Fresno State Athletics
Countdown to Kickoff: 9 Days
8/23/2008 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 23, 2008
FRESNO, Calif. - Despite the loss of WAC Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Riley, the Bulldogs expect big things from sophomore Ben Jacobs. Like Riley did last season, Jacobs will be counted on to lead an inexperienced, yet talented, group of linebackers this season.
Jacobs started every game last season and finished second on the team behind Riley in tackles. He proved he can play at a high level with a double-digit tackle performance against No. 23 Texas A&M in his second college game. Jacobs added 15 pounds in the offseason, and entered fall camp at 240 pounds.
"Ben Jacobs is a great football player," said head coach Pat Hill. "He's tough, smart and a great leader. As a sophomore, he's a special, special guy and has the potential to be as good a middle linebacker as we have ever had here."
In addition to directing the defense for each play, he will be teaching his outside linebacker team mates learn the fast-paced college game. Entering the Rutgers game, the Dogs will count on two outside linebackers who've never started a game.
Nico Herron will likely start on the strong side and former defensive end Chris Carter has been projected as the starter at weakside backer. Both players are sophomores. Carter saw some action as a true freshman last season at end, but moved to linebacker, a position he played in high school. He's an explosive player who can rush the passer and cover backs in passing schemes.
Redshirt freshman Kyle Knox is coming off a strong spring session and will see action on the strong side. He continues to improve each day and the Bulldog coaches have high expectations for him.
Austin Raphael, also a redshirt freshman, is expected to see plenty of action and will be a back-up to Jacobs in the middle.
Quaadir Brown, a junior, is taking care of some personal issues that will keep him away from the field. If he can return ready for action later in the season, that would give a boost to the depth and experience of the unit.
Nick Bates, who has missed part of fall camp to injuries, has the most experience of the remaining linebackers. He's a specials team's standout and was a solid back-up last season.
"We don't have a lot of guys who have played much, but we have a group of guys who are very athletic and love to play the game," said Hill. "There are some good football players in this group. I think we will be just fine."
Coming Sunday: Look at what happens behind the scenes of the Bulldog football program with a feature on football operations coordinator Drew Hill.
"Join the State - Fresno State!" - The first Big Ten team will travel to the Valley on September 13th as the No. 25 `Dogs take on Wisconsin in the home opener at 7:30 pm. The game can be seen nationally on ESPN2. All tickets are on sale now. In the month of August, get your official Wisconsin game day t-shirt at the Bulldog Shop for only $10 with any purchase. To purchase tickets, click on the tickets icon at the top of this page, call the Bulldog Ticket Office at (559) 278-DOGS, or stop by the Bulldog Ticket Office.
