University of California, Los Angeles, Athletics
UCLA Official Athletic Site - Football
 Cade McNown will lead the Bruins in 1998. |
Bob Toledo begins third season at the helm of the Bruins.
June 18, 1998 LOS ANGELES - The third season of the Bob Toledo Era at UCLA figures to be an exciting one. UCLA is coming off a season in which it fashioned a record of 10-2, won a share of the Pac-10 title, set a school record for points scored, defeated Texas A&M in the Southwestern Bell Cotton Bowl and finished the year ranked No. 5 on both wire service polls. The Bruins enter the 1998 campaign with a school record-tying 10 consecutive wins, and a victory in the Sept. 12 opener with Texas would give them 11 straight for the first time in history.
The schedule is another challenging one. Following the opener against Texas at the Rose Bowl on Sept. 12, the Bruins will travel to Houston (Sept. 19) and Miami (Sept. 26) for key intersectional games. They return to the Rose Bowl on Oct. 3 to host co-Pac-10 champion Washington State. Games at Arizona, California, Oregon State and Washington highlight the road schedule while the home slate also includes Oregon, Stanford and the season finale against USC on Nov. 21.
The Bruins return seven starters plus other key performers on offense, five players who started at least five times on defense plus All-America place kicker/punter Chris Sailer. Gone are standouts such as first-team All-Americans Skip Hicks and Chad Overhauser, first-round NFL draft choice Shaun Williams, big-play receiver Jim McElroy. Together, Hicks and McElroy accounted for 37 of UCLA's 60 touchdowns. In addition, UCLA lost its top five tacklers in Williams, Brian Willmer, Danjuan Magee, Wasswa Serwanga plus leading sacker Weldon Forde.
Leading the returnees is senior quarterback Cade McNown. The first 3,000-yard passer in UCLA history, he is one of the top candidates for the Heisman Trophy. Last season, he led the nation in passing efficiency and already holds most of UCLA's career and season passing records. McNown will operate behind an experienced offensive line which includes three post-season honors candidates, junior tackle Kris Farris, senior guard Andy Meyers and senior center Shawn Stuart. Senior fullback Craig Walendy is the unsung hero of the offense, flanker Danny Farmer enters his junior season with 72 receptions to his credit and senior tight end Mike Grieb has made 39 receptions in the last two seasons.
Defensively, senior strong safety Larry Atkins ranks among the nation's top defenders after making six interceptions and recovering three fumbles a year ago. Senior outside linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo, one of the top linebackers on the West Coast, made 15 tackles for loss in 1997. Junior nose guard Pete Holland is the most experienced of the defensive line and sophomore cornerback Marques Anderson earned first-team Freshman All-America honors.
Sailer earned first-team All-America honors as both a place kicker and a punter in his first year of double duty.
In addition, 25 newcomers - 24 freshmen and one junior college transfer - rated the nation's top class by several recruiting publications, will join the program in the Fall.
One of the most exciting and highest-scoring offenses (No. 3 nationally during the regular season and a school-record 477 points in 12 games) in the nation returns many of the key performers from that unit but will be without taiback Skip Hicks and wide receiver Jim McElroy, who scored 37 touchdowns a year ago. The Bruins averaged 429.7 yards per outing with a scheme that features a balance between the running and passing games.
QUARTERBACK
The Bruins have the nation's No. 1 player at this position - senior CADE McNOWN (6-1, 214) - returning for his fourth season as a starter. One of the front-runners for the 1998 Heisman Trophy, he enjoyed a spectacular junior campaign while leading UCLA to a 10-2 record, a victory in the Cotton Bowl and a No. 5 ranking on both wire service polls. McNown was one of three finalists for the Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award, finished eighth in the Heisman Trophy balloting and earned third-team All-America honors from Associated Press.
In just three seasons, he has already broken most of UCLA's career and season passing and total offense records. He enters his senior year with 7,238 passing yards and 487 completions, both No. 1 on UCLA's career list. His 43 touchdown passes rank second only to Tom Ramsey's 50 and his 7,633 yards of total offense rank No. 1 on that list.
In 1997, McNown completed 189 of 312 passes for a school-record 3,116 yards to become the first player in school history to break the 3,000-yard barrier. He tied Troy Aikman's school record with 24 touchdown passes and threw just six interceptions. He raised his completion percentage from 52.4 as a sophomore to 60.6 as a junior. He led the nation with his efficiency rating of 168.6, setting a Pac-10 record and ranking 12th on the all-time NCAA list.
Last season, McNown passed for at least 200 yards in every game and enters his senior year with a string of 15 consecutive 200+ yard games. He threw for at least one touchdown in 10 of his 12 games and set a school record with five touchdown passes against Texas - all in the first half. His 400 passing yards against Tennessee rank No. 2 on the single-game list.
The fiery competitor was at his best in the Cotton Bowl, rallying the Bruins from a 16-point deficit to a 29-23 victory and earning Offensive Most Valuable Player honors. It was the second-largest comeback in the history of the Cotton Bowl, surpassed only by Joe Montana and Notre Dame. On the day, he completed 16 of 29 passes for 239 yards and two touchdowns. He also scored on a 20-yard run.
Sophomore DREW BENNETT (6-5, 195) enters the season as the primary backup to McNown, having solidified his position with a productive Spring Practice. A fine all-around athlete who earned a roster spot as a walk-on in 1996, he did a fine job as McNown's backup a year ago. Bennett appeared in six games and completed three of six passes for 52 yards, including an 11 -yard touchdown. Redshirt freshman SCOTT McEWAN (6-3, 200), who passed for over 2,100 yards and 14 touchdowns while earning prep All-America honors at Thousand Oaks (CA) High in 1996, figures to be the No. 3 quarterback. He flashed a strong arm and made consistent improvement during the Spring.
Two prep All-Americans, RYAN McCANN (6-4, 200) and CORY PAUS (6-2, 205) will try to make an early impression upon their arrival this Fall. McCann was selected to PrepStar's Dream Team despite missing five games with a shoulder separation. He still passed for 1,020 yards and eight scores at Agoura High. Paus, who reminds people of McNown with his style of play, was also named to PrepStar's Dream Team after passing for 2,146 yards and 26 touchdowns and running for 456 yards and eight scores while leading Lincoln Way High to the Illinois Class 6A championship and earning Illinois Player of the Year honors.
"If there is a better Heisman Trophy candidate than Cade McNown, I'd like to meet him," said Toledo. "I can't imagine anyone being more valuable to his team than Cade is to us. He has the complete package - he possesses a strong arm, quick feet and outstanding leadership qualities. He knows the offense like a coach and has developed a comfort level with our system. But, above all else, he is driven to succeed. He is an extremely competitive person who is always looking for a way to improve, whether it be by working out with his teammates or watching video by the hour.
"Drew made outstanding progress last year and we would certainly not be afraid to put him in the game in a crucial situation. He is a fine athlete. Scott is a young talent who made good strides during Spring Practice.We are also anxious to get the freshmen into the program and begin their assimilation of our playbook."
RUNNING BACK
In each of Bob Toledo's four seasons at UCLA - two as offensive coordinator and two as head coach - the Bruin offense has produced a 1,000-yard rusher at tailback. Karim Abdul-Jabbar accomplished that feat in 1994 and 1995 and Skip Hicks broke the barrier in 1996 and 1997.
The Bruins have two returnees who figure to battle for the starting job throughout the year. Sophomore JERMAINE LEWIS (5-7, 177) did a fine job as Hicks' backup a year ago. He ranked second on the team with 282 yards, averaging 5.0 yards per carry. He was at his best in the Bruins' win at Oregon. With Hicks sidelined, Lewis ran for 75 yards on 10 carries. He also rushed for 45 yards against Washington, 41 and one touchdown versus Houston and 38 and one score against Oregon State. Lewis enjoyed a very productive Spring Practice and enters Fall camp with a slight lead at the position. He is very strong for his size and is hard to tackle.
Junior KEITH BROWN (6-0, 214), who possesses a good combination of speed and power, will compete with Lewis for the starting position. Last season, he rushed for 272 yards on 67 attempts (4.1 average) to rank third on the squad behind Hicks and Lewis. With Hicks sidelined for most of the Oregon game, he ran for a career-high 88 yards on 14 carries. He also rushed for 79 yards and one touchdown at Texas. He impressed the coaching staff with his determination during Spring drills.
At fullback, senior CRAIG WALENDY (6-1, 229) has established himself as one of the top players in the West at his position. A good all-around athlete, he is a devastating blocker and catches the ball well out of the backfield, averaging 11.3 yards on his eight receptions. He started seven games a year ago, his second as a starter, and is the unsung hero of the offensive unit.
Junior DURELL PRICE (6-0, 226) will compete with Walendy for playing time. Price made the move from tailback during the 1997 season and possesses great speed for his current position. He rushed for 36 yards on 12 carries a year ago but figures to get more attempts as he gains experience.He also improved his blocking skills during Spring Practice. Junior MARK VERTI (6-1, 228), who made the team as a non-scholarship player and has contributed on special teams, will add depth at fullback this season.
Two freshmen join the team in August and one - DeSHAUN FOSTER (6-1, 205)- could have an immediate impact. Considered by many prep rating services to be the nation's top back a year ago, he will have the opportunity to work his way into the tailback rotation. Last year at Tustin High, Foster scored a California state record 59 touchdowns while rushing for 3,398 yards and averaging 10.3 yards per attempt. Fast and powerful, he was selected to virtually every prep All-America team while leading his school to a 13-1 record. In the CIF title game, he rushed for 377 yards and six touchdowns in a 55-42 loss. KEN PRITCHETT (5-9, 170) will also try to force his way into the tailback rotation when he arrives. A year ago at Crescenta Valley High, he rushed for 1,816 yards and 22 touchdowns while leading his school to its first league title in 21 years.
"Our goal is to have a balanced offense and for that to be the case, we need production from the tailback position," Toledo said. "Jermaine and Keith are both capable of developing into productive performers and they both performed very well during Spring Practice. They have different running styles. Jermaine is a little quicker and more elusive because of his size, but he is also surprisingly strong. Keith has outstanding speed and can also run well inside because of his size and strength.
"Craig was one of the unsung heroes of our success a year ago and we expect great things from him in 1998. He is a tremendous blocker who really enjoys clearing the way for our tailbacks or protecting Cade. We also feel that Durell has the ability to develop into an outstanding fullback.
"Tailback is one of the positions a freshman could earn some playing time and we're excited about DeShaun and Ken. I want to have a 1,000-yard rusher whenever possible, but this may be a year we rotate several tailbacks."
TIGHT END
The tight end position is one of the deepest on the Bruin squad. Senior MIKE GRIEB (6-4, 248) is a tremendous all-around performer and should contend for post-season honors. A fine blocker who runs well and can catch the ball in traffic, he has made 39 receptions in the last two years. In 1997, he ranked fourth on the team with 20 catches for 249 yards and his five scoring receptions ranked second only to Jim McElroy in this category. He scored two touchdowns against both Texas and USC and his second score against the Trojans, good for 38 yards, featured five broken tackles and gave UCLA the lead for good.
Many of UCLA's formations feature double tight ends and senior RYAN NEUFELD (6-4, 238) and junior GABE CRECION (6-5, 238) will compete for that spot. In 1997, Neufeld caught four passes for 60 yards and one touchdown and scored the winning touchdown in the Cotton Bowl on a five-yard tight end reverse. Crecion, who split this Spring between football and baseball (he is a pitcher on the Bruin staff), made six catches for 79 yards a year ago.
Two other players will also have the chance to contribute this season. Redshirt freshman BRYAN FLETCHER (6-5, 222) is a fast all-around athlete who earned prep All-America honors in 1996. He is a fine all-around athlete with trmendous size and potential. Junior RANDY HAKES (6-3, 244) transferred to UCLA in January after earning first-team JUCO All-America honors at Mesa Community College and enjoyed a good Spring Practice.
In addition, two highly-recruited freshmen - SAIA MAKAKAUFAKI (6-3, 248) and CHRIS JACKSON (6-3, 253) will join this unit in the Fall. Makakaufaki, who earned All-America honors and was considered the top tight end in the West, led Laguna Hills High with 17 receptions for 397 yards and seven touchdowns. Jackson, also a prep All-American, averaged 18 yards per catch and made 105 unassisted tackles at Kentridge High in Washington.
"We have an outstanding group of players at this position," said Toledo. "This is definitely one of the strengths of our team. Mike is one of the most consistent players on the team. He can block, run and catch the ball. Neufeld has good speed and is a good blocker and Crecion has excellent hands. Fletcher is a talented youngster who, with experience, will be an outstanding tight end for us. Hakes was a junior college All-American who we expect to contribute this season.We will also take a look at the freshmen when they arrive."
WIDE RECEIVER
Despite the loss of Jim McElroy, who accounted for 988 yards and 10 receiving touchdowns, UCLA has a number of quality receivers who figure to play key roles in the team's success.
First and foremost is junior flanker DANNY FARMER (6-4, 210). A gifted athlete who also plays a key role on UCLA's NCAA championship volleyball team (he did not participate in Spring Practice), Farmer is the most experienced of the returnees. He has deceptively fast speed, catches the ball well in traffic and has a knack for the big play. He started all 12 games in 1997 and ranked second on the squad with 41 receptions for 649 yards and three touchdowns. Five of his catches were good for at least 35 yards. In his two seasons, Farmer has made 72 receptions for 1,173 yards and seven touchdowns.
Junior BRAD MELSBY (6-1, 193) enters Fall camp as the front-runner for the starting split end position. As a true freshman in 1995, he came on strong at the end of the season, finishing the year with 12 receptions for 173 yards and two touchdowns, both in the Aloha Bowl. An accurate route runner who makes the tough catch across the middle, he missed the entire 1996 season after tearing a knee ligament in Spring Practice. He also missed most of last season due to illness, returning to practice for the final few weeks of the regular season.
Sophomore BRIAN POLI-DIXON (6-5, 205) will battle Melsby for starting honors at split end. A year ago as a true freshman, he made 10 receptions for 149 yards and two touchdowns. Poli-Dixon, who reminds people of former All-American J.J. Stokes because of his size and receiving skills, figures to play a key role in UCLA's success over the next few years.
Two redshirt freshmen - FREDDIE MITCHELL II (5-11, 190) and CODY JOYCE (6-1, 192) - will be competing for playing time at flanker and could also see additional action in three- and four-receiver sets. at this position. Mitchell, who earned prep All-America acclaim while making 30 catches for seven touchdowns in 1996, possesses outstanding speed and was one of the standouts during Spring Practice, catching virtually everything thrown in his direction. Joyce, who caught 65 passes as a prep All-American in 1996, possesses good size and speed and was one of the plesant surprises of Spring drills. In addition, senior AKIL DAVIS (5-10, 181), who has been bothered by injuries throughout his career, will also compete for playing time. Non-scholarship players DENNIS FOX (6-4, 216) and RYAN WILKINS (5-11, 192) will add depth to the wide receiver position.
In the Fall, two prep All-Americans - JON DUBRAVAC (6-3, 205) and PAUL NELSON (6-1, 191) will join the receiving corps. Last year, Dubravac made 43 receptions for 642 yards and eight touchdowns at Mullen High in Colorado while Nelson, regarded as the No. 1 receiving prospect in the West and a PrepStar Dream Teamer, caught 57 passes for 908 yards and 11 scores.
"Danny is an outstanding receiver and we expect him to have a big year," Toledo said. "He is a great athlete who has made tremendous strides over the past few years. Brad did a great job during Spring Practice and re-established himself as a quality receiver. Those two will be the leaders of an otherwise very young group of receivers.
"Brian is a talented youngster who has great promise. The experience he gained last season as a true freshman was invaluable to his development and we expect great things from him. Freddie and Cody both possess raw talent and both played very well during the Spring, giving us a rotation of five quality receivers. In addition, Akil will also add depth and speed.
"Both of our incoming freshmen are very talented and it wouldn't surprise me if either Paul or Jon earned a spot in the rotation this year."
OFFENSIVE LINE
Three returning starters form the nucleus of what will again be an outstanding unit. Junior KRIS FARRIS (6-9, 310) and seniors ANDY MEYERS (6-5, 313) and SHAWN STUART (6-3, 300) will all be in their third years as starters and all have the potential to earn post-season recognition. Several talented youngsters will compete for the other two starting spots as well as the reserve roles.
Farris has started 23 consecutive games at left tackle during his career. He has made great strides during his two years in Westwood and is a definite candidate for All-America honors. He possesses great size, strength and quickness to go with outstanding overall athletic ability. He is a fine pass blocker who has learned to use his size and strength to punish opponents when blocking on runs.
Meyers is an aggressive performer who has started 22 of the last 23 games, including all 12 last year. He has great strength, pass protects very well and is an outstanding run-blocker from his guard position. In his two years as a starter, he has established himself as one of the top guards in the West and is a pre-season third-team All-America selection. In addition to being an honors candidate on the field, he was also an Academic All-District selection a year ago.
Stuart is simply the best center in the Pac-10 Conference. A starter in 23 consecutive games, he is responsible for making the various line calls and figures to be the leader of this unit. He has good quickness and strength and is equally adept at pass protection and run blocking. Like Meyers, he is also an outstanding student, having earned second-team Academic All-America honors as a junior.
Sophomore OSCAR CABRERA (6-4, 308) enters Fall camp as the front runner for the starting left guard position. He saw limited action a year ago as a second-year freshman, demonstrating his overall athletic talent and his ability to handle the job. Junior MATT PHELAN (6-4, 280), who saw action as a reserve a year ago and has played all three line positions in his first three years in the program, will battle Cabrera for playing time.
Sophomore BRIAN POLAK (6-4, 317) emerged from Spring Practice as the starting right tackle. A talented youngster who earned playing time as a true freshman in 1997, he made consistent improvement during the Spring and established himself as one of the top five linemen on the squad. He can also play at guard if necessary.
Two redshirt freshmen will add depth on the line. DAVID WILFORD (6-5, 280) enters his first season of action pencilled in behind Farris at left tackle. ED ANDERSON (6-5, 287) will see the first action of his career as the No. 2 right guard behind Meyers. Both players gained valuable experience during the Spring as the coaching staff rested the veterans while giving the youngsters additional reps. Sophomore walk-on DOUG CUMMINGS (6-5, 294) figures to add depth at tackle.
Another promising youngster who will see the first action of his career is redshirt freshman TROY DANOFF (6-4, 297). Another former prep All-American, he enters the 1998 season pencilled in behind Stuart at center. He is another fine all-around athlete who only needs experience to develop into a fine collegiate lineman. Sophomore TONY IPPOLITO (6-4, 266), who earned some playing time at guard a year ago before injuring his knee, enters Fall camp listed No. 3 at center after spending the Spring rehabilitating his knee.
The line is an area where a newcomer or two could earn playing time and six highly-touted performers - one junior college transfer and five freshmen - join this unit in the Fall.
JAMES GHEZZI (6-5, 290) earned first-team junior college All-America honors at Glendale College in 1997 and will compete for the right tackle position. MIKE SAFFER (6-5, 290) a first-team USA Today All-American at Sabino High in Arizona, was regarded as one of the top two linemen in the nation. BLAKE WORLEY (6-6, 295), a PrepStar Dream Teamer from Capistrano Valley High, was considered to be, along with Saffer, one of the top two linemen in the West. All-American SCOTT WIEGAND (6-7, 270) from Arcadia High, was ranked among the West's top seven offensive linemen and JEFF WRIGHT (6-5, 285) earned prep All-America honors at Covina High. The fifth high school signee in this unit is SuperPrep All-American STEVE MORGAN (6-3, 305), from Skyline High in Texas.
"Once again in 1998, I feel the offensive line will be one of our team strengths," said Toledo. "In Kris, Andy and Shawn, we have three experienced and talented leaders. Kris made great strides a year ago to become an outstanding player and he has tremendous potential. Andy and Shawn came to UCLA at the same time and have been side-by-side on the line throughout their careers. Both are among the best players at their positions on the West Coast, are very hard workers and intelligent young men.
"Oscar Cabrera gained some valuable experience a year ago and should do a good job for us at left guard but he will have to fight off Matt Phelan, who has played a number of positions for us. Brian Polak emerged from the Spring as one of our top five linemen and we feel he will become a fine lineman. Troy Danoff, David Wilford and Ed Anderson will add quality depth on the line and make important contributions this season.
"The line is another area where a couple of newcomers could earn some major playing time and we feel we have as good a group coming in as we've ever recruited."
A year ago, UCLA's aggressive defenders forced 40 turnovers and the Bruins ranked second nationally in turnover margin. The Bruins return five players who started five games a year ago, plus a host of youngsters, who will be looking to continue the turnover tradition. UCLA will have a slightly different look in 1998 with a 3-4 alignment, but will maintain its aggressive attitude and again blitz from anywhere on the field.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Junior PETE HOLLAND (6-3, 270), who enters Fall camp listed No. 1 at right end, is the veteran of the group. He started seven games, including five of the last six, in 1997 and finished the year with 16 tackles. He is a tenacious competitor who improved throughout the season and established himself as an anchor in the middle of the line during Spring drills.
True sophomore KENYON COLEMAN (6-5, 275) has the potential to become a dominating college lineman and demonstrated his ability throughout Spring Practice. He will enter the season as the starter at left end. Kenyon (Ken-YON), a talented athlete with tremendous upside potential, appeared in all 12 games off the bench a year ago and finished with 15 tackles and three fumble recoveries.
Third-year sophomore MICAH WEBB (6-5, 267) enters Fall camp as the front runner at nose guard. Last year, he appeared in nine of 12 games and was credited with three tackles.
JOSH WEBB (6-6, 280), a third-year sophomore, will push Coleman for playing time at left defensive end. This young player gained valuable experience a year ago as a redshirt freshman, making nine tackles in eight games. Third-year sophomore TRAVOR TURNER (6-4, 247), whose strength is rushing the quarterback, will compete with Holland at the other defensive end position. The fastest of the linemen, he also played well during Spring drills.
Senior VAE TATA (6-3, 256) will be attempting a comeback after two and one-half years on the sidelines. He missed the latter portion of the 1995 season and all of 1996 due to a knee injury and all of last season due to injuries suffered during a car accident. He will compete for playing time at left end after serving notice during Spring Practice that he intends to be a factor this season.
Redshirt freshman STEPHEN SUA (6-1, 246) will compete with M. Webb for playing time at nose guard. He did a fine job on the scout team a year ago. Two walk-ons, third-year sophomore KORY LOMBARD (6-1, 280) and redshirt freshman SCOTT HECKMANN (6-3, 247), will add depth.
An added bonus for the Bruins is the return of senior end JAYSON BROWN (6-4, 260). In April, the NCAA granted him a rare sixth year of eligibility (he missed two seasons with injuries). Although he did not participate in Spring drills, he will compete for playing time this Fall. He made six tackles in five games before being sidelined by a knee injury a year ago.
Five incoming freshmen will try to catch the collective eye of the coaching staff at the beginning of Fall camp. ANTHONY FLETCHER (6-3, 275), earned prep All-America honors and was considered on of the top five linemen in the West at San Dimas High. KEN KOCHER (6-4, 292), a first-team USA Today All-American, was SuperPrep's Far West Defensive Player of the Year at Patrick Henry High. SEAN PHILLIPS (6-5, 270) earned Parade All-America honors at Dulles High in Texas. He was considered to be one of the top six linemen in the nation after making 64 solo tackles, including 10 quarterback sacks. DOUG WHITING (6-2, 260) earned All-America acclaim at Pittsburg High and RUSTY WILLIAMS (6-4, 232), a fourth prep-All-American, was considered one of the top six linemen in the West at Vista High. All five figure to have bright futures with the Bruins.
"Our defensive line really came on for us last year and I think this unit has the potential to do the same thing," said Toledo. "It's a young unit, but I feel we are bigger and more athletic than in the past. I would expect we will again have solid performances from our linemen. Pete is a quality player, Kenyon is a rising star and our other guys are good college players. I also think there's a chance that a couple of our freshmen could make a contribution this season."
LINEBACKER
In 1998, the Bruins will utilize two inside and two outside linebackers. The linebackers will be asked to offer run support, blitz the quarterback and cover backs. This will be a young group with just two seniors among the candidates for playing time.
BRENDON AYANBADEJO (6-2, 234) is the most experienced performer and will enter his senior season as the starter at right outside linebacker. Last year, his first as a starter, he led the team with 15 tackles for losses. A fine all-around athlete with an aggressive attitude, he finished the year with 41 tackles, second only to Larry Atkins and Marques Anderson among the returnees. He figures to contend for post-season honors as the leader of the linebacking corps.
On the left side, junior MICHAEL WILEY (6-2, 234) emerged from Spring Practice as the starter. However, he will have to fight off the challenge of redshirt freshman SANTI HALL (6-2, 243). A reserve linebacker and special teams performer a year ago, Wiley made 13 tackles, including four for losses, and scored a touchdown on a 24-yard interception return. He is a fine all-around athlete with good speed and an aggressive attitude. Hall impressed the coaching staff with his aggressiveness as a member of the scout team a year ago and played very well during Spring Practice.
Junior ALI ABDUL AZZIZ (6-2, 224) and redshirt freshman ED STANSBURY (6-2, 240) will compete for playing time behind Ayanbadejo on the right side. Both are good athletes who practiced at other positions a year ago - Abdul Azziz at safety and Stansbury at quarterback. Third-year sophomore BILLY PIEPER (6-2, 213) will add depth.
Junior RAMOGI HUMA (6-1, 223) and true sophomore TONY WHITE (6-1, 235) are the leading candidates for the two inside linebacker positions. Huma, in his fourth year in the program, is a fast, aggressive performer who made 15 tackles as a reserve a year ago. White earned some playing time as a true freshman and impressed the coaches with his overall athletic ability, making seven tackles in limited opportunities. Both performed very well during Spring drills, solidifying their holds at their respective positions.
Redshirt freshman RYAN NECE (6-2, 203), a hard-hitting youngster, has been moved from safety and will provide depth behind Huma at one spot. Senior CHEYANE CALDWELL (6-1, 242), a gifted athlete, has moved from fullback and will compete with White on the other side. Walk-on junior JEFF MOORE (5-11, 219) could provide added depth.
Two incoming freshmen will also have the opportunity to earn playing time this Fall. ROBERT THOMAS (6-2, 225), a first-team USA Today All-American, was considered the nation's top prep linebacker at Imperial High. As a senior, he made 214 tackles, including 10 quarterback sacks while establishing himself as one of the nation's top five prospects at any position. ROB KOLACZYNSKI (6-2, 225), from Pennsylvania's Canon-McMillan High, was a member of PrepStar's Dream Team and was considered to be one of the top linebackers in the East after making 104 tackles as a senior.
"Brian Willmer, Danjuan Magee and Jason Nevadomsky will be tough to replace, but I feel we have some very talented players who have been waiting for their opportunity to play," Toledo said. "What we lack in experience, we will make up with athletic ability, aggressiveness and youthful exuberance. Brendon is an impact performer who combines strength and speed. Michael and Ramogi have both helped us on special teams and appear ready to contribute to the defense as starters. Cheyane gives us an additional quality performer with some playing experience.The younger players all run well and have developed our aggressive mindset. Both of our freshmen will also have a chance to earn playing time."
SECONDARY
One full-time starter and two players who started five games apiece highlight the secondary.
Senior LARRY ATKINS (6-4, 228) established himself as perhaps the top strong safety in the nation and a frontrunner for the Jim Thorpe Award during his breakthrough 1997 campaign. A superb all-around athlete who can run, hit and cover, he was responsible for nine turnovers a year ago - six interceptions to lead the team and three fumble recoveries and two blocked field goals. He was one of six semifinalists for the Thorpe Award and earned second-team All-America honors in his first season as a starter. He finished the year with 44 tackles, most among the returnees, to go with his nine turnovers.
True sophomore MARQUES ANDERSON (6-0, 182) and true junior JASON BELL (6-1, 177) are the leading candidates for the two starting cornerback positions. Both players started five games in 1997. Anderson, who earned first-team Freshman All-America acclaim, has fine speed and coverage skills. He made 42 tackles, second only to Atkins among the returnees, and ranked third on the squad with three interceptions. Bell, who started the final five regular-season games and showed continued development throughout the season, possesses good size and speed. He made 18 tackles a year ago.
Junior ERIC WHITFIELD (6-1, 201), redshirt freshman JASON STEPHENS (6-2, 193) and senior TOD McBRIDE (6-2, 203) will compete for the free safety position vacted by Shaun Williams. A year ago, Whitfield started twice at rover and finished the season with 31 tackles, including two quarterback sacks. Stephens is a raw talent with tremendous upside potential who impressed the coaches with his hitting ability a year ago as a member of the scout team. McBride made a switch from receiver to the secondary a year ago and gives the area another experienced player. He is also a contributor on special teams (he blocked a punt which was returned for a touchdown last season). Redshirt sophomore JASON ZDENEK (5-11, 191), who saw limited action last season, will also compete for playing time.
Senior DuVAL HICKS (6-1, 207), junior RYAN ROQUES (6-0, 190) and third-year sophomore DAMIAN ALLEN (5-9, 170) will all be competing for playing time. Hicks, a strong safety, saw action as a key reserve and special teams performer last year and returned a blocked punt for a touchdown. Allen, who has outstanding speed, appeared in all 12 games a year ago. He returned an interception 40 yards for a touchdown and made 19 tackles on the year. Roques made a transition from tailback to cornerback last season and made five tackles in limited action. Several walk-ons - including safety JOEY STRYCULA (5-11, 188), who also holds for all place kicks, and RON ALLEN (6-0, 192) - could add depth in the secondary.
Four talented freshmen could also add depth this season. LOVELL HOUSTON (6-1, 175), a first-team USA Today All-American and Parade All-American, was considered to be the nation's top two secondary prospects a year ago. As a senior, he made 80 tackles and six interceptions, including three for touchdowns, at Jefferson High in Colorado. AUDIE ATTAR (6-0, 176) a hard-hitting prep All-American, made 97 tackles at Claremont High. JOE HUNTER (5-11, 170) deflected 20 passes while earning All-America acclaim at Vacaville High and JULIUS WILLIAMS (6-0, 180) earned All-West Region honors while playing both defense and offense at Tustin High.
"We lost some valuable seniors in Shaun Williams, Javelin Guidry and Wasswa Serwanga," Toledo said. "We feel that Larry Atkins is the best safety in America. He is an unbelievable athlete who always seems to be around the football. He can also play either safety position, giving us flexibility in the backfield. I believe one or two freshmen could make an impact this season."
The kicking area will again be one of the team strengths thanks to the return of double first-team All-American CHRIS SAILER (5-10, 200). One of three finalists for the Doak Walker National Place Kicker Award, he earned first-team All-America honors as both a place kicker (American Football Coaches Assn. and Walter Camp Foundation) and a punter (Football Writers Assn. of America).
In 1997, Sailer, in his first season as the team's place kicker, made 19 of 24 field goals, including 15 straight at one point. He ranked third (tied) nationally in field goals per game and 14th nationally and third among kickers in scoring (9.64). His 109 points ranked fourth in school history and his 19 field goals ranked fifth. As the team's punter, he ranked 19th in the nation and second in the Pac-10 with a career-high average of 43.65 in the regular season. He also performed the kickoff chores and 47 of his 75 regular season kicks resulted in touchbacks.
Redshirt freshman ZAK HASELMO (6-1,188), who enjoyed a record-setting prep career, will be Sailer's backup. Junior JOEY STRYCULA (5-11, 188) did a fine job in his first season as Sailer's holder and will perform those duties again in 1998. Tight end RYAN NEUFELD (6-4, 238) enters Fall camp as the leading candidate for the long-snapping chores, but tight end RANDY HAKES (6-3, 244) and flanker DANNY FARMER (6-4, 210) could also earn the job.
Both the kickoff and punt returning duties will be contested during the early portions of Fall camp. Tailback JERMAINE LEWIS (5-7, 180) averaged 21.0 yards on 14 kickoff returns and 6.4 yards on five returns. Cornerback DAMIAN ALLEN (5-9, 163) averaged 18.8 yards on five kickoff returns and tailback KEITH BROWN (6-0, 213) averaged 25.7 yards on three returns. Walk-on tailback MARK REYNOSA (5-11, 197) averaged 7.3 yards on seven punt returns. Several of the young players will also have the chance to compete for the two positions. FREDDIE MITCHELL II (5-11, 190) and RYAN ROQUES (6-0, 190) impressed the coaching staff during Spring Practice.
"Chris is certainly a valuable weapon for us," said Toledo. "In our opinion, he is the best kicker in the nation because he fills three roles for us and does them all extremely well. As a place kicker, he has greatly increased his range without sacrificing accuracy. As a punter, he had his best year in terms of average and he also helped out defense by putting so many of his kickoffs in the end zone.
"Joey is back as Chris' holder after doing a great job in his first year, and we're hopeful Ryan, Randy or Danny can handle the snapping to ensure that the unit functions smoothly. I think we have some outstanding candidates for the return jobs and I think we will be more proficient in this area in 1998."
OFFENSE
DEFENSE
SPECIALISTS
