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

Fall Camp Update (Offense)

Quarterback: The long-awaited debut of true freshman Ebahn Feathers arrived with Tuesday's first practice. Feathers has a long way to go. While he displayed his awe-inspiring quickness rolling out, he was terribly inaccurate on short passing routes. Two things to keep in mind -- he threw mostly on the run (which is more difficult than standing in the pocket) and he's working predominantly with other newcomers or guys coming off their redshirt year (meaning they're still growing and learning too). Tom Brandstater was a visible leader from the get-go, hustling through practice and leading the younger guys from drill to drill, exercise to exercise. He's vocal, keeping the guys loose and confident. Oddly enough, he looked off on several throws, and threw a couple interceptions. Nothing to worry about this early though. Ryan Colburn took lots of reps with the veterans and looks much improved from this time a year ago. Matt Faulkner is now wearing jersey No. 10.

Running Back: All the talk has been about Ryan Mathews since last year ended, but Lonyae Miller just might hold onto that title of "starter" for now. Miller came out with his trademark explosive first step and looks faster and more muscular. He broke several long runs in drills (but keep in mind it wasn't live hitting and no pads, just shells). Mathews play of the day Tuesday was a handoff he took, while twisting and side-stepping upfield past the front seven, then the secondary. Amazing how he turns his hips and runs sideways without losing speed. Anthony Harding didn't take many reps at tailback. Isaac Kinter is going to be a huge weapon at H-back -- think Stephen Spach but faster.

Receiver: Chastin West is back ladies and gents -- no knee brace and showing that same ol' speed. All the receivers seem in extremely good shape with Chastin leading the way in upper body strength. He's also back working in the return game. Marlon Moore is taking return game reps as well, and looks darn good doing it. He's so light on his feet he appears to glide downfield at times. True freshman Rashad Evans is now No. 11 (redshirt freshman J.J. Stallworth switched to No. 82). Evans also took reps returning kicks, and appeared to have hands trouble. He let one kick bounce off his chest and dropped a throw from Feathers earlier in the practice. Devon Wylie is holding his own in every aspect -- quickness and speed. If the endurance is there he's going to be a weapon. Seyi Ajirotutu might be the biggest threat of the bunch, and he's poised for a breakout year.

Offensive Line: Bobby Lepori is already giving the younger guys a hard time in a good-natured way. One of the freshmen blew a blocking assignment while in with the starters and Lepori shouted out, "geez coach, where'd you find these guys!?" Lepori and Cole Popovich seem to have even more added size and will be forces. Joe Bernardi and Adam McDowell took turns repping at center, with true freshman Douglas Spacht (No. 57) taking reps with the newcomers. Andrew Jackson is a monster -- think giant rectangular body i.e. Frankenstein. He may be the biggest NFL prospect on the team. Kenny Wiggins looks in better shape and is just waiting his turn. He's a future standout at tackle. Devan Cunningham on the other hand is still somewhat of a mystery. He doesn't seem to have lost any weight from last season and is still the slowest lineman.

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

Wendell, Riley, Clutts and Bear, oh my!

You've gotta appreciate that the WAC got this one right -- Marcus Riley, WAC defensive player of the year. I was relieved to hear there was no truth to the rumor Matt Costelo of SJSU was gonna get it.

Hawaii's Colt Brennan got offensive player of the year. Anyone else want a bumper sticker that says, "Our WAC player of the year knocked your WAC player of the year out cold" ...? I do.

Congrats also to Ryan Wendell, Tyler Clutts and Bear Pascoe for their first-team All-WAC honors. But you've gotta wonder how the heck A.J. Jefferson (the nation's LEADING kick returner) gets left off!?

And Bobby Lepori nowhere on first- or second-team? No Ryan Mathews!? Not even for newcomer of the year. The guy leads the nation in TDs among freshmen despite missing two games with injuries and can't get any mention on the All-WAC list? Nevada's Colin Kaepernick is good, but not Mathews good.

And I see the WAC used this as a perfect opportunity to leave off Ben Jacobs -- good thing, 'cause it'll be their only chance not to choose him for the next three years.