5 Questions: Aztecs TE Mark Redman talks toughness, Mexican food — and his secret skill

BY KIRK KENNEY
JULY 31, 2023 5 PM PT
SDSU head coach Brady Hoke and new offensive coordinator Ryan Lindley both have said over and over that the Aztecs’ offense will be modeled after Utah’s, which prominently features the tight end.
The Utes feature their tight ends to such a degree that the past two seasons nearly 40 percent of the team’s receptions were by tight ends.
At Monday’s practice, SDSU tight ends coach Savai’i Eselu could be heard during one drill imploring his group to run tighter inside routes and finish after the catch.
Tight end Mark Redman, a 6-foot-6, 255-pound senior from nearby Newport Beach, is the best of the bunch.
Redman (21 catches, 233 yards, 2 TDs) is SDSU’s second-leading returning in the pass-catching department, behind only wide receiver Mekhi Shaw (29 catches, 349 yards, 3 TDs).
It’s no secret Redman is expected to be targeted by SDSU quarterback Jalen Mayden much more regularly this year — Mountain West media made him the pick at tight end on the 2023 all-MW preseason team.
San Diego State tight end Mark Redman (21 catches, 233 yards 2 TDs) is SDSU's second-leading returning receiver.
San Diego State tight end Mark Redman (21 catches, 233 yards 2 TDs) is SDSU’s second-leading returning receiver. (Meg McLaughlin/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Here are five questions with Redman as the Aztecs continue training camp:
Union-Tribune: What did you learn from your first season last year as a full-time starter?
Redman: “The whole attitude part of it, and toughness. You’ve got to be a tough guy on the field and you really can’t care for anyone else and what they have to say for you.
“A huge thing for me last year was contested catches. I really want to get better and work on that. ...
“That’s the one thing that stood out to me last year. I’ve talked to Coach Savai’i and Coach Lindley about that. Really it’s just winning those 50/50 balls where they’re all over you because (with a) big body you can throw it out there. Me and Jalen have been working on some things like that as well, but just got to be able to complete those contested catches.
U-T: Would it help if perhaps you spoke to some of the SDSU basketball players and get advice on how to block out for rebounds?
Redman: “Actually, I’m good buddies with Nate Mensah and Matt Bradley. Matt is my neighbor. I might have to talk to them about that. ... Trying to work small little details like that at practice and in the offseason. That’s what we’re trying to work on the most.”
U-T: There’s a growing debate of Orange County burritos and tacos vs. San Diego. What’s your take?
Redman: “I’ve got a place in Orange County called Chronic Tacos. If you’re ever in the Orange County area, Southern California area, that is the bomb. I’ve hit some places down in San Diego. There’s one in Ocean Beach called Mike’s Taco Club. If you’re ever down there, highly recommend. But it doesn’t matter where you are in SoCal, you’re going to get something good.”
U-T: You’re a communications major, but could you see yourself following another career path?
Redman: “I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do, but my older brother is a pilot right now, and I just got my pilot’s license two months ago. So that’s something I want to pursue in the future once football is done. It’s something I really love doing.
“I’ve flown about 105-110 hours. It’s kind of a funny story here as well. Coach (Ed) Savai’i, when I first got here to San Diego State, he said, ‘No way. I started doing that when I was 15.’ I didn’t believe him, then he started talking about some of the terminology and stuff and just a couple days ago he sent me a picture of when he was 15 in a plane flying around. So now I believe him.
“I’ve (soloed from Orange County) to San Diego. About 100 miles to the north. I’ve been up and down the coast. It’s awesome.”
U-T: So if the pilot ever gets sick on your team charter, are you prepared to take over at the controls?
Redman: “Everyone is always talking about that. I’ll do my best.”