Position Breakdown 2010: Linebackers

Returning: Ben Jacobs, Kyle Knox, Travis Brown, Jeremiah Toma, Pat Su'a, Shawn Plummer, Daniel Salinas, Damion Whittington, Sonny McCree, Mario Moore, Steven Plevney

Newcomers: Ofa Fifita, Lester Fontenette

Lost: Nico Herron (transfer)

Ben Jacobs

Sr, 6'4", 240

Las Vegas (Silverado HS)

Early in his career, Ben Jacobs was pegged as a future star at the linebacker position. Jacobs has always been a hard hitter, and has great knowledge of the position. Two years ago, Jacobs turned the corner in his fitness, hardening his body and cutting his body fat immensely. He now enters his senior year as a team leader on defense who is ultra-committed to performance on the field and in the film room, neither of which are new traits. Jacobs is a run stopping specialist, especially between the tackles, but has had a tougher time with consistency in pass coverage and lateral (sideline to sideline) movement. That consistency has been magnified by the rest of the defense's performance during his tenure. All in all, Jacobs is essentially all you want in a middle linebacker, and can be a star when surrounded with the right personnel.

DaCo on Jacobs: Ben Jacobs has a lot of the qualities we've talked about for guys like Chris Carter and Ryan Colburn. Combined with his on-field traits, it's hard not to root for him to be great (not that you'd want to). But as good as Jacobs is, he might not be the best middle backer on the team (see below), which isn't to diminish his ability at all, but rather speak highly of another. His leadership, commitment and track record have his spot secured, though, and it's likely his senior year is the monster one he's capable of.

Kyle Knox

Jr, 6'1", 215

Los Angeles (St. Bernard HS)

If there's one thing Kyle Knox has been known for in his Bulldogs career, it's his ability to deliver the knockout hit, a traditional Fresno State prerequisite. Knox is built like a tank, is strong and fit, and has truly impressive open field top speed. That explains his hitting ability, but fails to explain his inability, to this point, to take a stronghold on his weakside backing position. Knox has been given every chance to shine in that role, and at this point is looking over his shoulder. Tools wise, Knox is about as good as it gets. He just needs to master his craft.

DaCo on Knox: Knox is a head scratcher supreme. If there was ever a guy you saw on the street and would bet that he's a linebacker, Knox is him. You see what he's capable at times in practice, and you want so bad for him to be great, because you know what's possible, and you know what it could do for the defense.

Travis Brown

So, 6'2", 235

Fresno (Clovis West HS)

As the 2009 season came to a close, it was clear to see Travis Brown was being worked more and more into his future (and now) starting role. Brown showed promise early on as a true freshman, and became visibly more comfortable as his game action increased. With an offseason of experience added to that freshman year, Brown is now prepared to man the strong side from the get-go of the 2010 season. The former 4-star recruit has given every indication he is ready to perform up to those standards starting this season.

DaCo on Brown: Travis Brown looks like he belongs out there, which is another way of saying he is good at what he does. At the least, Brown is much more confidence-inducing than former starter Nico Herron, who really should have been a defensive end.

Jeremiah Toma

R-Fr, 6'0", 215

Sacramento (Grant Union HS)

Jeremiah Toma is arguably the most exciting prospect at the linebacker position, which is saying a whole lot. His athletic ability stands out as something special, but that's only part of the reason his future is so bright. Toma has made the move from outside backer to a middle backer, and has leapt over several talented teammates to grasp the backup role behind senior Ben Jacobs (see above). Jacobs even shared some first team reps during camp, highlighting just how impressive, rapid and drastic Toma's acclimation has been.

DaCo on Toma: I'd like to say that Toma is the man in the linebacking unit, but it's only fair (and smart) to wait until he carries his performance from practice time to game action. Toma has taken me by storm with his talent in practice, and has given me every reason for me to think he'll be a machine when his time comes.

Pat Su'a

R-Fr, 6'2", 220

Bakersfield (Highland HS)

With the amount of praise just thrown upon Toma, you would expect whomever follows him on the breakdown to receive a much less regarded description, just by default. But Pat Su'a has arguably made just as big a splash as Toma, setting the Bulldogs up for a happy future at linebacker. Su'a can play all three spots in the Bulldogs base 4-3 set, but for now is listed behind Travis Brown. Su'a is yet another hard hitter who has an extremely bright future, and potentially present.

DaCo on Su'a: If Toma is 1, Su'a is 1A on the list of scene-burster-on-ers. Su'a is a more muscle-bound linebacker, especially in the legs, and is decisive (a trait often taken for granted). It will be exciting to see Su'a and Toma tag team offensive skill players for years to come.

Shawn Plummer

Jr, 6'0", 210

Clovis (Clovis HS)

Arguably the speediest linebacker of the group, Shawn Plummer has begun to carve his niche as the __ and long pass defender specialist. Plummer has done a fair job in this role, and has tenacity in his game, which has helped him with special teams performance as well. In this year's fall camp, Plummer was seen as the main competition for Kyle Knox, and may see increased time on the weak side if Knox stumbles in that role.

DaCo on Plummer: Plummer is quick and accelerates very well, making him niche-worthy in pass coverage. He's actually also shown a more well-rounded ability this fall, but still isn't the best option for a starting linebacker. He's maximizing his talent, though, which is all you can ask of a player.

Daniel Salinas

So, 6'0", 205

Galena, TX (North Shore HS)

The true sophomore out of Texas might have the best nickname on the team, although we're biased, having given it to him. It goes a little like this: "The bumper that fell off the back of the bus of Salinas!" (2:05-2:18) Sure it's a tad modified, but it rolls off the tongue better that way. Salinas is a stout linebacker with outstanding instinct from his middle backer position, yet has fallen behind Toma to the third spot in the lineup, which provides insane depth to that spot. Salinas shows very good lateral range and is in on seemingly every tackle, but it's still a mystery as to how he fits in the Bulldogs' plans, since he currently ranks behind a younger talent.

DaCo on Salinas: I have no problem taking credit for the Salinas nickname. It's earned the one uncontrollable laugh it deserved already, so that makes it worth it. Before the arrival of Toma and Su'a, Salinas was the man to keep an eye on. Stylistically, Salinas reminds me of his linebackers coach, Tim Skipper. If he works his way up to that level, obviously he'll be a star.

Damion Whittington

R-Fr, 6'1", 245

Norco (Norco HS)

Damion Whittington is another former outside backer who sees most of his time in the middle. Despite his listed size, Whittington is actually more known for his speed. He is indeed very range-y and adds unfathomable depth to the middle, where he currently is 4th on the charts. Given the depth in the middle, however, it's conceivable that he or another backer could move to the outside at some point.

DaCo on Whittington: Whittington remains an intriguing possibility at linebacker. His name will occasionally come up in conversation, as word was out early on his speed trait. That part of his game is still there, but he hasn't showcased his overall ability as much as others in 11-on-11 work to this point. He is a redshirt freshman, so he has plenty of time to develop.

Sonny McCree

Sr, 5'11", 235

Fresno (Edison HS)

Sonny McCree seems to have found a home at linebacker after a trial run at tight end a couple years ago. Physically, McCree is built similarly to Salinas and Whittington. His biggest value has and will continue to be on special teams, where he contributes to one of the best units in the country on a year-to-year basis. McCree is a name few will recognize, but his role on the team is valuable.

DaCo on McCree: McCree is an easy eval because he is what he is. He's a reliable backup with experience at the linebacker position, but will make his impact on special teams.

Mario Moore

So, 6'0" 185

Riverside (Citrus Hills)

Mario Moore is a linebacker stuck in a free safety's body. Moore has some of the best instincts in pass coverage of this group (which led to several interceptions in camp), and has plenty of speed to boot. Even at his listed weight of 185 pounds, Moore likes to deliver the biggest hits he possibly can. Moore has been a pleasant surprise during his tenure as a Bulldog, but it will be tough for him to crack the lineup unless he can specialize in a Plummer-like role.

DaCo on Moore: If the gamble wasn't so big and so much wasn't on the line for a single football game, the curiosity of Mario Moore's talents could be explored in a live game scenario. Moore is clearly undersized at his position, but he has good skills against the pass and has great speed. If Moore gets reps at linebacker this year, he will have my attention.

Ofa Fifita

Fr, 5'11" 235

San Bernardino (Arroya Valley)

With all the hype (deservedly so) around Fresno State's crop of receivers and defensive backs, guys like Ofa Fifita and Lester Fontenette (see below) have been in their shadows. Fifita, however, showed he is a force to be reckoned with already as a true freshman, a trait that can be applied to numerous members of this class. Fifita will now have a redshirt year to develop in the program and will be intriguing to watch when he emerges in the spring next year, and even more so when fall 2011 rolls around.

DaCo on Fifita: FSDogs1 has a residence in camp Fifita, while I am about ready to make an offer for my own place. Considering he's a true, Fifita has surprised with his perceived comfort out on the field.

Lester Fontenette

Fr, 6'0", 205

San Diego (Madison)

Lester Fontenette comes into the program as a linebacker, but he could be the most versatile player on the team. Fontenette could easily have been a safety, running back and even defensive end, but is being given the role of outside linebacker to start his career. The freshman out of Fresno State's latest pipeline (San Diego) missed a large portion of open camp this year, but displayed elite athletic ability at the position during the time he saw.

DaCo on Fontenette: With Lester Fontenette added to the pot, it's becoming evident that Tim Skipper has the players he needs on his team, and concerns about the defense's future can be placed elsewhere. Fontenette has always been more of an athlete type, and will now get to focus on learning one position. Given that, Fontenette may actually have the highest ceiling of anyone of this group.

Steven Plevney

R-Fr, 6'2", 215

Palmdale (Knight HS)

Steven Plevney has the chance to pull a Rocky-like upset if he can achieve more than special teams time as a Bulldog. Plevney received a fair amount of reps during camp this year, and did nothing to suggest he's quite up for that task. Plevney is amongst a group featuring a juggernaut of talent though, and can only gain from working with them.

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Fall Camp Notebook '010: Days 7 & 8

Did you notice we added our twitter feed to the right column of this blog? Rad huh?

Quarterbackin'

• Freshman Greg Watson, after eight days of camp, has arguably surpassed Ebahn Feathers' throwing ability already. We like to compare the two because they're similar in stature and skill set. Still, our guess for now is Watson redshirts this year.
• JC transfer Kelly O'Brien is vastly improved from his first several days of camp. The accuracy is starting to come along on intermediate routes and he's throwing a prettier ball (for those of you after the aesthetic appeal).
• Ryan Colburn continues to show poise and has become Mr. Encouragement out there to his teammates. He's got command of the team. That said, Derek Carr is still making throws no one else on the team can, as was the case on a quick snap and throw to the sideline to A.J. Johnson in tight coverage Thursday night.

Here, try on Ryan Mathews' shoes...

• UCLA transfer Milton Knox, who has to sit out this year per the transfer rule, is so quick, so fast and so good that he caused one Bulldog Bouncer to question whether the 'Dogs should consider redshirting Robbie Rouse next season to prevent a mass graduation of RBs after 2012?
• Speaking of Rouse -- he's grabbed the starting job by the reins. Cal transfer Tracy Slocum, who will play this year, continues to get first-team reps, but he hasn't yet shown the big-play ability Rouse and Knox (and even Michael Harris) have. Slocum also needs to work on holding onto the ball (we don't want him getting a case of the Lonyaes on us). On one play Wednesday evening, when Slocum was hit by Lorne Bell and Cornell Banks and fumbled, Banks yelled, "Send his [butt] back to Cal!"
• A.J. Ellis has had a knack for breaking off big plays the past couple days. He seems to be the fourth back right now, but is likely to find a niche in the offense.
• Freshman E.J. Schexnayder was thought to be an immediate playinig time contender, but ball security problems as well as the learning curve may force him to redshirt. Even if coaches want to use him right away, he just doesn't look ready from a toughness perspective, though he did lower the shoulder and deliver a blow in Wednesday's workout.

They are who we THOUGHT they were!

• That's right, Jamel "Melly" Hamler, Devon "Wiggles" Wylie and Rashad "Shad" Evans are without question one of the top two trios of WRs in the WAC. Hamler had too darn many drops Thursday morning and night, but these three are legit. And FAR too many of the "experts" around town forgot how good Evans is.
• Newcomer prediction (you heard it here first): Victor Dean and Jalen Saunders are the top two freshmen candidates to play right away. That's not to say Josh Harper, Davon Dunn and Isaiah Burse aren't ready (they could be too) but the Bulldogs can't dress everyone and it makes more sense to space these talents out. Dean's 6-foot-6 height has tortured the defense in recent days with his ability to go up and get the fade in the corner of the end zone -- it's a lethal advantage for him. And Saunders' performance so far this fall reminds us of the way Rouse burst onto the scene early last camp.

Hey, stop hogging all the pancakes...

• One thing has become glaringly apparent -- Fresno State has to find a backup center who can snap in shotgun. Joey Bernardi is money, but Richard Helepiko, Leslie Cooper and Lars Bramer have struggled with accuracy thus far. That wasn't expected after the strong camp each of them had in spring.
• We're about ready to petition the school to retire Bernardi's jersey after this year. He might not even go to the NFL, but he's off the charts on the Bulldog-Pride-O-Meter.

Hurry, hurry, step right up

• Who's gonna be the D-lineman who steps up and becomes that superstar difference-maker? It's got to be someone if this D is going to turn it around. DE Donnie Pritchett has shown unique quickness and agility for someone his size (think larger Nick Burley). Now, if he can play like Burley, watch out! Pritchett's been taking the lion's share of first-team reps with Chris Lewis sidelined the past couple days.
• The next most likely breakout candidate is DT Anthony Williams, the strongest player on the team and a guy who dominates his opposing lineman regularly in practices.
• Keep an eye on the development of DE Tristan Okpalaugo, who also took a few first-team reps in place of Lewis. He's steadily improving and has added size in the offseason, but it still pretty thin.
• And a big boost might come from a guy who's been around for years. Watching DT Cornell Banks practice, it's hard not to get the feeling he's poised for a breakout (pleasebethenextAlanHarper, pleasebethenextAlanHarper...).
• One thing is for sure. The whole D-line is hustling and vocalizing more than it has since the days of Garrett McIntyre and Brian Morris. That's a good sign, and a lot of it can be attributed to the strong leadership of Chris Carter (who we've decided will now be nicknamed "C Twice").

We go deep...

• Despite what Matt James said in today's Fresno Bee podcast, there is one position on defense where the 'Dogs have tons of depth, and it's linebacker.
• The starters are Ben Jacobs, Kyle Knox and Travis Brown. And of course there's Shawn Plummer with lots of experience and ability to help in passing situations. But as hard as it might be to believe, redshirt freshmen Jeremiah Toma and Pat Su'a are good enough to start. Toma could be the best LB on the team. Then you've got Daniel Salinas, who has a bit of experience and great lateral movement from sideline to sideline, Damion Whittington who had a very strong spring, Sonny McCree who's an experienced reserve and talented newcomers Ofa Fifita (huge) and Lester Fontenette (athletic).

Raise your hand if your like interceptions...

• What are the odds CB Jermaine Thomas has more picks this season (his first as a starter) than all DBs combined did last season? Don't laugh, it's not out of the question. Thomas had five interceptions in three days earlier this week.
• Thomas and L.J. Jones have taken all the first-team reps with Desia Dunn and Isaiah Green sidelined. Green returned to action Thursday night, but don't be surprised to see him as the third or fourth corner.

We're special

• Andrew Shapiro got extensive live punting work and showed capability to boom a couple, but was inconsistent. The hang time is there, but the distance and placement need work.
• Bobby Shepard is big-time as long snapper, but behind him there are question marks. H-back Austin Raphael is the second-stringer but struggled Thursday morning and stayed after practice to put in extra work.

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How much talent is on this year's Bulldog defense?

An interesting question popped in my head after enduring three hours of personal attacks and razzing in the stands by Reno's finest fans. Is this Fresno State defense just flatout lacking talent? If not, it must be a scheme problem. But either way, here's a question we'd like you to weigh in on:

How many of the 2009 Fresno State starters on defense could have started for the Bulldogs in 2005?

2005
DE Garrett McIntyre
DT Jason Shirley
DT Louis Leonard
DE Tyler Clutts
LB Marcus Riley
LB Dwayne Andrews
LB Alan Goodwin
CB Richard Marshall
CB Marcus McCauley
SS Josh Sherley
FS Tyrone Culver

2009
DE Chris Carter
DT Cornell Banks
DT Logan Harrell
DE Kenny Borg
LB Nico Herron
LB Ben Jacobs
LB Kyle Knox
CB Desia Dunn
CB A.J. Jefferson
SS Moses Harris
FS Lorne Bell

Combining those two seasons' starting defenses, who would be in your starting 11?

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Preview: San Jose State (1-4, 0-1) @ Fresno State (2-3, 1-1)

Quarterbacks
Edge: Bulldogs
Fresno State’s Ryan Colburn (6-3, 220) enters homecoming against the Bulldogs’ longest rival on a high note. While Colburn didn’t put up gaudy numbers in a 42-17 win at Hawaii, he was about as efficient as could be, completing 12 of 14 passes for 120 yards and two touchdowns. The two incompletions were dropped passes, and Colburn was interception-free for the first time as a starter. The junior lefty simply followed the game plan, spread the ball from sideline to sideline and kept the Hawaii defense from flooding the middle of the field. He’ll be challenged by a San Jose State team that, like Hawaii, has had great success gathering takeaways this season. On the year, Colburn has 910 yards, nine touchdowns and seven picks, while completing 60% of his throws. True freshman Derek Carr (6-3, 190) played the fourth quarter – his second career game action – and completed 2 of 3 passes. Redshirt freshman Ebahn Feathers (6-0, 210) didn’t play as Pat Hill had concerns about the rainy weather and a reserve center, but is likely to see time against San Jose State by the second quarter.

San Jose State junior Jordan La Secla (6-3, 205) is coming off his first 300-plus-yard game, but it resulted in a loss at home to Idaho. La Secla completed 31 of 43 passes for 302 yards and two interceptions, giving him 914 yards, six scores and five picks on the season to go with a 62.2% completion rate. La Secla has started the Spartans’ past three games (including their only win of the season against Cal Poly), after senior Kyle Reed (6-3, 215), a former Cal transfer, struggled in his first two starts. Reed is 14 of 26 for 104 yards. The most impressive stat these two quarterbacks contributed to is the Spartans’ 100% scoring rate in the red zone (one of just three teams nationally that can say that) – granted they’ve only made it to the red zone 11 times.

Running Backs
Edge: Bulldogs
Junior Ryan Mathews (5-11, 220) is on the verge of entering the Fresno State record books in some major categories. He’s seven yards from passing Kelly Skipper for 10th on the school’s career yardage list, and tied with Wendell Mathis after his fifth consecutive 100-yard game at Hawaii. Expect Mathews to break the mark against a suspect San Jose State run defense. Mathews averages a nation-best 148.2 yards per game and has rushed for 741 yards and six touchdowns on 6.7 per carry this season. He’s got 2,230 (6.1 average) and 26 touchdowns in two-plus seasons. And that’s just one of the four backs San Jose State has to worry about. The Bulldogs’ No. 2 rusher, true freshman Robbie Rouse (5-7, 185), has squirted, spun and sprinted his way to 297 yards and three touchdowns and is second in the nation at 8.7 yards per carry. Then throw in seniors Lonyae Miller (5-11, 220) and Anthony Harding (6-0, 220), who rushed for 62 and 99 yards respectively last season at San Jose State with Mathews injured and Rouse still in high school, and it’s obvious the Spartans should be concerned. Harding had two touchdowns in last season’s 24-10 ‘Dogs win, and fifth-stringer Jamaal Rashad rushed for a career-high 41 yards in last season’s match-up.

San Jose State, on the other hand, totaled minus-5 yards rushing in the 2008 game against a Fresno State defense that ranked among the nation’s worst at stopping the run. Things do look a little better this year as the Spartans have introduced junior college transfer junior Lamon Muldrow (5-9, 210), who leads the team with 235 yards and two scores (5.7 per carry). Muldrow showed he is capable of breaking a big play, with a 71-yard long. More good news for San Jose State came with sophomore Brandon Rutley’s (5-10, 190) return to the field last week. Rutley has just four carries for six yards this year, but was second on the team with 356 yards and three scores last season.

Receivers
Edge: Bulldogs
It’s no secret any longer Fresno State has depth rivaled by no one in the WAC at wide receiver. The biggest trick is sharing the ball with everyone and balancing it with the running game – which the Bulldogs will continue to lead with. The most pleasant surprise remains senior Chastin West (6-1, 215), who is third on the team with 152 yards and has two touchdowns (15.2 yards per catch). Senior Seyi Ajirotutu (6-4, 210) is the most immediate NFL prospect and has a team-high 231 yards with two scores. Ajirotutu was the deep threat last season, but has been used as more of a possession receiver this year, seeing his yards per catch drop from 16.9 to 13.6. Junior burner Devon Wylie (5-9, 170) leads the squad with three touchdowns and is second with 215 yards (15.4 per catch). The missing link right now is senior Marlon Moore (6-1, 190), another burner who emerged as a sophomore but has had disappointing production the past two years. Moore got off on the right foot with a 90-yard touchdown catch in the season opener, but has been quiet since. The biggest question is whether Fresno State’s receivers can get open this year? Last time against San Jose State, the Spartans’ secondary held the Bulldogs to just five catches for 71 yards in an ugly display of offenses.

The bright spot in an otherwise dim Spartans offense has been the return of senior Kevin Jurovich (6-0, 190), who was injured last season after being converted from safety. Jurovich picked up where he left off with a team-high 463 yards on the year – but no touchdowns. In 2007, Jurovich had eight receptions for 58 yards in a 30-0 loss at Fresno State. But he might be able to do more damage against the Bulldogs’ suspect secondary this time around. Junior Marquis Avery (6-4, 200) is a new threat to the Bulldogs with his size, and ranks second on the team with 224 yards and a Spartans-high three scores. After that, the Spartans’ running backs are the biggest threats in the passing game – they like to look for both Muldrow and Rutley (when he’s healthy). San Jose State just can’t compare with the Bulldogs’ depth at the position.

Offensive Line
Edge: Bulldogs
This unit has done more than any other on the Bulldogs to prove itself from the time fall camp began until now. It’s another spot – along with running back and receiver – where no one in the WAC can compare. The line has been playing so well that it’s easy to take the work for granted. As a team, the Bulldogs average 5.9 yards per carry. And any time you’re paving the way for the nation’s leading rusher and a freshman who ranks second in yards per carry – you’re doing something right. Fresno State’s allowed just five sacks in five games, and the depth was shown last week when senior Richard Pacheco (6-2, 285) stepped in for injured center Joey Bernardi (6-2, 280) and didn’t skip a beat. The team will be in good hands with either as the starter on Saturday.

San Jose State’s numbers aren’t so impressive. The Spartans’ backs average just 2.6 yards per carry – not strictly the line’s fault, but partly. The proof is in the pudding – which in this case is an embarrassing concoction of 15 sacks by San Jose State opponents. If the Bulldogs continue the trend, the Spartans offense will have little chance to keep up with Fresno State. Though the Spartans have great continuity dating back to 2007, when three freshmen started on the line, senior center Ronnie Castillo (6-0, 292) is the only real honors candidate. Castillo is a member of the Rimington Award watch list with 26 career starts under his belt.

Defensive Line
Edge: Spartans
The Mega Man nickname earned by junior end Chris Carter (6-2, 230) is looking more and more accurate each game. Carter has solidified himself among the WAC’s best ends while playing with a giant club cast on his hand since Week 2 at Wisconsin. All he’s done in that time is risen to the top of the conference with four sacks (though watching film of the Hawaii game he should seemingly have five). He’s also wreaked havoc with three hurries, a pass breakup, a fumble recovery and a forced fumble. There simply aren’t any tackles fast enough to keep up with Carter’s motor – he had a team-high eight tackles against the Spartans last season. The problem is not one other linemen – heck, not one other defender – on the Bulldogs has a single sack. Sophomore end Kenny Borg (6-3, 245) showed an improved pass rush at Hawaii, and has two hurries, but still isn’t quite making plays. The same holds true for sophomore tackle Logan Harrell (6-2, 275), who occasionally breaks through the protection but doesn’t do it in time to finish.

Last year’s San Jose State squad boasted a line that was flatout deadly. But with Jarron Gilbert off to the NFL, the Spartans haven’t been quite as stingy. Still, senior end Carl Ihenacho (6-3, 256) poses a huge threat. Ihenacho is third on the team with 33 tackles – a nasty number for any lineman through five games. Comparatively, Carter leads Fresno State’s linemen with 11 tackles. Ihenacho also has team-highs with two sacks, three tackles for losses and three fumble recoveries. Senior tackle Adonis Davis (6-2, 295) is the other experienced veteran and has a sack and two tackles for losses. Ihenacho had three tackles for losses against Fresno State last season, but Davis recorded just a single tackle.

Linebackers
Edge: Bulldogs
Junior Ben Jacobs (6-3, 225) showed had his most impressive pass coverage outing of his career at Hawaii, dropping back often and even picking off a pass. Jacobs leads Fresno State with 34 tackles (two for losses). Junior Nico Herron (6-3, 240) should have had his second interception of the season but dropped it late in the game. He got off to a hot start but has been inconsistent since. Everyone’s still awaiting a breakout game by sophomore Kyle Knox (6-1, 215), who shows flashes of being a more vicious hitter and fast-paced aggressor than any of his teammates, but the dependability hasn’t fully clicked yet. Knox and Jacobs each had seven tackles at San Jose State last year.

San Jose State goes with a two-linebacker set, and starts two seniors in Travis Jones (6-1, 230) and Justin Cole (6-3, 240). Both had big games against the Bulldogs last season, with eight and six tackles respectively. Cole assisted on a tackle for loss and had a fumble recovery. Junior reserve Pompey Festejo (6-0, 215) leads the corps and is tied for fourth on the team with 28 tackles.

Defensive Backs
Edge: Spartans
Last week was big for junior corner Desia Dunn (5-9, 190), who earned WAC defensive player of the week honors after recording 10 tackles, two pass breakups and forcing a fumble at Hawaii – a special performance by a former walk-on who displayed blanket coverage against one of the WAC’s best passing teams after getting beat by some of the best receivers on the Bulldogs’ schedule in previous games. Just as notable as Dunn’s performance was senior strong safety Moses Harris (5-11, 205) with his interception in the end zone that flip-flopped a Hawaii drive in the first quarter. It was Harris’ second career pick, and remains one of only three this year for the Bulldogs. If Fresno State can force some turnovers for a second straight game it’ll be time to start getting excited.

Those freakishly good Spartans corners of recent years (most notably Dwight Lowery and Christopher Owens) are finally gone. But junior safety Duke Ihenacho (6-1, 210), brother of Carl, remains. This half of the Inhenacho brothers is second on the team with 37 tackles and has a Spartans-high five breakups, as well as a pick. The surprise has been the emergence of sophomore safety Tanner Burns (6-1, 185), son of defensive coordinator Keith Burns, who had Pat Hill fired up with his sideline antics in last year’s meeting. Burns leads the Spartans with 47 tackles and is tied with sophomore corner Peyton Thompson (5-11, 180) for a team-high two interceptions. Burns has also forced four fumbles.

Special Teams
Edge: Bulldogs
The Bulldogs got a little moxie back at Hawaii, when offensive guard Andrew Jackson (6-5, 295) blocked a field goal on the opening drive and Jacobs returned it inside the 10-yard line. Then, out of the Bulldogs’ new shield punt protection, sophomore long snapper Bobby Shepard (6-2, 235) ran downfield and recovered a fumble on a botched catch by the return man. Now if Fresno State could just get its own return men going as they usually do. Senior corner A.J. Jefferson (6-0, 190) was an All-America candidate who led the nation in kick returns his sophomore year. But he’s averaging just 23.7 yards on 12 tries this season, with a long of 34 – nowhere near the Jefferson fans have grown accustomed to.

The Spartans have been even less impressive in the return game. After Rutley led freshmen in returns last year, he averages just 19.6 yards, and Jurovich just 3.2 yards on punt returns. Senior punter Philip Zavala (6-1, 200) has gotten an insane amount of work with 36 punts this year for a 42.6 yard average. Comparatively, Fresno State’s senior punter Robert Malone (6-2, 225) has punted just 14 times for a 45.9-yard average. Spartans sophomore kicker Tyler Cope (6-1, 180) is 3 of 4 on field goals with a long of 41.

Coaching
Edge: Bulldogs
Fresno State’s Pat Hill was an assistant under San Jose State’s Dick Tomey when Tomey was excelling as the leader of Arizona in its glory days. There’s a great respect between the two coaches, but there’s no denying Hill’s been more successful in their current roles – despite what these skewed San Jose State stats from a recent news release claim. Fresno State has won 14 of the past 15 games against hated rival San Jose State in the past two decades, though the one Spartans win came under Tomey in 2006 – in a season the Bulldogs recorded their worst record (4-8) since joining Division I-A. But Tomey is just 1-3 against the Bulldogs since taking the helm.
Intangibles
Edge: Bulldogs
Dating back to the Spartans’ dominant days of the late 1980s, Fresno State still owns an 11-2 all-time record against San Jose State at Bulldog Stadium. Under Hill, the ‘Dogs are 6-0 at home against the Spartans, averaging 40.5 points and a 28-poin margin of victory. This rivalry is historically as fierce as any in the programs’ history but has lost some of its fervor in the past decade.

***Photo courtesy of Juan Villa.

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Preview: No. 10 Boise State (2-0) @ Fresno State (1-1)

Quarterbacks
Edge: Broncos
Junior Ryan Colburn (6-3, 220) answered a lot of questions about Fresno State’s offense with his performance at Wisconsin Saturday – 22 of 36 for 289 yards and 4 touchdowns – but also left a few unanswered with three interceptions that likely kept the Bulldogs from winning. That said, the game plan made it obvious that coaches are more confident in the passing game than they have been the past three years, as the offense opened up and the deep ball was thrown regularly. Execution will be the biggest key to beating Boise State on Friday, but Colburn seems like the type of kid who will build upon his first-career road start, and he might very well finish the year as one of the WAC’s top quarterbacks. It’s doubtful true freshman Derek Carr (6-3, 190) will enter the game as long as Colburn’s healthy, but look for an increased presence from redshirt freshman Ebahn Feathers (6-0, 210), who’s change-of-pace ability was used for just two plays last week.

Though sophomore Kellen Moore (6-0, 187) is younger than Colburn, he’s more experienced after leading the Broncos to a 12-1 season in 2008 and setting a new NCAA record for completion percentage by a freshman (69.4%). Moore, who like Colburn is a lefty, was a Freshman All-American and second-team All-WAC selection after throwing for 3,486 yards, 25 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Moore defined efficiency in last season’s 61-10 debacle over the Bulldogs, completing 17 of 23 passes (74%). This is a week where Fresno State probably won’t get away with not forcing at least one turnover – otherwise Boise State will peck away all night.

Running Backs
Edge: Even
A healthy Ryan Mathews (5-11, 220) has proved to be as close to unstoppable as college running backs get. Even when he was being contained at Wisconsin, it was just a matter of time before he broke a big play – and it came with a 55-yard run in the third quarter. The junior has rushed for more than 100 yards each game this season, but hasn’t yet had success against Boise State. Mathews had 15 carries for 49 yards as a true freshman, and didn’t play last season due to injury. If the line blocks well, he could be the X-factor. True freshman Robbie Rouse (5-7, 185) is quickly becoming a major concern for opponents. In his first two career games he’s got 121 yards and a score on 7.6 per carry. The Bulldogs haven’t seen near what’s expected of seniors Lonyae Miller (5-11, 220) and Anthony Harding (6-0, 220) yet, though Hardings has just one carry so far.

Boise State has small, quick running backs – the polar opposite of what Fresno State faced at Wisconsin last week – and it’s exactly what gives the Bulldogs trouble. For all the hype that surrounded now-departed Ian Johnson, juniors Jeremy Avery (5-9, 173) and D.J. Harper (5-9, 198) present far more danger to Fresno State’s defense. Avery had seven carries for 62 yards (8.9 average) against the Bulldogs last season and 124 yards and three scores on 18 carries in 2007 at Bulldog Stadium. In that same game, Harper led the Broncos with 153 yards. The good news for the Bulldogs is they have a much more aggressive defense than a year ago, but this will be the ultimate test. Senior fullback Richie Brockel (6-2, 240) is the type of road-paver typically found in the Bulldogs’ backfield, and a guy who could be playing on Sundays next year.

Receivers
Edge: Bulldogs
Can you say breakout? Fresno State’s wideouts put on a show for a national TV audience last week, and were led by junior speedster Devon Wylie (5-9, 170), who had a career-high 114 yards on five catches, including a 70-yard strike where he shifted to an extra gear and burned Wisconsin’s corner. Senior Chastin West (6-1, 215) had perhaps the best game of his career last week with five catches for 49 yards and a touchdown. But it was the situation he made the catches in that made them so impressive, third downs and great plays. West would have had the potential game-winner in double overtime when he beat the corner by six yards in the end zone, but was underthrown. Senior Seyi Ajirotutu (6-4, 210) had six receptions for 82 yards and two touchdowns. The wideout weapons are many, but the Bulldogs might need more involvement from their tight ends this week if Colburn faces more pressure, which is likely.

Boise State sophomore tight end Kyle Efaw (6-4, 229) will be a weapon for the Broncos. He’s got the hands and ability to squat in pockets of zone coverage that can hurt the Bulldogs. Efaw led Boise State with 60 yards on two catches in last year’s win over Fresno State. The Broncos, however, aren’t as deep at wideout as they have been in recent years. But the two go-to receivers are two of the best they’ve had in juniors Titus Young (5-11, 170) and Austin Pettis (6-3, 201). In two games this year, Pettis has 10 catches for 183 yards and two touchdowns, while Young has 11 grabs for 160 yards and two scores. Pettis hauled in a career-high 65-yarder last week in a win over Miami (Ohio).

Offensive Line
Edge: Bulldogs
Fresno State’s big men on the gridiron have been a pleasant surprise. Some doubt remained after they dominated UC Davis in the opener with two new starters, but little doubt is there after their performance at Wisconsin. While the unit allowed two sacks, the pass blocking was obscenely strong on numerous plays. Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema reportedly called junior center Joe Bernardi (6-2, 280) and junior right guard Andrew Jackson (6-5, 295) two of the best linemen he’s seen on film. Both have been doing a stellar job of getting to the second level on blocks. But Boise State presents a tougher challenge – can the unit hold strong against a smaller, quicker Broncos front? The Bulldogs, who are perennially among the nation’s leaders for fewest sacks allowed, have given up five sacks to the Broncos in the past two meetings.

Boise State’s line is lean and quick, another polar opposite compared to the behemouths up front for Wisconsin. The Broncos don’t have a single lineman weighing more than 300 pounds – with junior left guard Will Lawrence (6-2, 293) the biggest. The Broncos gave up a WAC-low 13 sacks last season, but has a relatively inexperienced unit with just two full-time starters returning in sophomore center Thomas Byrd (5-11, 284) and junior right guard Kevin Sapien (6-4, 286) – and even they have just one year of starting under their belts. Keep an eye on Byrd’s exchange with the quarterback, which the Broncos have had some trouble with this year – but they always seem to clean up the mistakes against Fresno State.

Defensive Line
Edge: Broncos
Junior end Chris Carter (6-2, 230) has taken his game up another notch and emerged as a serious threat to Fresno State opponents. Carter’s speed presented a huge mismatch against Wisconsin’s bigger, slower linemen, and allowed him to get around the edge twice for hard-hitting sacks. On a near-sack in the first quarter last week, Carter reportedly broke his middle finger, but is expected to play on Friday. Redshirt sophomore Kenny Borg (6-3, 245) also caused problems with his speed at end last week, but didn’t have the same impact. Look for the Bulldogs to use junior Chris Lewis (6-3, 260) for more reps at tackle this week, as his size is more appropriate against Boise State’s smaller, quicker guys. The same holds true for sophomore tackle Logan Harrell (6-2, 275), who showed flashes of agility against Wisconsin. Defensively, this is likely where the game will be won or lost for Fresno State – the only way to force Boise State out of its usual near-perfect execution is to apply constant pressure in the backfield.

Boise State’s defense boasts one of the most ridiculous stats ever – in the past 12 games, the defense has allowed just 8.25 offensive points per game. It starts with the front four and is the biggest reason for the Broncos’ increased success of late against strong competition (see Oregon). Somewhere along the line, the Broncos developed not only skill in the front four, but also size, with starting ends junior Ryan Winterswyk (6-4, 263) and sophomore Jarrell Root (6-3, 259). Winterswyk, a first-team All-WAC honoree who’s up for the Lott Trophy and Lombardi Award, had 11.5 tackles for losses and 4.5 sacks last season. But more impressively, he had six pass deflections, something that has caused Fresno State fits in recent years with passes being batted down by linemen. Sophomore tackles Billy Winn (6-4, 288) and Chase Baker (6-1, 296) each have 0.5 sacks on the young season, but overall the Broncos’ starting for is lacking in the experience department.

Linebackers
Edge: Bulldogs
The play of middle backer Ben Jacobs (6-3, 225) is getting to be ridiculous. With his speed improved a tad, and a more physical mentality, Jacobs has already racked up 21 tackles this season, after leading Fresno State with 113 last year. First-team All-WAC here he comes. Still, the biggest plus so far this year might be junior strong side Nico Herron (6-3, 240), who had a 94-yard interception return for a touchdown in the opener and is third on the team with 11 tackles after showing much improvement in sticking to his assignments. If sophomore Kyle Knox (6-1, 215) steps up his play this will be the WAC’s best linebacker trio.

Look for the Broncos to go with a 4-2-5 defense often, consisting of just two linebackers instead of the normal three. The best of those two is junior Derrell Acrey (6-1, 235), who was fifth on the team with 59 tackles last season. Sophomore Aaron Tevis (6-3, 228) enters his first season as the full-time starter on the weak side. Both linebackers have a knack for getting to the ball and not missing, part of what makes Boise State so tough to drive the ball on. Redshirt freshman J.C. Percy (6-0, 214) is pushing hard for playing time, as he’s tied with Acrey and one other for third on the team with eight tackles this season. Tevis has two picks already on the season.

Defensive Backs
Edge: Broncos
Fresno State received sad news Wednesday that starting free safety Lorne Bell (5-10, 200) is out the next two weeks with a knee injury. The junior is a physical specimen and the biggest reason the Bulldogs seem to have rediscovered that “Shutup & Hit Somebody” mentality. He delivered at least three bell-ringing blows in the first two games and was scary on the blitz – while posting 13 tackles. Instead Boise State will face either senior Marvin Haynes (6-1, 205), who has two-plus years of starting experience, or sophomore Zak Hill (6-2, 200), Pat Hill’s youngest son. It’s a head-scratcher, though, why Hill wouldn’t start redshirt freshman Phillip Thomas (6-1, 205), who opened fall camp first-string and might be the defense’s next big thing. Expect senior corner A.J. Jefferson (6-0, 190) to draw Pettis, while junior Desia Dunn (5-9, 190) tries to stick with Young. Senior All-WAC strong safety Moses Harris (5-11, 205) will also be used on the blitz under Randy Stewart’s more aggressive defensive playcalling, but must be sure to shed blocks if he’s going to be effective – an area he’s struggled with in the past.

There’s not a better secondary in the WAC, and its best corner is Boise State senior and All-America candidate Kyle Wilson (5-10, 186), but he’ll be outsized by most Fresno State receivers, especially the team’s best deep threat, Ajirotutu at 6-foot-4. Junior corner Brandyn Thompson (5-10, 180) faces the same battle, as does junior nickel back Winston Venable (5-11, 233). Wilson tied for the WAC lead with five interceptions last season and has eight for his career. He also leads the Broncos with 10 tackles this year. At the starting safety spots, Boise State boasts junior Jeron Johnson (5-11, 194) and sophomore George Iloka (6-3, 207). Johnson led the squad with 98 tackles and had three picks in 2008. Both he and Iloka have a pick already this year. Iloka had four interceptions in 2008.

Special Teams
Edge: Bulldogs
This game pits easily the two best special teams units in the WAC, and both have been among the nation’s best this decade. Fresno State has blocked 80 kicks and punts during Pat Hill’s tenure, which began in 1997. The emphasis the Bulldogs put on special teams is unparalleled, and it pays off as four current players have returned kicks or punts for touchdowns – Jefferson, West, Moore and Rashad Evans (who’s redshirting). Senior punter Robert Malone (6-2, 225) averages 46.4 yards and has placed 3 of 5 punts inside the 20-yard line. Sophomore Kevin Goessling (6-0, 190), who’s on the Lou Groza watch list, hit a 41-yarder to send last week’s game into overtime, but also missed a 45-yard attempt earlier in the game.

Boise State has a heck of a return man itself in Wilson, who returned a punt 90 yards for a Boise State record-long touchdown against the Bulldogs last year. He averaged 14.2 yards per return with three touchdowns last season. The Broncos also blocked a punt last week in a win over Miami (Ohio). Junior Kyle Brotzman (5-10, 201) handles kicking and punting duties. He was 17 of 26 on field goals last season, but 2 of 2 from 50-plus yards, but is just 1 of 3 this season including a miss from 29 yards. Brotzman averages 45.3 yards per punt, and has pinned 3 of 6 inside the 20.

Coaching
Edge: Broncos
How can the edge not go to Chris Petersen here? No matter how lovable Pat Hill’s vision and passion for Bulldog football and the Valley is, he just can’t seem to out-scheme Petersen on the field often enough, despite having more talent on paper pretty much every year the two teams have played. Petersen has discovered the secret to getting kids to execute to near-perfection throughout a season, and does it consistently. It’s a phenomenon no other coach or program in the nation experiences. At USC, Oklahoma and Florida, they win perennially based on exorbitant amounts of talent. With Boise State, no one can really explain why the Broncos win so often in such convincing fashion? Boise State is 7-4 all-time against the Bulldogs, and its only loss in the rivalry since joining the WAC in 2001 was 27-7 at Bulldog Stadium in 2005.

Intangibles
Edge: Broncos
There’s a ton of hype coming in with Boise State ranked No. 10, the second straight year a 10th-ranked team has visited Bulldog Stadium (Wisconsin last year). The Red Wave is being asked to “white out” the stadium, and the game is a near sellout – making for by far the most hostile environment Boise State will face on the road this season. But this Broncos team won at Oregon last year – its first-ever road win over a BCS-conference opponent – and always gets up to play Fresno State. Still, the mental hurdle of losing to Boise State so often in recent years will be tough to overcome. And until Fresno State pulls it off, it’s tough to pick the ‘Dogs to win it.


***Photos courtesy of Juan Villa

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Grading the 'Dogs (1-1) @ Wisconsin (2-0)

Quarterbacks: C+
4 TDs and big-play capability of Colburn has been sorely missed past three years. But three interceptions (although first was blatant pass interference on the hit to Wylie) ain't gonna cut it. Colburn needs to know when to put touch on passes, and when to zip 'em in there.

Running Backs: B
Mathews' 107 yards and Rouse's 46 yards lead 'Dogs, as the backs got stronger as the game wore on. Mathews flashed big-play ability again with 55-yarder, but Miller and Harding were ineffective in limited reps.

Receivers: A-
West (5 catches, 49 yards, TD) and Wylie (5 catches, 114 yards, TD) had their best career games. Ajirotutu added 6 catches, 83 yards, 2 TDs while making an acrobat grab to extend to double overtime. Tight ends, though, were non-factors in the passing game.

Offensive Line: B
Pass blocking was phenomenal and Bernardi scored a knockout. Run push came up in second half, but offense didn't capitalize. Without this group, the big plays wouldn't have been there.

Defensive Line: C
Got out to dominant start, but weakened as game went on. Carter, with 2 sacks, was only player consistenly applying pressure, with occasional help from Borg. Interior linemen need to contribute more.

Linebackers: C
Jacobs led all with 15 tackles, and Herron came up with a couple big stops late. But partial blame lies here for Clay's 72-yard run and tight end Graham's catches.

Defensive Backs: C
Allowed Badgers too much open ground after taking a 21-7 lead and were dominated for a couple drives. No turnovers hurt bad, especially when Dunn had position but didn't turn his head. Still, part of the blame lies with blitzes not being effective enough and Tolzien making great plays under pressure.

Special Teams: D+
Shanked punt by Malone, missed field goal by Goessling, two blocks in the back that negated solid returns, and allowed Wisconsin to hit 57-yard field goal.

Coaching: B-
Offensive playcalling was refreshing, defensive was aggressive, but seemed like the team let off the gas a bit when it had a big lead. Need the "killer instinct." Team was definitely focused and ready at kickoff.

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LINEBACKERS

Returning lettermen: 6

Incoming: 8

Lost: 1 (Nick Bates)

Fresno State gave up a whopping 5.6 yards per rush last season – unacceptable for a team that expects to win. Part of the blame sits with a linebacker corps that was young and inexperienced last season, and is still young now. The difference is the youth now has starting experience under its belt, and a large crop of even younger prospects has added depth to a position sorely lacking a season ago. Coach Tim Skipper takes over the linebackers – a much more natural fit for the former Bulldogs standout – after spending the past two seasons as running backs coach.

The on-field leader is junior Ben Jacobs (6-3, 225), with two years of starting experience in the middle and second-team All-WAC honors in 2008. Jacobs turned his aggressiveness up several notches last season, and though his one weakness is speed, it didn’t stop him from collecting a team-high 113 tackles last season. He came to fall camp noticeably leaner and stronger and should be poised for his most successful season. When he has guys on offense looking up to him, it’s safe to say he’s doing things right.

One guy who did some things right in the offseason is junior strong side linebacker Nico Herron (6-3, 240). Though his listed at the same weight, it’s hard to believe he didn’t weigh more than 240 last year. Herron, too, is noticeably trimmer. His lack of speed was even more of a liability than Jacobs’ last year, in his first season as a starter, when he finished fourth on the team with 65 tackles. With highly-touted true freshman Travis Brown (6-2, 235) in the mix and battling for time, it should be easy for Herron to stay motivated and push himself. Brown, the son of the late longtime defensive coordinator Dan Brown, was expected to offer instant depth, but showed his youth (along with some promise) during fall camp. But it’s no secret coaches expect big things from him eventually.

On the weak side, sophomore Kyle Knox (6-1, 215) takes over as the full-time starter. Knox had lots of experience in 2008, but was in more of a reserve role as Chris Carter toggled between linebacker and defensive end. Now, Knox has the position to himself, and has quickly established himself as a wreckless hitter who loves to make big plays – see his team-high eight tackles for losses last year. He should be the unit’s best pass rusher. Sophomore Shawn Plummer (6-0, 200), a former walk-on, is the only reserve with much experience. Plummer can compete for time at weak or strong side after adding muscle to his frame. Frankie Manquero (6-1, 205), another former walk-on, converted from safety in the offseason and entered fall camp second on the depth chart. Manquero has been predominantly a special teams player, but might offer help in passing downs.

Backing up Jacobs in the middle is junior Sonny McCree (6-0, 230), yet another former walk-on, with very limited experience – five tackles last year. The way true freshman Daniel Salinas (5-11, 205) stands out in practice, it’s hard to imagine him not working his way up the depth chart this season. Salinas graduated high school a semester early to participate in spring camp, and has a knack at flying to the ballcarrier – something that used to be typical of Bulldog defenders.

The most noticeable thing about the incoming freshmen is their size – none of them look like Fresno State’s freshmen linebackers of recent years. They’re bigger. That’s the case with Salinas and Brown, as well as Patrick Su’a (6-2, 215), who has monster calves, Jeremiah Toma (6-0, 215) and Ibe Nduka (6-0, 220), whose physical build resembles former standout Bryce McGill. Another guy, currently behind Brown at strong side is freshman Damion Whittington (6-1, 235). While Su’a, Toma and Nduka are likely to redshirt, Whittington might be ready to see the field this season.

Though redshirt freshman Mario Moore (5-11, 180), a walk-on last year, might be the fastest linebacker, it’s odd to see someone his size not playing defensive back. He’ll battle to find a niche that gets him on the field this year, but new walk-ons David Halopoff (5-11, 210) and Steven Plevney (6-2, 205) have a long way to go.

Rating: 7 of 10

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Tuesday Two-a-day: Session 1

First, the bad news. Fresno State had an 8-10 p.m. practice session Tuesday night, but the Bounce was unable to attend. We're not happy campers about that.

That being said, there was two and a half hours of practice to enjoy in the a.m. And it was on this day, day 6, that the rookies finally joined the veterans to create a full squad. With that said, here are some news, notes and observations:

***UPDATE: So I left something out that I was reminded about this morning. The hit of the day came toward the end of practice during the 11-on-11 "tag-off" session in the compete zone (25 yard line to the goal). Ebahn Feathers jumped for a high snap out of the shotgun, came down with the ball and handed it to Robbie Rouse. As Rouse planted for his first step, Matt Akers came flying from around the left end and steam-rolled Rouse into the ground for the biggest collision of the day. This play sort of epitomizes the anxiousness that can be observed watching the team that they want to hit. The tag-off session is a full speed session, with defensive players making contact, wrapping up or stripping and letting the ball carrier continue with the play. Needless to say, as the period got more competitive, so to did the urge to hit. This is a good thing.

• With Matt Hunt and Devan Cunningham still not ready for full speed action, Leslie Cooper and Charley Robbins received time at left guard. Both played the position admirably, with Cooper taking home one of the plays of the day. In a nutshell, Cooper drove linebacker Ben Jacobs back 15+ yards away from the ball and line of scrimmage until the whistle blew.

• Joe Bernardi also received first team reps at center today. The always reliable Bernardi had a solid day as well.

• Quarterback is obviously the story of camp, but the linebackers will also eventually make a splash. Ben Jacobs seems to have the middle locked up, but he still seems to me missing a dimension from his game that would make him great. On the outside, Kyle Knox is showing great growth, although he and Nico Herron will at least be pushed for their jobs.

• True freshman Travis Brown may be the biggest contender, as he was given reps as the second team strongside backer. Fellow freshman Damion Whittington is also flashing talent out there.

• Also making noise in camp, and again on Tuesday, are the wideouts. New coach Keith Williams is pure hilarity, but his coaching methods are top flight. Route running has never been better across the board, and their improvement should only help the defensive backs compete at a higher level as well. Jamel Hamler is still looking prime to be big-play material.

• After watching a new wrinkle in the offense involving Devon Wylie, I'm starting to think that his school-record 4.25 40 speed is a tad bit slower than his true time. Defenders will thank the football Gods that the field is only 100 yards, because chasing Wylie will not be a fun chore.

• Bulldogs coaches also seem to have increased their aggressiveness for turnovers this year, a very much welcomed mentality. This should suit this team's new decapitating personality just fine.

• Speaking of the new personality, let's speak on it for a second. After having attended many years of Fresno State fall camps, the 2009 version has easily been among the most focused and effort-giving ones. Coaches have been dishing out praise for execution and effort frequently. That being said, they are still pushing the players to set the bar higher every practice. Bottom line is you couldn't ask for a better run camp right now.

• Finally, let's get to the QBs. After a few days of neck-and-neck competition between Ryan Colburn and Derek Carr, it seems as though the competition has heated up, with Carr doing most of the fueling. He has looked more poised, comfortable and shown more leadership each day. As a result, he has seen reps with the first team on consecutive days. On Tuesday, Carr made ridiculous throws at a torrid pace, flashing some of this teams enormous potential for big plays. Can a true freshman really be this good? Seems to be so. That being said, Colburn has also look fairly consistent, and should be able continue a high-scoring offense should he get the job.

• And for you Ebahn Feathers fans out there. Feathers has legit speed and can breakaway at any time. The noticeable and encouraging thing the past couple of days has been his arm strength and spiral quality. A lot less ducks being shot lately. He is still frustratingly inconsistent, because at times he shows flashes that prove he could be a monster impact player. He is getting plenty of reps, almost all of which he is throwing in, in an attempt to get him more seasoning for his strong right arm. He'll need to find accuracy to see the field more than a couple times per game.

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