Tuesday, Aug. 05, 2008

Fresno State football: An early look

QUARTERBACK: Fifth-year senior Tom Brandstater, a Turlock High graduate, returns after a 15-touchdown, five-interception 2007 season. Brandstater was named a Davey O'Brien Award candidate. The award is given to the nation's top quarterback. Sophomore Ryan Colburn should enter fall as the No. 2.

TAILBACK: Junior Lonyae Miller (132 rushes, 609 yards, seven touchdowns) and sophomore Ryan Mathews (145 carries, 866 yards, 14 touchdowns) are expected to share the load.

FULLBACK: Anthony Harding, a Pitman High graduate, should see time at both fullback and tailback. Reynard Camp is the only true fullback who will focus solely on the position. Isaac Kinter and Vince Pascoe will be used as H-backs.

TIGHT END: Bear Pascoe stands among the best tight ends in the nation and was named to the John Mackey Award watch list (for the country' best tight end). He was second on the team in catches (45), yards (553) and touchdowns (four) last season. Kinter is behind him on the depth chart.

WIDE RECEIVER: Who amongst this group will be the go-to guy? Or will all of them step up? Marlon Moore, last season's top receiver (48 catches, 694 yards, five touchdowns), is a speedster. Seyi Ajirotutu (6-foot-3) is the big receiver. Chastin West, coming off a knee injury, is versatile when at full form. Jason Crawley runs crisp routes and is a good possession receiver.

OFFENSIVE LINE: One of the big questions because of past injuries. Center Joe Bernardi started five games last season but will be watched closely after injuring his knee again in 2007. He has had three knee operations. Former guard Adam McDowell likely will start in Bernardi's place if he can't get healthy. Starting left tackle Bobby Lepori and starting left guard Cole Popovich each missed some time during spring practice, but should be ready to go this week. The right side looks solid with Andrew Jackson and Kenny Avon.

DEFENSIVE LINE: A possible issue when it comes to stopping the run. Senior defensive tackle Jon Monga will be the platoon leader. Sophomore Cornell Banks (285 pounds) will be expected to be an immovable object at nose tackle. The defensive end competition will be fun to watch as Tyler Clutts graduated. Wilson Ramos, Ikenna Ike, Chris Carter and Kenny Borg were listed as the top four ends on the depth chart this spring.

LINEBACKERS: The only certainty to this position group is middle linebacker Ben Jacobs. Outside linebacker Quaadir Brown may decide to take care of a family situation rather than play. Ryan Machado (Ripon) is still recovering from a knee injury and may not be ready for the first game. Nick Bates received playing time last season and even started a game, so his playing time will continue to increase, as will that of potential starting strong-side backer Nico Herron. Hill said a surprise move could be made this week to shore up the group.

SECONDARY: The most experienced defensive group. Cornerback Damion Owens started nine games last season and A.J. Jefferson four. Free safety Marvin Haynes and strong safety Moses Harris started the entire season. Jake Jorde has filled in at both safety positions. Sharrod Davis might be a cornerback on the rise and Will Harding is back for his sixth year after receiving a medical waiver.

SPECIAL TEAMS: The biggest question mark on the team. Out are last year's starting kicker (Clint Stitser), punter (Kyle Zimmerman) and long snapper (Greg Titiriga). In are Kevin Goessling at kicker, Robert Malone at punter and Bobby Shepard at snapper. Malone will also hold. Jefferson provides a bright spot -- he was the nation's top kick returner in 2007. The elusive Devon Wylie might also return kicks. Marlon Moore and Wylie might compete to return punts.

-- THE FRESNO BEE