University of Utah Football, 1993

1993FootballMediaGuide02_Season Outlook

ante Days 1993 Ute Travel Plans (Subject to Change) ARIZONA STATE Flight Plans (charter) Sep. 3: Depart Salt Lake City at 1 pm Arrive in Phoenix at 2:00 pm Sep. 5: Depart Phoenix at 12:30 am Arrive in Salt Lake City at 1:30 am Hotel Accomodations Phoenix Airport Inn [phone] 2435 South 47th St. Phoenix, Ariz. KANSAS Flight Plans (charter) Sep. 17: Depart Salt Lake City at 9 am Arrive in Topeka, Kan. (Forbes Air Force Base) at 11:45 pm Sep. 18: Depart Topeka, Kan. (Forbes Air Force Base) at 6 pm Arrive in Salt Lake City at 6:50 pm Hotel Accomodations Ramada Inn [phone] 420 East 6th St. Topeka, Kan, WYOMING Travel Plans (bus) Sep. 23: Depart Salt Lake City Drive to Rock Springs, Wyo. Sep. 24: Bus from Rock Springs to Laramie, Wyo. Hotel Accomodations Rock Springs Inn (Sep. 23) [phone] Rock Springs, Wyo. Foster's Best Western (Sep. 24) [phone] Laramie, Wyo. TEXAS-EL PASO Flight Plans (charter) Oct. 15: Depart Salt Lake City at 12 noon Arrive in El Paso, Texas, at 2:30 pm Oct. 17: Depart El Paso, Texas at 12:30 am Arrive in Salt Lake City at 12:55 am Hotel Accomodations El Paso Marriott [phone] 1600 Airway Blvd. El Paso, Texas HAWAII Flight Plans (commercial) Nov. 5: Depart Salt Lake City on Delta #795 at 9 am Arrive in Honolulu at 2:25 pm Nov. 7: Depart Honolulu on Delta #1578/ #641 at 9:45 am Arrive in Salt Lake City at 8:26 pm Hotel Accomodations Turtle Bay Hilton [phone] Kahuku, Hawaii Opponent Sports Information Contacts Arizona State Mark Brand, SID ASU, IAC Building PO Box 872505 Tempe, AZ 84287 [phone] office [phone] home Utah State Craig Hislop, SID UMC 7400 Logan, UT 84322 [phone] office [phone] home Kansas Doug Vance, SID 202 Allen Fieldhouse Lawrence, KS 66045 [phone] office [phone] home Wyoming Kevin McKinney, SID PO Box 3414, University Station Laramie, WY 82071 [phone] office [phone] home Idaho Ranee Pugmire, SID Department of Athletics Moscow, ID 83943 [phone] office (208) 8824592 home New Mexico Greg Remington, SID Athletic BIdg., So. Campus Albuquerque, NM 87131 [phone] office [phone] home Texas-El Paso Eddie Mullens, SID 500 West University El Paso, TX 79968 [phone] office [phone] home Colorado State Gary Ozzello, SID 215D Moby Arena Fort Collins, CO 80401 [phone] office [phone] home San Diego State John Rosenthal, SID Department of Athletics San Diego, CA 92182 [phone] office [phone] home Hawaii Eddie Inouye, SID 1337 Lower Campus Rd Honolulu, HI 96822-2370 [phone] office [phone] home Air Force Dave Kellogg, SID HQ USAFA/AHI Colorado Springs, CO 80840-5461 [phone] office [phone] home Brigham Young Ralph Zobell, SID 30SFH Provo, UT 84602 (801) 3784909 office [phone] home Future Football Schedules 1994 Opponent 9-3 at Utah State 9-10 Idaho State 9-17 at Oregon 9-24 Wyoming 10-1 at San Diego State 10-8 Hawaii 10-22 at Colorado State 10-29 Texas-El Paso 11-5 at New Mexico 11-12 at Air Force 11-19 Brigham Young 1995 Opponent 9-2 Oregon 9-9 Stanford 9-18 at New Mexico 9-23 Fresno State 9-30 at Texas-El Paso 10-7 San Diego State 10-14 Colorado State 10-21 Air Force 10-28 Utah State 114 at Wyoming 11-18 at Brigham Young 1996 8-31 9-7 9-21 9-28 10-5 10-12 10-19 10-26 11-2 11-9 11-16 1997 94 9-13 9-20 9-27 10-11 10-18 10-25 11-1 11-8 11-15 11-22 Opponent at Utah State at Stanford Wyoming Kansas at Colorado State at Fresno State Texas-El Paso at Air Force at San Diego State New Mexico Brigham Young Opponent Utah State at Fresno State Air Force at Kansas San Diego State at Oregon Hawaii at Colorado State Texas-El Paso at New Mexico at Brigham Young 'he Outlook Utah football coach Ron McBride has never been a name dropper, which is just as well given the makeup of his 1993 roster. After graduating two-year starting quarter­back Frank Dolce, McBride now looks out­side the high profile pocket for Ute strengths. Try 180 degrees past. McBride's buildup this year revolves around football's most nameless, faceless element-the offensive line. Says McBride, now in his fourth year as head Utah football coach, "Everything is ul­timately determined by the quarterback, but I think it all starts on the line. I like it when both the offensive and defensive lines are made up of tough, physical guys. We appear to have those kind of guys in place right now. The offensive line, especially, is deeper, stronger and more experienced than last year's." McBride, a longtime offensive line coach prior to taking the Utah head job, makes no attempt to hide his affinity for this particu­lar 0. line. Hopefully, the winner of the 1993 quarterback derby will greet his protective unit with similar alacrity. He'll certainly take to junior center Lance Scott, arguably the finest center in the WAC. While Scott divided his snaps in May be­tween junior Mike McCoy, sophomore Neo Aoga and redshirt freshman Harold Lusk, the majority of the reps went to McCoy, the only signal caller with Division I experience. McCoy played most of three games (and started two) last fall, when Dolce, the sev­enth- ranked total offense leader in the na­tion, went down with a sprained knee. The offensive line must help make the quarterback facelift a success, but it won't work alone. Utah's running game appears to be the strongest in a decade. High powered tailbacks Pierre Jones and Keith Williams expect to share the limelight with a bevy of big, powerful fullbacks. And, despite Utah's somewhat up-in-the-air quarterback situa­tion, the passing prognosis looks bright, thanks to a glut of wide receivers. Headlin­ing the group is "second year senior" Bryan Rowley, an injury redshirt last year and a 1991 first-team all-WAC, second-team All- America pick. Defensively, the Utes underwent massive infusions at linebacker and defensive line. But junior Luther Elliss, a returning first-team all-WAC choice and probably the finest defensive end in the league, furnishes star Senior Cedric Crawford, Utah's top choice at nickel back, was cited by the coaches as probably the most improved player in spring practice. quality to the line. Anchoring the defense is the secondary-tops in the WAC last year and back in its entirety this fall. After last year's Weiser Lock Copper Bowl showing, McBride proved his Utes belong in the highest social circles. Is there another big party ahead in 1993? Depends, says McBride. "I think we'll be better this year, but our schedule demands that we be much better (Utah faces early non-conference road games against Arizona State and Kansas; tackles three of the toughest WAC road trips of them all: Hawaii, Brigham Young and Wyoming; and doesn't have a bye all season). "When you get where you want to be, your players expect to go to a bowl game and to challenge for the league title. Once that attitude prevails, it's more than me shoving the idea down the players' throats. They have seen what's out there and they are saying, 'Hey, we can do this. We want to get back to a bowl.'" Here's a closer look at some of the names who can do just that. QUARTERBACK "I learned a lesson last year, which was to keep the second guy a little sharper throughout the season," says McBride, who has three guys he wants to keep happy after their performances in spring ball. Junior Mike McCoy, recipient of mixed reviews in his three-game stint last year, won the start­ing job in the spring. But sophomore Neo Aoga, a consummate passer with a big body to boot, and redshirt freshman Harold Lusk, a dazzling runner who offers option possi­bilities, will get a good look, as well. "McCoy looked awesome in two-a-days last year, but we didn't get him enough reps 9 to keep him sharp during the season," la- them than anyone else," claims McBride. ments McBride. "Mike is a good decision "The line has more depth, ability and expe-maker, knows all the reads of the offense rience than any offensive line since I've and has matured into the position. Neo has been here. We're stronger physically and we a great release and velocity and he can re- have a lot of guys playing well at every po-ally run. Harold is a threat every time he has sition." the football in his hands. He's like having a McBride particularly likes first-string cen-tailback playing quarterback. ter Lance Scott, whom he deems the "best "No question, we lost a great quarterback center in the league." Other leaders on the in (Frank) Dolce, but we have guys with the line include returning starters Roy Ma'afala talent to do the things we need done. And (at left guard) and Ed Castillo (at right McCoy is our guy right now," emphasizes guard). "Roy is a real leader and Eddie has McBride. become very aggressive," says McBride. Utah has some beef at the tackles, with 6'5", 313-pound junior Anthony Brown start- Quarterbacks ing on the left side and 6'4", 288-pound se- (1992 totals, where applicable) . „ ., „,, ... ,. ,. .. Na™ vr. Hgt wg,. A,.. Comp. Yard5 .„.. To ntor Cecil Thomas getting the call on the Aoga so. 6-3 235 - - - - - right side. M " I s^ !" Z 7s 579 7 7 And, for the first time in his four years, shea Fr. 6-i 200 - - - - - McBride likes the look of his depth chart. "There's a ton of competition out there," he says. "We have three centers and four or OFFENSIVE LINE/TIGHT ENDS five tackles playing very well." "These guys were the real plus of the McBride would like to develop a similar spring as a group and I'm more critical of supporting cast at tight end, where seniors Kurt Haws and Derek Whiddon the only known entities. Name D. Anderson Barton Boghossian A. Brown Calnon Castillo Dolan Emerick Haws Jex Lobendahn Ma'afala Neves Potts Rae Scott Tautu Thomas Todd Ventriglia Whiddon Yr. Jr. Sr, Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr So. Sr. Fr Sr. Jr Jr Sr. Jr. Jr Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr Sr. Offensive Line (1992 totals, where applicable) Hgt. 6-7 64 Ml 6-5 6-5 6-3 6-2!/ 64 6-5 64 6-5 6-2 6-3 64 64 MV. 6-2 64 6-5 6-5 6-3'/, Wgt. •>m 2X5 279 313 22X 272 269 2X7 239 241) 293 263 2XX 2711 255 268 232 288 266 275 224 EH. - 78% - 72% - 84% -- XII"; -- 86% --- 89% - 75% - - Hustle - 1(10% - 98% - X9% -- 100% - - 95% --- 94% - 96% - - DC -0 -2 -2 5 -- 25 - - 19 --- 41 -2 0 - - j of a veteran Ute offensive line. He will start at right tackle. OFFENSIVE BACKS In a word, loaded. Senior tailbacks Keith Williams and Pierre Jones, Utah's leading rushers in 1991 and 1992, respectively, won't grab all the opponent preparation time this year. Junior college transfer Rob Hamilton, a big (6'3", 222), fast runner origi­nally ticketed for a redshirt season, so dominated spring ball that the initial plan is all but scratched. Another potential sur­prise could feature freshman quarterback Harold Lusk, who runs so well he may force himself into the tailback rotation on occa­sion. Exclaims McBride, "In Rob Hamilton, we have a slasher and a leaner. Unlike many big runners, he's not a straight up and down guy who you can just tatoo. He's the ham­mer, not the nail. Keith Williams is an explo­sive runner who reads well, and Pierre Jones is a slasher and a darter," adds McBride, who also likes speedster Charlie Brown, a redshirt who missed spring ball with an injury. Fullback presents the same combination of skill, physical strength and depth. Senior Jamal Anderson's blocky six-foot, 244-pound frame requires a lot of hits to be brought down; witness his 55 carries with just a single lost yard last year. Senior Brad Fos­ter, stymied by injuries during his career, turned in a healthy, productive spring. Jun­ior Henry Lusk, who at 6'2", 220 pounds, swings between fullback and slot back, plays them both well. lie Outlook "Jamal really understands Division I ball now and we've also adapted our offense to suit his strengths," says McBride. "Brad's key is staying healthy. You'll see Henry play­ing more of a role at fullback this year. He can block, run and catch and he's big." Name J. Anderson C. Brown Cooperwood Cottis Foster Hamilton Jensen P. Jones Henry Lusk Williams Offensive Backs (1992 totals, Yr. Sr. Jr. Fr. So. Sr. Jr. Jr, Sr. Jr. Sr Hgt. W 5-9 6-0 5-11 5-11 6-3 5^ 5* 6-2 H where Wgt. 244 194 195 215 210 218 177 182 220 187 applicable) Carries 55 - -- I) _ - 136 1 100 Net Yards 317 - - - 0 - - 715 5 511 TD 3 - - - 1) -- 3 0 4 RECEIVERS McBride's only problem at the wideouts may be dividing the minutes. He knows that senior Bryan Rowley, a 1991 second-team Ail-American (The Sporting News), needs to be on the field. But, in Rowley's injury-caused absence last season, players like Greg Hooks, Henry Lusk and David Kozlowski upped the ante. Lusk, pegged to start at slot back, and Hooks, the starting flanker, combined for over 1,000 yards in receptions. "Rowley is a home run threat," says McBride of his star receiver, who already holds Utah's career reception yardage record (2,305). "Every time he has the ball he's a threat to go all the way. Rowley makes us a much stronger team because he gives us leadership, as well as ability. As for Henry (Lusk), talk about a big-time athlete. He makes the plays every day." The Ute brain trust must also find room for redshirts Curtis Marsh and Deron Claiborne. Both came out of spring ball as backups. Claiborne was nicked up in the spring, but Marsh excelled in the sneak pre­view. "Marsh has emerged as a great re­ceiver. He makes things happen after he catches the football," notes McBride. There's more. A pair of former high school sprint stars-one the national high school champion-could step right in and play as first-year sophomores. Ricky Carrigan clocked a 10.1 100 and 20.5 220 yard dash, and Xavier Tisdol also rated na­tionally in the 220. "You add guys like Carrigan and Tisdol to an already deep group and we have loads of Junior Mike McCoy came out of spring ball as the leading quarterback candidate for the upcoming season. potential. The key here is how well they all understand the offense, determine when to break a route off and read a coverage. Expe­rience, in other words," says McBride. SECONDARY The best secondary in the WAC returns virtually unscathed by graduation losses, and McBride says there's an even stronger product ahead. "If we find the right place for everybody in the secondary, we'll be even better this year. We have the numbers and the talent, but we're still working to get the right combination." The numbers include honorable mention all-WAC picks Mark Swanson and Sharrieff Shah, as well as six others with quality play­ing time at Utah. The corners could prove the backbone of the secondary, after Swanson's conversion from free safety to left corner. Kareem Leary, the defensive MVP of the Copper Bowl, has a lock on right corner. Edwin Garrette, a proven commodity, could back up either place without Utah losing a step. "Swanson was a good corner for us two years ago and we feel like he's more produc­tive there than at the free. Plus, we have fewer guys who play a legitimate corner than is the case at free safety, so we felt like it was a good stabilizing move for our sec­ondary," explains McBride. Swanson's transfer caused a domino ef­fect of sorts. Jeff Kirkman, an impressive back-up a year ago, will likely replace Swanson at free safety, although he's also more than capable at both strong safety and nickel back. Redshirt junior Marcus Woods will start at strong safety. "Kirkman is a key player, because where he fits into the big picture will determine a lot of things. He is definitely a football player. I like Marcus Woods and Ed Miller at strong safety, with Sharrieff (Shah) switch­ing between strong and nickel," says Name Carrigan Claiborne Cunningham Dorner Dyson Hollman Hooks Hoopii Keehan Kozlowski Henry Lusk Marsh Rowley* Tisdol * played 1 game (1992 Yr. So Jr. Jr Jr. Fr Sr Sr, Fr. Fr, So. Jr. Jr Sr. So. Receivers totals, where applicable) Hgt. 5-11 5-11 5-11 6-2 6-2 64 6-2 5-5 6-3 6-1 6-2 6-2 5-10 5-11 Wgt. 178 180 180 206 175 226 195 151 205 188 220 205 185 167 before season-ending injury Rec. -- - 0 - 4 37 -- 11 44 - 1 - Yards - - - IJ - 36 5111 - - 147 547 - 2 - TD - - - 0 - 0 2 -- 1 3 - 0 - Name Boyd County Garrette Harris Kirkman Leary E. Miller Pryor Ragin Rhodes Shah Swanson Woods Yr. Jr. Jr, Sr. Fr Jr Sr. Sr, Jr, Jr Sr. Sr Sr. Jr. Secondary (1992 totals, where Hgt. 6-1 5-10 64) 5-10 6-2 5-11 6-31/, 64) 6-1 6-1 5-11 5-10 5-111C Wgt. 189 186 172 165 200 166 222 183 180 195 192 185 209 applicable) Tackles - - 30 - 34 58 28 - -1 2 67 83 Int. _ _ 0 - 3 3 0 - - 0 1 4 " PBl - - 8 _ 4 4 2 _ - 0 2 2 - 11 Ike Outlook DEFENSIVE LINE The numbers are there, but McBride says maturation is the key on the line. "We sim­ply must see the development of an Adam Swaney, Toele Fa'amoe, Pouha Finau, Houdini Nua, Mike Wilson, Rick Verbalaitis, Bronzell Miller, Nate Kia or Louie DeCastro." At the tip of his arm's length list is Luther Elliss, a first-team all-WAC defensive end as a sophomore last year, and senior tackle Blaine Berger, a three-year starter. Elliss led the league in tackles for a loss last year (16- 39) and was Utah's tackle leader, with 87. Berger led Utah in sacks (3-20) and ranked second in total tackles (85). "Luther and Blaine are obviously our two mainstays on the line. I thought Luther was the best de­fensive lineman in the WAC last year and Blaine gets a little stronger and a little bet­ter each year," says McBride. All-WAC junior defensive end Luther Elliss is a headliner on an otherwise inexperienced defensive line. Elliss takes care of the left side, while Berger will start at right tackle. Relative in­experience aside, the coaches like the size and talent in the remaining positions. Verbalaitis (a former offensive lineman and tight end) seems to have found a home at right end, and Swaney and Wilson engaged in a battle at left tackle. The trio averages 6'4", 262 pounds. "I like the ability in there, but we need game experience," summarizes McBride. Name Andrei Berger DeCastro Elliss Fa'amoe Finau Hearns Kia B. Miller Nua Swaney Verbalaitis Wilson Yr. Sr. Sr. So, Jr Jr. Jr Fr, Fr. Jr Fr, Sr, Sr. Fr, Defensive Line (1992 totals, where applicable) Hgt. 5-11 64K 6-3 6-5!/ 6-1 6-5 6-3 6-2 64 6-3 6-7 6-3 6-3 Wgt. 263 274 245 257 2611 300 235 235 235 265 263 253 271 Tackles -8 5 1 87 2 - _ _ _ _ 9 _ T/Loss _ 8/12 _ 16/39 0/0 _ - _ _ _ (I/O _ ~ Sacks _ 3/20 _ 2/7 0/0 _ _ _ _ _ 0/0 _ - portends he has a few surprises up his sleeve. "Anthony Hall was the surprise of the spring since moving from defensive end to stud linebacker," says McBride. "We didn't realize how well he could adapt. He's a natu­ral at the stud." In the middle, the Ute coaches like a pair of junior college transfers-Derrick Stapley and Mark Rexford. "Stapley looks like he'll be a really nice player and Rexford should help us in the middle come fall." A trio of players with only high school experience could make an impact, as well. Chad Kauhaahaa, a first-year sophomore, and in­coming freshmen Jason Hooks and Ryan Murry will give upperclassmen like Sione Mahe and Ken Buss a run for the backup post on the strong side. Experience takes precedence when the Utes operate out of their nickel package, with seniors Cedric Crawford and Sharrieff Shah (a crossover from the secondary), and JC recruit Jason Stanley (who competed in spring ball), all known assets at nickel back. Crawford was acknowledged by the coaches LINEBACKERS Here, more than anywhere, Utah is start­ing fresh. Gone is essentially the entire two-deep, including all the starters. But McBride as the most noticeab the spring. Name E. Brown Buss Crawford Drews Fineanganofo Hall Hooks Kauhaahaa Mahe Murry Peterson Petronis Rexlord Stanley Stapley Tanara Yr. Sr, Jr Sr, Jr, Jr, Sr, Fr. So, So. Fr Fr, Jr Jr, Jr Jr So. Linebackers id pi (1992 totals, where applicable) Hgt. 64) 6-3 5-10 5-10 5-10 64 6-2 6-2 6-2 64 6-1 6-11/, 6-2 M 6-2 6-2 Wgt. 230 217 194 206 238 247 240 22X 226 219 195 235 235 210 235 215 Tackles - 1 22 - -8 - --- --- -- " T/Loss -0 0 - -0 - -- -- _ -- - " ayer tr Sacks - 0 0 - - 0 _ - --- - _ -- - Cornerback Kareem Leary was Defensive MVP of the Weiser Lock Copper Bowl. SPECIAL TEAMS No surprises here. Senior Chris Yergensen remains Utah's No. 1 placekicker for a third year, backed up by sophomore Brian Alba, who handled most of the kick-offs last year. At punter, junior Jason Jones finally gets his chance, with Yergensen backing up. "The field goal situation is very competi­tive and that will bring out the best in both of them (Yergensen and Alba)," says McBride. "We plan to put our kickers into more pressure situations in practice to help prepare them for games. Yergensen im­proved his strength in the offseason and has the experience. Alba has a great leg. 1 really like our punter, Jason Jones. He's left footed, which makes the ball harder to field. The ball goes off his foot the opposite way, so when you catch it, it's always going away from you." The return teams will likely star speedy receiver Bryan Rowley on punts and elusive tailbacks Pierre Jones and Keith Williams on kickoffs. Return Teams (1992 totals, where applicable) Name Yr. Hgt. Wgt. Ko Ret. Yds. Punt Ret. Yds Rowley' Sr. 5-10 185 3 40 1 -8 Williams Sr. 543 187 4 91 - - P.Jones Sr. 5-8 182 14 306 - - Hamilton Jr. 6-2 220 - - - - 'Injured In first game of 1992 Kickers/Punters (1992 totals, where applicable) Name Yr. Hgt. Wgt. FGFGA PAT Punts-Yds.-Avg. Alba So. 5-10 160 M 44 J.Jones Jr. 5-11 180 W) (Ml 3-113-37.7 Yergensen Sr. 6-1 174 13-20 19-20 - 12