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| | Monday, September 6 | |||||
| 1998 Record: 5-6 (5-3) | 1998 statistics | 1999 schedule Head coach: Pat Hill Returning starters: 14 (offense 6, defense 7) Outlook The third season under head coach Pat Hill shapes up as the most promising in his short tenure. It's the next building block in the championship structure that he promised to bring to the Bulldogs. This season gives him his best opportunity since taking over for the legendary Jim Sweeney to trade that talk in for a title. Fans in the valley want to see excitement -- that's why they brought Jerry Tarkanian in to coach the basketball team. The Bulldogs might not be athletic enough to make that happen just yet, but the revamped WAC is ripe for the picking and Fresno State has enough personnel to make a run at it. OffenseQuarterback Billy Volek is not just the most important player on the offense, he's a key leader on a unit overflowing with youth. Volek is not a game-breaker, but a dependable player who has thrown 27 touchdowns and just nine interceptions over the past two seasons. Last year he ranked fifth in the league in total offense, averaging 177.7 yards per game. His primary target will be sophomore Charles Smith, who returns after catching 42 passes for 621 yards and three TDs. Smith is not big (5-9, 175) but his leaping ability and speed make him particularly dangerous in the open field. Rodney Wright will line up at flanker. Last year he was hampered by injuries and caught just six passe, but two were for touchdowns. Sophomore Atnaf Harris has potential, but little experience. Vince Branstetter will get his first chance to start at tight end. The challenge of replacing the WAC Pacific Division offensive player of the year falls upon the shoulders of sophomore Paris Gaines. Last year he played primarily on special teams but demonstrated the speed and elusiveness that should make him a backfield threat. Senior walk-on Jeromy Blackwell (5-11, 220) is a true goal-line threat but look for Akka-Ar Moses to be the every- down fullback. The line is the primary source of concern, as only left guard Rob Gatrell returns with extensive starting experience. Gattrell started all 11 games last year and has more starts than all the other lineman combined. The unit's other standout will be right guard Ahmad Bhatti. He started two games a year ago as a fill-in. Identifying some players at tackle will be important. It's a good sign if: Gaines proves to be as durable as he is quick.It's a bad sign if: A backup for Volek is not found. Defense Hill is a believer that offense sells tickets, but defense wins games. This is a season that will put that philosophy to the test. But with players like linebackers Tim Skipper and Justin Johnson, he can feel confident. They combined for 158 tackles last year and Johnson was second on the team with four sacks. Skipper is just 5-foot-7, 200 pounds, but earned all-WAC recognition a year ago with his speed and rock-solid technique. Last year he led the team with 108 tackles. Johnson moves to linebacker from defensive end. Last year he was named WAC defensive player of the week after blocking a punt and returning an interception for a touchdown against Texas Tech. The third linebacker in the 4-3 alignment is likely to be Tyrell Grayson, who played in a reserve role last year, although 6-foot 5-inch freshman Sam Williams has been impressive in camp. Despite the loss of Johnson to a position switch and all-WAC selection Jerry Lemon to graduation, the line is one of the best in the conference. Senior end Frank Battle brings experience to the unit. Alan Harper will play one tackle and 280-pound junior Thabiti Lockhart will step in at nose guard. Battle came into camp a robust 6-5, 270. Last year he started the first six games but was unable to hold down the No. 1 spot all year. He finished with just two sacks. A secondary led by Payton Williams should also be strong. Payton started 10 games last season at cornerback and will be back to handle coverage duties. Dante Marsh or Vernon Fox could emerge opposite him. Marsh was fifth on the team in tackles last year and is a big hitter. Anthony Limbrick will get a chance to start at free safety after playing in nine games a year ago. It's a good sign if: An undersized group of linebackers can hold its ground while defending against the run.It's a bad sign if: A pass-rush specialist is not found. Special Teams Joe Comfort will step in at punter for his first season as a starter while Jeff Hanna is back to kick in his senior season. Last year he kicked five field goals of 40 yards or more, with a season-best 47-yarder against Texas Tech. -- John Crowley |
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