Fresno State Bulldogs
The offense has a lot of high-powered talent from both the senior and junior
classes. Obviously the headliner is wide out Bernard Berrian; a game
breaking pass catcher and return specialist. An explosive receiver, Berrian is
constantly getting separation from defenders in the middle of the field or
beating them deep down the flanks. A heady wide out, he instinctively finds the
open spot on the field, adjusts nicely to the errant throw and displays
excellent eye-hand coordination, with the abilities to pick up big yardage
running after the catch. That skill spills over to the return game as Berrian
instantaneously changes the momentum of a contest with big runbacks on either
punts or kicks. His is not much blocking for the running game nor does he always
play to his listed size but has first round potential, and could end up in the
late part of the frame to a team like the Rams or Raiders (just guessing here),
organizations his talents would fit perfectly. The other legitimate receiving
prospect, though not always mentioned, would be Marquis Davis, a solid
intermediate pass catcher that breaks it deep on occasion and possesses strong,
reliable hands. What stands out about his game is the ability to get open in
underneath coverage or make the difficult catch in traffic, displaying almost
clairvoyance as to what his quarterback is thinking throughout the play. He is
exceptionally consistent and his ability, (or inability) to run fast prior to
the ’04 draft (unless he leaves in ’03) will determine whether or not he
breaks into the first day and even top 60 choices. Another underclassman we like
that excels as a pass catcher is Jeremy Johnson, an athletic tight end
that makes the difficult catch down the field but lacks the desirable size/speed
numbers to be considered a complete tight end and may be better off at H-Back.
They have a load of solid linemen that should get selected in the late frames. Rodney
Michael is a powerful senior prospect that can play either center or guar,
and is a nasty blocker who turns opponents out and opens holes for the running
game. Limited in his agility or ability to play in space, Michael can only be
used in certain blocking schemes, which will push him down draft boards. Many
extol the talents of tackle Joe Schey as he is another strong lineman
best blocking for the run and a heady prospect aware of his assignments. Schey
does a fine job playing with leverage but is yet another best in confined
quarters. To our minds the best pro-prospect up front is junior Fitu Tu’ua,
a versatile lineman that can be used at either guard or left tackle. Tu’ua is
athletic, nimble and very strong at the point. He is effective either at the
line or on the move into the defensive secondary. He needs to iron out the rough
edges but is a player with a good degree of upside and could be a first day
choice in ’04.
On defense this year’s squad should provide more draft selections then the
April ’02 Bulldog Class.
The big name here is defensive end Nick Burley,
a terrific athlete that displays range, plays with speed and pursues all over
the field to get involved in the action. Burley uses leverage, balance and has a
relentless motor but lacks the great size/speed numbers for a true end and could
be better off standing over tackle in a three-four alignment; something his
natural skills will help him be succeed at. On the flip side is Sam Williams,
a large linebacker that stands out amongst the crowd and an athletic prospect
with size potential who could grow into an every down end in the future.
Williams displays range, can run and fluidly moves about the field but lacks
instincts, overall awareness and would not be a consideration until the later
rounds unless he pulls off a big senior campaign. Junior Bryce McGill is
a solid strong safety tough against the run and not bad versus the pass. He has
a bright future ahead of him.
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