Fresno State Athletics
Young Wide Outs Ready to Explode
3/25/2011 12:00:00 AM | Football
March 25, 2011
FRESNO, Calif. - After the first scrimmage session of spring drills, it's easy to see why head coach Pat Hill is excited about the future of the Bulldog program.
Hill is working with some offensive weapons at the receiver position that not only bring game-breaking speed to the field, but an ability to get open and make tacklers miss.
Much has been said about sophomore quarterback Derek Carr and his lightening right arm. What Carr has at his disposal is a stable of speedy young receivers, two of which got plenty of experience as true freshmen in the 2010 season.
Due to flooding on their home practice facility, the Dogs have been practicing on an artificial turf surface at Central High School about a 25-minute bus ride from campus. The Dogs held their first extended live scrimmage, and it was a showcase of big offensive plays from some of the youngest players on the roster.
Despite battling the rain thus far in fall camp, the team has worked well together and the young squad is building great team chemistry.
"We have worked well and improved as a team" said Hill, who will open his 15th campaign when the Dogs open the 2011 season against Cal at Candlestick Park on Sept. 3. "We have some really good young players and I feel like we are going to be really tough to stop on offense. We have a lot of work left and need to solidify the offensive line but what we have in the skill positions of quarterback, running back and receiver are as good as we've had here."
That's high praise from veteran coach who's sent several outstanding skilled players to the NFL, including Ryan Mathews, Dwayne Wright, Clifton Smith, Michael Pittman, Bernard Berrian and Seyi Ajirotutu.
Among those who shined at Friday's scrimmage were sophomores receivers Isaiah Burse and Jalen Saunders.
Last season, the two played solid roles for the Dogs in their first season with the program. Saunders ranked third on the team with 30 receptions and had three touchdown catches, including a 78-yarder. His first touchdown of the season came in SEC country at Ole Miss. He was also Fresno State's top kick return weapon with more than 700 yards and an average of 23.5 yards per return.
Burse also equally impressive, averaging more than 26 yards per kick return, had a touchdown reception of more than 50 yards and was a great change of pace running Fresno State's version of the wildcat offense as a quarterback, a role that is being expanded during spring drills.
During the scrimmage he was explosive with the ball in his hands, showcasing his quickness and elusiveness after making catches or when making decisions running the options.
Saunders hauled in several catches from Carr, a couple in traffic, and has the speed to pull away from any defender.
That experience will help the Dogs as they prepare of one of the most demanding schedules in school history. In addition to Cal, the Dogs will play at Nebraska, and host Boise State and Ole Miss this fall.
"Jalen and Isaiah are special talents," said Hill. "What they were able to do last year as freshman was just the tip of the iceberg. For two freshmen to contribute and do what they did was tremendous for their development and they are already at a higher level both mentally and physically. They are going to be a big part of our offense for years to come."
"We Are Your Team!" The 2011 Bulldog football season opens on Sept. 3 when Fresno State plays Cal at Candlestick Park in San Francisco. Tickets for the Cal game are available by clicking on the tickets icon at the top of this page.
