Young but experienced. That's the phrase that best describes Southern Utah University quarterback Rick Robins. In fact, it pretty much describes the entire team.
"This is probably the youngest team we've had since I've been here," head coach Jack Bishop says. "That's not necessarily bad though, because we have some real talent in our returning players and our younger kids are also talented. Now what we need, to be a successful football team, is to have enough of our key (younger) guys mature and to give our team leadership and continuity."If the rest of the squad follows Robins' lead, maturity won't be a concern. The junior from Millard County has started every game for the past two years. He is just 622 yards from SUU's all-time passing record, and 1,514 yards from the total yardage title.
"Rick has constantly improved and learned to the point I think he will be a great passer for us. His decision making has improved every time out and this year he is bigger and stronger than he has ever been. He is an ideal option quarterback, with the arm strength, the running ability and the intelligence it takes to direct our offense," Bishop says.
Assisting Robins on the offense is one of Bishop's deepest group of runners and receivers in recent years. A few changes may give the T-Birds an edge in versatility.
Senior Shawn Jones, who led the team in receiving touchdowns, yards and yards per game, in spite of missing two outings due to injury, will be on the running end of the team this year, along with Curtis Lindsey and Benji Hoskins.
Returning receivers include Melvin Lowe and Kevin Cuthbertson, who both proved themselves with more than 20 catches apiece last year.
Bishop's biggest concern going into this season was his young offensive line. The only member of last year's starting unit is senior guard Marcus Taylor. But senior center Nat Adams, who sat out last year as a medical redshirt, has returned to pull the group together.
"I was really concerned, but the offensive line has done a tremendous job. Adams could be one of the best linemen we've ever had," Bishop said.
The kicking game, which cost the 'Birds more than a couple of games last year, is more reliable this season with Snow College transfer Benji Nelson shooting for extra points. Nelson says he's never missed an extra point in a game at any level he's played at.
SUU's defensive squad has also seen its share of losses, as all-conference performers Jared Hunsaker, Joe Straw, Chris Kruger, Randy Roskelly and John Banks have all moved on, along with their 312 tackles.
But first-team all-conference members Jeff Galyean and Shawn Blackham return, and Clint Baird moves to inside LB to anchor the defense. The Thunderbird defense has ranked among the American West Conference's top two defenses in each of the last three years.
Bishop's Thunderbirds suffered a disappointing 3-7-1 season last year, with eight of their games decided by less than four points. Fortunately, the three wins were crucial ones in the AWC, giving SUU a share of the new conference's title.
This year, Bishop hopes to take advantage of seven home games and just four on the road. The opening game on Sept. 3 against Idaho may be one of the toughest ever, and a victory then could set the stage for a second conference title and a very successful year.
*****
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
1994 SUU schedule
Sep. 3 Idaho 7 p.m.
Sep. 10 at N. Arizona 7 p.m.
Sep. 17 Western State 7 p.m.
Sep. 24 E. New Mexico 7 p.m.
Oct. 1 at UC Davis 8 p.m.
Oct. 15 Weber State 1 p.m.
Oct. 22 Saint Mary's 1 p.m.
Oct. 29 CS Sacramento 1 p.m.
Nov. 5 CS Northridge 1 p.m.
Nov. 12 at Portland State 8 p.m.
Nov. 19 at Cal Poly SLO 2 p.m.
Radio: KBRE (FM-94.9)
Tickets: 586-7872
*****
Southern Utah's 1993 season (3-7-1)
Date SUU Opponent Opp. Site
Sept. 11 27 N. Arizona 31 Cedar City
Sept. 18 16 Angelo St. 18 San Angelo, TX
Sept. 25 20 Central Oklahoma 21 Edmond, OK
Oct. 2 28 UC Davis 27 Cedar City
Oct. 9 31 Montana State 32 Bozeman
Oct. 16 6 Cal Poly-SLO 38 Cedar City
Oct. 23 35 St. Mary's 35 Moraga, CA
Oct. 30 39 Weber St. 43 Ogden
Nov. 6 14 Portland State 24 Cedar City
Nov. 13 20 CS Northridge 17 Northridge, CA
Nov. 18 23 Sacramento St. 17 Sacramento