inches tall, offensive guard David Born is the largest new man on the field. Born comes from Bakersfield and his head coach there was former Hornet linebacker Chad Grider.

Playing alongside Born on the offensive line is Chad Tannenbaum, a 6-foot-4-inch hometown player from Rio Americano High School. Tannenbaum also has experience playing as a defensive lineman.

“I really believe our offensive line play will be much better,” Sperbeck said.

Joining the rushing game are running backs Deontray Johnson and Sam McCowan. Johnson hails from San Diego and averaged more than 142 yards per game. McCowan starred in Oxnard playing on offense, defense and special teams, while rushing for 25 touchdowns his senior year and winning the Pacific League MVP.

“We’ve had a great off-season so far, even though we’ve just started,” said Aaron Ingram, running backs coach.

The Hornets’ two newest wide receivers also happen to be hybrid players with success playing in the secondary. Morris Norrise caught six receiving touchdowns and six interceptions his senior year playing in Berkeley. Brandyn Reed is transferring from Santa Rosa JC after catching 16 touchdowns and getting nearly 1200 yards.

The two young wide receivers have big shoes to fill. Departing senior Tony Washington set the school record for catches (83) and yards (1279) last season. “We have a couple young men that need to come in and do great things for us,” said wide receivers coach Daniel DaPrato.

Slated to play linebacker is Cody Allen who, like McCowan, played on offensive, defense and special teams. Allen played in Rohnert Park as a quarterback, free safety and punt returner. He was the North Bay League Defensive Player of the year and had 17 total touchdowns playing quarterback.

The defensive line will be getting KeiVaughn Barrett from Elk Grove. Barrett played on offense and was also the Metro League heavyweight wrestling champion.

Corey Vanderbeek follows in his brother’s footsteps as a defensive back. Cody was his team’s defensive MVP in Granite Bay. Jared Vanderbeek was a senior defensive back for the Hornets last season.

“This new recruiting class we feel like we’ve added some good depth and solid players to our team,” Sperbeck said.

The Hornets are still not done looking for more players; the team seeks to possibly sign eight or nine more players. Like all colleges, Sacramento State had some recruits go and sign elsewhere. “We lost a couple guys and that’s part of the deal,” Sperbeck said.

The entire coaching staff is optimistic about the upcoming season with a large returning class and a growing number of players coming into the program.

“There’s no question we’re going to scour the state of California, turn over rocks and see if we can find the best players to fit our system; that’s the bottom line,” said defensive line coach Jon Osterhout.

Besides having a winning record, success in the postseason is the next goal for the team.

“A 6-6 record is an accomplishment for Sac State but not anywhere near we hope this program to be at. Get to the playoffs and get to a (Big Sky) conference championship,” said special teams coach Richard Sanchez. “Those things are within our sights. This recruiting class will help us get there.”