USD Football 1987

The 1987 Toreros are looking to improve on the 4-6 record posted by last year's team. This will be the most experienced group at USO in several years as fifth year coach Brian Fogarty (15-24-1) returns 41 lettermen and 12 starters (7 offensive/5 defen- sive). USD's 1986 record could easily have been above .500 as they lost four games by five points or less. Back to lead the offensive attack is senior All-America can- didate Jeff Mansukhani. Jeff, a 5-10, 175 lb. wide receiver, was among the nation's leaders last season in a number of offensive categories. His '86 totals included 49 receptions, 8 touchdowns, a 16.6 yards per catch average, 140 yards in punt returns and 420 yards in kickoff returns. Expected to replace departed quarterback Pat Dixon (128 com- pletions for 1,727 yards and 15 touchdowns) is JC transfer Braulio Castillo, a 6-0, 200 lb. junior from San Diego City College. Sophomore Matt McCormick and incoming frosh Brendan Mur- phy (West Point Prep) will both push Castillo for playing time. Big things are expected from senior TE Lionel DeMorst (6-2, 225), whose playing time was limited in 1986 due to injuries. Also at tight end is junior David Nottoli (6-3, 210), who has looked strong in camp workouts. Returning WR Ken Zampese should get more passes thrown his way as he picks up the slack left by graduated senior Scott Reilly (23 catches). Returning running backs include senior TB Virgil Enriquez (442 yards and 2 TD's) and FB Todd Jackson (5-10, 200, SO). Other backs returning who gained experience last season include Don Macinnes, Scott Slykas and John Arens. Senior FB Matt Riley was lost for the season from a knee injury he suffered in camp. The Toreros will have the luxury of returning three starters from the offensive line. Senior Pete Browne (6-2, 235) is a two-year starter at tackle; the guard position returns junior Mike Cassady (6-0, 215); and the center position returns junior Mike Childers (5-11, 238), who played center for the first time last season. Senior Richard Hosoda (5-11, 200), along with sophomores Mark Garcia and Neal Curry, will be pushing for playing time. With the experience of USD's returning offensive players and a number of outstanding recruits, the Toreros should have a very sound offense. The Torero defense does not return as many starters, but there are some outstanding players returning. The defense is led by senior All-America candidate John Gutsmiedl, a 3-year starter in the secondary who paced last year's squad with 131 tackles and the '85 team with 5 interceptions. Junior DB Bryan Day (61 tackles) and Gutsmiedl are USD's only returning starters in the secondary. Sophomore Matt Scholl has moved over from running back to help strengthen this group. Defensive Coordinator Kevin McGarry has some definite question marks with the rest of the secondary as he has to replace departed seniors Tim White (97 tackles), Ben Stoebner (76 tackles) and Tony Knight (45 tackles). The linebacking group returns two juniors at inside linebacker with plenty of playing time, Chuck Royer (118 tackles) and Shawn Rezaian (105 tackles). Junior Jeff Merlino (46 tackles, 6 QB sacks) and sophomore Rob Skinner (30 tackles, 4 QB hurries) have the inside track on these spots. Pushing the linebacking group for playing time are transfer David Dunn (6-1, 235), sophomores Matt Haniger (6-0, 190), Parris Sorianello (6-1, 220) and Joe Scagliotti (5-10, 192), and newcomer Frank Love (6-1, 215, FR). The defensive line lost three starters, however, the Toreros ap- pear to be strong at this position. The only returning starter is senior Erik Peterson (5-11, 230). Juniors David Gilmore (6-2, 213) and John Gomez (6-0, 208), along with sophomore Mark Webber (6-3, 200), have been moved to the defensive line to join the others in the battle for starting spots. The kicking and punting chores will be accomplished this season by newcomers. Senior Mark Fenick comes over from the soccer team to compete for the kicking duties, along with freshman Jim Morrison. Freshman John Gillis comes to USO from Hoover High School in Glendale, CA with some impressive punting statistics. USO players have all worked very hard in the off-season and are committed to making 1987 a great year. Coach Fogarty and his staff believe that the team's experience and attitude is the formula for making 1987 a year to remember.

1987 TORERO FOOTBALL OUTLOOK

6