Fresno State Athletics
Young Bulldogs Are Making Their Mark
8/24/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 24, 2005
FRESNO, Calif. - Pat Hill is not the kind of coach who is easily impressed. During the recruiting process, he prides himself on spending a lot of time with recruits and their parents to get a better feel if they will fit into the Bulldog program.
After looking at his 2005 recruiting class on the field for nearly two weeks, Hill is ready to dole out some praise to a handful of hardworking and talented freshmen.
"Our program is not easy and it's not for everyone," Hill said. "We have a lot of guys who may not make it, but during the recruiting process we evaluate and interview the players and find the right kind of guys who fits into our program. We have some players in this class who I think will be special players in the future."
Hill concedes it is hard for freshman initially because of Fresno State's practice regimen. Freshman can spend the first couple of weeks just adjusting to the pace of practice, the many team meetings, learning their position and offensive or defensive systems. It is also tough trying to compete against older, stronger and more established players.
Several of the incoming freshmen have caught Hill's eye, however.
"There are some guys out there who have adjusted quickly and are starting to get more reps," Hill said. "I really like the two safeties, Moses Harris and Marvin Haynes. Both of those guys are going to be very good players for us. The receivers are doing well. Seyi Ajirotutu and Chastin West have a lot of talent and have risen quickly. Qaadir Brown, who is a true freshman that went through spring ball, is a special player. He's a great team guy and is going to develop into fine player."
Hill said the linemen have the hardest adjustments because of the size and strength deficiencies they have as incoming freshmen, but Richard Pacheco has been impressive.
"It's rare that a lineman can come in as a true freshman and be ready to play at this level," Hill said. "Bear (Pacheco) has a lot to learn, but he's very strong and athletic and has done a good job on the offensive line."
After Saturday's scrimmage, the Bulldogs will focus their preparations on the season opening game opponent Weber State. That means that the majority of the freshmen will be relegated to working with the scout teams. Hill has always valued the weekly "Rookie Scrimmage", which is held Sunday nights at the practice field. It adds to the growth and development of the young players.
"We have some players who are going need time to get ready to play at this level and that's to be expected," he added. "Right now I don't know if any of the freshman will play this year, but I really like what I have seen so far. We have a really good and impressive group. Some of them will continue to develop and I look forward to seeing them during the rookie scrimmages every Sunday."
Season tickets for the 2005 Bulldog Football Season, including various Family Value Plans and student tickets, are available at the Bulldog Ticket Office, by calling (559) 278-DOGS or on-line at gobulldogs.com. Single game tickets will be available beginning Saturday on-line only and available at the Bulldog Ticket Office beginning Aug. 22.
