Equipped with the program's 29th Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) title, the 2014 edition of the University of Redlands football program looks to build upon its recent momentum by exceeding its high standards of excellence and success. After competing in the NCAA Division III Championships for the seventh time last season, the Maroon and Gray remains focused on returning to the national stage while achieving multiple programmatic goals along the way.
For the first time in Head Coach Mike Maynard's 27-year tenure, Redlands returns its entire coaching staff, providing great stability and continuity within the ranks. In addition, the Bulldogs welcome former student-athlete Daniel Davis to the sidelines as an offensive assistant, working primarily with Coach Taylor Chapatte and the wide receivers. In addition, Chapatte and Coach Aaron De La Rosa team up to coordinate the kicking game for the first time.
The familiarity of the staff positively trickles down into the Bulldogs' starting quarterback in junior Kevin Russell (Lacey, WA), who remains under center after establishing himself during the team's undefeated conference showing last season. This co-captain enters his second campaign with the Maroon and Gray as a preseason All-American who is bursting with an insatiable desire to improve upon last year's success that included more than 1,400 passing yards and a completion rate of 62%.
Providing outstanding support for Russell, sophomore quarterbacks Paul Avila (Gallup, NM) and Justin Cillay (Pullman, WA) duke it out in an interesting race for the No. 2 position. In addition, the Bulldogs welcome a pair of dual-sport talents in freshman Joe Kuehn (Eugene, OR), who also boasts incredible golf skills, and freshman Noah Whitney (Los Angeles, CA), who brings baseball experience from his CIF championship experience at Dorsey High School.
These play-callers benefit from a slew of targets among a talented and deep receiving corps, highlighted by senior wide receiver James Ramirez (La Verne, CA), who provided a phenomenal showing against the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (TX) during the 2013 NCAA playoffs. The team also returns junior Stephen Rodriguez (Brentwood, CA) as a fast and strong option while looking forward to solid contributions from freshman Kevin Norman (Irvine, CA) and sophomore Kevin Johnson (Discovery Bay, CA). Finally, the Bulldogs welcome a highly-talented newcomer class of receivers in freshmen Cole Blackburn (Sammamish, WA), Nate Manomat-Rodriguez (Placentia, CA), and Zack Verspoor (Mansfield, OH), as well as junior transfer Tyler Shreve (Redlands, CA).
Furthermore, the Bulldogs hold high expectations for the outside receiver group that includes seniors Sam Angelo (Woodinville, WA), Connor Waitkus (Henderson, NV), and Tyler Bassler (San Diego, CA). Maynard expects significant output from this veteran trio due to continued dedication and development throughout the last three years. Redlands also looks to sophomores Erick Oscarson (Lake Chelan, WA) and Jack Peterson (Seattle, WA) to solidify the group with their knowledge and skill. In addition, the team counts on a trio of transfer students to make an immediate impact. Sophomore Andrew Robbins (Hesperia, CA) joins the program as a tall, strong, and talented quarterback-turned-wide-receiver, while junior Colin Spencer (Olivet, MI) arrives on the scene as a courageous and tough option with starting experience at Bakersfield College. Sophomore Makale Ruiz-McCobb (Fontana, CA) arrives from Whittier College, where he served as a starter for the Poets. Finally, freshman Kyle Kabeary (Indio, CA) rounds out the newcomers as a decorated and versatile player with ability to play multiple positions.
"Overall, we are very excited about the wide receivers," stated Maynard.
The Bulldog offense works to keep its opponents off-balanced with a relentless ground attack that is highlighted by incredible depth for their top option.
"This is the strongest group of running backs that I have seen in my 27 years at Redlands," commented Maynard. "We have five or six players who could easily be our No. 1."
With such a great problem to manage, the Bulldogs excitedly return a three-headed, ball-carrying monster in senior Bobby Brown (Rancho Santa Margarita, CA), junior Curtis Tanquary (San Jose, CA), and sophomore Devin Appleton (San Jose, CA). Brown boasts the most experience after enjoying what Maynard tabbed an all-conference season, despite being excluded in the honor. While taking significant carries in his second year, Appleton pleased the coaches with his signs of brilliance and works to build upon that in 2014. Finally, Tanquary provides sheer muscle through the opponents' defense, creating big yards at critical times.
Beyond this talented threesome, sophomore transfer Tyrone Sauls Jr. (El Cajon, CA) joins the Maroon and Gray as a big, strong, and powerful runner, while freshman Adam Goss (West Covina, CA) joins the crew as an extremely versatile option. The Bulldogs also receive support from sophomore Taku Shiozaki (Seattle, WA), newly-converted sophomore running back Austin Terry (Concord, CA), and freshman Nicolas Pegnato (Marine del Rey, CA), along with newcomers Coleton Fitzgerald (Spokane, WA), Alex Andrighetto (Portola Valley, CA), and Markell Lindley Jr (Spring Valley, CA).
Redlands also boasts a hearty contingent of tight ends, creating ideal combinations for the Bulldog offense. Junior Andre Ramirez (Corcoran, CA) brings power to the game, while junior Tanner Berry (Paso Robles, CA) and sophomore Ted Parker (Seattle, WA) provide a strong, physical aspect to the field. Freshman Trenton Sauls (El Cajon, CA) offers a similar mold as his brother with the necessary strength to gain tough yards inside. Freshmen Bryce Broadwell (Henderson, NV), Jake Bushman (Chesterfield, MO), and Trevor Jones (Indio, CA) provide additional options at tight end.
Headed up by senior co-captain Aaron Hinkle (Lodi, CA), the offensive line sets the stage for the team's scoring opportunities with outstanding execution. This preseason All-American strives to make the most of his final season as an integral part of the line. Maynard looks to senior Zachary Alford (Redding, CA) and sophomore Andrew Kott (Anaheim, CA) to step up as returning offensive tackles. Also, count on sophomore Sam Yaeger (Mission Viejo, CA) to really mature into his role, while freshmen Connor Anderson (San Jose, CA) and Enrique Huerta (Whittier, CA) also vie for opportunities.
At the guard position, Redlands combines the knowledge and skill of the returnees with a talented influx of competitors. Among the veterans, senior Denver Rogers (Idyllwild, CA) brings tenacity and effort to every play, while junior Paul Governale (La Habra, CA) and sophomore Chris Kauffman (Elk Grove, CA) look to step into bigger roles this season.
Overall, Maynard holds high expectations for the newcomers of the offensive line.
"This is the best recruiting class of offensive lineman we have had in a long time," he stated.
Among them, freshmen Matthew Schallert (Canyon Lake, CA) and Toma Suafoa-Aumavae (Lakewood, CA) offer the ability to move right into a contributing role. Expect Suafoa-Aumave to make an immediate impact as one who fits into any position along the line. In addition, newcomers Tristan Rodewald (Yorba Linda, CA), Mike Serrano (San Diego, CA), Tristan Skraber (Auburn, CA), and Zachary Vazquez (Beaumont, CA) provide great depth to the team.
At center, Redlands boasts one of the best in senior Mason Marino (Reno, NV), but junior Adam Brissey (Dublin, CA) works to push him for playing time. Freshman Konner Moses (Long Beach, CA) works to learn the ropes from this dynamic duo.
On the other side of the ball, the Bulldogs possess a lot of talent and determination to pick up where last year's defense led the nation in red-zone stops.
At cornerback, a hearty group of contenders push for playing time, with senior Stephen Reyes (Kingsburg, CA) heading up the crew as a skilled option in pass coverage. Senior Gabriel Lemus (San Diego, CA) also looks to finish out his career on a high note, as he returns to his pre-injury form. Freshman Oliver Brown (Alta Loma, CA), sophomores Jalen DeVine (Richland, WA), Aaron Mandell (Seattle, WA), and Josh Silverman (La Crescenta, CA), along with juniors Trevor Glaser (Yucaipa, CA) and junior David Nwagbara (Santa Rosa, CA), require key consideration as well. Finally, the position group welcomes newcomers Chase Armstrong (Highland, UT) and Justin Radford-Berry (Phillips Ranch, CA) as viable contributors in their rookie campaign. Finally, freshman Owen Brown (Santee, CA) adds to the depth of this talented aspect of the defense.
The Bulldogs also hold high expectations for success at the safety and full-safety spots. Junior Curran Fudge (Oklahoma City, OK), sophomore quarterback-turned-defensive-back Michael Finkelstein (Denver, CO), junior Emeka Anigbogu (Temecula, CA), and senior Zach Roberts (Oregon City, OR) bring experience and knowledge to the position, while freshmen Kevin Kocher (Shoreline, WA) and Michael Jordano (Arroyo Grande, CA) add to the mix with their athleticism and versatility.
The safeties include sophomore Steven Best (Yucaipa, CA), who entered the program a year ago as one of the team's top prospects and looks to capitalize on having a year under his belt. After starting in 2013, junior DJ Dawson Jr. (Atwater, CA) holds high hopes for his third season, while sophomore Connor Hoffman (Tustin, CA) continually impresses with his big-time contributions, like his game-changing interception against Chapman University last season. Freshman Sebastian Santoro (Burbank, CA) enters the program as a well-versed player who will push the veterans to up the ante on their own performance. Freshman Cesar Delgado (Placentia, CA) arrives on the scene as a physical player with similar skills as Hoffman. Furthermore, count on freshmen Andrew Lewis (Las Vegas, NV) and Davis Peralta (Murrieta, CA) to vie for playing time in their first season with the Bulldogs, while newcomer Finley Nahn (Madison, WI) works to develop under the Redlands system.
At outside linebacker, Redlands returns two veterans who are neck and neck for the starting role. Sophomore Alex Lowes (Redlands, CA) and junior Luke Simpson (Seattle, WA) sit in the driver's seat for securing this spot on the field.
At the inside position, senior co-captain Michael Tootle (Las Vegas, NV) looks to continue his All-SCIAC performance of a year ago with tenacity and persistence. The preseason All-American is pushed by freshmen Patrick Neville (Salt Lake City, UT) and Curren Lapes (Ladera Ranch, CA) as talented linebackers. In addition, sophomore Art Turner IV (San Diego, CA) and freshman Jerrod James (Gilbert, AZ) provide excellent support to the defensive unit.
Redlands looks forward to the return of junior Griffin Lord (Upland, CA) as a Sam-linebacker. Despite missing last season, he received a preseason All-American nod in 2014, emphasizing the endless possibilities for this big player. Freshman Mitch Shepherd (Seattle, WA) adds impressive depth as a truly versatile linebacker, while sophomores Conner Schultz (Olympia, WA) and Sean Courtney (South Pasadena, CA), along with freshman Nathan Chupp (Temecula, CA), mix into the options.
The defensive line incorporates senior co-captain Jordan Bixler (Redlands, CA) and sophomore Adrian Rodriguez (Chino, CA), both of whom work to build upon their experiences. Count on sophomore Ishmal Bartley (Riverside, CA) to continue his upward momentum as a viable contender, while freshman Trevor Raras (Novato, CA) also pushes for playing time. Sophomore Zachary Black (Lake Arrowhead, CA) and newcomer Blake Decker (Running Springs, CA) create a formidable duo that resonates from their success at Rim of the World High School. Additional key rookies include sophomore Brian Keyser (Medford, NJ) as a first-year transfer from Salisbury University (PA) and freshman David Rowden (Newhall, CA), who hails from a strong program at William S. Hart High School. Providing another option at defensive end, sophomore Gurlabe Dhaliwal (Fresno, CA) returns to action after a year hiatus.
At defensive tackle, the Bulldogs boast juniors Mike Khoury (Moreno Valley, CA) and Jack Rulon (Huntington Beach, CA) as a talented tandem that is primed for big contributions. In addition, expect freshmen Danny Badgley (Renton, WA), Michael Burnette Jr. (Oxnard, CA), Tristan Corwin (Wildomar, C)A, and Cole Stevens (Olympia, WA), as well as junior Alex Mendoza (Pasadena, CA), to push for opportunities on defense.
Finally, the team strives to raise the bar in the kicking game with new and veteran talent alike. With sophomore Christian Dirksen (Ontario, CA) questionable due to injury, Redlands counts on junior transfer Sean Murray (Phoenix, AZ) to make an immediate impact as a special-teams weapon. However, sophomore Nathan Kuzbari (Clayton, CA) and junior Brandon Rominger (Santa Paula, CA) boast opportunities to contribute as well, providing their own special talents to the needs of the team as place-kickers.
With a large and talented roster, Maynard anticipates a great race for playing time in multiple facets of the rotation, which results in highly-competitive practices.
"All spots are up for grabs. This great competition in practice helps us reach our full potential and avoid complacency."
This in turn sets the stage for another banner year in Bulldog football, as the program chases its 30th SCIAC title and inaugural Division III playoff victory. The team wastes no time in facing quality opponents in preparation for the conference schedule, as it kicks off the season with No. 2 Mary Hardin-Baylor. The teams meet for the fourth time since 2011, with every loss against the Crusaders serving as great motivation for redemption on Sept. 13.
The Maroon and Gray opens at home against No. 4 Linfield College (OR) for Rah Rah Redlands on Sept. 20.
"We have a great opportunity to play tough opponents. We are ready for the challenge," Maynard said.
After the bye week, Redlands kicks off SCIAC competition with hopes of defending its title. The squad looks forward to hosting Cal Lutheran University for the Smudge Pot Trophy on Oct. 11, before facing Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Colleges on Homecoming, and then closing out the regular season with Chapman University and Occidental College in November.
"Every game was big last year, and we do not take anyone for granted. We have great respect for all of our opponents."