|
LB
Anthony Jordan |
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2004
Statistics |
Coach:
Tom Amstutz
36-15,
4 years |
2004
Record: 9-4 |
|
at
Minnesota |
LOST
21-63 |
at
Kansas |
LOST
14-63 |
at
Eastern Michigan |
WON
42-32 |
TEMPLE |
WON
45-17 |
BALL
STATE |
WON
52-14 |
at
Western Michigan |
WON
59-33 |
OHIO |
WON
31-13 |
CENTRAL
MICHIGAN |
WON
27-22 |
at
Miami OH |
LOST
16-23 |
at
Northern Illinois |
WON
31-17 |
BOWLING
GREEN |
WON
49-41 |
MAC
CHAMPIONSHIP |
vs.
Miami OH |
WON
35-27 |
MOTOR
CITY BOWL |
vs.
Connecticut |
LOST
10-39 |
|
2004 Final Rankings
AP-UR, Coaches-UR, BCS-UR
|
2005
Outlook |
There's
no Penn State, Minnesota or Pittsburgh
to upset in their hopes of gaining
more national attention, just a big
September 27th tilt with Fresno State
by which we can measure these guys
outside of their conference. But,
with the guarantee of another spectacular
offensive effort, Toledo should raise
some eyebrows with their streamlined
schedule and their decent chances
to win not just another MAC title,
but a BCS bid. That will all depend
on the development of the defense,
which will have to hold its own against
some powerful conference offenses,
which are the true tests this fall
- namely, Bowling Green and Northern
Illinois.
In
Gradkowski, head coach Tom Amstutz
has an automatic success. The senior,
who will compete with Bowling Green's
Omar Jacobs for MAC-daddy status,
will also bring much attention to
the program, and either he or Jacobs
will be in New York come December
as a darkhorse favorite for the Heisman.
But the winner of their head-on contest
has the inside track in more ways
than one, and we are likely to see
these two back at it again for the
conference title game. Gradkowski
loses more playmakers than Jacobs
loses, which gives G-ski a chance
to prove his true ability. But these
big, fast WRs won't be considered
new for long once Bruce quickly breaks
them in. And the more they run - which
they do very well, too - the more
wide open those receivers seem as
opposing back sevens are then forced
to cheat into the box. There will
be no problems on this side of things
as long as Gradkowski is upright and
throwing.
It
all comes back to that defense. It's
unlikely that the returnees in the
secondary will be drastically better
than 2004's unit that was consistently
burned. The pass rush will be a little
better, and even that would give them
some badly needed help. With such
a comparably sized back-seven, look
for new DC Tim Rose to take advantage
of large DBs and cheat with them by
turning nickel packages into run blitzes
and vice versa, depending upon what
foes show on offense. This will work,
as will the DBs keeping the play in
front of them, to effectively keep
air TDs down (foes scored 27 times
via passes; Gradkowski had 28 TDs,
so you can see how well they were
lit up). Rose will not bear scrutiny
well when all fingers point to the
new guy for problems that already
exist. He could be one-and-done, but
more likely head man Rob Spence respectably
allows his schemes some time to take
hold, so this could be a (painful)
transition year on D this way, meaning
that, as a team, any "next level"
won't be seen in 2005.
Possibly
the biggest obstacle to this team
remaining on top in this conference
is academic performance, which ranked
a pathetic 114th out of 117 Division
I-A schools and will likely result
in the loss of scholarships in 2006.
Since most players never see a single
day in the NFL, graduating (or, in
this case, even just passing) with
a viable education is what their scholarship
ultimately provides. Students who
are just playing four year of "minor
league ball" won't reflect the
integrity of knowledge that is the
backbone of any growth, either within
a program or oneself. Knowledge is
power, and the Toledo football program
should stand behind its players to
make sure it delivers this for them,
too, not just wins, which they more
than adequately do. Really, when these
kids are 40, which will bring them
more, that win 20 years ago or the
education which provides for them
(and their families)? But we digress
back to football itself
Championships
are won with defense
that said,
the Rockets will contend for the MAC
with their amazing scoring machine
Gradkowski, yet won't be able to make
enough stops to win it. Just be sure
to watch this team to maximize your
weekly football viewing pleasure,
for every game will be, at least,
an exciting offensive display. Now,
if they can just duplicate 1919's
6-0 win over Bowling Green
that's
all he folks walking up Douglas Road
to the Glass Bowl (and lot 9) really
ask.
Projected
2005 record: 9-2
|
|
|
QB
Bruce Gradkowski |
TOLEDO
*POWER RATINGS |
Offense |
Defense |
QB
- 4.5 |
DL
- 3 |
RB
- 3.5 |
LB
- 3.5 |
WR
- 2.5 |
DB
- 2.5 |
OL
- 3 |
.. |
|
RETURNING
LEADERS |
Passing:
Bruce Gradkowski, 399-280-8, 3518
yds., 27 TD
Rushing: Scooter McDougle,
146 att., 620 yds., 7 TD
Receiving: Steve Odom, 53 rec.,
675 yds., 5 TD
Scoring: Jason Robbins, 9-10
FG, 55-56 PAT, 82 pts.
Punting: Brett Kern, 44 punts,
40.6 avg.
Kicking: Jason Robbins, 9-10
FG, 55-56 PAT, 82 pts.
Tackles: Anthony Jordan, 107
tot., 49 solo
Sacks: Mike Alston, 5 sacks
Interceptions: Nigel Morris,
3 for 88 yds., 1 TD; Keon Jackson,
3 for 31 yds., 1 TD
Kickoff Returns: Steve Odom,
8 ret., 19.4 avg., 0 TD
Punt Returns: Steve Odom, 5
ret., 1.8 avg., 0 TD
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOLEDO
|
|
|
OFFENSE
- 6 |
----RETURNING
STARTERS---- |
DEFENSE
- 8 |
|
KEY
LOSSES |
OFFENSE:
Lance Moore-WR, Terrance Hudson-WR,
Kenny Higgins-WR, Chris Holmes-TE, Nick
Kaczur-OT, David Odenthal-C |
DEFENSE:
Phil
Alexander-DE, Michael Broussard-WHIP,
Patrick Body-FS |
|
|
2005
OFFENSE |
Quarterback
The
Rockets have one of the best QBs in both
the nation and in school history with the
return of senior Bruce Gradkowski. He's
also one of the best in the nation, at least
statistically, having finished fifth in
Division I-A with a 162.6 QB rating and
third with a 70.2 completion percentage.
He was in the top 10 in every major category
in '03, as well. Don't expect him to stumble
now. Gradkowski's big, accurate arm is complemented
by quick feet that ran for nine TDs. He's
the total package, and he'll once again
light up opposing secondaries, even with
the departures of three of his top four
targets. The only area we find that he can
improve is the intangible of decision-making
- he has a strong TD: INT ratio of 27:8,
but obviously his potential says it can
be better. Exciting redshirt soph Marques
Council is an athletic, strong-armed backup
who only lacks Gradkowski's experience and
accuracy. After another year of waiting
behind the superstar, he'll get his chance
to shine so that he isn't totally raw when
he takes over in '06.
Running
Back
Look
for improvement here as four quality RBs
return eager to compete for carries behind
such a strong line. The committee approach,
which produced an adequate ground game that
reflected efficiency (130 rushing first-downs
and 26 ground scores) more than volume,
will again balance well to set up the pass.
But that is not literally their offensive
philosophy, for they will take their 4.0
per attempt and continue to run it (54%
or more) this way until stopped. Leading
rusher Scooter McDougle, a junior, has fullback
power, decent speed and good hands (fifth
in receptions). Trinity Dawson, the former
starter, is a smaller speedster who's 5.1
average shows why he is so trusted on the
goal line (25 TDs in three seasons). No.
2 rusher Quinton Broussard is cut out of
the same mold. Sophomore Jalen Parmele,
who started the Motor City Bowl, is slightly
bigger than Dawson and Broussard and just
as fast. Despite their speed, Broussard,
Dawson and Parmele aren't the receivers
McDougle is. Toss in Gradkowski's fleet
feet, and the ground game can effectively
attack a defense from several angles. Fresh
legs in the fourth quarter always help late-game
clock management as well as all-important
blitz pickup at those crucial junctures.
Receiver
This
area is a concern with the losses. That
doesn't leave much experience for an offense
that spreads defenses with three and four-receiver
sets. Z-receiver Steve Odom, the only returning
starter, is small, quick and always seems
to get open, though we'll see now that his
cast mates aren't there to distract. He
should take over as the possession receiver.
There's plenty of potential in the sophomore
trio of David Washington, Nick Moore and
Andrew Hawkins, but only four combined catches.
Washington and Moore are tall, long-armed
targets while Hawkins is this corps' lone
little guy who will befuddle foes with his
happy feet. The ample freshman talent also
reflects the prototypical big-and-fast package
desired, so this group goes (up to) three-deep
with potential foes cannot ignore. How this
group develops will be the biggest key to
Toledo's season, aside from the secondary,
and we expect there to be a relatively seamless
transition - production here shouldn't wane.
The only dilemmas here will be in matching
and assigning roles for Gradkowski's preferences
and/or the passing game's requirements.
Fortunately for the Rockets, there's some
time to gel with two relatively easy games
to open.
Tight
End
Josh
Powell takes over, but his chances of being
fourth on the team in receptions (like predecessor
Holmes was) are nonexistent. He was a decent
receiving target in high school, but newbie
Keith Forstall's 4.6-second 40 speed will
elevate him into a pass catching role while
Powell stays home more. This is a thinned-out
unit, but not a weakness with so many supporting
areas that could compensate if needed (big
receivers and/or svelte linemen are there
to help, depending on the symptom needing
to be cured).
Offensive
Line
Besides
Moore, the biggest spot to fill on this
offense will be left tackle Nick Kaczur,
who was the fourth four-time All-MAC pick
in conference history. Look for 315-pound
RS soph John Greco, an ex-prep roundballer
(excellent footwork and vertical leap),
to move over to the blindside. He'll join
physical senior guard Chris Wakeman to form
a big, athletic right side. Overall, six
of the 10 linemen listed on the Motor City
Bowl two-deep are back, so this line shouldn't
have to rebuild to the extent that it did
last fall. That's a good thing for a group
that allowed just 19 sacks and will again
block effectively for all ground efforts.
Gradkowski's ability to work with/around
these linemen will be a quick study. Even
without Kaczur, numbers here should be a
little better.
OFFENSIVE
BREAKDOWN
Even
with the loss of keys like Moore and Kaczur,
as well as offensive coordinator Rob Moore,
don't expect any significant dropoff. Well-prepared
receivers coach John Shannon moves to the
coordinator role and will keep the spread
system intact. Once the receivers and offensive
linemen settle into their roles, this offense
should be among the MAC's top three and
one of the nation's best. Maintaining (running)
balance is all they have to continue, for
Gradkowski will guarantee the rest. A more
experienced backfield, led by a healthy
McDougle, will be the key so ball-control
and time-management can work for and not
against them (like Texas Tech now or BSU
from two years ago). Once this offense starts
clicking, which shouldn't take long, it
will be too strong, coming from too many
dimensions, for any foe to stop entirely.
Pick your poison with these guys.
|
|
WR
Steve Odom
|
|
|
TOLEDO
2005 DEPTH CHART
Returning Starters/Key
Players |
OFFENSE |
QB |
Bruce
Gradkowski-Sr (6-2, 210) |
Marques
Council-So (6-3, 194) |
RB |
Trinity
Dawson-Sr (5-10, 195) |
Scooter
McDougle-Jr (6-1, 220)
Jalen Parmele-So (6-0, 210) |
WR |
Trumaine
Smith-Fr (6-3, 180) |
David
Washington-So (6-5, 220) |
WR |
Steve
Odom-Jr (5-10, 165) |
Andre
Redd-Fr (5-11, 185) |
WR |
Andrew
Hawkins-So (5-8, 165) |
Pete
Lepley-Sr (6-1, 200) |
TE |
Andrew
Clarke-Sr (6-4, 249) |
Josh
Powell-Jr (6-5, 240) |
OT |
John
Greco-So (6-5, 315) |
Sean
Zabinski-Fr (6-7, 290) |
OG |
David
Perkins-So (6-2, 290) |
Patrick
Dawson-Fr (6-3, 300) |
C |
Hassan
Adebesin-Jr (6-2, 292) |
Andrew
Decker-Fr (6-3, 270) |
OG |
Chris
Wakeman-Sr (6-5, 290) |
Jesse
Anderson-Jr (6-5, 285) |
OT |
Jerry
Aguwa-Jr (6-5, 290) |
Greg
Luna-Jr (6-7, 318) |
K |
Jason
Robbins-Sr (5-10, 158) |
.. |
|
Pete Lepley 6-1 200 Sr. |
2005
DEFENSE |
Defensive
Line
This
line's marginal pass rush should improve
as this young group is a year older. Maintaining
a solid rotation shouldn't be a problem
with so much talent back. The DEs are adequate
run-stoppers, and Seth Thitoff is their
leader, though youngsters Bernard Faithful,
Sean Williamson and Shaun Fitzgibbons have
yet to develop into standouts. Faithful
seems to have the starter's position, but
strength in numbers is the approach here.
The strength is in the middle, where beefy
redshirt soph Tyree Pollard is all-conference
material. Pollard will require two hats
to contain his prowess, or else. His counterpart,
junior J.P. Bekasiak, is smaller, quicker
and only slightly less effective at getting
penetration and tying up blockers. Backup
DTs Alfred Martin and Andre Bouldin are
too good to keep off the field. This group
has the depth to keep coming at you for
four quarters, but it needs a consistent
pass-rusher to step up, especially with
a beleaguered secondary in need of help.
Last season's growing pains will pay off
here as this experienced, sophomore/junior-laden
unit will significantly reduce foes' 21
running TDs and 4.0 per carry clip.
Linebacker
Both
inside guys return for veteran coach Tim
Rose, the new defensive coordinator. This
unit improved a little last fall, and should
be better yet in '05. Former DE Anthony
Jordan has turned into an aggressive tackling
machine who we'll see improve his pass coverage,
while David Thomas (not the SCTV stars namesake)
has beefed up in recent seasons while maintaining
his quickness to make plays all over the
place. Well-sized Jordan and Thomas are
fine in the middle, but the key will be
getting a playmaker at WHIP. Rodney Gamby,
a quick-hitting junior, has the physical
tools to be that player. Backup ILB Mike
Alston, another fast little guy, turned
into this team's best pass-rusher and should
see more time, especially in third-and-long
situations. With all the speed here, there's
no excuse for these guys not to be stronger
in pass coverage. And with a more mature
front four, they should be free to make
more plays against the run. But the size
issues in the wanna-be's are of marginal
concern when contemplating those major early
foes, though Toledo matches up well against
both Kansas and Minnesota.
Defensive
Back
Rose
will spend the majority of his time working
to improve this area, which has struggled
mightily against the high-flying offenses
of the MAC. Three starters are back in rover
Keon Jackson and corners Antonio Malone
and Nigel Morris, but expect some serious
changes (the six DBs in the latest recruiting
class will see ample real-game reps). Morris
seems solid, but Malone needs more work
in coverages. Jackson plays like a LB in
pass coverage, so Rose might want to re-think
how he disseminates Jackson's well-balanced
talent. Malone is a big, physical player
who would be better at the vacated free
safety spot. Again, the first few games
should be a relatively light load, so there's
time for this group to solidify by the start
of conference play. The youthful injection
we spoke of above won't be dwarfed by big
WRs, but there are not many with sub-4.5-second
40 speed, so technique will have to overcome
this lacking raw ability. It's hard to imagine
this secondary being much worse. Even as
a mid-major, this will never be an elite
team with the 113th-ranked pass defense,
so expect the off-season focus here to pay
off by mid-season. Practicing against Gradkowski
can be demoralizing
but they have to
realize, that if they can even partially
stop him, they will be able to compete with
any foe.
DEFENSIVE
BREAKDOWN
This
team finished 9-4 and won the MAC with one
of the nation's worst pass defenses, but
it had to win shootouts against Miami and
Bowling Green to do so. They will not have
that much luck again with most MAC offenses
expected to improve. Run defense should
be sound, but only because foes will continue
to pass until the secondary proves they
shouldn't. Rose will eventually find the
right secondary combo to initiate improvements
among his returning personnel, but that
could take too long with so many new guys
to check out. Size issues in the LBs make
them seem like DBs, so we'll see if Rose
can interchangeably make the back-seven
more effective.
|
|
DB
Keon Jackson
|
|
|
TOLEDO
2005 DEPTH CHART
Returning Starters/Key
Players |
DEFENSE |
DE |
Sean
Williamson-So (6-2, 287) |
Nick
Lawrence- So (6-2, 225)
Seth Thitoff-Jr (6-2, 225) |
DT |
Tyree
Pollard-So (6-4, 310) |
Alfred
Martin-So (6-5, 255) |
DE |
J.P.
Bekasiak-Jr (6-5, 272) |
Bernard
Faithful-So (6-3, 225) |
OLB |
Mike
Alston-Jr (6-2, 205) |
De'Veon
Harris-Fr (6-0, 200) |
ILB |
Anthony
Jordan-Sr (6-3, 230) |
Marques
McFarlin-So (6-2, 226) |
ILB |
David
Thomas-Sr (6-2, 230) |
Shaun
Fitzgibbons-So (6-0, 218) |
OLB |
Steven
Morrison-So (6-2, 200) |
Mike
Chamberlain-Jr (6-2, 196) |
CB |
Nigel
Morris-So (6-0, 164) |
Bo
Martin-Jr (6-1, 198) |
CB |
Antonio
Malone-Sr (6-1, 186) |
Jason
Flowers-Sr (6-0, 174) |
ROV |
Keon
Jackson-Sr (5-11, 206) |
Greg
Hay-So (6-2, 215) |
FS |
Tyrell
Herbert-So (6-2, 180) |
Brandon
Alexander-So (6-1, 180) |
P |
Brett
Kern-So (6-3, 185) |
.. |
|
|
|
2005
SPECIAL TEAMS |
Kicker
This spot is almost automatic with senior Jason
Robbins returning. The offense rarely had to settle
for a field goal, but when it did, Robbins was
9-of-10. He doesn't have a huge leg, though, with
his career-long a 40-yarder, so expect plenty
of pooch punts from Kern. Kickoffs, handled by
soph Mike Krispinsky, are a plus as this team
ranked 11th in the nation in coverage.
Punter
Sophomore Brett Kern did a nice job as a frosh,
dropping 12 punts inside the 20. He had two kicks
blocked, so he'll have to be a little quicker.
But, overall, he's a solid young punter who should
improve. Coverage, which was average and allowed
a TD, needs to match kickoff coverage. With more
team speed and a more experienced punter, it should.
Return
Game
Odom, who handled several kicks and punts last
fall, is the most likely candidate to take over.
Jalen Parmele also got a look, but Nigel Morris
and Andrew Hawkins have been mentioned as possibilities.
All are capable ball handlers from prep, so we
will have to watch and wonder until an actual
punt and/or kick is coming down before we'll actually
know who is to get the most looks.
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