Pat Hill, Red Wave, get your THUMBS UP!

In honor of the United States and our great performance in the 2008 Summer Olympics, we’ve decided to have a little fun — albeit with real opinions — with the Fresno State football team. Anybody can write a preview about keys to the game, position match-ups and game previews (including us, so check back again today to read that too), but not many football gurus have the kind of outside the box (hardly), attention demanding (read if you feel like it) material that goes for the Gold, a la Michael Phelps. So without further ado, here are our medal winners (Gold, Silver and Bronze) for random but intriguing and unheralded attributes regarding Fresno State football’s best.

Oh, and for your listening and viewing pleasure as you read, here is the Fresno State fight song. Click play and then read; that’s our recommendation.

Hardest hitter
Gold: Moses Harris
Has shown growth each year, improved his speed and learned how to use his body for big impact hits.
Silver: Nico Herron
6-3, 240-pound animal likely deserving of the gold, but we’ll keep him here until he proves it on game day.
Bronze: Lorne Bell
Head down, heat-seeking missile; when he’s locked in you’re done.

Surest tackler
Gold: Jon Monga
Take a second to think about all the tackles Monga’s missed; you can stop thinking, it hasn’t happened.
Silver: Ben Jacobs
He’ll take a shot at you if he has a chance to, but he knows not to gamble if a guy could get by him.
Bronze: Eric Brown
A Kyle Goodman-like presence on special teams, he thrives at being the first guy downfield on kickoffs.

Fastest WRs
Gold: Marlon Moore
No explanation needed.
Silver: Devon Wylie
Devon Wylie doesn’t run like the wind, the wind runs like Devon Wylie.
Bronze: Chastin West
Others in the mix, but haven’t necessarily had the chance to prove it yet like West has.

Fastest RBs
Gold: Lonyae Miller
Similar 40 time to Mathews, but with longer strides and still hasn’t been caught from behind.
Silver: Ryan Mathews
Gone before you know it, but still has something left to prove with breakaway speed.
Bronze: Anthony Harding
Harris and Ellis haven’t proved it yet, and Harding ran so fast he knocked a Georgia Tech guy out.

Fastest LBs
Gold: Mario Moore
175-pound walk-on is just flat out faster than the rest.
Silver: Quaadir Brown
Especially now that he dropped all that weight.
Bronze: Chris Carter
Somebody has to win bronze; Carter gets the nod for experience.

Fastest DBs
Gold: A.J. Jefferson
Just ask those who have chased him what his dust tastes like.
Silver: Isaiah Green
It’s not easy be(at)ing Green.
Bronze: Sharrod Davis
I’m going to make fun Oregon ‘cause they don’t have him anymore. Edges out Phillip Thomas.

Fastest Overall
Gold: A.J. Jefferson
If he and Moore ran side by side they’d tie, but somebody had to get first.
Silver: Marlon Moore
If he and Jefferson ran side by side they’d tie, but somebody had to get second.
Bronze: Devon Wylie
Caught from behind at Texas A&M, but more stamina, speed and strength this year.

Stickiest hands
Gold: Bear Pascoe
Winnie the Pooh was recently overheard saying, “This honey’s as sticky as Bear Pascoe’s hands.”
Silver: Vince “Cub” Pascoe
If Cub played baseball, he’d be catcher.
Bronze: Chastin West
He made the tough, acrobatic catches all camp long.

Best cover guy
Gold: Damion Owens
A true coverage corner who doesn’t allow WRs much space.
Silver: A.J. Jefferson
Jefferson is faster than Owens and can cover best deep.
Bronze: Sharrod Davis
If you catch a ball in front of Davis, you’re getting’ hit.

Special teams guy
Gold: A.J. Jefferson
No. 1 in the country in kick returns and a preseason All-American.
Silver: Bear Pascoe
He’s the reason for the push in the middle that leads to so many blocked kicks.
Bronze: Bobby Shepard
Redshirt freshman is in there every play and expected to be a four-year mainstay.

Most Outgoing on-field personality
Gold: Joe Bernardi
“Joey, Joey, Joey.” If he’s within a mile, you’ll know it.
Silver: Bobby Lepori
A chatterbox on and off the field who is everyone’s friend.
Bronze: Jason Crawley
He’s been seen at practice with a feather in his helmet and a Fresh Prince headband.

Coolest facemask
Gold: Ryan Mathews
The DNA helmet was a fresh look.
Silver: Richard Pacheco
A true old-school O-line mask.
Bronze: Tapa Taumoepeau
We mostly just wanted you to try and say his name.

Prediction for most bones
Gold: Tom Brandstater
His growth coupled with the most opportunity gives him the gold.
Silver: Bear Pascoe
Bones for blocking, catching and blocking kicks.
Bronze: Ryan Mathews
If he goes for 1,000 yards and similar TD numbers he’s in the mix.

Most intense coach
Gold: Pat Hill
Every time I see/hear him I want to run through a brick wall.
Silver: Dan Brown
When he’s fired up, the D better be ready for a lecture.
Bronze: Derek Frazier
Brings the hands-on intensity when he doesn’t like what he sees.

Best tactical coach
Gold: Randy Stewart
He teaches and teaches and teaches, ‘til his shirt is soaked with sweat.
Silver: John Baxter
Special teams results speak for themselves.
Bronze: Derek Frazier
Do it right or he’ll show you how to do it right.

Route runner
Gold: Devon Wylie
No one can keep up with his quick cuts and change of direction.
Silver: Jason Crawley
His most refined trait; a true possession receiver who gets the tough first downs.
Bronze: Darren Newborne
Hard-working former walk-on has mastered the little things.

Jump ball catch
Gold: Chastin West
He’s proven his acrobatic ability in games.
Silver: Bear Pascoe
Hands, size and toughness to pull it down in traffic; he’d get Texas A&M’s vote.
Bronze: Seyi Ajirotutu
Height, hands and jumping ability.

Best at changing direction
Gold: Ryan Mathews
He can stay at full speed while contorting his body to either side.
Silver: Devon Wylie
Low to the ground and accelerates fast; uncoverable in the first 10 yards.
Bronze: A.J. Jefferson
Makes his cuts while still moving up the field.

Best practice player
Gold: Ryan Colburn
He’s gone from looking like a mess as a freshman to looking like a big-time QB because of the time he put in.
Silver: Kenny Wiggins
Just waiting for an opening to become the next O-line star.
Bronze: Richard Pacheco
It’s no coincidence why he earned the starting nod at center.

Best NFL prospect
Gold: Bear Pascoe
His skills are most likely to guarantee him a roster spot on an NFL team.
Silver: Tom Brandstater
Might have the highest ceiling, especially as a late bloomer.
Bronze: A.J. Jefferson
As long as he proves last year wasn’t a fluke, he can make it on return abilities alone.

Best motor
Gold: Jon Monga
He’ll grunt, growl, hit and run until the whistle blows.
Silver: Ikenna Ike
Former walk-on had to put out non-stop effort to get to where he is.
Bronze: Offensive Line
They’re a bunch of Energizer bunnies.

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

Fall Camp Update (defense)

Defensive Line: Cause for some concern is that several of the D-linemen look out of shape. Wilson Ramos and Cornell Banks were hunched over for a large portion of the last half of practice Tuesday. Jon Monga has huge arms, but looks a bit undersized around the torso. Still, his tenacity is second to none on this team and he stands out from the rest in every D-line drill with his fluidity. Chris Lewis has all the tools to be a star as long as he decides he wants to be. Michael Stuart is another guy to watch -- big potential but still working on technique. Keep an eye on Mark Roberts, who has dropped a great deal of weight and is moving much better at D-tackle. He'll push Banks for a starting job. Bryce Harris is another up and comer who's added a ton of size. True freshman Anthony Williams (No. 63) looks ready to play now, and Matt Akers (No. 95) and Logan Harrell (No. 77) aren't far behind. Injured Kenny Borg worked out on his own and is already running around.

Linebacker: Chris Carter (now No. 43) moves to linebacker from D-end and lines up with the starters from Day 1. Ben Jacobs is holding down the middle and Nico Herron is a vicious hitter at the other starting spot. The only concern with this group has to be speed. Nick Bates is pushing for time, with walk-on Shawn Plummer also getting second-team reps. Should be interesting to see how a very impressive Kyle Knox works his way in -- great physique and seemingly great instincts for getting to the backfield. Austin Raphael is showing more quickness than was expected. Ryan Machado was back at practice but didn't participate in all of the drills. His presence would be a giant boost for the unit's depth. Ryan McKinley looks to be done -- he was on the field in workout clothes but not participating. Quaadir Brown worked out with the newcomers both days, and is visibly smaller. No signs of Damion Whittington yet. Loss of Ricky Pemasa hurts bad.

Defensive Backs: Pat Hill is going to make Marvin Haynes earn his starting spot back after missing spring camp with injury. Jake Jorde is getting first-team reps for now. Lorne Bell, who was injured seriously against K-State last year, is already participating in non-contact coverage. The real test will be to see how much he's used when the team puts the pads on. Bell might be the most chiseled athlete on the team. Sharrod Davis is poised for a breakout senior campaign. A.J. Jefferson picked off a Brandstater pass.