USD Football 1993

[ 1993 USD Football Profile Page 10 ] . 1993 TOREROS READY FOR CHALLENGES OF NCAA .. . .. , DIVISION l~AA AND THE PIONEER FOOTBALL LEAGUE. , ' The 1993 season begins a new era for the Univer-

Torykian (6-0, 265 lbs., Tackle),junior FrankKnafelz (5- 11, 227 lbs., moves over from defensive line) and two transfers from Santa Clara University will solidify the offensive line -- the transfers are Joshua Brouilette (6-1, 267 lbs., Jr., Center/Tackle), a local product of St. Augustine's and Matt Taylor (6-2, 274 lbs., Jr., Tackle), Santa Clara's 1992 Offensive Lineman of the Year. Defensively the Toreros have to replace the whole defensive line as well as most of the secondary. 1992 saw USD's defensive unit suffer a lot of injuries; however, that allowed for playing time for a lot of younger players that normally wouldn't have played as much, which should pay dividends this season. Keying the defense will be the

sity of San Diego football program. After 30 years of football, including the last 20 seasons at the NCAA Divi- sion III level, the 1993 USD squad will be moving up to the NCAADivision I-AA ranks and the newly formed Pioneer Football League. Looking ahead to this season, head coach Brian Fogarty (54-40-3, 11th year) said, "Winning seven games ineachofthe last four years shows a lot ofconsistency. We are all (both coaches and players) looking forward to the challenges of playing in the Pioneer Football League. It will take more effort and commitment to be successful, but I think we are up to the challenge." The Toreros return 40 lettermen , , and 12 starters from "I" J

linebacking corp, led by senior ILB Marcus Carter (6-0, 215 lbs., 66 tackles), junior ILB Tim Lynch (6-2, 211 lbs., 90 tackles), junior Michael Greiner (5-9, 202 lbs.) and junior OLB Neal Weitman (6-1, 205 lbs.), who has been slowed by inju- ries the past two sea- sons. Key secondary players back include free safety Randy Rivera (5- 10, 188 lbs., SR, 80 tackles), cornerback Scott Bucco/a (5-11 , I90 lbs.,SR, 32 tackles) and sophomore William Kobayashi (5-9, 161 lbs., 24 tackles). The

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last year's 7-2-1 squad and expect ap- proximately 60 new- comers to their initial season in the Pioneer Football League. This year's team will have to fill some big shoes as the Toreros lost twelve seniors -- inc luded in that group were four of- fensive starters and six defensive start- ers. Offensively, USD's key positions they have to replace are the twooffensive tackle positions, as well as the quarter-

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forementioned trio will try to close the gap left by gradu- ated seniors Matt Horeczko (IO 1 tackles -- the 1992 USD Defensive Player of the Year), Jeff Blazevich (61 tackles) and Stephen Crandall (35 tackles, 4 interceptions). The punting game will be in good hands as junior Robert Ray returns after leading the NCAA Division III ranks last year with a 42.3 yards a punt average. He was selected First Team Kodak All-America for College Divi- sion II (by the American Football Coaches Association), as well as being named First Team All-America, by Champions, U.S.A., as voted on by the NCAADivision III Sports Information Directors. The kicking duties will be between Ray, Matt Young (6-1 , 178 Jbs., SO), a transfer from St. Mary's College and two freshmen from Colo- rado, -- Michael Buhler (Regis Jesuit HS) and Travis Paulsen (J.K. Mullen HS). Junior Michael Henry (23.4 yards a kickoff return) will be the top return threat for punts and kickoffs.

back and fullback spots. The Toreros will miss fullback Scott Sparrer, who became the school's new career rushing leader and who netted over 1,000 yards and 12 TDs in 1992, and quarterback Michael Bennett, who fini shed 9th in Division III passing efficiency (102-of-181 for 1,387 yards, 16 TDs and just 4 interceptions). Junior QB Vince Moiso (6-2, 220 lbs.) is penciled in as Bennett's replace- ment- he was Bennett's backup last year after playing his freshman year at Linfield College. Senior John Lambert (5-11, 188 lbs., 411 yards) will move over from the halfback spot and step into the fullback position for the graduated Sparrer. Other projected key performers on offense will be junior TE Scott Steingrebe (6-2, 200 lbs., 27 catches for 504 yds and 6 TDs), junior halfback Micheal Henry (5-6, 150 lbs., 341 yds and 3 TDs), and the heart of the offensive line- seniors Victor Cruz (6-1 , 255 lbs., Guard), Kevin Barres (6-0, 250 lbs., Guard) and Matt Zeller (5-11 , 236 lbs., Center). In addition, senior Eric