Toledo Rockets

Head Coach

Tom Anstutz	8th year
07-08	5-7
MAC	3-5
FCR	84

Previous Season Wins

Head Coach - Tom Amstutz will enter his 8th season and despite last years 5-7 mark he’s has an outstanding career mark of 55-32 at Toledo. The offense will be there it’s just a matter of whether they can improve on last years’116th scoring defense ranking. Many players return from injury and the Rockets have always has better than average talent, so a return to the winning ways are the expectations in Toledo.

Quarterback - If the Rockets are to improve on last seasons disappointing 5-7 mark it will be because of continued improvement of junior quarterback Aaron Opelt. Despite missing three games to injuries Opelt threw for 1,756 yards with 12 TD’s and 7 INT’s, he also had four rushing touchdown. Waiting in the wings are sophomore D.J. Lenehan and JUCO Alex Pettee, Lenehan is capable backup and Pettee possesses a big-time arm.

Running Backs - At running back junior DaJuan Collins returns, he had 636 yards rushing and 6 TD’s with an impressive 6.4 yards per carry. He’s got great speed and gets to second level in a hurry. Redshirt freshman Adonis Thomas is another speed back who’ll contribute this season. Throw in redshirt freshman Cameron Mobley and sophomore Jason Washington and you have the quickness group of runners in the MAC. Toledo had the 15th ranked rushing attack last season and even though the lack a proven inside runner they’ll still put up numbers.

Receivers - On the outside Toledo has two of the best wide receivers in the MAC in junior Stephen Williams and senior Nick Moore. Williams led t he team with 73 catches for 1,169 yards and had 7 TD’s, while Moore added 59 receptions for 731 yards. Redshirt freshman Tim Cortazzo showed this spring that he’s ready to contribute and when the Rockets for four-wide sophomore Robin Bailey will get the call. Look for senior Josh Allen to line up at tight end and help in the run game.

Offensive Line - Three starters return but both tackles must be replaced including John Greco, a three year All-MAC player. Getting the call at left tackle will be redshirt freshman Mike Van DerMuelen at right tackle, sophomore Chris Meenan. The returnees are junior Jared Dewalt at left guard, at right guard sophomore Kevin Kowalski and at center junior Buster Garrett. Size to spare upfront and the running game will be fine; the concern will be can the new tackles keep Opelt upright.

Defensive Line - The Rockets had big problems on the D-Line last season, basically they couldn’t stop the run, as they were ranked 112th nationally. On the outside sophomore Alex Johnson started eight games last year but he’ll be behind junior Derrick Summers and senior Sean Williamson this season. Summers had 58 tackles and Williamson missed last season due to injury but he’s healthy now and will be the leader upfront. On the inside juniors Skylaar Constant at tackle and nose tackle Maurice Hill return, both are a bit undersized and need to improve against the run.

Linebackers - Experienced senior Keith Forestal returns at one spot and he’ll be joined by sophomore Archie Donald who was a starter in 06’ but missed last season. Donald is a rising size who plays sideline-to-sideline; Forestal has the size to help the run defense and needs to step up in his final campaign. Look for JUCO Daris Quinn and Beau Brudzinski to get plenty of playing time.

Defensive Backs - This unit is the strength of the defense and they’re led by strong safety junior Barry Church at free safety senior Tyrell Herbert. Church had 92 tackles and 3 interceptions last year and Herbert who missed much of last season was the teams leading tackler in 06’. Rover Lester Richmond also returns, the junior led the team with 97 tackles and added 3 INT’s. At cornerback sophomore Myshan Pettis and junior Walter Atkins return but sophomore Desmond Marrow will push them for playing time.

Special Teams - The placekicking is in the capable hands of junior Alex Sreigerwald who was a perfect 13 for 13 last year. Taking over at punter will be redshirt freshman Bill Claus. The return units were lousy last year and more will be expected of junior DaJuan Collins and senior Nick Moore this season.

Schedule - They open at a week late Arizona so they don’t get a bye week, then get an improved Fresno at home and travel to Michigan to face the Wolverines, not a formula for a winning season. The good news is all the MAC powers must travel to Toledo, so it they can defend their home turf a winning record is achievable. Too many roadblocks for the Rockets in 08’ look for more of the same as Toledo will end the year with only 3 wins.