Five Aztecs Sporting Mohawks

SAN DIEGO — San Diego State is still wearing red and black football uniforms this year, but some Aztecs are sporting a new look.

Five players appeared for team photo day Friday displaying Mohawk haircuts--offensive guards Doug Aronson and Mark Tegio, center Art Aronson and defensive linemen Mike Hooper and Levi Esene.

A sixth player, linebacker Richard Brown, was going to get a Mohawk after the team picture was taken.

“This might be my last picture in a uniform for my mom,” Brown said. “I want to take it looking like a clean-cut boy with hair.”

Four of the players wore Mohawks two years ago--Doug Aronson, Brown, Esene and Tegio.

“We’re not here to look cute or anything,” Esene said. “It’s like a motivational tool for us. It keeps our mind set on one thing--playing football.”

Aztec Notes Chris Hardy has the best per-carry average of any returning NCAA running back. Hardy averaged 7.3 yards per rush last season, carrying 158 times for 1,150 yards and 7 touchdowns. . . . Todd Santos has passed for 4,940 yards through his sophomore season, the fourth highest all-time total for an NCAA quarterback after two seasons.