Bulldogs ready to kick off new season

Fresno State concludes spring practice tonight at 7 in the annual Spring Game at Bulldog Stadium

By EDDIE HUGHES

Pat Hill is ready to start another new tradition for Fresno State football.

Since Hill became coach in 1997, several traditions have begun, such as the green V becoming a trademark of the Bulldogs’ logo, the end zones being checkered and a player leading the team onto the field with a sledgehammer.

And now, Hill would like to see thousands file into Bulldog Stadium for the annual Spring Game.

Fresno State closes spring practice tonight at 7 with the 2005 Spring Game, an intrasquad scrimmage.

The Bulldogs usually draw an estimated 1,000-plus fans to the game, but Hill says he would like to see anywhere from 10,000-20,000 in the future.

“You look forward to trying to get a tradition started every year,” Hill said.

Spring games at some other high-profile Division I-A universities around the country have been known to attract large crowds. Such is the case at Nebraska, where a school-record 61,417 fans were reported to be in attendance at last year’s game.

This year, Fresno State is opening up concession stands at the event for the first time.

Another first this season — ESPNU will show the scrimmage on national television by tape delay on Saturday at noon.

Admission to the game and parking are free of charge.

“It’s a great chance for the community to come out,” said Hill, who added he would love to see a big student turnout among the crowd.

High expectations have carried over from last season for the Bulldogs, who beat then-No. 17 Virginia 37-34 in overtime in the MPC Computers Bowl in Boise, Idaho to finish the 2004 season ranked No. 22 in the country.

In an early ESPN poll, the Bulldogs were ranked No. 15 for the 2005 season.

“There are high expectations everywhere,” Hill said. “Probably higher here within our own program because of the teams the last couple years.”

The Bulldogs return almost the entire starting offense, with the exception of left tackle Logan Mankins and tight ends Stephen Spach, Duncan Reid and Mark Wood.

Fresno State was hit hardest on the defensive line, losing Brian Morris, Claude Sanders and Donyell Booker. Todd Garcia was lost at linebacker, along with Nate Ray and Therrian Fontenot in the secondary.

Junior strong safety James Sanders opted to leave school a year early to enter the upcoming NFL Draft.

One candidate to replace Sanders is senior converted cornerback Awan Diles, who Hill said is expected to miss tonight’s game with a shoulder injury. Also competing for the job are juniors Vince Mays and Josh Sherley.

Senior quarterback Paul Pinegar, who has started games since his freshman year, is one of the team’s top returnees. He had five touchdown passes on his way to earning MVP honors in the bowl game. Hill said both Pinegar and redshirt freshman quarterback Tom Brandstater had strong spring showings.

On the defensive side of the ball, Hill said senior starting free safety Tyrone Culver showed improvement.

Fresno State returns three running backs who have rushed for about 1,000 yards in a season during their careers. Dwayne Wright, who missed all but two games last year with a knee injury, rushed for 1,038 yards in 2003. Bryson Sumlin piled up 1,104 yards and 13 touchdowns last season to go with 995 yards and 12 touchdowns from Wendell Mathis.

Converted cornerback Clifton Smith is added to the mix at running back this season. Hill said the coaches are looking at different combinations with the elusive runner.
Starting wide receivers Jermaine Jamison, Joe Fernandez and Adam Jennings all return, along with contributors Jaron Fairman and Paul Williams.

All-Western Athletic Conference offensive linemen Kyle Young and Dartangon Shack return up front, along with WAC co-freshman of the year Ryan Wendell.

Senior Garrett McIntyre, who was named to the Lombardi Award watch list as the nation’s best lineman, returns to lead the defensive line. Junior Richard Marshall, a second-team all-WAC cornerback, returns to lead the secondary. Junior linebacker Dwayne Andrews earned honorable mention all-WAC.

Special teams will be led by two-year starter Mike Lingua at punter and kicker Clint Stitser, who takes over for Brett Visintainer.