Fresno State Athletics
Experienced Secondary Strengthens Bulldogs Defense
9/2/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 29, 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. |
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 nothing 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."
Defensive Backs
Starters Returning/Lost: 3/1Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 8/3One of the strengths of the defense is the secondary, where the only starter lost was two-time All-WAC strong safety James Sanders, a fourth-round NFL pick of the New England Patriots. Not only do three starters return for the other spots, but so do some quality backups who have seen extensive playing time in their careers.
"In the WAC, you can never have enough quality cornerbacks," said Hill. "I think we have the best group of corners we've ever had. We have a number of players who can cover and we pride ourselves on being a group of hard hitters and good tacklers."
While depth is the watch word for the Bulldog secondary, the starting lineup is very talented. Junior cornerback Richard Marshall has emerged as one of the nation's best. As a sophomore, he was second-team All-WAC after leading the Bulldogs in interceptions and return yardage. He has displayed a great combination of speed, cover ability and the physical toughness of a linebacker; he led the squad in tackles for a good portion of the season, a rarity for a cornerback. Entering this year, he is rated the eighth-best corner in the country by The Sporting News.
At the other corner is returning starter Marcus McCauley, an honorable mention All-WAC pick in 2004 who led the team with eight pass deflections and, along with Marshall, recorded three interceptions. Behind McCauley is senior Raymond Washington, who is coming off an injury-plagued season. Washington was a star on the rise in the program dating back to his freshman year and looks to be recovered from his injuries. If healthy, he has the ability to be one of the WAC's top cover corners.
Tyrone Culver, second on the team in tackles in 2004, returns to start at free safety. Culver is a punishing tackler who has a great mind and vision for the game. He is one of the Bulldogs' top scholars, earning Academic All-WAC honors each of the three previous seasons.
Senior Awan Diles, a starter at cornerback in 2003, gives the Bulldogs some great flexibility to play either corner or safety. Josh Sherley has emerged as the starter at strong safety, edging out junior Vincent Mays. Sherley has gained experience playing in Fresno State's nickel and dime packages as well as special teams. He had 17 tackles, 1.5 for losses and one sack last season while Mays had 24 tackles. Young players will also see playing time, including Elgin Simmons and Damon Jenkins.
