A brief peek at Spring 2009 walk-on players

A young man that comes to play college football on his own dime is truly a dedicated person. Often times that dedication is eventually rewarded with the coveted scholarship, but most of the time it's just the love of the game and his fellow teammates that keeps the fire burning. Inside Sparta takes a look at some of those dedicated players now vying for a spot during Spring Practices.

Inside Sparta Editor Mike Morgan mined the San Jose State Spring roster for the names of some of the walk-ons who could possibly make a difference, and gain a roster spot, during the Spartan Spring session.

Vince Bellotti

Vince is a 6-foot-2, 215-pound safety out of Los Gatos High School and Foothill Junior College in Los Altos. He was a First-Team All-CSS Defensive Back selection his senior year at Los Gatos, and a 2007 First-Team JC Athletic Bureau All-State Defensive Back at Foothill College. He had seven interceptions during that 2007 campaign, which tied him for the third best total in the state.

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Justin Woodlief

Justin is a 6-foot-3, 223-pound linebacker out of Soquel High School and Cabrillo College in Aptos. He was the Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League Defensive Player of the Year in 2005, and was a 2006 First-Team JCFootball.com All-Coast Conference selection at Cabrillo.

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Tyler Cope

Tyler is a 6-foot-1, 180-pound place-kicker out of Jesuit High School in Portland, Oregon. Cope broke the state record for PAT's made in a season, converting 83 of 86 attempts his senior year in 2006.

He began is college career at the University of Colorado where he was the kick-off specialist. In 58 kicks he averaged 56-yards per kick, with six touchbacks. Additionally, he recorded nine tackles - seven unassisted, so he's not afraid to mix it up. As a transfer he sat out the 2008 season but could see duty during San Jose State's 2009 campaign.

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Avelino Valencia

Avelion is an imposing at 6-foot-5, 260-pounds and will be vying for a spot at the tight end position. He's a graduate of Perris Union High School in Perris, Calif. He was named Second-Team All-Southern California Football Conference in 2008 while at Fullerton College, despite only playing in five games.

Keep an eye on these talented players throughout the Spring practice sessions and during Fall camp.