Chargers’ Remodeling Continues : Doug Wilkerson Retires; Two More USFL Players Signed

The relentless reshaping of the Chargers moved forward on two fronts Tuesday with the unexpected retirement of veteran offensive guard Doug Wilkerson and the signing of two more refugees from the United States Football League.

Wilkerson, one of the most honored linemen in the team’s history, made his decision to quit barely a week after reporting to training camp for his 16th season. It was clear the Chargers wanted to inject youth into their offensive line, as they are doing with every segment of the team.

Owner Alex Spanos, who had previously reached into the USFL for Trumaine Johnson and Tim Spencer, used the same route to sign defensive end James Lockette of the New Jersey Generals and center-tackle Jerry Doerger of the Orlando Renegades.

“And we’re not through yet,” said Spanos, echoing a recent refrain. “I’m going to be in town for four days, and you can expect more news.”

Still in his sight are defensive back Mossy Cade and running back Gary Anderson.

“We made Mossy a fair offer and we’re just going to sit back until we hear from him,” Spanos said. “We’re also waiting for a call from Anderson’s people.”

Wilkerson also was waiting a day before speaking to the media about his retirement. He will have a press conference at 11 this morning at UC San Diego.

Why the delay?

“He wanted to sleep on it,” said Rick Smith, public relations director. “He wants to gather his thoughts and have around him the people who mean a lot to him when he makes his formal announcement.”

Wilkerson, 38, the third-oldest active player in the National Football League, considered retiring in the off-season, but checked into training camp in anticipation of perhaps playing one more season.

With the Chargers, Wilkerson played and started 195 games, five behind the team record of 200 by former offensive tackle Russ Washington.

“He had talked to (offensive line coach) Dave Levy about how he would fit in,” said Ron Nay, the team’s director of scouting.

Spanos said there was a need “to get some kids in here.” At the same time, the Chargers wanted to let Wilkerson retire gracefully, the owner said.

Levy seemed surprised when questioned by reporters about Wilkerson Tuesday afternoon.

“This is news to me,” he said. “He had not played superior football this summer, but I wouldn’t say I was disappointed. After 15 years, a guy isn’t going to be like a 22-year-old. There aren’t too many dinosaurs around.”

Surviving Wilkerson on the Charger offensive line are two other throwbacks to the championship years--tackle Ed White, 38, and center Don Macek, 31.

The Chargers recently signed offensive tackle Jim Lachey, their No. 1 draft choice from Ohio State, and added another potential starter with the acquisition of Doerger.

Doerger, 6-foot 5-inches, 267 pounds, was the Chicago Bears’ eighth-round selection in 1982 and signed in 1984 with the Chicago Blitz of the USFL. He was cut by the Bears in 1983, played 17 games for the Blitz in 1984, then was selected by Orlando in the USFL dispersal draft Dec. 3, 1984.

Along with Lockette, he became a free agent last week when his name did not appear on a list of protected players.

Lockette (6-4, 259) was second in the USFL with 13 sacks this year.

“These players will give us some quality depth in the line, which we lack,” Nay said. “Linemen are not as glamorous as backs and receivers, but we’ve really upgraded our team with these additions.”

Doerger, who can play center, guard and tackle, made rapid improvement in his three seasons in the USFL, according to Nay.

“He’s a late bloomer,” Nay said. “He’s smart and a guy who really fills a need for us.”

Lockette can play end or nose guard, Nay said.

“We went after him pretty hard and we’re tickled to get him,” Nay said.

The Chargers, who for a couple of years had problems keeping their draftees out of the USFL, have suddenly reversed their field and picked up four players in the space of three weeks.

“It’s about time,” Nay said, laughing.