Fresno State coach Tim DeRuyter has said that this year’s spring game would not be a deciding factor in the position battles — largely prominent at the backup quarterback, running back and strong safety positions — for the 2013 season.
But the tone in this year’s spring game will seem different from last year’s.
The Bulldogs aren’t trying to adapt and condition for the up-tempo spread offense or 3-4 base formation on defense.
The Bulldogs are looking to solidify their depth heading into this upcoming regular season.
And, this being the final dress rehearsal before fall camp in August, the impressions left on Saturday at Bulldog Stadium will be lasting.
This year’s game, however, will not be played in an actual game format due to the team’s limited numbers.
The scrimmage is expected to start out with individual and special teams drills and 7-on-7 competition before the actual team scrimmage — all of which is estimated to run 90 minutes.
Three quarterbacks — junior-college transfer Brian Burell, Myles Carr and Marcus McDade — will split the time behind center, with incumbent Derek Carr not expected to play at all.
DeRuyter has said that a backup quarterback will not be picked until fall camp — in the weeks leading up to the Bulldogs’ Aug. 29 season opener against Rutgers at Bulldog Stadium — and when highly touted freshman Zack Greenlee joins the mix.
Safeties Charles Washington and junior-college transfer Rodney Mathews — both vying to replace Phillip Thomas in the secondary — will have a chance to make their case at the strong safety position.
At running back, T.J. Thomas, Darryl Cash and Malique Micenheimer are battling in the backfield along with Josh Quezada and Marteze Waller, the frontrunners to replace Robbie Rouse as the primary ball carriers.
Fresno State’s offense will wear its red home jerseys, while the defense will be in their white uniforms (the white team will wear its jerseys from two years ago will be worn).
Bulldog Stadium’s parking lot will open at 9:30 a.m., with the game slated to start at noon.
Admission will be free to the public.