 "Photo: RYAN BRENNAN/THE VISTA")
After back-to-back PFL championships in 2005 and 2006 followed by consecutive 9-2 seasons in 2007 and 2008, the Torero football program has been accustomed to success. But the Toreros were unexpectedly humbled last season by their 4-7 record amidst quarterback controversy and a lack of depth at certain positions. Therefore, based on their atypical sub-par season, the Toreros were picked to finish fifth in the Pioneer Football League preseason coaches poll. In spite of this low ranking and their inferior 2009 season, USD football is not deterred.
"There is some extra motivation when you are picked to finish in the middle of the league," defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Jon Sumrall said. "The most lasting motivation is the desire to compete and get better everyday."
It is obvious that Coach Sumrall and USD football are focused on the season ahead and have already put last season, their worst in over a decade, behind them.
"Last year's season is over and that was a different team than this team. The players can't worry about last season. The focus is on what we can control right now," Coach Sumrall said.
Last season there were many factors that the Toreros could not control, which is part of the reason for their poor performance. Sebastian Trujillo, the Toreros' starting quarterback at the beginning of the year, departed from the team without warning due to financial difficulties. His departure marked the beginning of a transition from an explosive passing game to a smash-mouth running attack anchored by a fast and hard-hitting defense.
It is this ferocious defense that will be the key to the Toreros' success this season. And as with anything in football, the foundation for this year's defense is the line.
The defensive linemen, led by second team all-PFL preseason selections senior Paul Tremblay and junior Mario Kurn, look to anchor the entire defense.
"Mario is such a talented player and plays with such a high motor," Coach Sumrall said. He truly gives relentless effort all the time and has a chance to be a special player."
Arguably the most important person for the defense on the field and in the locker room is Tremblay. His leadership and motivation the past three years have been essential to maintaining a winning atmosphere at USD.
"Paul has done a good job as a leader and keeping our guys focused during camp," Coach Sumrall said. "I expect for Paul's play and leadership to have a huge impact on the defense and the team."
Led by all-conference cornerback and two-year starter Adi Adeyemi, the defensive backfield will be fast and vastly improved. The departure of Gabe Derricks, arguably the best cornerback in the PFL last season and new member of the Atlanta Falcons organization, will be difficult to replace. But Adeyemi, along with upstart junior cornerback Jamil Wade are more than equipped to take the reigns from Derricks.
Training camp, which began on Aug. 20, was Wade's coming out party. With little playing time in the past due to high-caliber players such as Derricks and Adeyemi, Wade had little to no chance to show what he could do on the field. But in this summer's training camp, he has shined.
"At this point in training camp the most improved defensive player is defensive back Jamil Wade," Coach Sumrall said. "He has really learned how to compete and become a mentally tough football player. "
Undeniably the biggest change of this past offseason has been the promotion of Coach Sumrall to Defensive Coordinator after the retirement of George Darlington. His promotion has the defense fired up and recharged after having a dismal season last fall.
The offense will definitely take advantage of Coach Sumrall's improved defense, as they should likely have more clock control and better field position.
Quarterback Sam Scudalleri, who replaced Sebastian Trujillo last season as the leader of the offense, showed flickers of prowess in spite of only playing in seven games because of an injury. Scudalleri leads an offense which brings back starters at every skill position, but loses a Torero legend in running back J.T. Rogan.
Rogan is USD's all time leading rusher and will be greatly missed, both on and off the field. But Scudalleri has enough weapons to fill the void Rogan left behind.
Filling the chasm left by Rogan will be experienced running backs Phil Morelli and Matt Jelmini. Morelli and Jelmini both gained valuable experience two seasons ago when Rogan went down with a season ending injury. Jelmini's exceptional vision combined with Morelli's receiving skills in the flats will provide Scudalleri with two versatile options at running back.
Scudalleri will also be able to capitalize on the chemistry developed with wide receivers Godfrey Smith and John McGough, as well as tight end Patrick Doyle.
And even though the offensive line lost three starters to graduation, the experience at the skill positions will more than make up for those losses.
"The entire team is working hard and I have been pleased with what we have seen so far in training camp," Coach Sumrall said.
Even though Coach Sumrall has been pleased, the Toreros still have a lot of work to do to put last season behind them.
The Toreros are armed with the weapons, both on offense and defense, to compete for that familiar place atop the PFL hierarchy. The first step back to their expected place of prominence is on Sept. 4 against Azusa Pacific University at 6 p.m. in Torero Stadium.
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