Fresno State Athletics
Experienced Linebacking Corps Should Benefit Bulldogs
7/22/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
July 17, 2005
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FRESNO, Calif.- Never in Fresno State history has so much been said or written about a team that has yet to play a game. The reason for the hype heading into the 2005 season lies among the 19 returning starters from a team that won its last five games in overwhelming style and then claimed a thrilling bowl victory in overtime.
The Bulldogs closed out the 2004 season by averaging over 52 points over the final six games of the season and capped that run with a win over No. 18 Virginia in the MPC Computers Bowl.
Back from the that offense are nine starters, including a record-setting quarterback, four of five starters on the line and a trio of running backs who have amassed more than 4,000 yards and 40 career touchdowns.
As if that wasn't enough, the Bulldog defense returns eight starters from a unit that led the WAC in nearly every statistical category, including total defense and scoring defense. Despite playing in the high-octane, pass-happy WAC, the Bulldogs were the only team in the league to allow less than 20 points per game and ranked fourth nationally in pass efficiency defense. The Bulldogs gave up just nine touchdown passes the entire season.
 | The following feature continues a weekly position breakdown of the Fresno State football team. Each Friday, a new position will be highlighted, leading up until the start of the 2005 football season. July 15: Quarterbacks |
All of this excitement and optimism is compounded with a challenging schedule that includes games against three teams that won 2004 conference championships, including the two-time defending national champion USC Trojans, which are expected to begin the 2005 campaign ranked No. 1.
"There's noting wrong with having high expectations," said head coach Pat Hill. "We like the fact that people think we are going to be good. It has taken some time for us to get the level where people think we are going to be good year in and year out. That's a sign that the program is reaching a level that we want. We have some very good players coming back and some really good leaders back as well. I feel really good about this team. They showed a lot of maturity and stability during spring drills and I expect that to continue when we report to camp prior to the season."
Linebackers
Starters Returning/Lost: 3/0Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 6/1Unlike the 2004 season, the linebacking corps returns completely intact. After being one of the biggest question marks heading into last fall, this group appears solid for years to come.
"We have some very good football players in this area," said Hill. "We have a number of guys who have played a lot of football. We have some tough guys who like to hit and play the game with great passion. We are very solid at linebacker and will be for years to come."
All three starters return, led by junior middle backer Dwayne Andrews, Fresno State's tackles leader in 2004. Andrews continues to develop, having started 16 of 26 career games. An honorable mention All-WAC selection last season, Andrews' leadership, toughness, durability and heady play make him a leader of the Bulldog defense. Last season, he led a defense that led the league in nearly every statistical category. He had a monster game against nationally ranked Boise State with 11 tackles.
One each side of Andrews are two young and athletic linebackers in junior Alan Goodwin and sophomore Marcus Riley. Goodwin started seven games in 2004 and made many big plays. He was especially effective against Rice's option attack, recording eight tackles. Riley started six games last season as a freshman, including the last four. His 38 tackles ranked eighth-best on the squad. Riley has added nearly 30 pounds since arriving on campus and continues get stronger. Last year, he was always around the football, with three tackles for losses, a quarterback sack, a forced fumble and a recovered fumble.
Backing up Andrews will be senior Kyle Goodman, one of the best student-athletes on the squad. A durable and smart player, Goodman has seen plenty of action in his career at linebacker and special teams. Sophomore Ahijah Lane is a fast and athletic player who came into his own at the end of the 2004 season. Junior Emanuel Sanchez has battled injuries, starting just seven games last season. Nonetheless, he was still named honorable mention All-WAC, finishing fifth on the team with 49 tackles, including 10 tackles for losses and one sack. He led the Bulldogs in interceptions in 2003 and had a 10-tackle performance against Louisiana Tech last season.
As a whole, this group is as deep and athletic as any in recent history. The good news for Fresno State is that there is only one senior on the two-deep, so these players should continue to develop and gain experience for the next couple of years.
