Ex-Turlock QB Brandstater key to Fresno success

FRESNO -- Spring football is over. Well, almost.

Fresno State has one practice left, a light workout Wednesday at Bulldog Stadium.

It will be closed to the public, and that's fine.

Unless something dramatic happens, the Bulldogs already have filled in their Scantron with answers to questions they faced entering spring camp. Here's the key to follow along:

A. Good to go.

B. Still the same.

C. Getting better.

D. Ugh, better ask later.

They might not be the answers head coach Pat Hill wanted, but at least he knows where the Bulldogs stand as he sends them off for players-only, no-coaches-allowed workouts for the next 3½ months. The Bulldogs will reconvene with coaches Aug. 5.

Here's a review of Fresno State's spring exam:

How will quarterback Tom Brandstater, a Turlock High graduate, perform under Doug Nussmeier, the Bulldogs' fourth offensive coordinator in four years?

Answer: A -- Good to go. Brandstater is adjusting just fine to Nussmeier, his coaching style and play preference. Brandstater, entering his third year as the starter, is playing with confidence and showing great knowledge of the offense. He's making smart decisions and has shown the arm strength and accuracy to get the ball through the tightest of windows.

"I expect good things from Tom," Nussmeier said. "He's looked amazing."

How is the center spot coming along?

Answer: D -- Ugh, better ask later. The center exchange couldn't have gotten off to a worse start.

There were botched snaps, shotgun hikes that sailed over the quarterback's head and snaps that were fired off before the quarterback actually wanted the ball.

But as guard-turned-center Adam McDowell grew more familiar with the position, the bad snaps ceased. And the center spot became unnoticeable -- a good sign when you're an offensive lineman.

"It's not a big deal," Brandstater said. "The first couple of practices we had some problems because he had never done it before. But since then, he's fixed the problem and we haven't had issues."

What player could have a breakout season?

Answer: B -- Still the same. The answer before spring camp was running back Ryan Mathews and remains Ryan Mathews.

He has bulked up in the offseason and still shows the quick feet and vision that made him so lethal last season, when he led the Bulldogs in rushing as a true freshman.

Mathews' blocking remains a work in progress, as is his route running. So maybe he isn't ready for the do-it-all role departing back Clifton Smith had, but Mathews has all summer to work on that.

"I've shown what I can do," Mathews said. "Now I just got to keep doing it when it matters."

The linebackers seemed to be the primary area of concern on defense. How has that come along?

Answer: C -- Getting better. As long as the starting three of weakside linebacker Quaadir Brown, middle linebacker Ben Jacobs and strongside linebacker Nico Herron are manning the spots, the Bulldogs look good. Herron has been one of the biggest surprises in spring, adjusting quickly to his starting role and playing physically and aggressively.

"I don't think you can say we're a weakness," Herron said. "We've improved so much from the first day to now."

Is Fresno State ready for a big 2008 season?

Answer: D -- Ugh, better ask later. It would appear Fresno State is ready for the season as long as it's going with its main guys. The Bulldogs' first-team offense and defense looked solid overall. But the depth wasn't apparent during the three weeks, particularly at backup quarterback, linebacker, tight end and on the defensive line.

That leaves Fresno State counting heavily on its starters to stay healthy.

Quarterbacks Ryan Colburn and Matt Faulkner failed to impress in the final scrimmage, which might mean incoming freshman and prized recruit Ebahn Feathers could move up the depth chart quickly.

Left tackle Kenny Wiggins had a good spring and looks like a safe option if Bobby Lepori, a soon-to-be three-year starter, doesn't recover as quickly as expected from a biceps injury.

Tight end Ryan Skidmore has shown he can get open and has the hands to reel in passes. But he's prone to fumbling and hasn't shown the blocking ability like that of starter Bear Pascoe.

The loss of defensive end Kenny Borg for the season (injured knee in spring) puts more emphasis on Chris Carter and Chris Lewis to perform.

Fresno State is stocked at receiver (seven capable options), defensive back (as long as Haynes returns, the position seems fine) and running back (Mathews gets much attention, but Lonyae Miller and Pitman High graduate Anthony Harding are almost as productive).

"I'm happy with the way spring ended," Hill said. "I'm pleased with our progress. But we're not a finished product by any means."