Tuesday, Jul. 22, 2008

Bulldogs unite in practice

During 2007 Fresno State football practices, former offensive coordinator Jim McElwain would bark orders at quarterbacks and assistant coach Tim Skipper might make running backs do a number of push-ups and crunches that would make a non-athlete ache for days.

During the summer, though, no coaches are allowed to direct practices. It's all on the players, and Tom Brandstater said his teammates have more than met the call this summer.

The senior quarterback said 95 to 98 percent of players have shown up to every workout.

"Usually guys that miss have good excuses," Brandstater said.

Ryan Mathews said the team has three voluntary practices per week. If players miss a practice, some of their teammates will make them run.

Quarterback Ebahn Feathers recently missed a workout session and had to run because of it.

"He knows he missed and he has had fun with it," Brandstater said. "To be a good teammate, you have to put in the work when you miss."

The offseason is about getting timing and techniques down, building muscle mass, gaining or losing weight, and improving conditioning. But it's also about togetherness.

"It brings us closer as a team," said Mathews, who led the Bulldogs with 14 rushing touchdowns last season and 866 yards rushing.

"It helps us reach our goal of winning the (Western Athletic Conference) and hopefully going to the (Bowl Championship Series)."

The sophomore running back added that while the workouts can be difficult, the overall experience "turns out to be good and fun in the end."

Brandstater agreed.

"It really isn't fun," the Turlock High graduate said. "It's hot and miserable. ... The fun comes when you realize what you're doing and that other people would die to play college football out here."

Mathews said he's added about 10 pounds of muscle and now weighs 210 pounds. Brandstater said he put on about 14 pounds and is at 223.

Of all the players this summer, Brandstater said Marlon Moore has stood out. Now a junior, the wide receiver led the team in receiving yards (694) and touchdown catches (five) in 2007.

"He's really taken advantage of the weight room and off-field conditioning," Brandstater said. "He's done a good job of staying together and motivated. You can see the difference from him on the field. He's dedicated."