USD Football 1988

1988 TORERO FOOTBALL OUTLOOK

Optimism reigns at Alcala Park as the 1988 Toreros, coming off their best season since 1981, prepare for another successful season. Last year's squad completed the '87 season with a 6-3-1 record and finished ranked 20th nationally among Division Ill foot- ball teams. Out of the approximately 40 returning players from last season, 16 of those are returning starters and 8 have been starting for at least two years. This coupled with a great recruiting year should provide the Toreros with enough depth to maintain their position as one of the top programs in Division Ill football. The 1988 offense returns a good nucleus to pick up where they left off last season. The offensive line was hit hardest by graduation; however, those returning from last year are ready to step in and take over. Leading the way will be senior guard Mike Cassady (6-1 , 225) and junior tackle Mark Garcia (6-1, 260). These two returning starters will be joined by sophomore Ray Smith (6-2, 255), junior Neal Curry (6-3, 235), junior Jeff Carpenter (5-10, 236) and senior David King (6-1 , 220). The receiving corps returns a lot of experience. Ken Zampese (5-7, 190) has been one of the Toreros' best receivers over the last

three seasons. He is also a very dangerous punt/kick return specialist. Pushing for more playing time this campaign will be junior Sam McDermott (5-11, 185), sophomore Ken Jones (6-1, 185) and junior Marvin Harrison (5-10, 175). All saw plenty of action last year. The tight end position looks strong again with David Nottoli (6-2, 220) returning for his senior year, and newcomers Greg Fox (€-3, 195) and Brad Leonard (6-3, 180) battling for playing time. Several running backs played last year and all will be coming back. The tailback position returns senior Virgil Enriquez (5-9, 170) and sophomore Ty Barksdale (5-8, 175). Both started at different times last year and are expected to carry the load again this season. The fullback position will be anchored down by junior Todd Jackson (5-11, 200). Todd was the leading ground gainer for USD last season with 405 yards and 4 touchdowns. He will be pushed by sophomore Pat Hefler (5-10, 185) and newcomer Charlie Taumoepeau (5-10, 212). The quarterback position will be handled by sophomore Brendan Murphy (6-1, 185). This quick footed quarterback won the starting position half way through his freshman year and hopes to improve on last year's numbers (52 of 109 for 769 yards and 8 TD's). The Torero defense returns 9 starters from last year's nationally ranked defensive unit. From the first to the last game the USD defense was ranked in the nation's top 10. The defense will be spearheaded by All-America candidate Bryan Day (5-11, 185). Day, who garnered First Team Academic All-America honors in 1987, returns for his senior campaign after leading the defense in six categories last year from his free safety position, including tackles (91) and interceptions (6). He will be joined by sophomores Chris King (5-10, 175) and Darryl Jackson (5-10, 175), both of whom started at corner last year. Looking to round out the secondary will be Mark Crisci (5-10, 185), Matt Scholl (5-10, 189), Pat St. Peter (5-10, 180) and Scott Bradley (5-11, 165).

The linebacker group will have a new look this season. A key loss is senior Jeff Merlino due to a back injury. Top returners include inside backers Frank Love (6-3, 220) and Shawn Rezaian (5-11 , 205); outside backer Matt Haniger (6-1 , 195); and newcomers to the position, former quarterback Braulio Castillo (6-1, 216) and former running back Don Macinnes (6-1 , 210). The strongest area of the defense will be the defensive line. Three starters return from the '87 squad. Seniors John Gomez (6-1 , 223) and David Gilmore (6-3, 240), along with junior Dave Dunn (6-0, 237), will be the mainstay of the Torero front five. They will be spelled by two sophomores who saw plenty of time as fresh- men, Leroy Hughes (6-0, 245) and Rory Aitken (6-0, 215), as well as junior Scott Slykas (5-11 , 205). The punting and kicking chores will be handled by two sophomores. John Gillis will return for his second season as the starting punter after setting a single season Torero record for most punts with 65 (33.4 yard average). Jim Morrison wi ll handle the field goal and kicking duties. It has been a successful off season with all the players working hard to get ready for the 1988 campaign. That along with ex- perience and attitude combine for great opportunity in the upcom- ing 1988 season.

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