 TOLEDOROCKETS.NETYour source for information on Rocket Football! |
TOLEDOROCKETS.NETYour source for information on Rocket Football! |
|
By Mike Sopher Last season ended with a bang when the Rockets just flat out beat the UTEP Miners in the GMAC Bowl. Dominating on both sides of the ball, this game took a special meaning for all the seniors who were leaving school on a winning note. After all, this class of 2006 certainly knew how to win. For Rocket fans the victory was celebrated for months as it was the first since 2001. But, as thoughts of replacing All-MAC honorees Bruce Gradkowski, Trinity Dawson, Keon Jackson, Antonio Malone, and Anthony Jordan set in, Toledoans anticipated the following season in hopes of Coach Amstutz finding replacements for these decorated seniors. Some remain optimistic, some became pessimistic, but all agree that this Rocket team has the potential for a 10 win season and a bowl game come winter. Offense: Redshirt Sophomore Clint Cochran takes over the helm as this year’s quarterback replacing someone named Bruce Gradkowski who broke numerous records wearing the midnight blue and gold and is now fighting for the backup position in Tampa, Florida. In previous years, Toledo has surprisingly had little problems with replacing quarterbacks. From Chris Wallace to Tavares Bolden to Brian Jones to Bruce Gradkowski, Toledo rarely misses a beat at this position and one can probably count on Cochran joining this elite group. However, if he has trouble early on, Amstutz can turn to Brandon Summers or coveted recruit Aaron Opelt to handle the Rocket offense. True, Toledo fans are nervous with a new quarterback but with the supporting cast of a Jalen Parmalee, Steve Odom, and a Chris Hopkins to go along with a deep and veteran offensive line, Cochran may be in good hands. The offensive line returns four of five starters and with three seniors and two juniors protecting a “rookie” quarterback, Cochran should feel a whole lot better in the pocket. Possibly the most deepest and stable position on the offense is the running back corps. Although Trinity Dawson and Quinton Broussard graduated last season, Toledo returns All-MAC candidate Jalen Parmalee and talented backups DaJuane Collins, and Richard Davis, to go along with several true freshman who may get some playing time early in the year. Because of the inexperience at quarterback, Toledo may find itself running the football more than they are accustomed too, at least in the first few games. Don’t be surprised if Toledo produces two 1,000 yard backs this year. They’re that good. Cochran’s receiver targets for the 2006 campaign starts with Nick Moore, David Washington, DJ Nichols, Trumaine Smith, Steve Odom, Andre Redd, Andrew Hawkins, David Lewis and ends with arguably the deepest and talented tight end position in the country. Chris Hopkins, Josh Powell, John Allen, Matt Fought, and Tom Burzine will give opposing defensive coordinators headaches in creating a game plan to keep these guys in check, especially during the play action pass. Look for Steve Odom to be the go-to man for Cochran as he has quietly moved his name into the record books at Toledo but don’t be shocked if a Nick Moore or a David Washington has a breakout season. Defense: Tim Rose is a genius and hopefully Toledo is his final stay as a coach. Rose’s 3-4 scheme not only completely transformed Toledo’s shaky defense at the conclusion of the 2004 season, but also turned it into one of the best in the conference. Rocket fans expect similar results this season and despite the loss of four primetime seniors in Jackson, Malone, Jordan, and David Thomas, Rose has a veteran corps returning to go along with some talented freshmen who look to contribute early on. The defense starts with Butkus candidate and potential All-MAC defensive player of the year Mike Alston. Emerging during last year’s bowl game as one of the premier pass rushers in the conference, Alston looks to elevate his game to an even higher level this season. He will need to do so given the lack of experience at the inside linebacker position with both of last year’s starters lost to graduation. It appears that Keith Forestal, Eric Heller, and Steven Morrison will share time at this position but it will clearly be a point of attack for opposing offenses. Luckily, Toledo’s front line returns all of its starters and is anchored by defensive tackle JP Bekasiak, a two year letterman. If Bekasiak or backup Tyree Pollard can clog up the middle of the line, it will make the guys behind them a lot better. One of the most highly recruited men in 2006 was Barry Church. Rocket fans have been hearing his name throughout the off-season as one the “can’t miss” stars of this class and already Church has been turning heads in the preseason. Either Church or redshirt freshman Lester Richmond will man the strong safety position with All-MAC honoree Tyrell Herbert as the free safety. Junior Nigel Morris and senior Bo Martin will start as corners with Keiron Brown and Chris Murphy looking for playing time. Despite the loss of Keon Jackson and Antonio Malone, Toledo should be fine in the secondary as long as they stay healthy. Special Teams: Mike Krispinsky and Alex Steigerwald will battle for the kicking duties as both hope to replace Jason Robbins, who had a tremendous senior year in 2005. Junior Brett Kern will handle the punting duties and has done a decent job despite four punts blocked last season. Though mostly the fault of a questionable blocking formation, Kern needs to be quicker in order to avoid a repeat of last season. Steve Odom, DaJuane Collins, Nigel Morris, and Richard Davis will return kickoffs and punts this season with Odom the more experienced of the four. Their speed and agility should result in a few returns for touchdowns. It’s no secret that Toledo is stacked with talent on both sides of the ball and anything less than a fifth trip to a bowl game under Amstutz’s tutelage would be considered a major disappointment. If Cochran can get comfortable with the offense, the Rockets may put up some big numbers against their opponents including those from the BCS conferences. Defenses will have trouble slowing down the running game and will no doubt give up 300 plus games through the air if they stack the line of scrimmage. The key for the defense has to be the middle linebacker position. If Forestal, Heller, and Morrison can have solid years, this could be the best defensive unit in the MAC. Key Game: September 15 vs. Kansas A win here propels the Rockets past McNeese St. and Pittsburgh. A loss and the Rockets may be sitting at 2-3 heading into October. Important Home Games: Kansas, Central Michigan, Akron, and Bowling Green Important Away Games: Iowa State, Pittsburgh, Northern Illinois Final Prediction: Something tells me that this may be Toledo’s year in being a BCS buster if they can get past Iowa State, a task certainly that will be hard to overcome. A win in Ames may lead to an undefeated season as home games against Kansas and Akron are certainly winnable to go along with road contests versus Pittsburgh and Northern Illinois. Even though Northern Illinois looks poised to finally win a MAC crown, the Rockets have a shot at Detroit if they can beat the Huskies in Dekalb on November 7. More than likely, Toledo will have its best season yet under Coach Amstutz as they can finish 10-2 with a bowl date set in Mobile, Alabama. That would please lots of Rocket fans… Have a question or comment for Mike? Email |