Fresno State is counting on Al’zillion Hamilton to lead the Bulldogs’ defense on the gridiron in the 2025 season.

“AZ does all the little things right,” said defensive coordinator Nick Benedetto. “We’re going to lean on him. And he’s obviously a huge part of what we do.”

Hamilton, a fifth-year defensive back from Hayward, is the veteran of the defensive squad. He played in 42 games, learning from former teammates like Cam Lockridge.

“It’s my time to take over and be the CB1 for my guys and lead my group,” Hamilton said.

Hamilton sees his role as leader, motivating the defensive backs.

“I already knew once (I reached) my senior year, I had to just be that guy. So I’ve just been stepping up in every way possible — like off the field, talking to my guys, trying to help them on the field, trying to help them any way possible,” Hamilton said.

His goals this season: win the Jim Thorpe Award, earn first-team Mountain West, and make seven interceptions and 26 pass breakups.

“I know I can be around that ball and make more plays,” Hamilton said.

On Thorpe Watch List

Hamilton intercepted two passes last year, behind Lockridge’s team-leading five. He also made 52 tackles, and ranked 10th in the FBS in passes defended.

He is on the preseason watch list for the Jim Thorpe Award, given to the nation’s top defensive back.

Hamilton was named to several All-Mountain West preseason teams.

Key to the Defense

The Bulldogs ranked fifth among 12 Mountain West schools in 2024 for passing yards allowed, at 216.2 per game.

Benedetto said Hamilton will be key in the team’s play calling.

“Obviously, if you’re a corner and you can take away half the field, which he has the ability to do, that’s going open up a lot of other things that other guys can do, in terms of a scheme and calls. He brings a huge component to the defense,” Benedetto said.

His Unique Name

There is a theme with the names of the four children of Alfonso and Ukisha Hamilton — all start with “Al.” His siblings are Alfonso Jr., Alonso, and Alleesha.

Where did Al’zillion come from?

“He was a kid from Oakland. His name was Zillion and there was a little article about him that inspired my dad to change his life for me and everything, and my sister and everything. So he gave me that name, just inspiring his life,” Hamilton said.

Zillion Cash was an Oakland young adult who was shot and killed on the streets in 2002.