Southern Utah University's football team begins spring workouts Monday at SUU's Coliseum. The Thunderbirds move up from Division II to Div. I-AA play this fall.
Joining SUU in the move up are Cal State Northridge, Cal State Sacramento, Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo and Western Football Conference newcomer UC Davis.Entering spring drills, SUU coach Jack Bishop is optimistic about his team. "Overall, I think we are a pretty solid team," Bishop said. "The defense should be solid, particularly in the secondary and linebackers, and most of the offense will be coming back, so we should be strong there."
On the defensive line, the T-Birds return top tackler Jared Hunsaker (103 tackles, six for a loss) in the middle, along with James Bleak (21 tackles). Anchoring the defensive line should be senior nosetackle Chris Kruger, who totaled 51 tackles, four for loss, and 3.5 sacks last season.
In the defensive backfield, John Banks (39 tackles, four deflections, one interception), and Randy Roskelly (32 tackles, three interceptions) return at the corners, while Joe Straw (50 tackles, one sack, two interceptions) returns at strong safety (but may move to free safety).
On the offensive side of the ball, tailback Daniel Harris will take over for all-time rushing leader Zed Robinson. Harris started ahead of senior Robinson at the end of last season. He gained 613 yards on 119 carries (5.2 yards per carry) and seven TDs. Benji Hoskins (207 yards, 57 carries, 3.6 ypc) and Rob Warden (3.7 ypc) return at fullback.
Sophomore Rick Robins (119-223-53.4 percent) returns after starting every game at quarterback last season.
The offensive front line returns all five starters. All-WFC performers Paul Bittmenn (6-5, 265, Sr.) and Kevin Boyer (6-7, 260, Sr.) return at tackles along with interior linemen Jeff Fisher (C/G, 6-3, 260, Sr.) and Roy Mathews (G, 6-0, 265, Sr.) Senior Nat Adams (C/G, 6-2, 260) will miss spring ball after surgery but will be ready to play in the fall.
The T-Birds will hold scrimmages on April 23, 28 and 30 and May 5. The annual Red/White spring game is set for May 7 at 7 p.m. in the Coliseum. Practices begin daily at 4 p.m.