Fresno State Athletics
Bulldogs Well-Stocked at Running Back for 2004 Season
7/12/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football
July 9, 2004
FRESNO, Calif. - Talented. Tough. Tested.
Those three words best describe the 2004 Fresno State football team. After an impressive run closing out the 2003 campaign, which included a 17-9 win over UCLA in the Silicon Valley Football Classic and six wins in the last seven games, 52 battle-tested returnees have their sights set on a WAC championship.
The Bulldogs return 17 starters - only four of whom are seniors - and will try to continue their impressive run of five consecutive bowl appearances. Those returning players have been through a number of tough battles the last two seasons at outposts such as Norman, Knoxville, Eugene, Boise, Honolulu and Corvallis. There isn't much they haven't faced.
Entering the 2004 season, the schedule is tough once again, with road games at Washington and Kansas State in the first two weeks. Although the team is playing an 11-game schedule for the first time since 2000, the ledger will be treacherous.
 | This feature on Fresno State's running backs and fullbacks is the third of a weekly position breakdown. Each Friday, a new position will be featured, leading up until the start of the 2004 football season. June 25: Quarterbacks |
The Bulldogs play at two-time defending WAC champion Boise State, which has had great success on its blue turf. Three other WAC road trips - Louisiana Tech, Rice and San Jose State - will be tough. Winning on the road in the WAC is always imperative to win the title and advance to a bowl game.
"The schedule is tough but we are used to that," said head coach Pat Hill, who has guided the Bulldogs against 12 BCS schools since 2001. "Playing at Washington and Kansas State will be great challenges for us and a great opportunity for exposure. We have played in hostile environments and our players won't be intimidated. The WAC schedule is always a challenge because of the travel. Playing at Boise State is always tough. I'm glad we will be playing two of the newest coaches in the WAC, Mike Price and Chris Ault, at Bulldog Stadium. The Fresno State and Hawaii games are always exciting and it will good to have them in Bulldog Stadium as well."
Running Backs
Starters Returning/Lost: 2/0Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 3/1
The Bulldog backfield is loaded with talent and probably boasts the most talent and depth than at any other time in school history. The quality of depth was evident during spring drills as four backs were battling for the starting position.
Among those competing for the starting role is returning starter, Dwayne Wright, who ran for more than 1,000 yards last season and was selected second-team All-WAC. Wright emerged as the 2003 season progressed, taking over for Rodney Davis midway through the year as the starter. Battling Wright in the spring was Bryson Sumlin, Fresno State's short-yardage specialist in 2003 who ran for nine touchdowns, scoring two against UCLA in the Silicon Valley Football Classic.
Three young backs showed great promise, led by UCLA transfer Wendell Mathis and sophomore Robbie Dubois, each turning in eyebrow raising performances in during spring drills. Redshirt freshman Shannon Dorsey showed great speed and elusiveness and veteran Matt Rivera is the team's top pass blocker and the most experienced back on the roster. Each of the players are hard-running ball carriers, the trademark of Hill's running backs over the years.
"We have a lot talent at the running back position," Hill said. "Getting everyone enough carries will be a challenge but that's a good problem to have. I want to have some tough, hard-nosed backs who can pound at a defense and wear them down. We have some guys who I think will be able to do that."
The fullback position is also well stocked, with two returning players who shared time in 2003. Roshon Vercher and Jamal Jones shared the job last season, each proving to be punishing lead blockers.
Tickets
Obtaining tickets to Fresno State football games has never been easier. Simply click on "TICKETS" near the top of this page to be re-directed to gobulldogs.com's online ticket office. Season tickets are currently available, and later this summer so will single-game tickets.Tickets are also available by stopping by the Bulldog Ticket Office, located at the south end of Bulldog Stadium, or by calling (559) 278-DOGS.
