FRESNO STATE FOOTBALL DID YOU KNOW: Fresno State Has Produced at Least One Fresno State Bulldogs All-American in Seven of the Last Eight Years

fresno state bulldogs PLAYER PROFILES

FRESNO STATE FOOTBALL DID YOU KNOW: Fresno State has produced at least one fresno state bulldogs All-American in seven of the last eight years. PLAYER PROFILES

dwayne joe ANDREWS FERNANDEZ

LINEBACKER WIDE RECEIVER 6-0, 240, Sr. 5-10, 175, Sr. Los Angeles, Calif. Morgan Hill, Calif. 51 (Locke) 84 (Saint Francis) Chicano Studies Pre-Law

HONORS CANDIDATE HONORS CANDIDATE

Fresno State: A talented player who is entering his second season as the starter at Fresno State: Will be one of the premier receivers and return specialists in the WAC middle linebacker ... has good size, strength and instincts ... always seems to be around this season … a speedy wide receiver who has emerged as the team’s go-to guy, leading the ball …candidate for the Lott Trophy … academic achiever. (2005) Played in all 12 the team in receptions each of the last two seasons… owns the best hands on the team games for the Bulldogs… a second-team All-WAC selection at linebacker … second on the … a smart player who runs good routes … enter his senior season with more than 100 team with 61 tackles on the season … also compiled 6.5 tackles for loss, good for 16 career receptions, nearly 1,300 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns … needs 10 recep- yards … made eight tackles against Oregon on the road … had a career-high 12 tackles tions and 182 yards to break into the Fresno State career top 10 record lists for recep- against Toledo, including one tackle for loss … a team leader on the WAC’s top defense tions and receiving yards … played in 37 games in his career … though not always fl ashy, statistically. (2004) Played in all 12 games, starting 11 … an honorable mention All-WAC he always seems to get the job done in a solid fashion … made great strides at the end honoree … was the team leader in tackles with 66 … also totaled 2.5 tackles for loss and a of his sophomore season and been one of the team most consistent offensive weapons fumble recovery … had his best game of the season against Boise State, when he piled up ever since … already graduated and is working toward a master’s degree … is annually a a career-high 11 tackles … also had a great bowl game, recording nine tackles, including strong candidate for academic awards … Academic All-WAC. (2005) Played in 11 games, one for loss … his lone fumble recovery of the year came against UTEP … despite being just starting three in the middle of the year … led the team in receptions with 46 on the year … a sophomore, was one of the leaders on a defense that was statistically the WAC’s best. second on the team in receiving yards with 561 … led the Dogs with eight touchdowns on (2003) Played in 12 games, starting four … was a capable backup at middle linebacker the year … averaged 51.0 yards per game … had fi ve catches and two touchdowns against when Marc Dailey was out of action due to injury … had 37 tackles, including two for loss Utah State … had a second two-touchdown game on seven catches against USC … caught … forced two fumbles … in his fi rst game as a Bulldog, he racked up eight tackles at Ten- a career-high nine-catches for 150 yards and a touchdown against Nevada … returned nessee … his fi rst career start came against top-ranked Oklahoma … totaled seven tackles a punt 72 yards for a touchdown against Idaho. (2004) Played in all 12 games, starting against the Sooners. (2002) Redshirted. 10 … an honorable mention All-WAC honoree … led the team with 38 receptions for 546 yards and four TDs … his touchdown receptions came against Washington, UTEP, SMU High School: Rated as the 21st-best inside linebacker in California by Rivals.com and and Rice … his best game of the year came at Rice when he had fi ve receptions for 90 99th-best prospect in the West by Superprep Magazine ... fi nished 2001 with 127 tack- yards, including an acrobatic 49-yard touchdown grab over a defender … played very well les, one interception and four sacks. against Virginia in the bowl game, catching fi ve passes for 72 yards … also had one rush for seven yards on the year … an Academic All-WAC honoree, the second time in his career Personal: Born Oct. 28, 1984 … parents’ names are Margaret Jones and Leonard An- he earned the honor. (2003) Played in all 14 games, starting one … fi nished fourth on the drews, Sr. … has two brothers, Leonard and Anthony, and one sister, Courtney … attended team with 22 receptions … also had 165 receiving yards … had two fi ve-catch games, one Locke High School in Los Angeles with Richard Marshall, another standout on the Bulldog at SMU and the other at UTEP … caught eight passes the last three regular season games defensive corps. … an Academic All-WAC selection. (2002) Redshirted ... member of the Dean’s List ... was honored at the 2003 Kiwanis Torch of Excellence dinner. andrews’ CAREER STATISTICS High School: A fi rst-team All-WCAL selection ... caught 22 passes for 323 yards and Year GP-GS UT AT TT TFL-Yds Sacks-Yds four touchdowns as a senior ... his junior year, he pulled in 32 passes for 457 yards and 2003 12-4 21 16 37 2.0-2 0-0 fi ve touchdowns ... as a defensive back, had made two interceptions, including one for a 2004 12-11 27 39 66 2.5-3 0-0 touchdown ... had two games with two touchdowns as a senior ... was his team’s Most 2005 12-12 29 32 61 6.5-16 0-0 Valuable Offensive Player. Totals 36-27 77 87 164 11.0-21 0-0 Personal: Born Oct. 25, 1989 … parents’ names are Brenda and Mervyn Fernandez … his father, Mervyn, was a wide receivers for the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders in the late 80’s and early 90’s … his favorite athlete is his father.

fernandez’ CAREER STATISTICS RECEIVING Year GP-GS Rec Yds. Avg. TD YPG Long 2003 14-1 22 165 7.5 0 11.8 22 2004 12-10 38 546 14.4 4 45.5 49 2005 11-4 46 561 12.2 8 51.0 38 Totals 37-15 106 1272 11.9 11 34.0 109

PUNT RETURNS Year Ret. Yds. Avg. TD Long 2005 5 113 22.6 1 72

KICKOFF RETURNS Year Ret. Yds. Avg. TD Long 2005 1 20 20.0 0 20

16 • JOIN THE STATE: FRESNO STATE FOOTBALL fresno state bulldogs PLAYER PROFILES

marcus paul MCCAULEY WILLIAMS

CORNERBACK WIDE RECEIVER 6-1, 205, Sr. 6-2, 210, Sr. Sacramento, Calif. Avenal, Calif. 17 (Cordova Senior) 1 (Avenal) Sociology Psychology

HONORS CANDIDATE HONORS CANDIDATE

Fresno State: One of the best cover cornerbacks in the country … a consensus preseason All-WAC selection … a fast, physical player who has excelled against some of the nation’s Fresno State: Has the talent and ability to become one of the greatest receivers to ever top receivers … coming off a breakout year that saw him become more consistent and one don a Bulldog uniform … emerged as one of the premier athletes in the WAC, showing his of the teams’ top defensive players … a lockdown player, who can play man-to-man against big play abilities to the nation … enters his senior season as one of the top receivers in anyone … doesn’t have a lot of career interceptions because team’s don’t throw at him the nation … Williams’ talents have been described as “freakish” by head coach Pat Hill … very often … is very strong and a great open fi eld tackler … named to the 2006 Bronco has been a strong performer on special teams in his career … owns exceptional speed Naqurski Award watch list … ran a 4.31 40-yard dash during NFL Timing Day. (2005) and strength to go with his large frame … the type of receiver who can go up and get Started all 13 games … selected second-team All-WAC … recorded 45 total tackles, in- “jump ball”-type passes deep in the corners of the end zone. (2005) First-team All-WAC cluding 38 solo … had two tackles for losses … made a team-high 10 tackles against USC performer after leading the club with a 17.0 yards per catch average and seven touch- … did a great job against the Trojan receivers, allowing All-American Dwayne Jarrett just downs in his fi rst season as a starter … had 43 receptions for a team-high 729 yards, 37 receiving yards on fi ve receptions … had one interception against Boise State, which including a 98-yard reception against Boise State … blocked a punt against Idaho … had resulted in a touchdown on that drive … broke up seven passes, tied for second-best on three games with more than 100 receiving yards … set a career-high with 149 yards on the team … forced two fumbles. (2004) Played in all 12 games, starting 10 … made 31 six receptions vs. Boise State … had 122 yards on fi ve receptions against Oregon … scored tackles, including three for loss and a sack … had three interceptions, including one against fi ve of his seven touchdowns in the last six games … led the WAC in reception average Portland State that he returned for a touchdown … broke up a team-high eight passes, (17.0). (2004) Played in every game and had fi ve receptions for 70 yards with a long of including four against Portland State … returned an interception against Rice 63 yards to 43 … his longest reception of the season came at Washington and set-up a Bulldog touch- the 1-yard line … had a career-high eight tackles against Louisiana Tech … had fi ve tackles down … it was a bittersweet game for Williams, whose brother Curtis – who suffered a in the bowl win over Virginia. (2003) Played in all 14 games, starting one … blocked two broken neck against Stanford in 2000 – played for the Huskies and had his jersey retired kicks serving as the jumper … his blocks came against Oklahoma and San Jose State … at the school prior to that game … scored his fi rst career touchdown on a 43-yard run on recorded 11 tackles, including 0.5 for loss … had a season-high four tackles at Nevada, the a double reverse against San Jose State in the last game of the regular season. (2003) lone game he started. (2002) Redshirted. Saw time in seven games … recorded three receptions for 20 yards, the longest of which was 15 yards. (2002) Redshirted. High School: Played running back, safety, wide receiver, cornerback and kick returner for his high school team, which advanced to the Division II semifi nals ... an all-city selection High School: An excellent athlete who continues a great family tradition at Fresno State ...... considered one of the Sacramento area’s best all-around talents by the Sacramento selected fi rst-team Fresno Bee All-Star as a defensive back ... scored 18 touchdowns last Bee ... also excels as a basketball player ... from the same area as Vincent Mays, also a season had 953 receiving yards ... had 13 interceptions as a defensive back ... had three Bulldog recruit. kick returns for touchdowns ... selected league defensive player of the year ... was selected fi rst-team all-league as a sophomore and junior ... an all-league selection in basketball as a Personal: Born Sept. 3, 1983 … parents’ names are Karla Graham and Marcus McCauley, junior ... excelled as a sprinter, reaching the Valley fi nals in 100 and 200 meters. Sr. … has two brothers, Jordan and Michael, and a sister, Cambria … favorite athlete is Charles Woodson of the Oakland Raiders ... selected Fresno State over Oregon, Washing- Personal: Born Dec. 2, 1983 … parents’ names are Viola and Donnie Williams … has four ton and California. brothers, J.D., David, Robert and William, and two sisters, Donna and Pat … brother J.D. was a standout for the Bulldogs from 1986-89 (a fi rst-round NFL pick by Buffalo) and CAREER STATISTICS the team’s secondary coach during the 2000 and ’01 seasons ... brother Curtis played mccauley’s football at Washington … chose to attend Fresno State because of its proximity to family Year GP-S UT AT TT TFL-Yds Sacks-Yds INT-Yds and friends. 2003 14-1 6 5 11 0.5-4 0-0 0-0 2004 12-10 21 10 31 3-6 1-2 3-78 williams’ CAREER STATISTICS 2005 13-13 38 7 45 2-3 0-0 1-0 Year GP-S Rec. Yds. Avg. TD Long Totals 39-24 65 22 87 5.5-13 1-2 4-78 2003 7-0 3 20 6.7 0 15 2004 12-0 7 70 10.0 0 43 2005 13-13 43 729 17.0 7 98 Totals 32-13 53 819 15.4 7 98

WWW.GOBULLDOGS.COM • 17 fresno state bulldogs PLAYER PROFILES

dwayne kyle WRIGHT YOUNG

RUNNING BACK CENTER 6-1, 220, R-Jr. 6-5, 330, Sr. San Diego, Calif. Fallbrook, Calif. 32 (West Hills JC) 59 (Fallbrook Union) Communications Criminolgy

HONORS CANDIDATE HONORS CANDIDATE

Fresno State: Coming back from a serious knee injury suffered during the second game Fresno State: A star on the offensive line who Pat Hill feels could develop into one of of the 2004 season … was off to a great start in 2004 before his year ended … went the best linemen ever to wear a Fresno State uniform ... has become of the nation’s best through a rigorous rehabilitation that lasted two years to return to 100 percent for the centers ... has been the line’s center beginning in his freshman year in 2003, starting 39 2006 season … a tough runner who possesses good breakaway speed once he gets consecutive games ... anchors the line by calling all pass-protection and run schemes … through the defensive line ... earned the starting job during the 2003 season and had a the coaching staff projects great things for him … spent part of spring drills working at huge year … spent a lot of time in the weight room and added weight and strength. (2005) tackle to give home position fl exibility … started 39 consecutive games at center … one of Spent the year working on injury rehabilitation. (2004) Played in two games, starting the best, if not the best, at his position in the country ... been on the Rimington Watch list both, before tearing his left patellar tendon when being tackled at the end of a 61-yard as the nation’s top center each of the last three years … consensus pre-season All-WAC … pass play in the fourth quarter of the Kansas State game … he missed the remainder of on Outland Trophy watch list. (2005) Started all 13 games for the Bulldogs and earned the year as a result … started the season with a 109-yard effort in a win over Washing- fi rst-team All-WAC honors … directed an offense which led the WAC with fewest quarter- ton … he had 74 yards in the KSU contest before going down with the injury. (2003) An back sacks, 14 in 400 pass attempts, produced a 1,000-yard rusher and a 3,000-yard honorable mention All-WAC honoree after transferring from junior college ... played in passer … the Dogs averaged 37.5 points per game, sixth-best in the nation. (2004) Played all 14 games, starting eight ... became the 12th player in program history to gain more in an started all 12 games … selected second-team All-WAC after another stellar season than 1,000 rushing yards ... supplanted record-holding running back Rodney Davis midway … helped the Bulldogs become the nation’s fi fth-highest scoring offense (40.2 ppg) and through the season ... had consecutive 100-yard games against Louisiana Tech and Port- rank 15th in the nation in rushing yards … was an integral part of Fresno State’s record land State ... initially made waves with a TD run against top-ranked Oklahoma ... came out setting game of 503 rushing yards against Hawaii … made the Rimington Award Watch of the backfi eld to record 19 catches for 143 yards and a score ... fi nished fourth in the List. (2003) Played in and started all 14 games … an Honorable Mention All-WAC selec- WAC in rushing yards ... his best game of the year came against Louisiana Tech when he tion … graded successfully in every game, something no other offensive lineman did … in rushed for 177 yards and a touchdown ... just missed an 100-yard game against UTEP former offensive line coach Dennis Wagner’s seven years at Fresno State, he had never (97 yards), Rice (96) and Nevada (91). had a freshman grade successfully in his fi rst 10 games until Young did … held Oklahoma All-American Tommie Harris, a fi rst round NFL Draft pick, to just one assisted tackle when West Hills Junior College: Led his team to the Silicon Valley Bowl against Foothills College the Bulldogs and Sooners played in September … cracked a rib against Nevada on the ... team fi nished third in the Valley Conference ... named to the All-Central Valley Conference opening possession and not only fi nished the game, but helped Fresno State roll up over team ... played in eight games and rushed for 1,068 yards ... scored 11 touchdowns and 200 rushing yards … a Freshman All-America honoree by Football Writers of America. averaged 6.5 yards per carry ... named team’s Most Valuable Offensive Player ... one of (2002) Redshirted. the top running backs to come out of high school on the west coast ... was named the San Diego Union Tribune’s Offensive Player of the Year out of Lincoln High School in 2000 ... High School: Chosen fi rst-team all-area by the San Diego Union-Tribune ... big, physical also recruited by Washington State and Alabama. player who can play multiple position on the offensive line ... chose Fresno State over Colo- rado, San Diego State, Colorado State and Kansas State. Personal: Born June 2, 1983 … parents’ names are Gwen and Wil Washington … has two brothers, Kenrick and Andre, and one sister, Ashley … married to Jewelyn Wright … the Personal: Born March 5, 1984 … parents’ names are Christina and Terry Young … has couple have two children – a daughter, Jewelyn (3), and a son, Demarion (1). one brother, Travis, and one sister, Molly … lists his father as the person he most admires … chose to attend Fresno State because of the academics, the discipline and the ability to win. wright’s CAREER STATISTICS Year GP-S Att Yds Avg TD Long YPG 2003 14-8 190 1,038 5.5 3 66 74.1 2004* 2-2 50 195 3.7 2 28 97.5 2005 Injury Rehabilitation Totals 16-10 240 1,233 5.1 5 66 77.1 * Indicates medical year

18 • JOIN THE STATE: FRESNO STATE FOOTBALL fresno state bulldogs PLAYER PROFILES

nate kenney ADAMS AMENDOLA

FULLBACK LONG SNAPPER 5-11, 240, Jr. 6-1, 240, Jr. Calaveras, Calif. Fresno, Calif. 40 (Calaveras) 90 (Bullard) Undeclared Communications

Fresno State: Made the switch from linebacker to fullback prior to the 2004 season … Fresno State: A critical contributor on Fresno State’s outstanding special teams … enters hard-nosed player who made the transition ﬂ uidly … earned a scholarship based on his his second season as the long snapper … a life-long Bulldog fan who has worked his way solid play. (2005) Did not play last season due to injury. (2004) Played in four games, into an important role on the squad. (2005) Played in every game this season as the starting one … his lone start came in the season opener at Washington … carried the ball team’s long snapper and was nearly perfect, missing on just one snap … helped kicking three times for seven yards. game through a season working with two kickers due to injuries. (2004) Played in a handful of games, all as the backup long snapper … performed his duties ﬂ awlessly. High School: Lettered three years in football at Calaveras High … was MVP of the Mother Lode League … an all-area and all-district selection … selected to play in the Modesto Bee High School: Lettered four years in football at Bullard High … helped Bullard reach the All-Star Game … also lettered in track. playoffs during his junior season … that team wound up with a 6-4 record.

Personal: Born Feb. 26, 1985 … parents’ names are Pat and Dennis Adams … has one Personal: Born Aug. 8, 1984 … parents’ names are Jane and Lou Amendola … has two brother, Aaron. brothers, John and Nick … his brother Nick played football at UCLA for three years … enjoys golﬁ ng and considers Tiger Woods his favorite athlete.

seyi tom AJIROTUTU BRANDSTATER

WIDE RECEIVER QUARTERBACK 6-3, 200, R-Fr. 6-5, 220, So. El Dorado Hills, Turlock, Calif. 19 Calif. (Oak Ridge) 7 (Turlock) Undeclared Undeclared

Fresno State: Immensely talented newcomer who should see action in 2006 …has shown Fresno State: A big quarterback who has potential ... joined the Bulldogs in the spring big-play ability, especially during spring hall … a big and fast receiver. (2005) Sat out as of 2004 … most experienced quarterback and leading candidate to win the starting job a redshirt. in the fall … the coaching staff has high hopes for this youngster and think he should be quite capable of replacing record-setting quarterback Paul Pinegar ... has shown great High School: Selected the Most Valuable Player on the Sacramento Bee All-Metro team arm strength and a quick release. (2005) Played in eight games as the backup to All-WAC after leading Oak Ridge to the Sac-Joaquin Section Division II championship ... caught 77 quarterback Paul Pinegar … threw 13 passes on the year, completing six … threw a touch- passes for 1,205 yards and 17 touchdowns as a senior, leading all divisions in the San- down late against Weber State … passed for a season-high 36 yards on three completions Joaquin section ... averaged 15.6 yards per catch ... selected the Sierra Conference co-De- against Utah State. (2004) Redshirted. fensive Player of the Year with 95 tackles, fi ve interceptions and a blocked punt ... selected fi rst-team all-league as a defensive back as a junior after making 70 tackles and picked off High School: First-team All-District Modesto Bee as a defensive back ... guided his team fi ve passes ... had a monster game in the section championship against Del Oro with six into the Sac-Joaquin Section Championship against Stockton Lincoln ... directed primarily receptions for 194 yards and three touchdowns, and at safety he made 15 tackles, eight a rushing offense that did not display his true passing ability but still threw for over 1,000 of them solo ... two-year varsity letterwinner ... Cal-Hi Sports second-team all-state pick ... yards last season ... was the top QB in Fresno State’s Summer Football Camp. fi rst-team All-Nor Cal selection ... also recruited by Boise State and UNLV. Personal: Born Oct. 21, 1984 ... parents’ names are William and Sharen Brandstater ... Personal: Born June 12, 1987 … parents are Leke and Wilma Ajirotutu … has one broth- has one brother, Stan, and two sisters, Mary and Grace ... enjoys any kind of sport and er, Toyin and one sister, Yemi … hobbies include playing video games … lists favorite athlete hanging out with family and friends ... came to Fresno State because it’s a program on as Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson. the rise.

brandstater’s CAREER STATISTICS Year GP-GS Att Comp INT Yards TD Long Avg. 2005 8-0 13 6 1 49 1 22 6.1

WWW.GOBULLDOGS.COM • 19 fresno state bulldogs PLAYER PROFILES and eating.

marlon quaadir BRISCO BROWN

DEFENSIVE END LINEBACKER 6-3, 260, Sr. 6-0, 210, So. Inglewood, Calif. Lake Elsinore, Calif. 92 (Morningside) 32 (Lake Elsinore) Criminology Undeclared

Fresno State: Enrolled at Fresno State in January 2004 and went through spring drills Fresno State: One of Fresno State’s most experienced defensive linemen … coming off with the team … left high school a semester early to enroll at Fresno state … will be a his best season in which he started 12 games and was a signifi cant contributor. (2005) true freshman on this year’s squad … was switched to a linebacker after spring practice. Played in all 13 games and started 12 for the Bulldogs on the outside of the line … made (2005) Played in all 13 games as a true freshman … had 16 tackles on the year, including 19 tackles on the year … had his best performance against Oregon, recording fi ve tackles 3.0 tackles for loss … recorded his fi rst career sack against New Mexico State … added … corralled Toledo’s Clint Cochrane for an 11 yard loss, his only tackle for loss on the year another sack against Idaho … forced a fumble against Nevada … returned a fumble 77 … also broke up a pass against Toledo. (2004) Played in 10 games, starting one … made yards for a touchdown against Louisiana Tech … also had three total tackles and one tackle 18 tackles, including 3.5 for loss and a sack … his lone start of the year came against for loss against the Bulldogs. Portland State when both of Fresno State’s starting defensive ends were out with injuries … had one fumble recovery. (2003) Played in four games, all off the bench … compiled six High School: An outstanding two-way athlete and student ... graduated from Lake Elsinore tackles, fi ve of which were solo … had one tackle for loss. in December and enrolled at Fresno State as a full-time student during the spring ... excelled at running back and linebacker ... rushed for 1,146 yards and nine touchdowns, High School: Lettered in football at Morningside High School … was an all-area and all- averaging 7.4 yards per carry ... had 24 receptions for 484 yards and eight more touch- league selection … he broke his league’s record for sacks with 21. downs, averaging over 18 yards per catch ... earned All-Valley, all-league and All-CIF honors ... was selected the team MVP ... had 83 tackles and four sacks ... had 206 rushing yards Personal: Born April 26, 1984 … parents’ names are Bernard and Leilani Brisco … has and three touchdowns against Vista del Lago ... best game of the season came against two brothers, Khail and Antwone … his brother, Antwone, played for the Minnesota Vikings Temescal Canyon, against which he rushed for 176 yards and two touchdowns, caught in 2001-02 and also in NFL Europe and the Canadian Football League … lists the person seven passes for 121 yards and two touchdowns and had 14 tackles on defense ... helped he admires most as his brother, Antwone. his team win the league title as a senior.

Personal: Born June 14, 1987 … guardian’s name is Cameron Lyman … has two brothers, brisco’s CAREER STATISTICS Lonnie and Quinton … was a peer leader at Lake Elsinore High … enjoys music, sleeping Year GP-GS UT AT TT TFL-Yards Sacks-Yards 2003 4-0 5 1 6 1.0-3 0-0 brown’s CAREER STATISTICS 2004 10-1 9 9 18 3.5-19 1-10 2005 13-12 14 5 19 1.0-11 0-0 Year GP-GS UT AT TT TFL-Yds Sacks-Yds Totals 27-13 28 15 41 5.5-33 1-10 2005 13-0 11 5 16 3.0-15 2.0-12

jordan CHRISTENSENCHRISTENSEN

QUARTERBACK 6-3, 190, Sr. Fresno, Calif. 16 (Clovis) Construction Management

Fresno State: Local player who did a nice job as the backup quarterback last year … possesses a strong and accurate arm … special teams contributor as a holder for the last three years … already graduated. (2005) Serves as the holder on fi eld goals and extra points … performed well in that capacity ... appeared in all 13 contests … Academic All- WAC. (2004) Played in all 14 games … saw game time as a quarterback for the fi rst time in his career against SMU on Oct. 30 … ended up throwing four passes on the season, completing two … thanks to fi ve consecutive blowouts late in the year, he saw consistent playing time down the stretch … perfectly executed his duties as holder on kicks … an Aca- demic All-WAC honoree. (2003) Served as the holder on fi eld goals and extra points the entire year … was fl awless in his duties … Academic All-WAC. (2002) Redshirted.

High School: One of the top quarterbacks in California as a prep senior ... was Fresno State’s top quarterback recruit during the 2002 signing day ... completed 233-of-348 Marlon Brisco passes (.670) for 3,299 yards and 38 touchdowns at Clovis High ... only threw four interceptions, one every 87 pass attempts ... his passing yards and touchdowns were both the second-highest totals in section history ... named the Tri-Rivers Most Valuable player ... selected as the Fresno Bee All-Star ﬁ rst-team quarterback ... rated as the 49th-best college prospect and seventh-best quarterback in California by Max Emﬁ nger’s Blue Chip Recruit-

20 • JOIN THE STATESTATE: FRESNO STATESTATE FOOTBALL fresno state bulldogs PLAYER PROFILES

ing ... guided CHS to a 10-3 record and to the Yosemite Division Large School championship game … also a standout baseball player at CHS, earning team co-MVP honors.

Personal: Born Dec. 9, 1983 … parents’ names are Jill and Randy Christensen … has a brother, Kyle … enjoys wakeboarding and hitting in batting cages … favorite athlete is Randy Johnson of the New York Yankees. tyler CLUTTS christensen’s CAREER STATISTICS Year GP-GS Att Comp Int Yards TD Long Avg. DEFENSIVE END 2003 14-0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 6-2, 245, Jr. 2004 11-0 4 2 0 25 0 20 3.6 Clovis, Calif. 2005 13-0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 11 (Clovis) Totals 38-0 4 2 0 25 0 20 3.6 Undeclared

Fresno State: The premier pass rusher in the WAC heading into his junior season … a consensus preseason All-WAC selection … the WAC’s top returning defender in both quarterback sacks (7) and tackles for losses (12) … a relentless defender who uses a quick burst off the line to apply pressure … another in a long line of outstanding Bulldog defensive linemen … came to Fresno State as a linebacker, but has moved to end and found a home … an excellent student. (2005) Started every game this year for the Bulldogs at kevin defensive end … led the team in tackles for loss with 12 on the year … those losses totaled a team-high 55 yards … was sixth on the team with 52 tackles … tied for the team lead CICCONE with WAC Defensive Player of the Year Garrett McIntyre for sacks with 7.0 … made seven tackles and two sacks against Nevada … blocked a PAT against Louisiana Tech and added six tackles. (2004) Played in all 12 games, coming off the bench in each … was solid on WIDE RECEIVER special teams, frequently making tackles on kickoff coverage … fi nished the year with 19 5-11, 175, So. tackles, including four for loss and two sacks … forced two fumbles … his best game was Stevenson against Rice when he had fi ve tackles, including 1.5 for loss. (2003) Redshirted. 87 Ranch, Calif. (Hart) Undeclared High School: Selected the Fresno Bee’s football player of the year ... an excellent all-around athlete who is expected to be a linebacker with the Bulldogs ... played quarterback and defensive end for Clovis High School, guiding the Cougars to an 11-2 record and the Yosem- Fresno State: Highly prolifi c wide receiver in high school who served as a backup at the ite Division Large School championship ... he threw for 2,383 yards and 19 touchdowns position last season … has good hands and is a good route runner … has shown toughness plus ran for 16 more scores ... a tough and physical player on defense ... the top-ranked and the ability to make a diffi cult catch. (2005) Played in fi ve games as a backup wide wrestler in California at 215 pounds. receiver … collected his fi rst catch against Weber State, which was good for six yards. (2004) Redshirted. Personal: Born Nov. 9, 1984 … parents’ names are Laura and Larry Clutts … has three bothers, Brad, Zach and Barrett, and a sister, Molly. High School: A key part of Hart’s championship run in 2003 ... helped his team to three league championships and two CIF titles ... a 2003 All-CIF Southern Section Selection and the Santa Clarita Valley Player of the Year after catching 80 passes for 1,380 yards and clutts’ CAREER STATISTICS 17 touchdowns ... led Hart to a 25-7 win over Mission Viejo for the 2003 Division II South- ern Section title ... was selected All-CIF Division II in 2002 and 2003 ... caught 167 passes Year GP-GS UT AT TT TFL-Yds Sacks-Yds for 2,808 yards and 33 touchdowns over his last two seasons ... named All-Foothill League 2004 12-0 9 10 19 4.0-10 2.0-6 in 2002 and 2003 and was the Foothill League Back of the Year as a senior ... named to 2005 13-13 37 15 52 12.0-55 7.0-45 the Los Angeles Daily News fi rst team ... Cal-Hi Sports third-team all-state. Totals 25-13 46 25 71 16.0-65 9.0-51

Personal: Born June 21, 1986 … parents’ names are Silvia and Robert Ciccone … a high school teammate of Sean Norton, a backup quarterback on the Bulldogs … his brother-in- law is Kyle Boller, a quarterback with the Baltimore Ravens and former standout at Califor- nia … enjoys snowboarding and golf … lists his favorite athlete as Jerry Rice. ciccone’sciccone’s CAREER STATISTICSSTATISTICS YearYear GP-GS RecRec Yds AvgAvg TD YPG LongLong 2005 5-0 1 6 6.0 0 3.0 6

(L-R): Quaadir Brown, Kevin Ciccone, Jordan Christensen and Tyler Clutts.

WWW.GOBULLDOGS.COM • 21 fresno state bulldogs PLAYER PROFILES

ryan chris COLBURN DENMAN

QUARTERBACK OFFENSIVE TACKLE 6-3, 220, Fr. 6-6, 305, Sr. Visalia, Calif. Tehachapi, Calif. 15 (Central Valley 79 (Tehachapi) Christian) Criminology Undeclared

Fresno State: A talented and impressive-looking young quarterback … joined the squad in Fresno State: One of the most unheralded but consistent players on the Bulldog squad … the spring of 2006 as a “gray shirt” and participated in spring drills … has a strong arm will contend for honors in his season … a former walk-on that quickly earned a scholarship and huddle presence … projected to be Fresno State’s quarterback of the future. with consistent play … enters the 2006 seasons having started 34 consecutive games … held down the right tackle position for the better part of three full seasons and each High School: Earned 2004 East Sierra League (ESL) MVP accolades ... a 2004 fi rst-team season the Dogs have produced a 1,000-yard rusher … a strong player who has developed all-county and fi rst-team All-State Small School selection ... named by Cal-High Sports as into by his outstanding work ethic on the fi eld and in the weight room … came to Fresno one of the top 100 prospects in California ... posted a 31-5 record as a three-year starter State as a defensive lineman but was switched to offensive line during the spring of 2003. and won the last 25 games of his high school career ... guided CVC to a 13-0 record in (2005) Started all 13 games at right tackle … a key factor in an offense that ranked as 2004 and consecutive Central Section Sierra Division titles ... rushed for 481 yards and high as fi fth in the nation in scoring … a huge contributor in Fresno State’s offense that eight touchdowns ... was the team’s kicker and had 32 PATs ... was named fi rst-team all- scored 42 points against No. 1 USC, most allowed by a Pete Carroll team. (2004) Started league (ESL) quarterback in 2003 and ESL Sophomore of the Year in 2002 ... threw for all 12 games … a part of what may have been the best offensive line in school history … 2,056 yards and 27 touchdowns on 120-of-213 passing in 2004 ... played varsity basket- helped the Bulldogs’ rushing offense become one of the best in the nation, averaging 228 ball and baseball, earning all-league honors in both. yards per game, the 15th-best in the nation … Fresno State also had 36 rushing TDs, the fourth-best total nationally. (2003) Played in 11 games, starting nine … improved as much Personal: Born Nov. 8, 1986 in Sacramento, Calif. … parents are Ron and Lisa Colburn … as any lineman during the year. (2002) Redshirted. has two brothers, Tyler and Wyatt and one sister, Abbey … favorite athlete is Steve Young … hobbies include fi shing, spending time with friends, going to the lake or the beach. High School: Played defensive end and tight end at Tehachapi High … was all-league at both positions … had 13 sacks and seven touchdowns his senior year … an area All-Star and an all-area selection following his senior season.

Personal: Born Oct. 7, 1983 … parents’ names are Judy and Steve Denman … has a sister, Kelli … enjoys wakeboarding and snowboarding … lists his parents as the people who most admires.

jason CRAWLEYCRAWLEY

WIDE RECEIVER 6-2, 185, R-Fr. Pittsburg, Calif. 13 (Pittsburg) Undeclared

Fresno State: Has great size and speed … a gifted all-around athlete who is expected to make some big plays on the perimeter … needs some seasoning but will be counted on for years to come. (2005) Redshirted.

High School: An outstanding athlete who played both quarterback and receiver ... Com- pleted 40-of-72 passes for 845 yards, with nine touchdowns as a senior ... also had some big games a receiver, including 157 receiving yards in a playoff game for the No. 1-ranked Pirates ... guided his team to a 10-1 record ... scored seven rushing touchdowns ... threw for 213 yards and two touchdowns against Liberty ... was a receiver as a junior after playing quarterback as a sophomore ... honorable mention all-league as a quarterback and defensive back ... rated as the 12th-best high school receiving prospect in California by one scouting service....recruited by UNLV, Oregon State and San Diego State.

Personal: Born Aug. 7, 1987 in Martinez, Calif. … mother’s name is Debora Williams … has two brothers, Robert Crawley and Michael Crawley and one sister, Monique Maebarry …lists favorite athlete as Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Terrell Owens.

Chris Denman

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shannon jaron DORSEY FAIRMANFAIRMAN

RUNNING BACK WIDE RECEIVER 6-1, 205, Jr. 6-1, 185, Sr. Highland, Calif. Covina, Calif. 25 (San Gorgonio) 18 (South Hills) Undeclared Health Science

Fresno State: A highly-touted running back who could be a signifi cant player in the fu- Fresno State: A talented and mature player who will provide quality depth at the wide ture… has a great deal of potential and a nice build for a tailback … battled injuries last receiver position ... very athletic with good quickness and has made tough catches in his year that limited his playing time. (2005) Played in one game for Fresno State … saw time career … has served as a solid contributor to special teams … has big-play ability from the in a 45-7 blowout against San Jose State … ran the ball nine times for 33 yards late in slot as a receiver … a good student and smart player who has emerged as a solid leader the game … also caught one pass for 16 yards. (2004) Played in four games, all off the … played in 37 games in his career. (2005) Played in all 13 games, all off of the bench … bench … had six carries for four yards … injured his toe after the SMU game and missed tied for fi fth on the team in receptions with 26 … averages 25.0 yards per game … fi fth on the rest of the year … missed the fi rst three games of the season with an injury. (2003) the team with 349 yards on the season … led the Dogs in receiving in the AutoZone Liberty Redshirted. Bowl with six receptions for 73 yards, both career-highs … led the team with four catches against Hawai’i … had a season-long 31 yard catch against Nevada. (2004) Played in all High School: A senior captain who helped his team capture its fi rst conference champion- 12 games, starting one … had eight receptions for 123 yards and three touchdowns … his ship in 30 years with a 9-2 record in the San Andreas League ... named fi rst-team All-San TD reception against Virginia tied that game at 31-31 with 11 seconds to play. It came on Andreas League running back and the all-county running back ... voted team’s Most Valu- a fourth down play in the back corner of the end zone and required a high degree of ath- able Offensive Player ... rushed for 998 yards for 19 touchdowns ... collected 450 yards in letic ability … his other touchdown grabs were against SMU and Nevada … also had three receiving ... returned two kickoff returns for touchdowns ... his team fi nished third in league rushes for fi ve yards … his best game came against Nevada when he had two catches for with a 6-5 record in 2001 when he was named second all-league receiver ... ran for 680 63 yards, including a 54-yard TD. (2003) Played in 13 games, mostly on special teams … yards and threw for about 350 yards that year ... was in the top 10 percent of his class ... provided one of the special moments of the season when he scored a touchdown against also recruited by Colorado State, Arizona, Oregon State and San Diego State. Portland State just hours after his father, James, who was in Fresno to see Jaron play, passed away … fi nished the year with just that one carry that went for a TD against PSU Personal: Born Feb. 4, 1985 … parents’ names are Vernon and Shirley Dorsey … has one … on special teams, he had seven tackles … an Academic All-WAC honoree. (2002) Red- sister, Leshay, who is a member of the Bulldog track and fi eld squad … lists his contem- shirted ... member of the Dean’s List. plated profession as a mechanical engineer. High School: Was Most Valuable Player of his conference ... All-Valley fi rst team selection ... named All-CIF Division 9 fi rst team and All-CIF Southern Section ... was a Cal-Hi Sports dorsey’s CAREER STATISTICS all-state pick ... took back three punts for touchdowns and had a 20.9 return average ... caught 26 passes for a 24.3 average as a senior ... as a defensive back, made three Year GP-GS Att Yards Avg. TD Avg./G interceptions and 84 tackles. 2004 4-0 6 4 0.7 0 0.8 2005 1-0 9 33 3.7 0 33.0 Personal: Born Nov. 12, 1984 … parents’ names are Terri and James Fairman … has Totals 5-0 15 37 2.5 0 7.4 three brothers, James, Terron and Jonathan, and two sisters, Latisha and Daniel … fi rst name is pronounced juh-RON.

fairman’s CAREER STATISTICS RECEIVING Year GP-GS Rec Yds Avg TD YPG Long 2003 13-0 0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 2004 12-1 8 123 15.4 3 11.2 54 2005 13-0 26 348 13.8 2 25.7 31 Totals 38-1 34 471 13.9 5 12.4 54

RUSHING Year Att Yards Avg. TD Long Avg./G 2003 1 5 5.0 1 5 0.6 2004 3 5 1.7 0 5 0.5 2005 0 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 Totals 4 10 2.5 1 5 0.4

Jaron Fairman

WWW.GOBULLDOGS.COM • 23 fresno state bulldogs PLAYER PROFILES

alan moses GOODWIN HARRIS

LINEBACKER DEFENSIVE BACK 6-2, 220, Sr. 6-1, 200, R-Fr. Inglewood, Calif. Stockton, Calif. 10 (Morningside) (Lincoln) Health Science 3 Undeclared

Fresno State: A solid linebacker who appears ready for an All-WAC seson … became Fresno State: A talented player who will see his fi rst action this season … honored by the starter at outside linebacker toward the end of 2004 … very athletic, fast linebacker the coaches for outstanding scout team play last fall as a redshirt … a bright student … of whom the coaching staff thinks highly. (2005) Played in and started all 13 games at a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Council and was selected to represent Fresno outside linebacker … fourth on the team with 58 tackles on the year … tied his career State at the 2006 NCAA Leadership Conference. (2005) Redshirted. high with eight tackles against Toledo … also forced a fumble against the Rockets … had two tackles for loss on the season, good for 9 yards … also recorded one sack … ended High School: Had 128 tackles as a linebacker for the Trojans ... had 91 solo tackles ... a Hawai’i drive with his fi rst career interception, returning it 26 yards. (2004) Played in recorded two quarterback sacks ... had more than 10 tackles is seven of 11 games ... a all 12 games, starting four … in addition to playing linebacker, he also saw time on special fi rst-team all-league and second-team all-area selection ... an outstanding athlete who has teams … fi nished the year ninth on the team with 36 tackles, including 3.5 for loss … had excelled in the track ... as a junior, posted a 14.2 time in the 110 high hurdles ... posted a two pass breakups … had the best game of his career against Rice, recording eight tackles season-high 18 tackles in a 49-14 win over Tracy ... led Lincoln High to an 8-4 record. … started the fi nal two games of the regular season before coming off the bench against Virginia. (2003) Played in 12 games, all off the bench … was a solid performer at line- Personal: Born July 29, 1987 in San Diego, Calif. … parents are Maurice Harris and backer and on special teams … had 22 tackles, including one for loss … had a season-high Cynthia Kennedy … has two brothers, Mark and Maurice, Jr., and one sister, Jasolyn … hob- four tackles at SMU … his lone tackle for loss came against Boise State. (2002) Sat out to fulfi ll NCAA eligibility requirements.

High School: Was a ﬁ rst-team All-Ocean League selection ... had seven catches for 117 yards as a receiver his senior year ... starred as a linebacker, making 127 tackles, three fumble recoveries and three pass deﬂ ections.

Personal: Born Aug. 8, 1984 … guardian’s name is Harold Hardy … also recruited by Or- egon, Arizona and Colorado State … raised by his grandmother, Ruby Hardy, and his aunts, 35 Avis Abercrombie and Jaquelyn Thigpen. marvin HAYNES goodwin’s CAREER STATISTICS

Year GP-GS UT AT TT TFL-Yds Sacks-Yds INT-Yds DEFENSIVE BACK 2003 12-0 13 9 22 1.0-1 0-0 0-0 6-1, 195, R-Fr. 2004 12-4 16 20 36 3.5-13 0-0 0-0 Fresno, Calif. 2005 13-13 18 40 58 2.0-9 1.0-7 1-26 19 (Central) TotalsTotals 37-17 47 69 116 6.5-23 1.0-7 1-26 Undeclared

FresnoFresno StState:ate: A talented Valley product who will see his ﬁ rst action in a Bulldog uniform in 2006 … a sstrong,trong, physicalphysical player wwhoho is expectexpecteded ttoo be a ﬁ xturxturee in tthehe Bulldog secondarsecondaryy Alan Goodwin forfor years ttoo come. (2005) Redshirted.

High School: 2004 All-Conference (TRAC) linebacker and Central High School Coaches’ AwardAward recipientrecipient ... recordedrecorded 1,287 all-purpose yardsyards and 20 touchdownstouchdowns as a runningrunning back in 2004 ... rrushedushed fforor 841 yaryards,ds, averaveragingaging 8.4 yaryardsds per carcarry,ry, and 12 ttouchdownsouchdowns ... had 12 carriescarries forfor 227 yardsyards and threethree touchdownstouchdowns againstagainst Hoover ... threwthrew a 21- yardyard touchdowntouchdown pass againstagainst SunnysideSunnyside ... had threethree interceptionsinterceptions as a defensivedefensive back ...... played basketball forfor CentralCentral as a freshmanfreshman and sophomore,sophomore, and ranran tracktrack his sophomoresophomore throughthrough senior years ... had a GPAGPA of 3.5 and earnedearned high honors as a freshmanfreshman andand sophomoresophomore ... was also recruitedrecruited by Washington,Washington, ArizonaArizona State,State, Nevada, OregonOregon StateState and WashingtonWashington SState.tate.

Personal: Born Jan. 25, 1987 in Fresno, Calif. … parents are Leif and Tamika Barrells … has ttwowo brbrothers,others, ChrChristianistian and Leif … lisliststs ffavoriteavorite atathletehlete as Miami Heat guarguardd DwaynDwaynee

24 • JOIN THE STATESTATE: FRESNO STATESTATE FOOTBALL fresno state bulldogs PLAYER PROFILES

ikenna jake IKE JORDE

DEFENSIVE TACKLE FREE SAFETY 6-1, 245, So. 6-0, 195, So. Walnut, Calif. Fallbrook, Calif. 41 (Walnut) 23 (Fallbrook Union) Undeclared Undeclared

Fresno State: One of the biggest suprises on the team in 2005 … provided a presence Fresno State: A converted receiver who has seen action on the Bulldog defense and on the line and showed a knack for getting to the quarterback … has a great future in special teams … expected to see action in a back-up role this season. (2005) Played in 10 the program. (2005) Played in all 13 games … made 14 tackles, including 3.5 for loss … games, all in a reserve role … saw time on special teams … recorded ﬁ ve tackles. (2004) recorded four sacks, the second-best on the team. (2004) Redshirted. Redshirted.

High School: Lettered two years in football and one in basketball at Walnut High … was High School: A fast receiver and great athlete ... All-San Diego Section second-team se- captain of his football team and a ﬁ rst-team all-league basketball player … participated in lection as a defensive back by the San Diego Union-Tribune ... had 37 receptions for 680 the 2004 Hall of Fame All-Star football game. yards and seven touchdowns as a junior, averaged 18.4 yards per reception ... as a senior, again averaged more than 18 yards a catch and caught seven touchdowns ... had four Personal: Born Sept. 4, 1986 … parents’ names are Martha and Isaac Ike … has two receptions for 83 yards and three touchdowns vs. Oceanside and scored on an 88-yard brothers, Naaemeka and Chima, and a sister, Ifeama … chose to walk-on at Fresno State touchdown vs. Torrey Pines ... played cornerback, safety, was a special teams star as because of the football program. a return specialist and served as the team’s punter ... was on the basketball and track teams. ike’s CAREER STATISTICS Personal: Born March 27, 1986 … parents’ names are Donna and Steve Jorde … has two brothers, Ryan and Seth, and a sister, Kendra … enjoys golf and poker … was a high school Year GP-GS UT AT TT TFL-Yds Sacks-Yds teammate of Kyle Young at Fallbrook Union … lists St. Louis Rams’ wide receiver Torry Holt 2005 13-0 8 6 14 3.5-21 4-21 as his favorite athlete.

jorde’s CAREER STATISTICS Year GP-GS UT AT TT TFL-Yds Sacks-Yds 2005 10-0 3 2 5 0-0 0-0

damon JENKINS robin CORNERBACK 5-11, 185, Jr. KEZIRIAN Concord, Calif. (De La Salle) 25 CENTER Undeclared 6-3, 300, Sr. Fresno, Calif. 66 (Washington HS) Fresno State: A talented young player who is expected to see more playing time in the Communications future ... has good athletic ability and instincts.… will battle for a starting role in the fall. (2005) Played in 12 games overall, appearing on defense and special teams … totaled eight tackles and one tackle for a loss while breaking up two passes. (2004) Saw limited action on special teams and injuries kept him from participating. (2003) Sat out to fulfi ll Fresno State: Should see action on the line … a valuable back-up to All-WAC player Kyle NCAA eligibility requirements. Young. (2005) Played in nine games, starting in one against Toledo … mostly served as backup at guard … helped limit opponents to 14 sacks on the year. (2004) Did not record High School: Rated as one of the best cornerbacks in the nation as a high school senior any playing time. (2003) Sat out the season as a transfer. … selected the 48th best prospect in the West and the 19th best cornerback in the nation by Rivals.com … ranked the No. 1 cornerback in the West by Pac West Football and Washington: (2002) Redshirted. TheInsiders.com … comes from one of the nations’ best high school programs … played on the nation’s No. 1 ranked team, De La Salle, that had won 138 consecutive games … High School: Earned all-state, All-Valley and all-league recognition as a senior, leading Cen- recruited by USC … coached by Bob LaDoucer. tral to an 8-4 record ... saw limited time on defensive line where he had fi ve sacks and recovered three fumbles ... was a two-time All-Tri-River Athletic Conference honoree ... Personal: Born March. 11, 1985 … parents’ names are Charmaine Slaton and Damon earned his league’s lineman of the year award as a senior ... twice received second-team Jenkins … has one brother, Donte, and a sister, Pamela … lists the person he most admires all-state honors from Cal-Hi Sports ... helped team to its fi rst Tri-River Athletic Conference as his mother. championship ... a Fresno Bee All-Star ... a PrepStar All-West Region selection on the offensive line ... a member of SuperPrep’s California 100 ... graduated with a 3.81 GPA. jenkins’ CAREER STATISTICS Personal: Born Oct. 17, 1983 ... his father, Robin, earned second-team All-Pac-8 confer- Year GP-GS UT AT TT TFL-Yds Sacks-Yds INT-Yds ence honors at UCLA ... cousin of current UCLA Bruin Blane Kezirian ... has two siblings, 2004 3-0 0 0 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 Adelene and Edward. 2005 12-0 6 2 8 1.0-1 0-0 0-0 Totals 15-0 6 2 8 1.0-1 0-0 0-0

WWW.GOBULLDOGS.COM • 25 fresno state bulldogs PLAYER PROFILES

isaac louis KINTER LEONARD

FULLBACK DEFENSIVE TACKLE 6-1, 240, R-Fr. 6-4, 320, Sr. El Dorado Hills, Compton, Calif. 45 Calif. 98 (Verbum Dei) (Oak Ridge) Criminology Undeclared

Fresno State: Has been impressive with his work ethic and toughness … will see time at Fresno State: A physically imposing player who is coming off his best season as a Bulldog fullback and H-back … expected to be a major receiving threat. (2005) Redshirted. … had his most productive season and started every games … a very strong player who’s best against the run. (2005) Started all 13 games … made 26 tackles, including 4.5 for High School: Listed among the nation’s top 100 linebackers by rivals.com ... named to loss and 2.5 sacks … had one fumble recovery against Utah State … had two pass break- the Sacramento Bee’s fi rst-team offense as a receiver ... made 51 catches for 955 yards ups … recorded a season-high six tackles against Nevada. (2004) Played in nine games, (18.7 yards per catch) and 12 touchdowns ... helped lead Oak Ridge High School to a starting three … had 11 tackles … received starts against Washington, Boise State and section championship ... as a linebacker, had 93 tackles, eight sacks and recovered three then in the bowl game against Virginia … on the fi rst play of the game against the Huskies, fumbles ... played exceptional in big games, with 10 tackles and three sacks, plus fi ve he injured his ankle that forced him to miss the next three games … was effective against receptions for 95 yards and a touchdown, against top-ranked Grant ... an amazing athlete Virginia, recording three tackles. (2003) Saw much of his time in the fi rst half of the year who also returned punts and kicks, averaging over 26 yards per kickoff return ... had eight … fi nished by playing in nine games … had fi ve tackles, including one for loss … two of his receptions for 198 yards against Union Mine ... chose Fresno State over Oregon State tackles came in the bowl game. (2002) Redshirted. and Boise State. High School: Had 106 tackles, including 58 solos, his senior year ... compiled seven sacks, Personal: Born Dec. 19, 1986 in Sacramento, Calif. … parents are Don and Melinda Kinter 18 tackles for loss and four fumble recoveries ... was fi rst-team All-CIF and all-league ... … has two brothers, Zac and Caleb … hobbies include playing football and working out. named to the Los Angeles Times’ All-Central City fi rst team.

Personal: Born July 16, 1984 … parents’ names are Priscilla Carr and Louis Leonard, Sr. … favorite athlete is Warren Sapp … came to Fresno State for the Academic Gameplan and great coaching.

leonard’s CAREER STATISTICS ahijah Year GP-GS UT AT TT TFL-Yds Sacks-Yds 2002 Redshirted LANE 2003 9-0 1 4 5 1-4 1-4 2004 9-3 3 8 11 0-0 0-0 2005 13-13 12 14 26 4.5-27 2.5-19 LINEBACKER Totals 31-16 16 26 42 5.5-31 3.5-23 6-1, 225, Jr. Fresno, Calif. 43 (Hoover) Mass Communication and Journalism

Fresno State: An explosive defensive player who will provide depth at linebacker and experience on special teams … has improved each season … a hard-hitting, physical player. (2005) Played in 11 games, starting in one at Nevada … made 12 tackles, including four for loss … recorded two sacks against Oregon … had two pass breakups. (2004) Played in Louis Leonard 11 games, all in a reserve role … made 17 tackles, including one for loss … had a season- high six tackles against SMU … wrapped up the regular season by recording ﬁ ve tackles and a pass breakup against San Jose State. (2003) Sat out to fulﬁ ll NCAA academic requirements.

High School: Lettered in football and basketball at Hoover High School … was all-league in football as a junior and senior … his team’s MVP as a senior … played both running back and linebacker in high school … received his team’s “Hitter of the Year” Award.

Personal: Born Nov. 5, 1985 … parents’ names are Zelma and Rodney Lane … has two brothers, Rodney, Jr., and Dawhite Shaw, and a sister, Natasha … enjoys playing video games … lists his favorite athlete as former Detroit Lions running back Barry Sanders … chose to attend Fresno State because of the faith the coaches showed in him … ﬁ rst name is pronounced “uh-HIGH-juh.”

lane’s CAREER STATISTICS Year GP-GS UT AT TT TFL-Yds Sacks-Yds 2004 11-0 9 8 17 1.0-1 0-0 2005 11-1 8 4 12 4.0-12 2.0-9 Totals 22-1 17 12 29 5.0-13 2.0-9

26 • JOIN THE STATE: FRESNO STATE FOOTBALL fresno state bulldogs PLAYER PROFILES

High School: Played just one year of high school football ... tried out for football at the behest of Canyon High School head coach Harry Welch, who highly recommended him to the Bulldog program ... was a ﬁ rst-team All-Foothill League selection ... was a goalie for the CHS soccer team, where known for his exceptionally powerful leg ... average hang time on punts was 4.5 seconds ... averaged over 40 yards per punt his senior year. mike Personal: Born Nov. 3, 1983 … parents’ names are Cindy and John Lingua … has a LINGUA brother, Eric, and a sister, Amanda ... last name is pronounced LEEN-gwah … hobbies include playing the guitar and drums … lists his favorite athlete as Atlanta Braves third baseman Chipper Jones. PUNTER 6-0, 190, Sr. Canyon Country, lingua’s CAREER STATISTICS 37 Calif. (Canyon) Communications Year No Yards Avg. Long I20 50+ 2003 84 3,215 38.3 68 28 8 2004 49 1,779 36.3 62 16 5 Fresno State: Enters his fourth season as a starting punter … although nicknamed “leg” 2005 35 1,230 35.1 56 15 3 for his booming kicks, his accuracy, hang-time and placements are most important to Totals 168 6,224 37.0 68 59 16 Fresno State’s special teams … over the last two years, the Dogs have allowed just 67 combined punt return yards, the fewest in the nation. (2005) Punted 35 times for an average of 35.1 … downed 15 of his attempts inside the 20 … punted 14 less times than he did his sophomore year, 49 less times than his freshman year … a key to the Bulldog special teams, allowing just 40 punt return yards all season … only seven of his 35 punts were returned. (2004) Was the team’s punter the entire season … averaged 36.3 yards on his 49 punts … an honorable mention All-WAC selection … thanks to Fresno State’s record-setting offensive output in the last four games, he only punted seven times … only 10 of his 49 punts were returned due to his ability to get incredible hang time on his kicks … helped the Bulldogs ﬁ nish third in the league in punting … 13 of his punts were fair caught while 16 were downed inside the 20 … punted 35 less times than he did his freshman year. (2003) Was the team’s punter all year … punted 84 times for an average of 38.3 … downed 28 of his attempts inside the 20 … gets great hang time on many of his kicks … 18 of his punts resulted in fair-catches … boomed a 68-yarder in the home opener against Oregon State, just one yard shy of the stadium record. (2002) Redshirted ... honored at the Kiwanis Torch of Excellence dinner.

Mike Lingua

Ahijah Lane (43), Robin Kerzerian and Jake Jorde.

WWW.WWW.GOBULLDOGS.COM • 27 fresno state bulldogs PLAYER PROFILES

drew ryan LUBINSKY MACHADO

TIGHT END LINEBACKER 6-6, 250, Soph. 6-0, 210, R-Fr. Roseville, Calif. Ripon, Calif. 80 (Oakmont) 47 (Ripon) Undeclared Criminology

Fresno State: A physical and talented tight end who is expected to see considerable time Fresno State: (2005) Sat out the year as a medical redshirt. in 2006 … will team with Bear Pasco and Jesus Tapia to make one of the nation’s largest groups of tight ends. (2005) Saw limited action in his ﬁ rst season, appearing in six games. High School: Lettered in football three years, playing linebacker and running back … three- (2004) Redshirted. time all-league selection … two-time all-district honoree … participated in all-start game in 2005 … coached by Chris Johnson. High School: As a senior earned ﬁ rst-team All-Pioneer Valley League honors ... a two-year starter for the Vikings, he played tight end and on the defensive line ... had six sacks, one Personal: Born Apr. 21, 1987 in Tracy, Calif … parents are Richard and Cathie Machado interceptions and several batted passes ... as a tight end, he averaged 13 yards per recep- … has three brothers: Richie, Randy and Riley … hobbies include snowboarding, working out tions, scored three touchdowns and two two-point conversions in just one year at that and playing video games … favorite athletes are Walter Payton and Jack Tatum … admires position ... had 11 receptions for 188 yards ... also a two-year starter on the Oakmont his family the most because “they are always helping me succeed.” basketball team ... recruited by San Diego State, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Wyoming, Boise State and West Virginia.

Personal: Born Aug. 9, 1986 … parents’ names are Valerie and Andrew Lu- binsky … has a sister, Lindsey … enjoys lifting weights and playing basketball … lists his biggest athletics thrill as “winning.”

pierce MASSE

OFFENSIVE GUARD 6-4, 285, So. San Diego, Calif. 65 (Clairemont HS) Undeclared

Fresno State: Started his career at Fresno State as a defensive lineman but moved to offense during the fall ... expected to become a solid player for the Dogs as guard. (2005) Reserve offensive lineman who received occasional playing time … had a good spring and will back-up Ryan Wendell at guard. (2004) Redshirted as a defensive end.

High School: A three-year letter winner who was selected team defensive MVP in 2003 while playing in just seven games ... had 48 tackles and six quarterback sacks on seven games ... forced four fumbles ... was selected the team’s offensive lineman of the year in 2002 and was named honorable mention All-Harbor League ... competed in track and ﬁ eld as a freshman and sophomore ... recruited by Arizona and Oregon State ... coached by Michael Smerdon.

Personal: Born March 3, 1986 in San Diego ... parents’ names are Heidi Hosch and Serge Masse ... has one sister, Fiona.

From Top: Drew Lubinsky, Vincent Mays, Ryan McKinley and Bear Pascoe.

28 • JOIN THE STATESTATE: FRESNO STATESTATE FOOTBALL fresno state bulldogs PLAYER PROFILES

vincent ryan MAYS MCKINLEY

FREE SAFETY LINEBACKER 5-11, 205, Sr. 6-2, 220, So. Rancho Cordova, Reno, Nev. 4 Calif. 58 (Reno) (Hiram Johnson) Undeclared Communications

FresnoFresno StState:ate: An emotemotionalional and phyphysicalsical player wwhoho is slatslateded ttoo sstarttart at frfreeee safsafetyety … Fresno State: Has overcome injuries and should see action this season ... a talented a talented player who has seen action in 22 games, including 11 last season … a team player who will be a back-up at outside linebacker ... could see time on Bulldog special favorite for his quick wit and charm … had waited patiently for his opportunity and is ex- teams units … excellent student. (2005) Played in 12 games … registered 10 tackles on pected to make a big impact in his senior season. (2005) Played in 11 games … fi nished the year, four of them solo … Academic All-WAC. (2004) Redshirted. with 21 tackles, including one for loss … his lone tackle for loss came against Utah State. (2004) Played in eight games, coming off the bench in each … fi nished with 24 tackles, High School: One of the top defensive players in Nevada as a senior, earning fi rst-team including one for loss … had a career-high six tackles against Rice … his lone tackle for loss all-state honors after guiding Reno High School to the 4-A state championship ... was came against Kansas State. (2003) Played in just three games … recorded three tackles. selected All-Northern Region and fi rst-team All-Sierra League ... led his team in tackles for (2002) Redshirted. two consecutive seasons ... Reno HS defeated Las Vegas HS 26-23 for the Nevada state championship ... scored four touchdowns on offense, two rushing and two receiving as a High School: Highly recruited defensive back ... rated as the 12th-best overall prospect fullback ... had 157 tackles and three sacks as a senior ... had 48 tackles for a loss as a and top defensive back in the state by Max Emfi nger’s Blue Chip Recruiting ... helped his senior, to go with fi ve forced fumbles, three recoveries and blocked a punt ... nominated for team to an 11-2 record ... was an outstanding running back, rushing for 2,143 yards and the Wendy’s High School Heisman Award. scoring 36 touchdowns ... was even more dominating on defense, recording 85 tackles, seven sacks, forced seven fumbles, blocked three kicks and had two interceptions. Personal: Born Jan. 17, 1986 ... parents’ names are Susan and Scott McKinley ... has one brother, Allen, and one sister, Eryn ... lists his favorite athletics achievement as winning the Personal: Born Feb. 14, 1984 … parents’ names are Elesia Williams and Vincent Mays, Sr. 2003 Nevada football championship. … has three brothers, Tierre, Gary and Ruth, and two sisters, Elizabeth and Lamipa … lists his mother as the person he most admires ... selected Fresno State over Illinois and Arizona. mckinley’s CAREER STATISTICS Year GP-GS UT AT TT TFL-Yds Sacks-Yds may’s CAREER STATISTICS 2004 11-0 9 8 17 1.0-1 0-0 Year GP-GS UT AT TT TFL-Yds Sacks-Yds 2005 11-1 8 4 12 4.0-12 2.0-9 2002 Redshirted Totals 22-1 17 12 29 5.0-13 2.0-9 2003 3-0 1 2 3 0-0 0-0 2004 8-0 15 9 24 1-5 0-0 2005 11-0 9 12 21 1-2 0.5-1 Totals 22-0 25 23 48 2-7 0.5-1

adam james MCDOWELL MEEKS

OFFENSIVE TACKLE OFFENSIVE TACKLE 6-4, 285, So. 6-5, 310, R-Fr. Corona, Calif. Oakland, Calif. 76 (Norco) 68 (Bishop O’Dowd HS) Undeclared Undeclared

Fresno State: Converted to offensive tackle from defensive end during spring drills … Fresno State: A physically-gifted and imposing individual … very strong and a player, with had a solid spring session learning the position and should make a contribution this fall. some experience, could be a long-term fi xture on the offensive line. (2005) Redshirted. (2005) Played in fi ve games as a defensive end … made six tackles, including 0.5 for loss. (2004) Redshirted … was named the scout team defensive player of the year at the High School: Two-year varsity letterwinner ... fi rst-team All-HAAL (Hayward Area Athletic team’s awards banquet. League) selection as a senior ... second-team All-HAAL pick his junior year ... ANG (Alameda Newspaper Group) fi rst-team All-East Bay honoree ... Contra Costa Times “Cream of the High School: An agile athlete who earned All-CIF Division 5, All-Riverside County and All-CIF Crop” selection ... named to the San Francisco Chronicle All-Metro fi rst-team ... also played as a senior ... was the left tackle for Toby Gerhart, who rushed for over 3,000 yards in 11 defensive end during his senior year, recording 30 tackles, four sacks and one fumble games ... as a junior, was selected to the second-team all-county and all-league teams ... recovery ... also recruited by San Diego State, Colorado State and California. played on what’s was considered the fi nest line in school history ... selected fi rst-team All- Mountain View League for three consecutive years ... invited to play in the Shrine All-Star Personal: Born Nov. 24, 1987 in Oakland, Calif. … parents are James and Nina Meeks game ... a basketball standout, he earned honorable mention all-league honors as a junior. … has two sisters, Ja Ney and Jamie … favorite athlete is Jack Tatum … hobbies include playing drums, attending church and relaxing at home. Personal: Born March 9, 1985 in Riverside Calif. … parents’ names are Renee Shea and Curtis McDowell. … has one brother, Jacob, and two sisters, Leanne and Caitlin … enjoys riding motor cycles and playing basketball. ... selected Fresno State over Oregon State and UNLV.

WWW.GOBULLDOGS.COM • 29 fresno state bulldogs PLAYER PROFILES

jon sean MONGA NORTON

DEFENSIVE TACKLE QUARTERBACK 6-2, 280, So. 5-11, 175, So. Henderson, Nev. Valencia, Calif. 94 (Foothill) 3 (Hart) Undeclared Undeclared

Fresno State: A strong and tough defensive player … emerged in his ﬁ rst season as Fresno State: Recovering from off season surgery … put up simply staggering numbers a valuable contributor … a very strong player who plays hard. (2005) Played in seven in high school … one of the state’s most sought after prep quarterbacks ... with matura- games and had ﬁ ve tackles, 1.5 for losses and recorded one quarterback sack. (2004) tion and a grasp of the offense, he could be a quarterback of the future for the Bulldogs. Redshirted. (2005) Squad member … (2004) Redshirted.

High School: A two-way player at Foothill High School, who was dominating as a defensive High School: A talented quarterback who led the state of California with 4,067 passing lineman as a senior ... recorded 50 tackles, 2.5 sacks, caused four fumbles, recovered two yards and 44 touchdowns as a senior ... his passing total ranked as the 25th-best in U.S. fumbles and had two pass defl ections ... selected fi rst-team All-Southern Nevada and was high school history and the fi fth-most ever in California high school history ... completed selected a team captain ... also participates in volleyball and track and fi eld. 238-of-363 passes ... named the 2003 CIF Southern Section Division II Offensive Player of the Year, after guiding Hart to the Division II title ... named the Cal-Hi Sports Mr. Football as Personal: Born July 25, 1986 … parents’ names are Michele and Joe Monga … has two California’s Player of the Year ... a Parade All-American ... guided Hart to a 23-4-1 record brothers, Michael and Jordan, and two sisters, Tiare and Chantelle … lists his favorite over the last two seasons ... as a junior, Hart was 12-1-1 and ranked No. 20 in the nation athlete as Reggie White. by USA Today ... named the Los Angeles Daily News Player of the Year and selected to the Los Angeles Times All-Southland team ... was selected the Foothills League Player of the Year in 2002 and 2003 ... over two seasons, he threw for 8,050 yards, completing 66 percent of his passes (498-758) and 79 touchdowns with just 18 interceptions ... threw just one interception every 42 pass attempts in his career ... guided Hart to the 2003 CIF Southern Section Division Championship in a 25-7 win over Mission Viejo ... joins favorite target, Kevin Ciccone, who also signed with Bulldogs ... comes from the same high school that produced NFL fi rst-round pick Kyle Boller.

Personal: Born May 13, 1986 … parents’ names are Christine and Scott Norton … has one brother, Jacob … enjoys pool and watching television … lists his favorite athlete as marlin Baltimore Ravens quarterback Kyle Boller because he is a great QB and, like Norton, he attended Hart HS … coincidentally, Boller is the brother-in-law of current Bulldog Kevin Cic- MOORE cone, who also played with Norton at Hart.

WIDE RECEIVER 6-0, 180, R-Fr. Sacramento, Calif. 5 (Natomas HS) Undeclared

Fresno State: A great athlete who will get on the ﬁ eld this season on special teams and rich as a receiver … a tough competitor who can make difﬁ cult catches … shifty with the ball in his hands and is tough to bring down. (2005) Redshirted. OWENS

Natomas HS: A versatile and fast athlete ... had 11 catches for 348 yards and four RUNNING BACK touchdowns this year on offense ... on defense, he had 39 tackles ... against Rio Linda 6-0, 220, R-Fr. High this year, he displayed his football and athletic ability by scoring three times - once Chino Hills, Calif. on an 18-yard reception, another on an 80-yard catch and yet another on a 76-yard run 27 (Ontario Christian) ... had three carries last season for 107 yards, averaging over 35 yards per carry ... had Undeclared 39 tackles as a defensive back ... selected all-league in basketball as a junior ... played in just six games before a season-ending injury.

Personal: Born Sept. 3, 1987 in Sacramento, Calif. … parents are Ernie and Gail Moore … has one brother, Leon Moore, Jr. … hobbies include ﬁ shing, playing basketball and spend- Fresno State: A hard-running, hard-working back … a walk-on who will be seeing action ing time with family ... lists favorite athletes as Terrell Owens, Deion Sanders and Michael this fall for the Dogs … has impressed the coaches with his work ethic and “play hard” Jordan. attitude. (2005) Redshirted

High School: Member of Inland Valley ﬁ rst team squad … all-state selection … coached by Laing Stevens … lettered in baseball.

Personal: Born Aug. 1, 1987 in Chino, Calif. … also recruited by Oregon, Oregon State and Nevada.

30 • JOIN THE STATE: FRESNO STATE FOOTBALL fresno state bulldogs PLAYER PROFILES

richard PACHECO cole POPOVICH OFFENSIVE LINEMAN 6-2, 285, So. OFFENSIVE GUARD Moreno Valley, Calif. 6-2, 285, So. 52 (Canyon Springs HS) Oakhurst, Calif. Communications) 62 (Yosemite) Undeclared

Fresno State: Expected to work his way into the line-up in the next few seasons. (2005) Played in seven games as a rookie. Fresno State: Coming off an outstanding season and will vie for All-WAC honors in his second season … was the fi rst true freshman of the Pat Hill Era to start on the offensive Canyon Springs HS: A fi rst-team all-league and all-county selection ... rated as one of line in 2004 ... medically redshirted in 2004 after suffering an injury in his second game, the top 100 players in the West by scouting services ... a PrepStar Magazine all-region causing him to sit out the remainder of the year … joined the team in January 2004 ... has selection ...selected to the CIF all-state team ... selected to the Los Angeles Times All-Inland tremendous physical ability and strength for his age … one of the strongest players on Empire fi rst-team ... had 40 pancake blocks last season ... had four sacks, recovered three the team and was the fi rst freshman in program history to squat 600 pounds. (2005) A fumbles and forced two fumbles as a defensive tackle his senior season. unanimous selection for fi rst-team Freshman All-American (Sporting News, Football Writ- ers, College Football News, ESPN.com) honors after starting 12 of 13 games at left guard Personal: Born Feb. 22, 1987 in Carson, Calif. … parents are Richard and Desiree … has … was instrumental in Fresno State’s offensive prowess all season, which produced a two brothers, David and Michael and one sister, Stephanie … hobbies include dancing and 1,000-yard rusher, a 3,000-yard passer and averaged just under 40 points per game. listening to music … favorite athlete is Anthony Munoz. (2004) Suffered an injury against Kansas State game and missed the remainder of the season … was a medical redshirt … came off the bench in the opener at Washington and then started against KSU … Popovich actually injured the arm during preseason practice but recovered in time for the start of the season … enrolled at Fresno State in January and went through spring drills with the team.

High School: First-team selection on the Fresno Bee’s All-Star team as a offensive lineman ... was a three-year starter and two-time All-Central Sequoia League selection ... guided Yosemite to the Sequoia Division Large School championship with a 12-1 record ... recruited by Nebraska and UCLA ... the ﬁ rst player in school history to receive a Division I bear scholarship ... strong and physical player.

PASCOEPASCOE Personal: Born Feb. 15, 1985 ... parents’ names are Eli and Linda Rivas ... has one brother, Justin, and one sister, Michelle ... enjoys playing video games ... chose to attend Fresno State because he likes the program and likes the coaches ... lists his biggest athletics thrill TIGHT END as winning the CIF championship in high school. 6-5, 260, So. Porterville, Calif. 85 (Granite Hills) Agricultural Business

Cole Popovich Fresno State: Well-built athletic player who came to Fresno State as a quarterback and switched to tight end … a very smart football player made immediate contributions as a blocker and receiver … expected to continue to develop … give the Dogs a physical presence on as a blocker and threat to catch the ball in the middle of the ﬁ eld. (2005) Played in all 13 games and started three … had ﬁ ve receptions for 34 yards with a long play of 12 yards. (2004) Redshirted … earned the scout team offensive player of the year awards at the team’s postseason banquet.

High School: A big, physical quarterback who is one of the top all-around athletes in the Valley ... selected the 2003 East Yosemite League Offensive Player of the Year and was named all-area after guiding his team to a 16-4 record over the last two seasons ... guided Granite Hills to the 2002 EYL title ...accounted for 1,851 total yards and 16 touchdowns as a senior and nearly 3,500 yards and 33 touchdowns over two seasons ... was a ﬁ rst- team All-East Yosemite League basketball player as a junior ... also played outside linebacker ... played send in the EYL in the shot and discus, placing sixth in the Valley championships in the discus as a junior ... also an accomplished rodeo roper.

Personal: Born Feb. 23, 1986 … parents’ names are Julie and Sean Pascoe … has one brother, Ryan, and one sister, Sara … enjoys calf roping … lists his favorite athlete as Green Bay Packers QB Brett Favre … his given name is McKenna Sean Pascoe, but he goes by Bear.

WWW.WWW.GOBULLDOGS.COM • 31 fresno state bulldogs PLAYER PROFILES

marcus josh RILEY SHERLEY

LINEBACKER STRONG SAFETY 6-0, 220, Jr. 6-0, 205, Sr. Sacramento, Calif. 15 Bakersﬁ eld, Calif. 31 (Elk Grove) (Bakersﬁ eld) Undeclared Business

Fresno State: Quick player who has been a solid performer on special teams and in the Fresno State: Was Fresno State’s leading tackler in 2005 before suffering a season- Bulldog secondary … has shown the ability to make big plays and was pound-for-pound the ending injury against No. 1 USC … a two-year starter who will return for his third season hardest hitter on the team … a quiet leader who makes a big statement with his play on the … also has seen time on special teams … has great athletic and playmaking ability and is fi eld, will be candidate for All-WAC honors in 2006. (2005) Started all 13 games and was a sure tackler … has developed into one of the WAC’s top linebacker. (2005) Started the seventh on the squad in tackles with 51 … had four tackles for losses and forced a fumble fi rst 10 games of the season and was leading the squad in tackles when he was injured … a sure tackler, who was a solid run defender. (2004) Had 17 tackles, two tackles for against No. 1 USC … fi nished fourth on the team in tackles with 52, including 37 solos, loss, one sack and broke up two passes … added a blocked kick … had the best game of his second-most on the squad … had two tackles for losses and two quarterback sacks … re- career at Rice in which he had fi ve tackles, one for a loss, his fi rst career sack and blocked covered one fumble … had a season-high 12 tackles in Fresno State win at Hawaii, in which a punt. (2003) Played in three games, all off the bench … had fi ve tackles (four solo). the Dogs held the Warriors to just 13 points and stopping them fi ve of eight times in the red zone … had a team-high 11 tackles and one sack in Fresno State’s win over Toledo, High School: Was a two-time all-area pick as a defensive back ... helped lead Bakersfi eld as the Dogs held the Rockets to 39 points under their season scoring average. (2004) High to a 13-0 record and a section championship last year ... made 98 tackles and had Played in all 12 games, starting seven … had 38 tackles, including three for loss and one fi ve interceptions in 2001, two of which he returned for touchdowns ... in addition to being sack … despite serving as a reserve part of the year, he still managed to fi nish ninth on the a standout defensive back, he also caught 34 passes for 634 yards and seven touch- team in tackles … also had one fumble recovery and a pass breakup … had a career-high downs as a senior ... named Defensive Player of the Year by the Bakersfi eld Californian ... seven tackles against Boise State … his one sack came in the Nevada contest … played listed as one of the top defensive back prospects in California by Prep Star Magazine ... well in the bowl game, recording six tackles. (2003) Redshirted … was Dick Duncan Scout also an exceptional wrestler. Team Defensive Player of the Year. Personal: Born Nov. 9, 1983 … parents’ names are Jeff and Dottie Sherley … has two High School: Had 136 tackles and 12 sacks over the last two seasons ... named to the sisters, Jennifer and Aubree … enjoys playing sports and the guitar … lists Marcus Allen as Sacramento Bee’s All-Star team ... an excellent athlete who is very fast ... guided Elk Grove his favorite athlete … also recruited by Colorado State, Northwestern, UNLV and Arizona to the 2001 San Joaquin Section Division I championship ... fi rst-team all-league during his State … married to wife, Hailey. junior and senior seasons ... voted the team MVP four straight years ... recruited by Boise State and Colorado State ... coached by Bob Lee.

Personal: Born April 14, 1985 … parents’ names are Brenda and Stuart Riley … has one sherley’s CAREER STATISTICS brother … enjoys PlayStation 2 … lists his favorite player as Ray Lewis … says his father is Year GP-GS UT AT TT TFL-Yds Sacks-Yds Int-Yds his greatest role model. … is a cousin of Henry Ellard, one of the greatest players in Fresno 2003 3-0 4 1 5 0-0 0-0 0-0 State history who has had his number retired by the school. 2004 10-0 12 5 17 2.0-17 1-11 0-0 2005 13-13 31 20 51 4.0-11 0-0 0-0 Totals 26-13 47 26 73 6.0-28 1-11 0-0 riley’s CAREER STATISTICS Year GP-GS UT AT TT TFL-Yds Sacks-Yds Int-Yds FR FF 2004 12-7 23 15 38 3.0-7 1.0-1 0-0 0-0 0 2005 10-10 28 24 52 2.0-13 2.0-13 0-0 1-0 1 Total 22-17 51 39 90 5.0-20 3.0-14 0-0 1-0 1

jason SHIRLEY

NOSE TACKLE 6-5, 330, Jr. Fontana, Calif. 97 (Kaiser Fontana) Undeclared

Fresno State: A monster in the middle who has emerged as a dominating defense force at times … with continued development, could become another in a long line of outstanding Bulldog defensive linemen … has added upper body strength and size and is expected to develop into a top-fl ight player. (2005) Started the fi rst fi ve games before suffering an injury that plagued him the rest of the season … saw considerable more action toward the end of the season … had 14 tackles, four for losses and one quarterback sack. (2004) Played in 11 games, picking up his only start in the bowl game … showed fl ashes of dominance … registered 16 tackles, including 2.5 for loss and one sack … recorded his fi rst career sack against No. 13 Kansas State. (2003) Redshirted.

High School: Second-team All-League selection ... San Bernardino Sun All-County Team ... earned numerous player of the week honors during the year ... helped his team to a 13-0-1

32 • JOIN THE STATE: FRESNO STATE FOOTBALL fresno state bulldogs PLAYERPLAYER PROFILES

overall record and a Cal Hi Sports Division 3 championship ... his squad was also named Sunkist League champions and CIF Southern Section Division 8 ... also competed on the track and ﬁ eld squad, participating in the discus and shot put events ... spent his ﬁ rst three seasons at A.B. Miller High School before transferring to Kaiser Fontana for his senior year ... also recruited by Oregon and Arizona ... coached by Dick Bruich.

Personal: Born Sept. 30, 1985 ... parents’ names are Woodrow and Florentine Shirley ... has four sisters and two brothers ... enjoys hanging around the house and spending time with friends ... chose to attend Fresno State because of the good coaching ... lists his biggest athletics thrill as playing in his high school’s championship game. shirley’s CAREER STATISTICS Year GP-GS UT AT TT TFL-Yds Sacks-Yds 2004 11-1 6 10 16 2.5-6 1.0-3 2005 9-5 7 7 14 4.0-14 1.0-5 Totals 20-6 13 17 30 6.5-20 2.0-8

elgin SIMMONS

CORNERBACK 5-9,180, Sr. Los Angeles, Calif. 30 (Hawthorne) Business

Fresno State: One of the most improved players in the Bulldog secondary … saw time as back-up and on special teams … will be counted on to make contributions in 2006 … (2005) Played on special teams and appeared in four games for the Dogs in the secondary … appeared in all 13 games … fi nished the season with fi ve tackles and one pass defl ec- tion. (2004) Saw limited action for the Bulldogs, appearing in four games and accounting for four tackles. (2003) Squad member. (2002) Redshirted.

High School: Earned four letters in football and track and ﬁ eld at Hawthorne High School … played receiver and cornerback … selected ﬁ rst-team all-Ocean League as a senior, when he had 40 tackles and one interception … was second-team all-league as a junior … had a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown … played for James Swain … has some impressive times on the track in the 100 meters (10.7), 200 meters (21.5) and 400 meters (48.5).

Personal: Born Feb. 9, 1984 in Los Angeles … parents’ names are Lorna Beeks and Errol Simmons … has one a twin brother, Aaron … has another brother, Brandon, and one sister, Natalie … was an honor roll student in school. simmons’ CAREER STATISTICS Year GP-GS UT AT TT TFL-Yds Sacks-Yds INT-Yds 2004 4-0 1 3 4 0-0 0-0 0-0 2005 13-0 2 3 5 0-0 0-0 0-0 Totals 17-0 3 6 9 0-0 0-0 0-0

From Top: Jason Shirley, Marcus Riley, Josh Sherley and Clifton Smith.

WWW.WWW.GOBULLDOGS.COM • 33 fresno state bulldogs PLAYER PROFILES

clifton clint SMITH STITSER

RUNNING BACK KICKER 5-8, 205, Jr. 6-1, 200, Jr. Fresno, Calif. Reno, Nev. 2 (Edison) 39 (McQueen) Communications Business

Fresno State: Proves the old saying that dynamite comes in small packages … a big- Fresno State: A talented individual who will contend for honors in 2006 … should be an time playmaker who emerged as an offensive weapon … is a special player who owns the excellent candidate for Academic All-America honors with a perfect cumulative 4.0 GPA elusiveness to take the ball the distance every time he touches it … was converted from in a diffi cult business curriculum … a candidate for the Lou Groza Award, given annually to cornerback to running back in the spring of 2005 … proved to be an extremely exciting the nation’s best kicker … coming off an injury-fi lled season, that saw him lead the WAC and player … averages 32.4 yards every time he’s touched the ball in his career, including an rank among the top 10 in the NCAA in 2005 … has an amazingly powerful leg … connected amazing 54.3 yards per punt return … one of the most notable recruits of the 2003 class on 83% of his career fi eld goal attempts … is the strongest kicker in Fresno State history, … sat out spring drills with injury rehabilitation. (2005) Suffered a season-ending injury setting records at his position by bench pressing 365 pounds and squatting 500 pounds. against Oregon, but not before establishing himself as a game breaker … set an NCAA (2005) Was on his way to a treasure chest full of awards before suffering a season-end- record against Weber State with three punt returns for 189 yards and two touchdowns, ing injury against Idaho in the sixth game of the season … led the WAC and ranked No. including a thrilling 92-yard return. (2004) Played in 10 games, all as a reserve cor- 10 in the NCAA in both fi eld goals and scoring before the injury … connected on 10-of-12 nerback … came on late in the year and displayed his explosive talents … on his fi rst punt fi eld goal attempts, missing a 53-yard attempt against Weber State at the end of the return as a Bulldog, he returned it 67 yards for a TD against Rice … in his second punt fi rst half and a 30-yard attempt in muddy conditions at New Mexico State … emerged as return, he went 62 yards before being tripped up at the 10-yard line … his interception a semi-fi nalist for the Lou Groza Award toward the end of the season … was phenomenal came against Hawaii near the end of the Bulldogs’ 70-14 triumph. (2003) Sat out to fulfi ll on kickoffs, with high, booming kicks that created problems for opposing return specialists NCAA eligibility requirements. … teams averaged just 17.8 yards per kickoff return against him, which was among the NCAA’s best fi gures … no one had a return longer than 28 yards against him … had 14 High School: One of the top athletes in Fresno his senior year in 2002... led Edison High to touchbacks … selected Academic All-WAC. (2004) Served as the backup place kicker the the Valley title, earning league MVP honors ... was a big-time playmaker on both sides of the entire year … went 5-for-5 on extra points, kicking them in blowout wins over Hawaii and ball and on special teams ... rushed for 1,378 yards and 27 touchdowns ... had more than Nevada. (2003) Redshirted. 300 receiving yards and two touchdown catches ... scored 19 touchdowns on offense ... rated as the nation’s 34th-best high school athlete prospect by Rivals.com ... had 80 High School: First-team high school All-American...All-Division, All-Northern 4A and All- tackles, eight interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns, and three sacks on State ... helped his team to a 14-0 overall record and a No. 11 national ranking ... a two- defense ... selected all-state and named to the Fresno Bee’s All-Star Defensive Team twice time All-State kicker at McQueen and helped his team to two state championships ... also ... recruited by USC, Arizona State and Oregon State. played strong safety ... kicked 14 fi eld goals as a junior, four were of 50 yards or more with a long fi eld goal of 57 in a State Semi-Championship game, the second-longest fi eld goal Personal: Born July 4, 1985 … parents’ names are Roxanne Wright and Clifton Smith, in Nevada high school history ... selected to the Dick Butkus Football Network Preseason Sr. … has one brother, Brandon Breazell, and two sisters, Nichole and Brianna Smith … All-America team ... has an extremely long leg and regularly kicked the ball through the brother Brandon Breazell played football at UCLA … enjoys playing video games, sleeping endzone on kickoffs ... an honor student ... also recruited by Michigan State and Oregon. and buying shoes … lists his favorite athlete as Deion Sanders. Personal: Born May 19, 1985 … parents’ names are Cathy and Conrad Stitser … has one brother, Kurt, and two sisters, Shayla and Katie … enjoys wakeboarding and snowboard- smith’s CAREER STATISTICS ing … was on the honor roll in high school all four years and has continued his academic prowess at Fresno State, where he consistently has posted a 4.0 grade point average … RUSHING has been on the President’s List and Dean’s List at Fresno State for owning a 3.5 GPA or Year GP-GS AT YDS Avg. TD better … lists Jerry Rice as his favorite athlete. 2005 2-0 1 1 1.0 0

RECEIVING Year GP-GS REC YDS Avg. TD stitser’s CAREER STATISTICS 2005 2-0 1 16 16.0 0 Year FGM-A Pct 1-19 20-29 30-39 40-49 50+ Long Blkd PAT 2005 0-0 .000 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 NA 0 5-5 PUNT RETURNS 2005 10-12 .833 0-0 6-6 2-3 2-2 0-1 44 0 29-30 Year No Yds Avg. TD Long Totals 10-12 .833 0-0 6-6 2-3 2-2 0-1 44 0 34-35 2004 3 137 45.7 1 67 2005 3 189 63.0 2 92 Totals 6 326 54.3 3 92

KICKOFF RETURNS Year No Yds Avg. TD Long 2004 3 61 20.3 0 30 2005 2 31 15.5 0 21 Totals 5 92 18.4 0 30

DEFENSE Year GP-GS UT AT TT TFL-Yds. Sacks-Yds. INT-Yds. 2004 10-0 2 4 6 0-0 0-0 1-18

34 • JOIN THE STATE: FRESNO STATE FOOTBALL fresno state bulldogs PLAYER PROFILES

jesus charles TAPIATAPIA TOLBERT

TIGHT END DEFENSIVE TACKLE 6-6, 250, Jr. 5-11, 265, Jr. Kingsburg, Calif. Reno, Nev. 88 (Kingsburg) 42 (McQueen) Undeclared Social Work

Fresno State: An outstanding athlete who has shown great improvement in the weight Fresno State: Strong young player who saw action in the team’s defensive fortunes this room ... Fresno State’s best young tight end prospect ... has the physical tools to be an year … saw some playing time as a freshman … a backup at defensive tackle. (2005) outstanding player in the future. (2005) A valuable contributor as a blocking tight end … Played 12 games and had eight tackles … made one start at Idaho … had one tackle for had one reception for six yards. (2004) Saw very limited playing time, all off the bench. a loss and one sack. (2004) Played in nine games, all off the bench … had ﬁ ve tackles, (2003) Redshirted. including 1.5 for loss … had one interception on the season, that coming against SMU … his tackles for loss all came in a win at Rice. High School: A big and physical tight end ... selected to the Fresno Bee’s All-Star second team as an offensive lineman ... selected All-Central Sequoia League on offense and High School: A two-time all-state player in Nevada … also a two-time all-region and all- defense ... a big target who is also a devastating blocker ... a standout on the Kingsburg division honoree … the Nevada Defensive Player of the Year in 2002 … had 108 tackles basketball team. as a senior, including 24 for loss and 12.5 sacks … lettered three seasons in football at McQueen High … his team went 14-0 during his last year … also recruited by California, Personal: Born Dec. 10, 1984 ... mother’s name is Angelina Tapia ... has two brothers, Boise State and Nevada. Jonathan and Omar, and a sister, Janeth ... also recruited by UNLV. Personal: Born Sept. 19, 1985 … mother’s name is Willie Hill … has one brother, Leon Hill, and three sisters, Cheryl Hill, Deidre Tolbert and Kenya Njensa … enjoys playing video games, watching television and playing basketball … lists his biggest athletics thrill as winning the state football title as a senior.

tolbert’stolbert’s CAREER STATISTICSSTATISTICS YearYear GP-GS UT ATAT TTTT TFL-Yds. Sacks-Yds. Int-Yds. 2004 9-0 3 2 5 1.5-2 0-0 1-5 2005 12-1 4 4 8 1.0-9 1.0-9 0-0 TotalsTotals 21-1 7 6 13 2.5-11 1.0-9 1-5

Clint Stitser

(L-R): Charles Tolbert, Jesus Tapia, Roshon Vercher.

WWW.WWW.GOBULLDOGS.COM • 35 fresno state bulldogs PLAYER PROFILES

roshon ryan VERCHER WENDELL

FULLBACK OFFENSIVE GUARD 5-11, 245, Sr. 6-2, 275, Jr. Bakersﬁ eld, Calif. 77 Diamond Bar, Calif. 26 (Bakersﬁ eld) (Diamond Bar) Sociology Undeclared

Fresno State: Considered my many the premier pure fullback in America … has led three Fresno State: Starred on the offensive line each of the last two seasons … earned na- different Bulldog backs to more than 1,000 yards in each of the last three seasons … a tional honors for his outstanding play in 2004 … with such solid play from underclass- powerful blocker at the point of attack, who is similar in size and style to NFL Pro Bowl men like Wendell, the Fresno State offensive line performed at an outstanding level in fullback and former Bulldog Lorenzo Neal … one of the talented signees out of the out- 2005 and should be in good shape for the future … should earn strong consideration standing recruiting class of 2002 … rated the sixth-best fullback by The Sporting News ... for All-WAC honors during his career … has started 23 consecutive games in his career. capable ball carrier and a good receiver out of he backfi eld … Vercher and Wright should (2005) Started all 13 games … was an important part of Fresno State’s offensive front combine to give Fresno State one of the best backfi elds in the nation. (2005) Played in which led the WAC with fewest quarterback sacks, 14 in 400 pass attempts, produced a seven games before an injury … Fresno State’s running game suffered with him out of 1,000-yard rusher and a 3,000-yard passer … the Dogs averaged 39.9 points per game. the lineup … scored two touchdowns on goal line situations … the lead blocker for All-WAC (2004) Played in and started nine games as a true freshman … earned fi rst-team Fresh- runner Wendell Mathis, who surpassed 1,300 yards. (2004) Played in all 12 games, man All-American honors … selected the WAC Co-Freshman of the Year, making him just starting 10, and was an instrumental performer in Fresno State’s offensive production … a the second lineman ever honored in league history … a key cog to the Bulldog offensive punishing blocker at the point of attack, he helped pave the way for Bryson Sumlin, Wendell machine that ranked fi fth nationally in scoring at more than 38 points per game and one of Mathis and Dwayne Wright, who combined for 2,062 yards and 27 touchdowns … behind a handful of teams in NCAA history to score 50 or more points in four consecutive games Vercher, Sumlin gained more than 1,000 yards and Fresno State ranked No. 15 in the … helped the Bulldog backfi eld produce a 1,000-yard rusher and set a school record 503 nation in rushing yardage. (2003) Competed in 13 games … totaled seven receptions and rushing yards vs. Hawaii. 48 yards … Fresno State’s lead blocker for 1,000-yard rusher Dwayne Wright … caught his fi rst career touchdown pass, a three-yard reception, in Bulldogs’ loss at No. 1 Oklahoma … High School: Had more than 50 tackles, six sacks and caused three fumbles... selected carried once for three yards … also made one tackle. (2002) Redshirted. fi rst-team All-CIF Southern Section as a defensive lineman as a senior and won the same honor as an offensive lineman as a junior ... named the Sierra League’s Most Valuable High School: A team leader on a BHS team that went 13-0 and won the section title Player ... a two-time fi rst team All-Sierra League selection ... had his jersey retired at Dia- ... played fullback and linebacker ... had 40 carries for 222 yards in 2001, scoring fi ve mond Bar High School and was elected to the school’s Hall of Fame ... named to the Los touchdowns ... as a linebacker, was fi rst-team all-area ... an honorable mention all-region Angeles Times All-Star squad ... an excellent student, who won the California Governor’s selection by Prep Star Magazine … led his team to a 25-1 record during his junior and Scholar Share Award ... comes from the same high school that produced Bulldog All-WAC senior seasons. tackle Joe Schey ... selected second-team All-State by Cal-Hi Sports ... placed second in the Sierra League and sixth in the CIF Southern Section in wrestling as a junior. Personal: Born Dec. 15, 1983 … fi rst name is pronounced row-SHON.

vercher’s CAREER STATISTICS RUSHING Year GP-GS Att Yards Avg TD Long YPG 2003 13-0 1 3 3.0 0 3 0.4 kyle 2004 12-10 4 14 1.7 2 7 1.5 2005 7-5 4 7 1.8 2 3 1.0 ZIMMERMAN Totals 32-15 9 24 2.7 4 7 0.7 KICKER/PUNTER RECEIVING 5-11 200 Jr. Year Rec Yds. Avg. TD LG Visalia, Calif. 2003 7 48 6.9 1 22 35 (Golden West) 2004 2 11 5.5 1 7 Criminology 2005 2 19 9.5 0 13 Totals 11 78 7.1 2 22 Fresno State: Entered the season a reserve but was forced into action with an injury to Clint Stitser … has excellent accuracy and good range out to 40 yards … gives the Dogs the luxury of having a battle-tested and experienced back-up kicker. (2005) Took over all place kicking duties in the Idaho game when Clint Stister was injured and has performed well over the last seven games … made seven of nine ﬁ eld goal attempts and 25-of-28 PATs … both of his ﬁ eld goals in the 30-39 yard range were through the uprights … had a career-long of 38 yards at Nevada. (2004) Squad member. (2003-02) Served a two- year church mission.

High School: Earned letters in football and soccer at Golden West … was a punter and kicker … selected to the Fresno Bee All-Star team and was his team’s leading scorer.

Personal: Born Sept. 9, 1982 in Visalia … parents’ names are Sue and Donald Zimmer- man … has four brothers, Chad, Brent, Jayce and Kevin, and two sisters, Holly and Laci … father, Don, was a Fresno State quarterback and grandfather, Leroy Zimmerman, played in the NFL for Washington Redskins and Philadelphia Eagles, earning All-NFL honors for the Eagles in 1944. zimmerman’s CAREER STATISTICS Year FGM-A Pct 1-19 20-29 30-39 40-49 50+ Long Blkd PAT 2005 7-9 .778 0-0 5-7 2-2 0-0 0-0 38 0 25-28 36 • JOIN THE STATE: FRESNO STATE FOOTBALL fresno state bulldogs PLAYER PROFILES

2006 fresno state ANDREW JACKSON Defensive Line • 6-5, 250, Grass Valley, Calif. (Nevada Union) FOOTBALL SIGNINGS Was an overwhelmingly dominant player on both the offensive and defensive line positions ... was named the Sacramento Bee’s 2005 Player of the Year … a fi rst-team all-state selection... led the Nevada Union Miners to their fi rst section title (Sac-Joaquin) since 1994 ... LORNE BELL was the best blocker for an offense that scored 30 or more points in all four of its playoff Defensive Back • 5-10, 195, Simi Valley, Calif. (Simi Valley) games ... on defense as a senior, recorded 68 tackles and 11 sacks ... a team captain and A versatile player with experience playing both offense and defense … as a wide receiver, earned the team’s Jim Brown MVP award ... coached by Dave Humphers ... “Andrew is one had 63 catches for 902 yards and eight touchdowns in 2005 … led his team as a senior of the most dominating players I have ever seen. Every other play he put an opponent on with 102 tackles … made four interceptions and three sacks … selected the team’s MVP his back. He is relentless in his pursuit of the ball carrier and his work ethic is unmatched.” … named a Scholar-Athlete by the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame’s said Humphers. San Fernando Valley Chapter … also played guard on the basketball team … brother, Calvin, played football at Michigan … coached by Todd Borowski … “In Lorne, Fresno State is get- Hill on Jackson: “Played both sides of the ball but earned fi rst-team all-state on defense. ting such a solid player. He has great leadership skills and is a big-time game player. He was He’a a special athlete with size and should become an impact player.” able to play on both sides of the ball in high school, which defi nitely gives him some great experience going into Fresno State,” said Borowski. BEN JACOBS Hill on Bell: “Lorne is a very physical player. He’s a lot like James Sanders (former Bulldog Linebacker • 6-3, 225, Las Vegas, Nev. (Silverado) and current New England Patriot) coming out of high school.” A two-way player who was a standout on defense as a linebacker ... three-year varsity starter ... helped his team to an 8-4 record in 2005 and a second round playoff appearance ... as a senior, was fi rst-team all-district (Southeast Sunrise) at linebacker and the JAMEL HAMLER district’s Defensive Player of the Year ... was also fi rst-team all-region (Sunrise) and the Wide Receiver • 6-1, 190, San Leandro, Calif. (San Leandro) region’s Co-Defensive Player of the Year ... was fi rst-team all-state as an inside linebacker A standout player who led team in receiving with 51 receptions for 803 yards and 11 ... was Silverado’s Skyhawk Award Winner which is the team MVP ... as a senior compiled touchdowns … on special teams, had 12 punt returns on the year for 208 yards … ranked 99 tackles, 33 solo ... made six sacks ... had three interceptions ... forced four fumbles and second on team his senior year in scoring with 80 total points … an integral part of his high recovered two ... as a tight end on offense, made 15 receptions for 297 yards and two school squad that went 12-1 in 2005 while winning their league and making it to the North touchdowns ... is also a standout wrestler, taking second in the state as a junior ... also Coast Section Division 4A championship game … a fi rst-team all-Hayward Area selection throws the shot put, qualifying for the state championships in his junior year ... coached … named to the all-East Bay team … a member of the San Francisco Chronicle’s all-Metro by Doug Thornhill ... “I expect that Ben will develop immediately into a great Division I team … joins high school teammates Nico Herron and Damion Owens in signing with the athlete. He’s a leader by example on the fi eld, in the weight room and in the classroom,” Bulldogs … coached by Brad Bowers … “Jamel is also one of the most competitive and said Thornhill. tough guys on the team, always willing to step it up and do what it takes to win.” Hill on Jacobs: “A fi rst-team all-state player who is 30-1 as a wrestler. Has the size and Hill on Hamler: “A very strong and physical receiver. He made a lot of big plays in high athletic ability to play linebacker or defensive line. He was an outstanding tight end. Ben is school. Jamel has shown great integrity on the recruiting process by sticking to his origi- an outstanding athlete with the type of position fl exibility we like.” nal commitment to become a Bulldog when he had an offer from a Pac-10 school.”

A.J. JEFFERSON ANTHONY HARDING Athlete • 6-0, 180, Bakersfi eld, Calif. (West) Running Back • 6-0, 215, Turlock, Calif. (Pitman) Despite not playing football his junior season, this talented two-way player helped lead Rushed for 1,646 yards and 22 touchdowns last fall for Pittman, which had a record of West High to a Section title … a versatile athlete who led the squad with 43 receptions for 8-4 … averaged 8.6 yards per carry … added 15 receptions for 225 yards and two more 901 yards and eight touchdowns, fourth-most yards in Kern County … averaged 21 yards touchdowns … had 14 tackles and one interception on defense … averaged 21.5 yards per per reception … had two carries for 53 yards and a 38-yard touchdown … on defense, he kickoff returns and had a 95-yard return for a touchdown against Bever High … rushed for had 52 total tackles, six interceptions with 170 return yards, blocked two punts and six fi ve touchdownsn and a season high 196 yards against Johanson in his team’s 43-14 win fi eld goals … had one blocked punt and two blocked fi eld goals against South High … led … rushed for more than 100 yards in 11 of 12 games … guided his team to consecutive West to a 12-1 record and section championship win over Tulare Union … select fi rst-team Central California Conference championships … Modesto Bee All-Stanislaus District selec- all-area as a defensive back. tion and conference MVP. Hill on Jefferson: “A.J. is an outstanding three sport star at West High, who we feel has Hill on Harding: “A physical north-south runner. He was never caught from behind in high great potential to be a big-time cornerback at Fresno State. He reminds me of (current school. Also runs track. In three years, he never missed a game, so he is a durable back.” Bulldog) Marcus McCauley coming out of high school. He has outstanding position qualities.”

NICO HERRON ROBERT MALONE Punter • 6-2, 215, Riverside, Calif. (Martin Luther King) Linebacker • 6-3, 240, San Leandro, Calif. (San Leandro) A good all-around athlete who played tight end and defensive end in addition to being the A smart linebacker who led team as a senior in total tackles with 82 … had one fumble team’s punter … has good size … averaged 39.2 yards per punt with a long of 59 yards recovery … made two sacks … helped lead high school squad to a 12-1 record in 2005, a … downed six inside the 20 yard line … averaged 23.6 yards per reception and scored league championship and an appearance at the North Coast Section Division 4A champi- six touchdowns … had 20 receptions for 471 yards … had 13 tackles and 4.5 sacks on onship game … selected second-team all-state … a fi rst-team all-Hayward Area selection defense … cousin of USC punter Tom Malone … Bulldog coaches liked his overall athletic … named to the all-East Bay team … a member of the San Francisco Chronicle’s all-Metro ability … showed great hang time in the 4.8 second range and a strong leg. team … joins high school teammate Jamel Hamler and Damion Owens in signing with the Bulldogs … coached by Brad Bowers … “Nico is the hungriest football player we have had Hill on Malone: “John Baxter feels like he could be our next outstanding punter. He is a come through San Leandro High School. He is always wanting more. His dedication to very good athlete with great physical and mental toughness.” learning the game has translated to the phenomenal skills he shows while playing on the fi eld,” said Bowers. LONYAE MILLER Pronounced: lawn-yeah Hill on Herron: “Nico is a team leader. He has great leadership qualities. He’s a very physi- Running Back • 5-11, 210, Fontana, Calif. (Fontana Kaiser) cal player. He’s another player with great position fl exibility. He has great size and could be an outstanding edge rusher, middle linebacker or strong side linebacker.” An explosive player with a great combination of speed and power ... selected third-team all-state in California … ran for an astounding 2,567 yards on 277 attempts his senior season ... fi nished fourth in the state in rushing yards … averaged 9.27 yards per carry with 34 touchdowns and a long run of 94 yards ... rushed for more than 100 yards in every game and had seven games of 200 or more yards … best game came against Coachella

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Valley, when he rushed for 277 yards and four touchdowns … scored a season-high fi ve TAYLOR SMITH touchdowns against Rubidoux … guided his team to a 10-3 record … on defense, recorded Defensive End • 6-3, 230, Clovis, Calif. (Buchanan) 19 total tackles, 16 solo, and two interceptions ... was named a fi rst team All-CIF Southern Section at running back ... named the Sunkist League Offensive MVP ... coached by Dick A local defensive end from Buchanan High in Clovis, Smith has developed into one of the Bruich ... “He’s one of the most talented athletes I’ve ever coached. He is very explosive top linemen in the Valley … fi rst-team all-TRAC … fi rst-team All-Valley … named the team’s between the tackles, but he can also beat the opposition with speed.,” said Bruich. defensive MVP … recorded 47 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 interception and 2 fumble recovery’s for Buchanan High School as a senior … coached by Mike Vogt … “He’ll bring a good pass Hill on Miller: “Lonyae is an outstanding running back prospect. He has size, speed and rush, and has an extremely good technique.” said Vogt. power. He’s a very physical inside runner with speed to get to the edge. We feel very fortunate to attract this type of young man.” Hill on Smith: “He had an outstanding performance at the Fresno State summer camp. He ran a 4.7 40-yard dash and show outstanding athletic ability. We feel he can play up or down on the line, which gives him great position fl exibility.” DAMION OWENS Defensive Back • 5-11, 185, San Leandro, Calif. (San Leandro) WILL SMITH Linebacker • 6-1, 205, Fresno, Calif. (Sunnyside) An all-around team contributor … on offense, made seven receptions for 94 yards and one touchdown in 2005 … on defense, made 31 total tackles and one quarterback sack Two-time NYL (North Yosemite League) fi rst team selection …NYL Lineman of the Year as … intercepted six passes and recovered one fumble … part of his high school squad that a senior … second team Fresno Bee all-star squad … all-league and all-Valley selection in went 12-1 in 2005 while winning their league and making it to the North Coast Section track and fi eld … coached by Shannon Pulliam … “Will is a kid who has all the potential. He is Division 4A championship game … a fi rst-team all-Hayward Area selection … named to the very intelligent and probably one of the fastest linebackers Fresno State has recruited.” all-East Bay team … a member of the San Francisco Chronicle’s all-Metro team … coached by Brad Bowers … “Damion is a very competitive player who just dares quarterbacks to Hill on Smith: “Will has great potential. He’s an outstanding athlete with big-time speed. test him.,” said Bowers. He’s one of the top hurdlers in the state.”

Hill on Owens: “This young man possesses all the mental and physical qualities to be a great cornerback. We had him in our team camp for two years and believe he can become MICHAEL STUART a big, physical lockdown corner.” Defensive End • 6-4, 245, Westlake, Calif. (Moorpark College)

A defensive standout at Moorpark College joins the Bulldogs for his sophomore season … CHARLEY ROBBINS returned a fumble 43-yards for a touchdown … a highly-touted recruit out of high school, Offensive Lineman • 6-2, 270, Fresno, Calif. (Bullard) redshirted in 2004 for USC … named as an All-CIF Southern Section fi rst-team member and was the all-CIF Division IV Offensive Player of the Year … had 75 receptions for 1,279 Third team all-state selection … fi rst team all-Valley honoree … named CMAC Lineman yards (17.1 avg.) with 18 TDs on offense and 95 tackles, 13 sacks and 4 forced fumbles of the Year … helped his team reach the Central Section fi nals … also was a member of on defense as a senior wide receiver and defensive lineman. the wrestling team during his junior season … coached by Don Arax … “Plain and simple, Charley is a knee-bender. He just drills people. He is an extremely hard-working kid who Hill on Stuart: “Could be a big part of the 2006 defensive line. He’s an outstanding player possesses a typical lineman mentality.” said Arax. who signed with USC out if high school in 2004. We feel fortunate to have an outstanding player and young man like Mike in our program.” Hill on Robbins: “Charley was the ‘king of the cage’ in our summer drills. He’s a very physical, hardnosed offensive lineman. He is very comparable to Cole Popovich (Freshman All-America offensive guard for the Bulldogs) coming out of high school.” KENNY WIGGINS Offensive Lineman • 6-7, 260, Elk Grove, Calif. (Elk Grove) MARK ROBERTS First team All-Delta League … First team All-Metro … First team All-Section honoree, which Defensive Line • 6-2, 275, Modesto, Calif. (Modesto) includes all of Northern California … also a member of the basketball team, earning fi rst team all-league honors … coached by Dave Hoskins. An aggressive defensive lineman ... selected second-team all-state … was Modesto High’s defensive lineman of the year and named to the all-league team ... a two-time all-district Hill on Wiggins: “This young man has all of the physical qualities to be a big-time offensive (Stanislaus) selection ... a two-time all-section (Sac-Joaquin) ... made 98 tackles and 9 tackle. He reminds me a lot of Chris Conrad (former Bulldog and Pittsburgh Steeler). After sacks as a senior ... in 2004, led Modesto to its fi rst league title since 1972 ... anchored our summer camp, we offered him a scholarship based on his athletic ability, toughness the defensive line in 2005 to give Modesto its fi rst outright league title in 46 years and and physical qualities.” a 7-4 overall record ... coached by Rod Long ... “Mark is the best defensive lineman we’ve ever coached here at Modesto High. He never gives up on a play. He has great quickness, often coming back to make tackles 15 yards up-fi eld.” said Long.

Hill on Roberts: “Mark was the most physical defensive lineman I saw this year. We feel he will be an impact player here early in his career. He’s very similar to Jason Stewart (former All-WAC Bulldog and Indianapolis Colt player) coming out of high school but at the same size Jason played at his senior season.”

ROBERT SCHENCK Pronounced: Shen-ick Linebacker • 6-2, 235, San Marcos, Calif. (Mission Hills)

A quick linebacker that really progressed through his senior year … league defensive player of the year despite being on a team that ﬁ nished last in the Valley League of the Southern Section with a 1-10 record … All-County selection … made 76 tackles, nine tackles for loss, three interceptions, three fumbles caused, two pass breakups and one quarterback hurry as a senior … also scored two defensive touchdowns … played fullback on the offensive side of the ball … coached by Chris Hauser … “I would describe him as a warrior. We asked him to do a lot. We knew we weren’t going to be very successful in the win-loss column, but that never interfered with what Robert wanted to get accomplished out there,” said Hauser.

Hill on Schenck: “Robert is a big-time talent. Was the outstanding defensive player in our summer skills camp. He has a great combination of size, speed and toughness. He could play early in his career.”

38 • JOIN THE STATE: FRESNO STATE FOOTBALL