Position Breakdown 2011: Offensive Line

Returning Lettermen: Bryce Harris, Matt Hunt, Richard Helepiko, Leslie Cooper, Austin Wentworth, Trevor Richter, Max Devlin, Lars Bramer
Newcomers: Allen Brown, John Archuleta, Justin Northern, Bo Bonnheim
Lost: Andrew Jackson (Falcons), Kenny Wiggins (49ers), Joe Bernardi

Bryce Harris: Harris-ing Defenders
Sr, 6-6, 300
Tulare (Tulare Union HS)

Bryce Harris is the veteran leader of an offensive line undergoing a lot of change. Harris has started 26 straight games and enters his third year as the key cog at left tackle. And that cog is more key than ever this year, as Harris will now be protecting quarterback Derek Carr’s blind side. Last year’s quarterback, Ryan Colburn, was left-handed, so it’ll be an increase in responsibility for Harris, an All-WAC selection last season. That said, we at the Bounce thought Harris was a bit overrated last season, especially in pass protection, but he made strides during the offseason. In fall camp, Harris was a force, consistently dominating his matchups. He’s definitely turned up the dial, and the ‘Dogs need him to assume that leadership role.

Matt Hunt: Hunt for Starting Role is Complete
Jr, 6-2, 315
Carson (Carson HS)

Matt Hunt replaces big Devan Cunningham as the starting left guard. Hunt has had the ability to start since he arrived on campus, and can turn into a mauler-type guard if he keeps the motor revving at full speed. He’s potentially deadly pulling in the run game – much the style of former Bulldogs standout Cole Popovich. Hunt’s also one of the strongest players on the team, and started two games last season. He’s plenty seasoned enough to make for a smooth transition into a full-time starting job.

Richard Helepiko: Get Ready to See Hella Helepiko Snaps
Jr, 6-2, 300
Moreno Valley (Moreno Valley HS)

Richard Helepiko also started two games last season at center, in place of the injured Joey Bernardi. Helepiko was impressive, with few issues, and entered the offseason as the undoubted starter for 2011. Besides the two starts, he got plenty of game action rotating with Bernardi and was also able to learn from the veteran presence who is now a grad assistant at tennessee. Bernardi was like having a coach on the field and the hope is a lot of that rubbed off on his successor, Helepiko.

Leslie Cooper: Hangin' With Coop
Sr, 6-4, 320
Compton (Dominguez HS)

Leslie Cooper has put on quite a bit of size since arriving on campus five years ago, when he had the speed to play defensive line if he needed to. Cooper still has solid speed for his size, but is somewhat lacking in the stamina department. He was thrust into a starting role early last season when NFL draftee Andrew Jackson (Falcons) went down with injury. Cooper started six games at right guard and the team didn’t miss Jackson much. As a pulling guard, Cooper has a big impact in the running game. His happy-go-lucky nature (one of the team jokesters who wore turquoise socks with white stripes throughout fall camp) is the opposite of his gameday personality of delivering blocks with an attitude. The ‘Dogs need their linemen to quickly adopt that swagger and impose their will on opponents.

Austin Wentworth: Wentworth Well Worth His Scholarship
So, 6-5, 305
Rocklin (Whitney HS)

The most versatile of the starting linemen, Austin Wentworth started once last season at right guard but will play right tackle this year. He can be plugged in at either spot equally well, and is one of the unit’s biggest talents. The line’s improvement was immediately noticeable last season when he debuted – part of the reason he earned a start the following week. Though he’s the least experienced starter, fans should be as excited for Wentworth’s potential as anyone’s.

Cody Wichmann: Burning the Wich at Both Ends
R-Fr, 6-5, 310
Mariposa (Mariposa County HS)

It will be critical for the Bulldogs to keep the line healthy this season, but if anyone does go down, young Cody Wichmann is the sixth man, so to speak. The last guy Fresno State recruited from the Mariposa area turned out pretty good – Logan Mankins (a first-round pick of the Patriots and the highest paid guard in the NFL). Wichmann is just as much of a project as Mankins was, but already ballooned in size during his redshirt year. Listed at 310 pounds, Wichmann looks solid and muscular with broad shoulders and big arms (characteristics Pat Hill loves in his linemen). He made a special first impression in fall camp, but definitely still has room to develop. There were days he was beaten in drills by young defensive linemen. The encouraging thing is coaches immediately let Wichmann know about his mistakes and he corrected them on the spot. If he is forced into action, Wentworth will likely slide over to a guard spot.

Andrew Gustafson: And You Thought Arizona Made Good Iced Tea
R-Fr, 6-6, 285
Scottsdale, AZ (Chaparral HS)

Andrew Gustafson was part of the same recruiting class as Wichmann, and has also shown great potential. With Bryce Harris graduating after this year, Gustafson and Wichmann are the likely replacement candidates. Based on size, Wichmann ranks as the favorite right now, but Gustafson is right there with him in technique. He’s listed as the backup left tackle, and it would be wise of Pat Hill to find some playing time for the redshirt freshman as soon as possible to start seasoning him for when his number is called.

Trevor Richter: Registering on the Richter Scale
Jr, 6-4, 280
El Segundo (El Segundo HS)

Coaches weren’t happy with Trevor Richter’s level of progress coming into the year, and paid him special attention during fall camp. He was expected to be capable of starting by this point in his career, and while he’s not there yet, he did make strides in the offseason. Richter is listed as the second-string right guard and will have a big opportunity to step into a starting role next year when Leslie Cooper graduates. That said, he’ll need to be prepared right away in case the need comes this year.

Max Devlin: Max Effort Could Put Devlin In Position for Future
Jr, 6-3, 275
Windsor (Windsor HS)

As part of the same recruiting class as Trevor Richter, Max Devlin is slightly more game-ready, but still a bit of a mystery. The most fame Devlin has experienced to this point was having his jersey No. 68 used as the photo opp example the day of the team’s fashion show for its new Nike Pro Combat Elite uniforms. Devlin is another guy the Bulldogs need to get on the field for limited reps right away to have him seasoned in case he’s needed this year, or even for next season.

Lars Bramer: Lifelong 'Dog Fan Second on Depth Chart
So, 6-5, 280
Clovis (Buchanan HS)

Local product Lars Bramer is the backup center. He continues to add size little by little each year he’s been in the program, but the team still has way too many botched snaps in practice when Bramer is at center. He hasn’t gotten much opportunity to take reps with starting QB Derek Carr, being that Leslie Cooper and Matt Hunt can also slide to center if need be. Bramer’s growth throughout this season and in the offseason will be critical in deciding how big a role he’ll have the rest of his career.

Kameron Henderson: It's Kameron with a 'K'
R-So, 6-2, 285
Moreno Valley (Moreno Valley HS)

Walk-on Kameron Henderson put up a good fight for a backup guard spot, but didn’t quite win out. He’s a big body who can pave some ground, but will have to really steal the show with his reps in practice to ever jump to the top of the depth chart. He’s come a long way since last season, though, and will be a guy worth keeping tabs on.

John Archuleta: Looking to Next Year
Fr, 6-4, 270
Chandler, AZ (Hamilton HS)
Recognizing the lack of depth among the offensive line, Fresno State recruited a few prospects this season, but none who are ready to make an immediate impact. John Archuleta had the best chance to do so, but didn’t make the two-deep. Size-wise, he’s the most prepared for this level of play, and looked the best in fall camp.

Allen Brown: What Can Allen Do for You?
Fr, 6-4, 265
San Dimas (San Dimas HS)

Allen Brown didn’t look far behind John Archuleta. Though he’ll have to really
work on adding size in the offseason, he showed a frame that looks like it can handle putting on a lot of weight. Brown was impressive at times early in fall camp, but can’t be considered an up and comer until he gets bigger.

Justin Northern: Northern Settles in Central Valley
Fr, 6-4, 270
Lakewood (Mayfair HS)

The same holds true for Justin Norther, who was also recruited by oregon. Northern looked significantly smaller than the guys he’s competing with on the line and will need to put on weight and muscle for next year. He is definitely skilled and should be considered a prospect a year or two down the road.


Bo Bonnheim: Bo Knows Walking On
Fr, 6-2, 260
Paso Robles (Paso Robles HS)

Walk-on Bo Bonnheim is in the same boat, needing to add size. He had some ball security issues in his limited reps during camp, but the Bulldogs won’t rush his development. If he turns into a contributor two or three years from now, his career will be a success.

Position Rating:

Position Breakdown 2010: Offensive Line

Returning: Andrew Jackson, Kenny Wiggins, Joey Bernardi, Devan Cunningham, Bryce Harris, Leslie Cooper, Matt Hunt, Richard Helepiko, Marcel Jensen, Austin Wentworth, Max Devlin, Trevor Richter, Lars Bramer

Newcomers: Andrew Gustafson, Cody Wichmann, Cameron Henderson (walk-on)

Lost: Richard Pacheco

Bryce Harris

LT, Jr, 6'6", 300

Tulare (Tulare Union HS)

Left tackle Bryce Harris, with a full year of starting under his knee braces, is Fresno State's least experienced starter on the offensive line. He's a big, strong, athletic player who will go from protecting lefty Ryan Colburn's front side this season, to protecting Derek Carr's blindside next season. Harris is expected to be an All-WAC caliber player as soon as this season.

DaCo on Harris: Harris is long and lengthy, with a build more suited for pass blocking. Even though he is a very capable run blocker, he is still learning to maximize his leverage. All in all, Harris is a very good tackle on an offensive line without an weaknesses.

FSDogs1 on Harris: Bryce Harris' development is of utmost importance for the Bulldogs, as he could be the only returning starter next season, when the team breaks in a new quarterback and possibly enters a new conference.

Devan Cunningham

LG, Sr, 6'6", 360

Rancho Cordova (Grant Union HS)

Devan Cunningham entered the program as one of the most heralded offensive line recruits in school history. He didn't exactly set the world on fire from the get-go, but he turned into a constant, dependable contributer last season. No one will ever successfully bull rush him (he's too dang big), but trimming down and adding some speed would work wonders for his overall game. That hasn't happened. Still, he'll be one of the WAC's top guards.

DaCo on Cunningham: The Kamala look-a-like is one person who does know how to use leverage. Cunningham is a run blocker extraordinaire, largely because he is so difficult to move at his size.

FSDogs1 on Cunningham: He'll never top the fluke winning TD catch at Illinois last season that got him highlights galore on ESPN, but I'm sure getting a few more wins this year will make up for it.

Joey Bernardi

C, Sr, 6'2", 285

Flagstaff, AZ (Flagstaff HS)

With 29 career starts, a father who's a longtime successful FBS assitant coach, a passion for Fresno State and an outspoken and loyal personality -- Joey Bernardi is the unquestioned leader of this unit and possibly the entire team. And he's made his voice more heard than ever (imagine that) this fall camp, making sure the younger players understand how to practice from Day 1. Bernardi is a likely All-WAC center, and has been the only snapper out of the shotgun to show consistency all camp.

DaCo on Bernardi: It's a shame the casual fan really doesn't know more about Bernardi. His leadership, energy and embracing of all things Bulldog Football are magnetic. He's played through surgery after surgery, and still is a top flight center. Hopefully every returning offensive lineman gobbles up as much of what he has to offer before senior day arrives.

FSDogs1 on Bernardi: Another of those "Mr. Bulldog" type of players that fans love to have, Bernardi will be sorely missed next season.

Andrew Jackson

RG, Sr, 6'5", 295

Grass Valley (Nevada Union HS)

Hands down the best offensive lineman in the WAC, Andrew Jackson enters his season year with an offseason of NFL Combine and draft to follow. But, first things first, while breaking in new starting running backs, Fresno State needs Jackson to be flatout dominant. During former Bulldog Logan Mankins' senior year (2004) the team ran right behind him play after play in an MPC Computers Bowl win over No. 17 Virginia. That type of confidence in a lineman would go a long way this season, but it's yet to be seen if Jackson truly can be THAT good. Jackson has loads of experience with more than 30 career starts.

DaCo on Jackson: Jackson is not in the mold of your normal guard. Just look at his left guard linemate Cunningham. Jackson has a lean midsection, monster legs and his overall size is a tribute to his commitment to football and the weight room. He's a dominant lineman no doubt, but even he has the potential to raise his game to a new level this season and beyond.

FSDogs1 on Jackson: The man built like Frankenstein (think giant, in-shape rectangle of a man) has turned into one of the best linemen this decade for the university. Enjoy seeing him one final season...

Kenny Wiggins

RT, Sr, 6'7", 315

Elk Grove (Elk Grove HS)

Like Andrew Jackson, Kenny Wiggins is a returning All-WAC player (noticing a common theme among this talented starting line?). For being the tallest of all the 'Dogs, it's a bit surprising he might have the quickest feet of all the linemen, but it's true. And it's a huge plus, being that he's responsible for protecting Ryan Colburn's blind side. He has the Bulldog mentality at the position, similar to former 'Dogs Joe Schey and Bobby Lepori (who both loved putting in that one extra hit during the whistle).

DaCo on Wiggins: A mountain of a man that not only can dunk a basketball (he is tall afterall), but dunk it like an athlete with 360s and such. Wiggins is also another Bernardi-type guy in the element of outgoing personality. Another guy with a professional future as well.

FSDogs1 on Wiggins: Big Wigs is poised for his best season yet, in his second as the starter.

Matt Hunt

So, 6'2", 315

Carson (Carson HS)

Matt Hunt is the perfect insurance policy -- good enough to where he should be a starter, but young enough to where he can be a great back up for one more year before stepping in next season. Hunt was a late signee two years ago after passing up an offer from USC. He's a boulder of a player, who just doesn't get pushed around. If any guard suffers an unfortunate injury, Hunt can step right in.

DaCo on Hunt: Hunt is a strong, rock solid guy who is extremely tough to move. His center of gravity and balance have been very evident this camp, and he is easily of starter quality right now. He'll fit into the line seamlessly at any point, whether he fills in this year or beyond.

FSDogs1 on Hunt: Bulldogs fans know one thing for sure -- they can be confident in at least one of the reserves stepping in to start next season. In fact, Hunt might be better than some of the outgoing seniors.

Leslie Cooper

Jr, 6'4", 305

Compton (Dominguez HS)

Like Matt Hunt, Leslie Cooper has the ability to step right in without the Bulldogs' offense skipping a beat. As the surprise player in the unit last season, making strides of progress in camp, Cooper stepped in and started two games in place of an injured Andrew Jackson. And the running game continued to dominate, a sign he's more than competent. Cooper has also worked on snapping a little bit, meaning he may step in at center if need be this season or next.

DaCo on Cooper: Cooper has gotten more comfortable in the offense within the last year and a half. Although he has game experience, Cooper wasn't necessarily fully ready to play at the same level as Bulldogs fans are used to from there starting offensive linemen. His development by the time the 2011 season arrives is important.

FSDogs1 on Cooper: It's always a good thing to have position flexibility with your top reserves, and that's what Cooper offers. He's put on some weight since he first arrived on campus, but remains one of the fastest linemen (I still can't get over that high school film where he outran his running back as the lead blocker downfield).

Richard Helepiko

So, 6'2", 300

Moreno Valley (Moreno Valley HS)

Last season, Richard Helepiko was one of the big improvement stories and really started to show progress in his development. It was enough to put him on the depth chart at center. But he seemed to regress this fall camp, consistently making bad snaps in the shotgun formation. He'll now likely have to compete to win the starting job next year.

DaCo on Helepiko: The shotgun formation is not going anywhere in this offense, so Helepiko needs to get himself right in that area. He's a good lineman, but he also still needs to make that stride and find his comfort level in the offense, because he'll be asked to step up next year.

FSDogs1 on Helepiko: The backup outlook at center is one of the biggest concerns on offense. Even when the quarterback is under center, there have been a few mishaps, but the shotgun problems are big right now.

Austin Wentworth

R-Fr, 6'5", 305

Rocklin (Whitney HS)

Offensive line experience will be a big concern for the Bulldogs next season, and with Austin Wentworth on pace to earn the starting right tackle job once Kenny Wiggins graduates, it'll be key to get him some live game reps this year, at least on special teams. He's got great size and natural ability and stands out amongst the younger guys in technique drills.

Marcel Jensen

R-Fr, 6'6", 255

Fairfield (Rodriguez HS)

After years of battling back to recover from a gruesome leg injury, Marcel Jensen was listed second on the depth chart at left tackle in spring. He's still working out in that spot and is a massive presence at the position, but a lighter, quicker version of linemen compared to what the team will start this year. The converted defensive lineman seems to be on a quick learning curve at his new position.

Max Devlin

So, 6'5", 275

Windsor (Windsor HS)

Max Devlin is one of the more mysterious hogs on the offensive line. Now in his third year in the program, Devlin has steadily progressed, yet hasn't received the amount of time with the advanced units (to this point at least) that would lead you to think coaches feel he is capable of being a consistent in-game contributor. That being said, Devlin is far from a weak link and adds the usual depth to a 'Dogs o-line, while still possessing the potential, given his youth, to develop into something more.

Trevor Richter

So, 6'4", 280

El Segundo (El Segundo HS)

After two years in the program as an offensive tackle, Trevor Richter is now getting reps as an offensive guard. In that role, Richter has already proven his ability on both sides of the line, receiving second team reps at both LG and RG in camp. He is powerful in size and performance, with much more room to grow and develop. It's not out of the question that he could blossom at this position and push for a job this time next year.

Lars Bramer

R-Fr, 6'5", 260

Clovis (Buchanan HS)

Considering his lack of size (at least on the scale), Bramer is showing progression as a center -- just not as much as hoped. The good news is he obviously is still very young in the program, especially as a center and anchor of a line that requires a ton of responsibility. Bramer will need to try and bulk hard over the next year, which will help his chances of competing for the vacant center spot in 2011. Considering he can already go toe-to-toe with guys bigger and stronger than he is, that extra size might be the launching pad he needs.

Andrew Gustafson

Fr, 6'6", 265

Scottsdale, AZ (Chaparral HS)

Andrew Gustafson caught our attention early on -- in voluntary summer workouts. The youngster was very receptive to his teammates' teaching, and in turn, they were plenty eager to help him get his foot in the door. In one of the final summer workouts, Gustafson went head-to-head with senior DE Chris Carter on back-to-back plays, and stopped the all-WAC first-teamer cold in his tracks, earning rowdy approval from his linemates. Although Gustafson had some beginner's luck with Carter, he still has the ideal body type for a tackle, and has shown a surprising mean streak in camp.

Cody Wichmann

Fr, 6'5", 290

Mariposa (Mariposa County HS)

Physically, Cody Wichmann is one of those guys who, as a true freshman, will make you do the Sgt. Slaughter face plus head nod in approval of his advanced appearance. Wichmann automatically has a physical advantage most newcomers don't have, but he will still have to be a sponge for offensive line coach Derek Frazier. Wichmann did nothing to bring concern about the his performance in his first camp, but didn't standout either. He's currently logging time as a right tackle, where he has a chance to make a terrific bookend with a any number of other Fresno State tackles in the future.

Cameron Henderson

Fr, 6'2", 285

Moreno Valley (Moreno Valley HS)

As a walk-on, Cameron Henderson, as you might expect, has had the most difficult time adjusting to the Divison I level. That story has been written plenty of times, though, with several past walk-on lineman getting the chance to prove themselves in a limited amount of time before coaches decide whether they can make the cut as a 'Dogs lineman. Henderson possesses the size necessary for a guard, but doesn't have the conditioning that he'll need quite yet. Only time will tell if Henderson can be an asset for the Bulldogs in the future, but he'll have plenty of hurdles to climb.

Saturday Night Wise

You know how sometimes you just get to thinking about Fresno State, and a plethora of ideas hit you all at once? Well, for me, that's right now.

Read this story from the Visalia Times-Delta. Bryce Harris may very well earn the starting left tackle job this year (although it was interesting Devan Cunningham got work there on Friday). That's not my issue with this story though. The issue is at the very end of the write-up, where the 'Dogs are predicted to go 5-7 in 2009. Maybe...but I'd just like to know what research this writer did to be able to say expect most preseason publications to predict the 'Dogs to finish 1-3 in non-conference and 4-4 in the WAC?

Derek Benny is going to be good. At this point in his career, the freshman pitcher is ahead of recent 'Dogs Tanner Scheppers, Doug Fister and Matt Garza in his development. All he did today was throw a complete-game, two-hit shutout in a 10-0 win over Lipscomb while facing the minimum 27 batters -- the first time that's happened at Fresno State since 1967.

Tommy Mendonca is surely going to break the school's all-time home run record. The most fascinating question now is whether he can top Lance Shebulut's single-season mark of 32 homers? With 10 jacks in 22 games, Mendonca is sure on pace to give it a run.

Today's doubleheader sweep by the Diamond 'Dogs has them two games over .500 at 12-10. But yesterday, sitting at 10-10, the annual Mike Batesole regular-season frustration set in. Why do Batesole's teams always get off to less-than-impressive starts?

And a predition of my own -- Ebahn Feathers will not start at QB. Feathers' lack of throwing ability in spring camp is quickly knocking him out of contention, especially when Derek Carr and Matt Faulkner are looking so good. Not that Faulkner will win it either, but Carr's just too talented to ignore right now and will likely battle Ryan Colburn for the nod. Count on this though, Feathers will have packages that allow him to contribute every game.

Looking ahead to '09 'Dogs offense

Let's talk about what to expect from the young up-and-comers in the program who saw little to no playing time this past season but will figure in to the 2009 campaign...

QB: Ebahn Feathers redshirted this season but is already a fan favorite because his speed is so unique to the position it makes fans gawk. Problem is, he came in as a raw thrower with a ton of refining to do. But he's also the type of youngster who is coachable, modest and willing to work at it. Will it be good enough to beat out the elder statesman Ryan Colburn and an even newer young stud, Derek Carr?

RB: A.J. Ellis and Michael Harris both redshirted. Ellis might have been able to help out in 2008, but came out of high school super skinny and would have been knocked around a little at the running back position. But Rashad Evans was much undersized and did a fine job as a true freshman at receiver. While Harris might be more likely to develop into a "featured back" so to speak, Ellis has the potential to develop into a multi-threat lining up in the backfield, the slot and as a return man.

WR: Jamel Hamler was the offensive scout player of the year after academic issues caused him to redshirt this season after playing as a true freshman in '07. Though many don't realize it yet, Hamler has the ability to be the best wideout on the team, and is set to make the type of impact next season that Seyi Ajirotutu did this season. Matt Lindsey, with his height, hands and ability to go up and get the ball in traffic, will be plenty capable too, but this unit might just be too deep and talented for Lindsey to get on the field much before 2010.

TE: We saw what Ryan Skidmore is capable of late this year, and he'll be the main receiving threat, along with Issac Kinter, next year. But more unknown are Tapa Taumopeau and David Gory. Taumopeau started on special teams as a true freshman before an injury led to him redshirting. When Gory steps on the field, many fans will think Bear Pascoe is back until they notice he's wearing No. 88 instead of 85. Gory has a very similar body type and came in listed at 6-4, 235 pounds but looks to be more like 250 now.

OL: There will definitely be an adjustment period here with 2-3 new starters, but it might be a short one considering big talents like Kenny Wiggins and Bryce Harris have been around a while. Wiggins has had the best size and footwork of the unit for two years now and will finally get his shot to start with Kenny Avon and Bobby Lepori gone. And Harris is an athlete who adapted quickly to the switch from defensive to offensive line. The guard spot will be more interesting with Charley Robbins, Devan Cunningham and Richard Pacheco all vying. Pacheco is a senior spot starter, Cunningham could dominate if he dedicated himself to getting in better football shape and Robbins practices and plays well enough to deserve the job. But watch out, highly-touted prospect Douglas Spacht, who redshirted this year and is a true center, has looked good enough to make a run at a starting spot at guard if others don't step it up.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Returning players: 10
Incoming: 6
Lost: 4 (Tyler Clutts, Jason Shirley, Charles Tolbert, Jason Roberts)

This unit is a tough one to predict. It’s possibly the deepest defensive line in Pat Hill’s tenure, but most of the depth comes from guys who have little to no college experience. The one guy who has plenty is senior tackle Jon Monga (6-2, 280). While a bit lean for his position, Monga is a tenacious player who has quietly developed into one of the WAC’s most feared pass rushers while playing in somewhat of a shadow cast by former teammates Tyler Clutts (Canadian Football League) and Jason Shirley (Cincinnati Bengals). But 2007 marked a breakout year for Monga, who finished second on the team with 6.5 sacks and 11 tackles for losses. Monga has 11.5 career sacks. Coming off his first year as a starter, the man with light poles for arms added another key element to his game – becoming a vocal leader. Monga has taken charge of this group, shouting instructions and giving hands-on examples during drills for the younger players. He’s definitely got respect from his teammates. For the defense to be strong this season, Fresno State will need Monga to step his game to another level and become a guy defense game plan against.

That’s something the team has had for at least seven straight seasons now, but is somewhat in question this year. After Monga, at least six other linemen are plug-and-play, meaning they’ll be mixed and matched based on personnel groupings and stamina. Senior end Ikenna Ike (6-2, 255) is the next most experienced linemen. The former walk-on has made major strides in the weight room since starting sporadically over the past two seasons. And injury last year cost him about half the season. Ike is another player who’s earned teammates’ respect and taken on a leadership role in fall camp. He’s shown a knack for harassing the quarterback since he first stepped on the gridiron. In 6 games last year, Ike recorded 21 tackles, 1.5 for losses and a sack.

Junior end Wilson Ramos (6-4, 270) has made eye-opening improvements since his freshman year when he was constantly facing the wrath of coaches in practice. They must have seen the potential, as Ramos got his first starting experience last season, finishing with 27 tackles, 7 for losses and 3 sacks. Ramos strength is his versatility – he can play end or tackle.

An interesting battle is ongoing at the other starting tackle spot between sophomores Cornell Banks (6-3, 300) and Mark Roberts (6-2, 300). Banks added about 35 pounds from the start of 2007, while Roberts looks to have lost at least 20. Banks, a local Edison High product, got significant playing time last season with 23 tackles (3.5 for losses) and the added size should help him become the run stuffer up the middle coaches are hoping for. But, as the preseason favorite for the job, he’s facing a heck of a fight from Roberts, who’s new shape has allowed him to make huge strides in quickness, agility and endurance. The improved speed he demonstrates going through drills is jaw-dropping compared to his redshirt year. Roberts played in 9 games and had 7 tackles, 1 for loss and a sack as a redshirt freshman.

Not far behind those two is redshirt freshman Bryce Harris (6-6, 280), who fans should be drooling to see. Harris is large, to put it simply. The former Tulare High basketball standout is an athlete and added Division I strength during his redshirt year. He just might be a darkhorse who surprises some people this year.

At the same time, either of the second-string ends just might jump into impact roles at any time. Senior Michael Stuart (6-2, 250) looks to be listed 10-20 pounds under his actual weight. He had a strong offseason in the weight room, yet the converted tight end kept most of his speed. Stuart originally signed with USC as a tight end out of high school, before transferring to junior college and then Fresno State. Now that he’s settled in on the defensive side of the ball, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him break through.

But a guy with even more potential might be sophomore Chris Lewis (6-3, 260), formerly of Clovis West. Lewis hasn’t yet seen any playing time after serving a season-long suspension last season. The former state No. 1-ranked heavyweight wrestler in high school, Lewis originally signed to play football under his father’s childhood friend Randy Shannon at Miami, but decided Fresno State was where he wanted to be before his freshman season started. Lewis was a very highly rated recruit, and will be fascinating to keep an eye on with his physical prowess and bodybuilder’s physique. He’s had a strong fall, specifically in the passing game where he’s stood out as a guy who can drop into coverage and show off his jumping ability to bat down passes.

A big blow to the Bulldogs during spring was an injury to possible starting end sophomore Kenny Borg (6-3, 245), who is likely out for the season. Sophomore Taylor Smith (6-3, 250) has battled a recurring injury since his final year at Buchanan High (Clovis). His speed makes him a very interesting prospect if he can stay healthy. Smith has been a diehard, lifelong Fresno State fan.

Then there’s the wave of youth. Never before under Hill have the Bulldogs brought in such a large crop of newcomers who are all physically ready to play. Each of the four has seen time with the veterans in camp, and at least one or two is likely to play right away. Logan Harrell (6-2, 275) might be the best candidate based on the fact he can play tackle or end. Harrell has shown well in camp, and been tough against the run. The same holds true for tackle Anthony Williams (6-2, 280) of Humble, Texas. Williams is already one of the most physically imposing guys of the group, and should figure in large in the team’s future plans.

Tackle Chase McEntee (6-2, 265) of Galena Park, Texas was the first true freshman to get called in for practice with the veterans, and didn’t disappoint. McEntee is an enthusiastic youngster who’s catching on quicker than some predicted. Most knew end Matt Akers (6-3, 240) of Liberty High (Bakersfield) would be one to watch. Coaches have taken an interest in Akers in practice, as he’s working out some technique fundamentals.

The Bulldogs also got a huge boost when their biggest defensive line recruit of last year, Porter Hill (6-4, 275), was cleared to practice. Hill’s status was in limbo after a transcript mix up kept him off the practice field all of last season. Though large and muscular in stature, Hill spent the early weeks of camp in need of conditioning. He’s the type of guy who could end up being a future star.

The same holds true for redshirt freshman end Kyle Bell (6-4, 260), a former Mt. Whitney High (Visalia) standout who transferred from Oregon State. Bell is known for tremendous speed, and has already been a standout in practice, but must sit out this year because of NCAA transfer rules.

The only two disappointments in this unit were the two no-shows to fall camp. Tackle James Robinson (6-4, 315) and end Marcel Jensen (6-6, 230) were unable to report to camp.

Rating: 7 of 10