Nicholas Kaspar is a two-year starter for the San Jose State University football team. The Dana Point, Calif., resident came to the Spartans as part of Mike MacIntyre's first recruiting class in 2010 and made his first major college start at right guard against #11-ranked Wisconsin on national television.

Q: After two years, you can be called a grizzled veteran. Time goes by fast, doesn't it?

Kaspar: "Time has flown by. It's already been two seasons. It's a lot nicer to know now what is going on the field and be able to step up and lead a little bit."

Q: You came in with a freshman class that has played a lot of football. What have you seen in terms of growth from the 2010 recruiting class?

Kaspar: "Everyone in the class has grown together. We've made each other better. We have a close bond and we help out each other as a group on and off the football field."

Q: What is you take on the preseason recognition you received from the college football publications this summer.

Kaspar: "It was nice to be recognized, but it's just the preseason. It gave me something to work for and work to."

Q: You and (left tackle) David Quessenberry are the perceived anchors of the offensive line. What do you have to do as a group to help the offense click?

Kaspar: "Q and I kind of hold down the sides, but Reuben Hasani is the center and he runs the show. We listen to what Reuben says. He's really smart on the football field. We just need to communicate. We have guys who have played a lot of football. We need to communicate on the field and work as one."

Q: Are you getting any practice time at center or are you strictly a guard?

Kaspar: "I am taking reps at center and at guard. During the season, I think I'll be mostly at guard, because Reuben is at center. If anything were to happen, I could step in and play center."

Q: You've been successful academically as a two-time Academic All-WAC honoree. What are some of your keys to academic success?

Kaspar: "Time management helps me the most. I set up different times. This is football time and then, okay, I need to focus on the classroom for this. And, then, this is time for myself. That's the biggest thing - setting time aside to work on every aspect of life."

Preseason practice continues, Sunday, August 5, starting at 2:30 p.m. The August 6 practice begins at 3:15 p.m.

Tickets for San Jose State home football games are available by calling (408) 924-SJTX or online by clicking here.