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:

OFFENSIVE LINE

Returning lettermen: 8

Incoming: 5

Lost: 3 (Bobby Lepori, Cole Popovich, Kenny Avon)

With Pat Hill being a former offensive lineman himself, it’s no wonder the position has been a constant during his tenure as Fresno State’s coach. The 2008 unit helped Bulldogs backs average 4.9 yards per carry for the second straight year, and was tied for 21st in the country with just 17 sacks allowed. Many of the school’s best linemen ever have come and gone in the past decade, but it seems there’s always a guy ready to step in and fill a hole – an heir apparent. But, this year, with three starters lost, there’s apparently no sure heirs.

The undoubted star of the unit is junior right guard Andrew Jackson (6-5, 295), a second-team All-WAC selection last season who is one of the team’s top two NFL prospects. Jackson is the most dominant Bulldogs blocker since Kyle Young and a safe bet for first-team honors this season if he remains healthy after returning from an offseason injury that kept him out of spring camp.

The rest of the starting jobs are up for competition. Junior Joey Bernardi (6-2, 280) returns at center, but has been fighting to hold off the strong charge of Richard Pacheco (6-2, 285). Both have plenty of starting experience, and Pacheco has also seen time at guard. The two alternated first-team reps in fall camp, but the charismatic Bernardi seems to have pulled ahead as of late. Pacheco looks to be in the best shape of his Bulldogs career.

The tackle spots are expected to go the sophomore Bryce Harris (6-6, 295) on the left and junior Kenny Wiggins (6-7, 310) on the right. But even that’s not set in stone, with junior Devan Cunningham (6-6, 350) searching for his role. Cunningham started eight games last season, and is in the running for either tackle spot or left guard. His speed is a concern, but losing 20 pounds in the offseason should make a difference. Wiggins has been waiting his turn for three years as he’s shown continued improvement. Though he’s the team’s tallest player, he might have the unit’s quickest feet. Harris, a converted defensive lineman, looked the best at tackle during fall camp, and is just a flat out big athlete. Hill likes to talk about Harris’ basketball talent from high school as an example of his athletic ability. The X-factor here is which quarterback will start – the left-handed Ryan Colburn or right-handed Derek Carr? That decision determines which tackle will be protecting the quarterback’s blind side.

That leads to the other two guys competing to start at left guard – sophomore Leslie Cooper (6-4, 305) and freshman Matt Hunt (6-2, 315). Hunt was a much ballyhooed recruit, and was practicing with the first-team during summer voluntary workouts and the start of fall camp. But when Hunt was limited during camp with a minor injury, Cooper took the opportunity and ran with it. Cooper has put on about 40 pounds since joining the Bulldogs and might still be the fleetest afoot. Hunt, though, shows all-conference potential and it’s just a matter of time before he gets his shot. And don’t forget junior Charley Robbins (6-2, 300), who entered the second half at San Jose State last year and sparked an attitude adjustment as the Bulldogs ran down the throats of their rivals for a win. Robbins also saw a few first-team reps with Hunt sidelined.

Thanks to a giant recruiting harvest of linemen in the 2008 class, Fresno State has numerous good-looking (and large) youngsters waiting their turns. The highest-rated out of high school was third-string center redshirt freshman Douglas Spacht (6-3, 285), but his fall camp struggles snapping the ball to Ebahn Feathers are cause for concern. It’ll be interesting to see if he remains at center or is moved to guard.

Backing up the tackles are two more redshirt freshmen – Max Devlin (6-4, 285) and Trevor Richter (6-5, 300) – as well as greyshirt freshman Austin Wentworth (6-5, 305). Though Richter excelled in camp last year, Wentworth and Devlin were most impressive this time around. All three are big bodies and strong reserves. Redshirt freshman Richard Helepiko (6-2, 290) looked to have a strong camp as a reserve at right guard, though he missed some time with minor injury. It’ll be fun to keep tabs on freshman Marcel Jensen (6-6, 265), who was converted from defensive end at the end of fall camp. Jensen suffered a serious leg injury that threatened his playing career last season, but is working his way back. Still, he likely won’t show his true potential until next season.

A couple of local kids are the only true freshmen recruits in Buchanan High’s Lars Bramer (6-5, 260) and Sanger High’s Nikko Motta (6-3, 275). Bramer was an absolute head-turner in camp, lining up as fourth-string center. Coaches will want him to put on some weight, but he’s the tallest center since Kyle Young. His blocking shined from Day 1, meaning Spacht might feel the pressure in the coming years. Motta didn’t have quite the hot start Bramer did, but seemed to progress nicely. Both are likely to redshirt.

Run blocking won’t be a concern this season, but pass blocking has been sketchy at times during camp. Though as many as three new starters might be breaking in, there is enough depth and talent to be confident this unit will find formidable replacements to fill the holes left by last year’s graduating class.

Rating: 7 of 10

OFFENSIVE LINE

Returning players: 11
Incoming: 3
Lost: 7 (Ryan Wendell, Chris Piligian, Pierce Masse, Sean Yandall, James Meeks, Nick Wright, Kyle Rainer)

There are a lot of players to focus on here with six linemen returning with starting experience. This deep, veteran group is led by its four seniors, including four-year starter Cole Popovich (6-2, 290) at left guard. In 2004, Popovich became the first true freshman to ever start on the line under Pat Hill before an injury cost him most of the season and he eventually earned a medical redshirt. On an extremely physical line, Popovich might have the biggest mean streak – when he was recruited out of Yosemite High (Oakhurst), Hill called him the next Logan Mankins (New England Patriots), who is known for mauling defenders. Popovich is also one of the team jokesters, making it a tradition to run up behind unsuspecting teammates during media interviews and planting a smooch on the cheek. Popovich, the WAC’s premier guard, is devastating in the running game as one of the strongest players on the team – he became the first freshman in Fresno State history to squat 600 pounds. After returning from injury, Popovich earned Freshman All-America honors in 2005.

Senior left tackle Bobby Lepori (6-5, 290) returns for his third season as a starter, and might be the best lineman of the bunch. Lepori has added a great deal of size, and is another All-WAC favorite. Coming out of high school in Reno, Lepori verbally committed to Fresno State before signing with hometown Nevada at the last minute. But during the first couple weeks of team meetings he had a change of heart and Fresno State coaches allowed him to walk-on with the Bulldogs. The highly-touted prospect didn’t disappoint. In his two years starting, the team has allowed a total of just 30 sacks (18 last season and 12 in 2006).

Senior right tackle Kenny Avon (6-3, 285) is the fastest of the starters. He’s logged 17 straight starts at the position since converting from defensive line during the 2006 season. Multiple preseason publications have predicted All-WAC honors for Avon as well, as his quick feet allow him to excel in protecting the quarterback in passing situations.

The other senior is utility man Adam McDowell (6-4, 290), who is probably listed 10-20 pounds lighter than he now weighs. The converted defensive end started the first two games last season at right guard before an injury at Texas A&M ended his season. Now, we the emergence of his former backup, McDowell is fighting for a starting spot at center, where he was used during spring camp, but can play any position on the line. Hill isn’t one to substitute much on the line, but is also known to be drastically loyal to his seniors, so expect to see McDowell at some point. Plus, he’s too talented to not have on the field in some role.

His replacement at right guard last year was sophomore Andrew Jackson (6-5, 295), who took the job and put it on lockdown. Jackson is built like Frankenstein – a solid, rectangular mass of strength. Likely the unit’s biggest NFL prospect of the future, Jackson also was a converted defensive tackle and carries a 4.0 GPA. With 11 starts as a redshirt freshman last season, he is expected to be the next in a lineage of star linemen under Hill. Jackson is the most physically imposing starter, and is only going to get better this year.

So that leaves the battle at center. Who will replace four-year starter Ryan Wendell (Patriots)? The obvious choice would be sophomore Joe Bernardi (6-2, 280), and not just because he’s known for his outgoing personality that steals the show every time he shows up. When McDowell and Popovich went down with injuries last season, Bernardi stepped up to start six games at center and Wendell moved to his natural guard position. Then Bernardi’s season was ended with an injury of his own against Boise State. He’s since returned to fall camp and is taking a share of first-team reps.

The other candidate is junior Richard Pacheco (6-2, 285). As a freshman, Pacheco was already getting playing time and was thought to be a future star, but has been passed on the depth chart by several others since then. That was before Hill called him the team’s most improved player as fall camp started. He’s been sharing first-team reps with Bernardi and just might win the job.

While no other Bulldogs figure to earn starting spots before camp’s end, several are on the verge of breaking onto the scene with flare. Biggest amongst those, literally, is sophomore Kenny Wiggins (6-7, 310), who has always had some of the quickest feet of the unit. The slightly trimmed-down Wiggins is slated to replace Lepori at left tackle in 2009.

Sophomore Charley Robbins (6-2, 300), a product of Fresno’s Bullard High, is in line to replace Popovich at left guard. In preparation, the Bulldogs have had Robbins splitting reps with the veteran during fall camp. He’s another guy who opens gaping holes in the running game and has shown great improvement in the past year.

The most decorated recruit of the group is sophomore Devan Cunningham (6-6, 350), who is still not in the playing shape he needs to be, but has some of the best raw size and strength of any linemen in school history. He saw limited playing time as a true freshman, but coaches will redshirt him this season to preserve his eligibility when he’s more needed in 2009. The hope is he’ll shed about 30 pounds and improve his quickness.

It’ll be interesting to keep an eye on redshirt freshman Leslie Cooper (6-4, 260), who is likely the only linemen faster than Avon. With Cooper’s speed it wouldn’t be surprising to see him convert to defensive line at some point, but he’s already shown growth on the offensive side. He’s another guy who can play all five positions, but likely won’t make much of an impact for another year because of the team’s depth.

It was a big recruiting year here too, knowing four seniors will be on their way out. The Bulldogs landed Long Beach Poly’s Douglas Spacht (6-3, 285), the nation’s No. 6 center prospect according to one recruiting service. Spacht has already looked competitive against the experienced players, and with the ability to also play guard, may challenge for a starting job as soon as 2009.

Other incoming freshmen getting reps in fall camp are Trevor Richter (6-5, 285) and Richard Helepiko (6-2, 290). Both already have solid Division I size, and would have a shot for immediate playing time on a team with less depth. Richter has the makings of a future standout at tackle, and Hill can’t say enough good things about Helepiko.

It’s tough to find a downside with this group, but if there is one it’s that two more of the prized recruits, Matt Hunt (6-2, 315) and Max Devlin (6-4, 275) didn’t report for fall camp. Both figured into future plans, but their status is now in question.

Rating: 9 of 10

Fresno State Dream Team: Offensive Line

Time to open up the voting at offensive line -- the big nasties. Each Bulldog Bounce blogger has turned in his own votes for each position already, but we want to hear what you -- the readers -- think.

Then, at the end of all the voting we'll compare our results to yours. We'll go position-by-position with the idea of starting healthy debate about why so-and-so is better than such-and-such? YOU decide the criteria! What's more important? College stats or pro? Four-year starters or JC transfers? Single-season greatness or consistency?

Next up is offensive line, and the nominees are:
--Ron Collins
--Chris Conrad
--Chris Denman
--Mike Foust
--Rob Gatrell
--Jesse Hardwick
--Melvin Johnson
--Logan Mankins
--Len McNeil
--Rodney Michael
--Tom Neville
--Joe Schey
--Ryan Wendell
--Mike Withycombe
--Kyle Young

In what was by far the most heavily contested vote yet, The Bulldog Bounce selects Logan Mankins, Chris Conrad, Kyle Young, Rodney Michael and Chris Denman as Fresno State's greatest all-time offensive linemen. Mankins and Conrad were unanimous first-team selections, while Young had three first-team votes and one second-team.

Have fun, voice your opinion and let the voting begin! The nominees will remain posted in the right-hand column for you to choose from, but please add comments to this blog entry as well.