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.

Be the Hammer: san jose was full of nails, and we hear new mexico state has a bunch too

There are several players eligible for sledgehammer duties this week after a physically dominant performance in all three facets of the game against san jose state, including special teams. That's where this blog comes in.

Despite not being able to get up a Be the Hammer blog last week, the Bulldog Bounce board of execs did expect offensive lineman Andrew Jackson (who took the honors) to run out of the Dog House with the hammer, for his big-time momentum changer after blocking a hawaii field goal attempt.

It was just mere weeks ago when we at the Bounce were clamoring for more physical play, and there have been some very worthy candidates who have responded. Of course we can't ignore the fact that the recipient of this week's award has done his damage against the spartans, but it's still fun to watch our guys lay the wood, chest bump and celebrate off the field while their guys walk in an un-choreographed, zig-zag, drunk-type walk back to the sideline.

Unfortunately, video for this game appears to be nonexistent, so the entertainment -- if you'll allow for such a stretch -- of the Fresno State special teams squads playing puppeteer to the spartans will have to be solely expressed through words.

I've put up four Bulldogs as candidates for the hammer this week, which was as far as I could narrow it down, a problem I (and I'm sure Bulldogs coaches) love having.

For those in the know, it should come as no surprise that Anthony Harding will walk away as the hammer winner this week. Sorry for spoiling the surprise for the rest of you, but unless something has changed in the very recent past, Harding is your guy.

But alas, we also have a winner to announce. Here's the rundown on the 4 guys we've selected:

• Anthony Harding, RB - blocked punt: Just prior to the play, Bullogs coaches literally designed a plan of attack on the sidelines that they had not practiced nor discussed yet this season. This included bringing return man Marlon Moore up from his returner position to overload one side of the line, and assisted in getting Harding more space to get his hands on the kick. Blocked kicks are always big-time, and I personally love the fact that the best athletes relish the opportunity to make plays on special teams, Ryan Mathews included.

• Michael Harris, RB - Hit and tackle on kickoff coverage: Harris ran down the field, maintained his lane and came around the edge to tee off on the san jose state return man. I have a special place in my heart for a de-cleating tackle executed with perfect form.

• Vince Pascoe, TE - shield block in punt formation: I've been told Pascoe uses every ounce of his frame (which is undersized for a tight end), but the best proof of that came this past Saturday when Pascoe Uncle Phil-ed some poor spartan player. Standing next to Matt Hunt on one side of what turns into a 3-man wall, or shield to protect punter Robert Malone, Pascoe grabbed the foolish spartan (who had first run into Hunt), and proceeded to pick him up and toss him a yard off to the side, where the spartan player laid back on ground and feet in air.

• Austin Raphael, TE - KO hit on player with embarrassed teammates: I made reference to the stumbling drunk earlier in the blog, and that was only borderline exaggeration to central nervous system control this poor spartan player was left with after Raphael's hit. Had he been thirsting for a beer afterward and there was a fridge full of beer on the sidelines, part 2 of the youtube classic would have been born. Raphael ran down field and leveled this poor guy, who was left stumbling all alone to the sidelines with the rest of the field already cleared while teammates were nowhere to be found to help him find his way.

As you can see, fans at the game got their money's worth with these four plays alone, as the combination of athletic ability and Fresno State dominance was entertaining beyond explanation. For those same reasons, I've selected the winner of this week's Be the Hammer award to be:

Austin Raphael, TE, No. 41

** Be the Hammer is part of a line of Fresno State football related features that gives us the opportunity to further discuss the 'Dogs in more facets. This time, it's in regards to special teams.

RUNNING BACKS

Returning lettermen: 5

Incoming: 2

Lost: 1 (Kyle Duffy)

Even last season this group of Fresno State running backs was thought of as possibly the best in school history. Now, all the key ones are back for another year, with more depth and experience. The only thing stopping this unit from being a perfect 10 is the injuries that have struck the past two years. Still, junior Ryan Mathews (5-11, 220), Lonyae Miller (5-11, 220) and Anthony Harding (6-0, 220) are the best Bulldogs trio since Ron Rivers, Anthony Daigle and Lorenzo Neal in the early 1992.

Though the three will all get significant touches in a running back by committee approach, Mathews is the most physically gifted, and possibly the best the school has ever had at the position – if he can stay healthy. He was knocked off track last season by a freak injury late in the game at UCLA that caused nerve damage in his foot. Still, he finished the season with 606 yards (5.4 per carry) and six touchdowns in eight games. Mathews also missed two games with injury as a true freshman in 2007, but wrapped up the year with 866 yards (6 per carry) and 14 touchdowns. With 20 career rushing scores, Mathews is just five touchdowns from breaking into the school’s top 10 career list. In an attempt to combat injury, he hit the weight room hard this offseason, boosting his “body armor” as Pat Hill has referred to it. And he remains one of the fastest, quickest players on the team, with hands down the most vicious stiff arm. Even in a conference as loaded at running back as the WAC, Mathews is far and away the best if he plays a full season. If there’s any knock at all on Mathews ability, it’s his pass blocking skills, something he showed inconsistency with last season.

He should be able to stay fresh, with the help the Bulldogs will get from Miller and Harding. Miller led WAC running backs with 6.8 yards per carry in 2008, and totaled 812 yards and seven touchdowns, including a 90-yarder against Nevada (two 80-plus-yard runs on the year). His breakaway speed is special, as is his lightning-fast burst out of the backfield – rivaled only by Mathews. Miller, too, needs to improve his pass blocking, but even more so his hanging on to the football. With 1,706 career rushing yards and 16 scores, Miller has put together one of the best backfield resumes this decade, and can jump into the top five all-time if he duplicates last season’s numbers.

Even with all the talent of Mathews and Miller, the most dependable guy might be Harding. The workhorse of the group, Harding is the one back who’s never missed a game with injury. And he led the Bulldogs with 822 yards last season (5.6 per carry) and six touchdowns. While Mathews and Miller excel at scooting to the sideline and upfield, Harding is a north-south runner who churns out yards the hard way. He’s also the best blocking back of the group and will see plenty of playing time in shotgun formations.

After the super trifecta, Jamaal Rashad (5-11, 205) offers yet another dose of danger for opponents. Rashad, a former walk-on out of junior college, added 153 yards last season, including a performance at San Jose State when Mathews and Miller were out with injuries that showed he could play a starring role for most other WAC teams. Opportunities for carries might be scarce this year, but Rashad is capable if called upon. He’s also listed second on the depth chart at fullback to open the season.

Listed fourth at tailback is true freshman Robbie Rouse (5-7, 185). It hasn’t been uncommon the past couple years to hear people comparing young backs to former standout Clifton Smith, but Rouse truly fits that comparison. He’s shorter than Smith – even his listed height of 5-7 is generous – but he’s got a similarly stocky build and thrives on being the smallest guy on the field. And his shifty running style is eerily similar, though Rouse actually might have more breakaway speed. He did such a magnificent job of turning heads from Day 1 of fall camp that he’s likely to play right away, despite a scarcity of carries. But he can be used in special teams roles, and will be deadly in option formations. Rouse scored a touchdown in the first fall scrimmage, and was even seen blocking a kick in practice.

The depth doesn’t stop there. A pair of redshirt freshmen wait in the wings with Miller, Harding and Rashad set to graduate after this year. Michael Harris (5-11, 200) accounted for half of the offense’s touchdowns in the two fall scrimmages, including a 40-plus-yard scamper in the first one. If he continues to bulk up, he can be a feature-type back by next season – perfect timing. A.J. Ellis (5-11, 180) is a change-of-pace guy whose athleticism and quickness can cause fits. He impressed as early as last season’s fall camp, but looks to be a tad behind Harris right now. Neither is likely to be relied on to produce this year, but will be thrust into key roles next season.

Starting at fullback is Reynard Camp (5-11, 270), a bowling ball of a blocker who has improved each season since joining the program as a walk-on. He was visibly quicker on his feet in fall camp, and it provided for plenty of violent collisions as he opened holes for the tailbacks. The Bulldogs brought in a new walk-on to mold for the future in freshman Dylan Cruz (5-11, 225), who has a prototypical build for the position. Cruz impressed from the get-go and hopes are high he’ll develop into the next in a long line of pummel-happy fullbacks at Fresno State.

Rating: 9 of 10

***Anthony Harding photo courtesy of Juan Villa/The Collegian

Campin' on Day 2

Let's start with the scout team (since those guys are first to hit the field in the mornings during split squads).

True freshman running back Robbie Rouse is flat out agile. Think Clifton Smith's body type...but shorter. And he's wearing No. 8 (what's up with that David Carr)? If anyone should get to don the 8, it should be Derek Carr.

Redshirt freshman receiver A.J. Johnson is good. He'll be the next relative unknown to emerge at receiver, but the corps might be too crowded for an emergence this year. No doubt though, the kid has legit speed and route-running ability. He's a guy to get excited about.

Redshirt freshman QB Ebahn Feathers is still workin' scout team reps, and not really spending time running the ball for now. Passing wise, he's been picked off by true freshmen each of the first two days -- J.B. Dock got him yesterday on a pass into double coverage and Erik Brown got him today, smothering a walk-on receiver on a short route and just snatching the ball away. Don't get too hard on Feathers though, the pick came in a drill with just one receiver and one corner, so it's not like he could look the guy off and throw elsewhere.

O-line coach Derek Frazier seems to be happy with Buchanan's Lars Bramer's effort in drills, but was on Sanger's Nikko Motta early for a lack of effort as Motta half-heartedly jogged through a rep.

As for the veterans:
Interesting to note newcomers Matt Hunt (offensive guard) and L.J. Jones (cornerback) are already working with the vets.

Tons of praise being shouted out for receiver Jamel Hamler today. Hamler was forced to sit out last season (academics) but is talented enough to be the No. 1 receiver.

Highlight of the day: the team worked 11-on-11 drills briefly (in shells, not pads) and a gaping hole was opened by the O-line, allowing Anthony Harding to burst one up the gut and go the distance.

A heck of a battle is unfolding for the starting free safety spot between junior Lorne Bell and redshirt freshman Phillip Thomas. Both seem to have passed Marvin Haynes on the depth chart.

Should be interesting to see if Logan Harrell and Chase McEntee hang on to the starting defensive tackle spots, considering last year's starters (Mark Roberts and Cornell Banks) also return, as does former starter Wilson Ramos.

Volunteering the Harding way

Nice write-up from the Turlock Journal today on Fresno State running back Anthony Harding, who took a couple days vacation from offseason workouts to give back in his hometown.

Great choice by Harding to choose Fresno State over Nevada. Harding 1, Colin Kaepernick 0.

Can't wait 'til The Bee follows suit and gives us some Fresno State news...

Hill offers Pitman High kid

After a recent Bark Board posting that said Fresno State coach Pat Hill was spotted having breakfast in Modesto earlier this week, the Turlock Journal broke this story, saying Hill offered lineman Andy Jennings of Pitman High in Turlock.

Pitman High is a familiar school for 'Dogs fans...it's the same place running back Anthony Harding came from, as well as Nevada quarterback Colin Kaepernick.

Good news is Hill and his staff really seem to be focused on shoring up the defense with this year's class. The question is, will the impact be felt quickly enough to make next season a good one?

Luckily, a few returnees, such as Porter Hill, Anthony Williams and Kenny Borg (injured all last season), should be ready to breakout.

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

Grading the 'Dogs (8-4, 6-2): at New Mexico State (4-9, 1-7)

Quarterbacks: A-
Brandstater came out more confident than ever, putting zip in his throws, running and throwing for 205 yards (20.5 per completion). Showed no hesitation taking off for a 40-yard run to set up a score.

Running Backs: A-
Harding proves last week was not an anomally, rushing for a career-high 121 and a score, and is complemented by Mathews' 99 yards and a TD before he left with a possible broken clavicle (ouch).

Receivers: B+
A few too many dropped balls, but it was pouring rain. Moore goes over 100 yards for the second straight game with four catches for 106 yards. Ajirotutu adds two for 46, and Lang two for 25. Pascoe returns to field.

Offensive Line: A-
Made Brandstater's day easy, allowing just one sack and giving him tons of time the rest of the game. Had some trouble pushing Aggies defense around inside the red zone early. 'Dogs averaged 5 yards a carry.

Defensive Line: B-
Didn't get much pressure on Holbrook, but helped hod Aggies to 96 rushing yards.

Linebackers: B
Riley and Jacobs are too much, combining for 20 tackles (2 for losses). Riley nearly picked off late desperation pass.

Defensive Backs: B-
Secondary clamped down after shaky first quarter (which seems to be a habit). Davis made two straight key stops in the red zone, and Harding stepped up to fill Bell's void with 10 tackles (2 for losses) and a sack. Still, allowed 323 yards, and Jorde dropped two potential interceptions before leaving with injury.

Special Teams: B
Blocked PAT returned by Owens for two points, but return game struggled without Smith and Jefferson, though Lang could be return man of the future. Stitser made his first two field goals before missing a 24-yarder with 1:04 left that would have sealed the win.

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.