Fresno State of Affairs: Running Backs

It's never too soon to look ahead to next year -- especially when us Bulldog Bouncers are always thinking years in advance when it comes to Fresno State football. So we'll examine each position, whether fans can expect an improvement or a drop off next year and touch on the up and comers. As always, we encourage your opinions as well.

Key Losses: Ryan Mathews, Lonyae Miller, Anthony Hardng, Jamaal Rashad

Fresno State of Affairs 2010: Large drop off

Not to say there will be a lack of talent in the 2010 Fresno State backfield -- that's almost never the case with the Bulldogs running attack -- but any time a team loses a player of Ryan Mathews, there's going to be a drop off. Mathews declared a year early for the NFL Draft after rushing for a school single-season record 1,808 yards (6.6 per carry) and 19 touchdowns (nation-best 150.7 yards per game). Couple that with the departure of Lonyae Miller and Anthony Harding and the Bulldogs lose 6,766 career yards and 70 touchdowns.

The most experienced back attempting to replace that prolific trio will be sophomore Robbie Rouse (5-7, 185), a strong, quick, elusive back who used his lack of height as a leverage advantage on his way to 479 yards and 4 touchdowns as a true freshman (5.8 yards per carry). Though he's by far the most seasoned returnee, some still question whether Rouse can carry the workload, or if he's better suited to be a change-of-pace guy. Rouse will be pushed for starting duties by sophomores Mike Harris (5-11, 200) and A.J. Ellis (5-11, 180).

Harris is likely to give the biggest push, as he fits the featured back mold more than the slimmer, shifty Ellis, who was recruited two years ago with thoughts of replacing Clifton Smith (Buccaneers). Both redshirted their first year in the program, but Harris shined in last year's Spring Game, breaking off the day's biggest run. Harris had 12 carries for 26 yards this season, while Ellis had 2 carries for 7 yards. Both are sure to see a big increase in workload this year. Harris appeared to have jumped past Ellis on the depth chart this past fall, but Ellis will get plenty of chances to prove himself.

If you're looking for excuses to go out to spring practice and fall camp in the coming months, watching the competition between those three will be fascinating. During the fall, look out for two incoming freshmen who have already given verbal commitments to join the Bulldogs next year, in Leslie Rogers (6-1, 180) out of Point Loma Senior High-San Diego (video) and Emery Schexnayder (5-11, 210) of North High-Riverside. Both look to have a high ceiling on high school film, with Rogers displaying a running style similar to Mathews' hit-the-hole-and-go mentality and Schexnayder showing an even more physical style with size similar to Miller's.

It's like this, it's like that, it's like this...

First of all, let's start by all voting once a day for Ryan Mathews to win the Heisman Trophy (write his name in, spell it correctly with one 't'...he's got 1,300 votes and counting). Let's also hope once a day that he decides to come back for his senior year at Fresno State and help the 'Dogs storm the nation once again.

Then, let's pray for a speedy recovery for beloved former 'Dog Clifton Smith after this uncalled for cheap shot by some dude on the Panthers. Hey current/former football players and coaches, am I wrong to think hitting a defenseless return man high like this is not an accident?

Clif is a Pro Bowlin' rookie

Gotta love Clifton Smith being named to the Pro Bowl as an NFL rookie undrafted free agent. It's still just short of mind boggling how he went undrafted -- you'd think some team out there would want a surefire return specialist at least on Day 2 of the draft...?

Clif said on KSEE 24 tonight when he got a call of congratulations he thought he was being Punk'd at first and was waiting for Ashton Kutcher to jump out of the bushes. He's one of the truly special players in Fresno State history -- the type of guy who probably would have been in the stands yelling and cheering with us if he wasn't on the team.

Sadly, a few other 'Dogs were snubbed from the Pro Bowl, namely Logan Mankins, Bernard Berrian and Lorenzo Neal.

Not to rain on the Clif parade, but Berrian has as many TDs as Roddy White on about half the number of catches and also averages about 4 yards more per reception. Oh, and Berrian is the sole bright spot of the Vikings' passing game. Not to mention he's one of the NFL's top return men.

Then you have Mankins, who should be a shoe-in for the next 12 years or so. Last year talk was Mankins was the best guard in the NFL. He still is -- but why the snub?

And the AFC's starting fullback? Leron McClain? Excuse me, but if I'm not mistaking McClain is on the Baltimore Ravens. He's their leading rusher at tailback. The fullback...that would be Lorenzo Neal, the greatest in NFL history.

I'm just gonna come out and say it...

Clifton Smith is the greatest return man in Tampa Bay Buccaneers history.

There. Simple. One sentence. And I believe every word of it. After a horrifying injury at Oregon in 2005 during Smith's first real action, in his first big road game, in the first quarter, as a Fresno State up-and-comer, he suffered a horrible knee injury. It basically killed his sophomore and junior seasons -- the stuff medical redshirts should be granted for.

After a breakout senior season in '08, Smith was an undrafted free agent (mostly 'cause he's only 5-foot-8) who everyone the 'Dogs ever played knew was one of the NCAA's great return men of all time. Not because he's astonishingly fast. But because he's Batmobile quick and makes cuts that are too impressive for analogies.

The Bucs had gone more than 30 years as an NFL franchise with just one -- ONE -- kick return for a touchdown. Clifton Smith has returned a kick and a punt for TDs in his first four games as a Buc. And a smart person would not bet against him doing it another time or two before the season is over.

You know the way people say someone is almost as fast as Devin Hester? Well, get ready to hear, "almost as elusive as Clifton Smith." Just take a looksie for yourself...

RUNNING BACK

Players returning: 5
Incoming: 3
Lost: 1 (Clifton Smith)

Pat Hill has never been one to use many true freshmen. But Ryan Mathews (5-11, 215) was different. After leading the nation in rushing at West High (Bakersfield), Mathews played his way into the rotation at Fresno State right away. The results – 866 yards and 14 touchdowns (most in the nation by a freshman) while averaging 6 yards a carry. And get this, he missed part or all of four games with injury and was only responsible for learning a small package within the Bulldogs’ playbook last season. Fresno State even un-retired jersey No. 21 for the phenom, after former star tailback Dale Messer met Mathews and granted him permission. Mathews, now a sophomore, is an explosive back with Iron Man legs who hits the hole and makes his cut before the defense realizes what’s happening (which is why he had three carries for more than 50 yards last season). Most amazing though, is the way he can turn his hips sideways to evade tacklers while maintaining top speed. The only question mark is that he didn’t catch a single pass last season, but that is sure to change now that Clifton Smith is off to the NFL. No WAC back is more talented.

The crazy thing is, Mathews didn’t even start last season. That job belonged (and may still belong) to junior Lonyae Miller (5-11, 215), who entered fall camp looking faster, bigger and stronger than last season, when he rushed for 609 yards and 7 touchdowns on 4.6 yards per carry. Though the two are listed at the same weight, Miller has a larger upper body more conducive to the prototypical every down back. And with Smith gone, Miller will become an even bigger part of the offense this season in the passing game (which has already been seen in fall scrimmage situations). Miller led the team with a long of 72 yards last season, and has, arguably, an even quicker first step than Mathews.

While Miller and Mathews earn most of the reps at tailback, another junior deserves his own share – Anthony Harding (6-0, 215). With injuries nagging Miller and Mathews down the stretch in 2007, Harding took over and rushed for 231 yards against New Mexico State and Kansas State in the final two regular season games. Then, he lowered a shoulder so hard into a Georgia Tech defender in the Humanitarian Bowl, he knocked the guy out cold. Heading into the season, Harding is listed first on the depth chart at fullback, but will get carries in shotgun formations and short-yardage situations. He’s also the best pass-blocking back. In 2007, he rushed for 449 yards and 4 score, and also had a receiving touchdown.

Don’t be surprised to see junior Jamaal Rashad (5-11, 200) carve out a niche of his own in the offense. Carries will be hard to come by, but Rashad is good enough to start for a handful of WAC teams and flat out makes plays in pretty much every situation he’s put in. His biggest challenge after the past two years since walking on from Glendale College will be staying healthy.

The only true fullback on the roster is junior Reynard Camp (5-11, 270). His nickname “Camper” is fitting, as he’s like a camper shell driving through the defense and leading the way. He’s vastly improved his quickness and agility since last season, and should start to see reps outside of his normal special teams duty.

The rest of the unit will likely have to wait another year or two to see significant carries. True freshman A.J. Ellis (5-11, 175) was thought to have the best shot at immediate playing time after being recruited to help replace Smith, but Ellis has a big learning curve to overcome. Plus, he just might be too small right now to be effective catching passes out of the backfield and cutting across the middle. Whether he redshirts will depend on how he performs the final two weeks of fall camp.

Sophomore Kyle Duffy (5-8, 175) has shown growth since his days at Clovis West High, and has had some eye-opening performances in scrimmages (such as this year’s Spring Game). Still, his biggest contribution will be on special teams, where he’s been an absolute stud in kickoff coverage.

True freshman Michael Harris (5-11, 195) has shown some promise early on in fall camp, but it almost a surefire prospect to redshirt for the future. The same holds true for walk-on Justin Webber, who is coming off a devastating knee injury at Sanger High that likely prevented him from being a scholarship player. Webber will eventually find his way onto the field at this position or another.

Rating: 9 of 10

Bulldog Bounce 2007 Bulldog Football Awards

MVP: Clifton Smith
He played pretty much every offensive skill position, and was so good the band learned a song for him.

Offensive Player of the Year: Tom Brandstater
At the start of the year fans were happy just because he limited his mistakes. Now, he's become the type of guy who can carry the team.

Defensive Player of the Year: Marcus Riley
He's the biggest difference between a 4-8 2006 and a 9-4 2007. And he had like a bajillion tackles!

Special Teams Player of the Year: A.J. Jefferson
The nation's leading kick returner is the obvious choice.

Freshman of the Year: Ryan Mathews
I can't think of a more impressive true freshman in program history. Would have had more than 1,000 yards easily without injuries.

Be the Hammer (Not the Nail) Award: Marcus Riley for making Colt Brennan cry.

IHOP Award for best pancake blocker: Ryan Wendell (even though Bobby Lepori had more pancakes)

Joe Schey Award for O-lineman who loves to hit after the whistle: Bobby Lepori

Mr. Premature Award for most false starts: Bobby Lepori gets the nod over Kenny Avon

Gillette "Lopes' Pits" Award for heaviest perspiration: DB coach Randy Stewart, who's grey T is drenched within the first 10 minutes of every practice

No 'Dogs Down Award for coach/player overcoming the biggest obstacle: DC Dan Brown for punching cancer in its face!

Noah Puono Award for player who was yelled at the most by coaches in practice: Mark Roberts

Adam Jennings Award for player with biggest attitude due to little man syndrome: Kyle Duffy

FresYES Award for players most likely to be a rabid fan if he wasn't playing: Clifton Smith (the guy knows EVERY band hymn)

De-Dee-DEEEE! Award for the player who made the most boneheaded mistake on/off the field: Jason Shirley for getting suspended, then reinstated, then suspended again, then reinstated again, then suspended for good

Milk-it-Does-a-Body-Good Award for the best comeback from injury: Marcus Riley returns to become WAC defensive player of the year

Scout's Honor Award for redshirt most likely to make a major impact in '08: DB Isaiah Green

Almost Famous Award for player most resembling a celebrity: Andrew Jackson (Frankenstein)

Richard Marshall Award for team's biggest trash talker: Clifton Smith for saying on ESPN during H-Bowl: "Look into my eyes and tell me what you see. Tell me what you see. I see greatness."

Dr. Juan Bautista Award for smartest player: Clint "4.0" Stitser

Jenifer Alcorn Award for the player most likely to fight a teammate in practice: Ryan Wendell

Kopi Sotiropolous Award for best hair: Jon Monga for the bleached dreds

Practicing Practice Makes Perfect Award for player who stays most after practice: Tyler Clutts all five years

Mike Lingua Award for best dribbler of the football during practice: Clint Stitser

Kerry Locklin Award for loudest and most obnoxious player: Cole Popovich for kissing teammates during interviews

Chyna Award for buffest pound-for-pound player: Chris Carter

Grading the 'Dogs - Fresno State 40 - Georgia Tech 28

Quarterbacks: A+
Brandstater wins the Humanitarian Bowl MVP Award, passing for 285 yards, 23/30 on pass attempts, 1 touchdown, 40 rushing yards, and 1 rushing touchdown. Tommy B never look intimidated by the Yellow Jackets defense and was confident the entire game. Brandstater roasts another BCS team.

Running Backs: A+
Clifton Smith ends his college football career with a "Batman" BANG!-POW!-ZIP!-ZAMM!- EEE!-YOW!-KAPOW! type of game rushing for 2 touchdowns on 18 carries, for 152 yards. Smith also grabbed 4 catches for 57 yards. Anthony Harding had 46 yards on 11 carries, and Lonyae Miller added 38 yards on 7 carries. Fullback Nate Adams made key blocks all day long, opening the running lanes. The 'Dogs gashed Georgia Tech for 286 yards rushing, the most the Jackets had given up all year.

Receivers: B+
Marlon Moore led the team with 7 catches for 80 yards, had 11 yards rushing, and a rushing touchdown. However, he fumbled twice in the game, once inside the 2 yard line which Georgia Tech recovered, and once on a rick return that went out of bounds. Bear Pascoe had 6 catches for 72 yards, and Sejy Ajirotutu continued his high yards per catch average with 2 catches for 39 yards. Senior tight end Drew Lubinsky catches the first pass of his career for a 3 yard touchdown, in his final game as a Bulldog.

Offensive Line: A+
Didn't allow a single sack on Brandstater, against a Tech defense who had the most sacks in the country with 47. Brilliant! Out-toughed the Jackets' defensive line, and won the battle in the trenches, paving the way for 286 rushing yards.

Defensive Line: A-
Put pressure on Georgia Tech's quarterbacks for the better part of the game. Tyler Clutts had 7 tackles and 2 sacks, as Jon Monga added 5 tackles and 1 sack. The Jackets averaged a modest 4 yards per rush, but didn't give up too many long runs. The 'Dogs won the battle in the trenches on the defensive side of the ball as well.

Linebackers: B+
Riley and Jacobs each had 9 tackles, with Riley having 2.5 of those tackles for loss. Helped the defense maintain Tech's rushing attack to average 4 yards per carry, and total 161 yards rushing between 3 running backs and a rushing quarterback.

Defensive Backs: B
Marvin Haynes had 8 tackles, and Moses Harris added 5. Jake Jorde made the only interception of the game, and had 4 tackles. Allowed 218 yards passing to a semi-weak passing team. Settled down after the first drive where Georgia Tech's quarterback Taylor Bennett threw a 35 yard touchdown pass. Embarrassing play when a "hail mary" type of throw was caught between 2 Bulldog defenders for a touchdown by Tech, on 3rd and 17. It also brought the Yellow Jackets within 6 points.

Special Teams: B+
Clint Stitser makes both field goal attempts, one from 21 yards and the other from 39. Zimmerman only had to punt twice, but totaled just 24 yards punting. One punt just wasn't very good, and the other was blocked in a crucial point of the game in the 3rd quarter. Marlon Moore had 4 kick returns for 113 yards (28.25 yard average) and one fumble that went out of bounds. Clifton Smith added 12 yards on one return. Not too shabby on kick returns. No punt returns.

Grading the 'Dogs (7-4, 5-2): vs. Kansas State (5-7, 3-5)

Quarterbacks: A+
How 'bout that Brandstater!? A career-high 313 yards. Two TDs. And Kansas State never even came close to picking off a pass.

Running Backs: B-
Gotta love fourth-string tailback Harding's 115 yards and a TD coupled with Miller's 91 yards and a TD against one of the nation's best statistical run defenses. But Miller's two fumbles lost inside the 5-yard line would have been critical mistakes in a close game.

Receivers: A+
Hands down the best collective game this corps has had in the past two years. Moore has scratched his prime as the first receiver to top 100 yards all season (134) to go with two TDs.

Offensive Line: A
Possibly this unit's best game ever. Dominant pass blocking and oft-dominant run blocking equals a blowout.

Defensive Line: A
The pivotal play of the game came just after Fresno State took a 17-14 lead, when Tolbert forced Freeman to fumble and Clutts recovered, leading to another TD.

Linebackers: A-
After giving up 67- and 45-yard TD runs in the first quarter, allowed just 14 yards rushing the rest of the game.

Defensive Backs: B+
Although Nelson gathered 15 catches for 165 yards, Jenkins, Owens and Harris all made clutch stops and deflections. Jorde filled in nicely for the injured Bell.

Special Teams: B-
Special teams didn't play much of a factor as the 'Dogs had their worst return game of the season with Jefferson and Smith injured. Stitser hit a 46-yarder.

In case you STILL need an incentive...

In case you STILL need an incentive to get your butt in Bulldog Stadium on Saturday for Fresno State's home finale against Kansas State, here are three more.

1. Clifton Smith
2. Tyler Clutts
3. Marcus Riley

Actually, there are 16 seniors we'll have to say goodbye to. And as you ponder the best way to bid them farewell (which will have something to do with severely damaging your vocal chords yelling for them as they head through the inflatable doghouse), remember these tidbits:

KSEE24 had a great idea on "Bulldog Insider" tonight, where Alexan Balekian sat down with Clif, Clutts and Riley to talk about their fondest 'Dogs memories. All three of 'em said there truly is nothing in college football quite like the walk down the Bulldog Stadium ramp, getting in that doghouse and running through the smoke and fireworks in front of 42,000 pumped-up Red Wavers. (NOTE TO FANS: that means we need 42,000 Red Wavers Saturday to give 'em that one last dream come true).

Then, if you need further evidence these guys are perfect examples of Bulldog Football, Balekian asked what one thing they will take away from Pat Hill?

Clutts said it's that hard work pays off.

Riley said it's that football teaches lifelong lessons, and the way you act when no one is watching is what's most important.

And Clifton summed up the Bulldog Spirit better than anyone. He said the day he stepped on campus as a freshman he learned from Hill that we're Bulldog born, Bulldog bred, we'll be Bulldogs 'til the day we're dead.

Well Clif, Marcus and Tyler, I'm here to say we'll be right there with you. Look for us in the stands. We're the ones wearing Bulldog Red.