Titans’ Apparent Lack of Defense Isn’t Laughing Matter for Murphy

Gene Murphy, Cal State Fullerton football coach, usually is given to colorful expressions and can be counted on for an adroit turn of phrase. But this year, his talk turns plain when he speaks about a defense that returns only five starters, only three of whom figure to continue to start.

“We’ve got to get better,” Murphy said. “We have to improve.”

The Titans allowed 25 or more points nine times in 1986, when their record was 3-9, their first losing season in four years. They return eight starters on offense, although among those missing is the school’s all-time leading rusher, Rick Calhoun. Still, it’s hardly lost on anyone, least of all Murphy, that the defense is what needs shoring up.

The Titans will begin that process today as the full squad practices for the first time. The rookies--freshmen, junior transfers and the nine players who have qualified after failing to meet Proposition 48 standards last year--began workouts in shorts Tuesday. The first practice in pads is set for Wednesday, with the first scrimmage scheduled for Saturday.

The Titans open their season three weeks from today, at Hawaii on Sept. 5, and they play the next week at Louisiana State, which is ranked in the top 10 in most publications’ football previews.

One key on defense will be replacing outside linebackers Sean Foy and Mark Chisom. Ted Hinton, a senior, figures to earn one spot; and John Smith, a converted tight end, and Damon Culbertson, a community college transfer, are expected to battle for the other.

At inside linebacker, Fullerton is hoping for a strong return by Bryan Riggs, who injured his knee early last season and is attempting to come back after reconstructive surgery. Bill Bryan, a junior co-captain, also returns, as does Jeff Hipp, a starter in 1986 who is expected to be edged out by Riggs, who is first on the depth chart.

Much of the shape the defense will take, though, depends on the performance of community college transfers whom the coaching staff has yet to see in action. Because of the dire situation of the defense, Murphy and his staff moved away from their usual practice of recruiting largely freshmen and concentrated on community college players--immediate help, they hope. At defensive tackle, the battle for the starting position figures to be between two community college transfers, Charlie Scott and Tommy Thompson.

On offense, the biggest question is who will fill Calhoun’s spot. Tracey Pierce, who gained 55 yards on 25 carries last year as Calhoun’s backup, is the early candidate, although there are a handful who may claim the position.

Quarterback looks solid with Ronnie Barber, a senior who took over the starting position in the third game last season, a victory over Idaho State, the Titans’ first of the year. Carlos Siragusa, who Murphy said had an “excellent spring,” is a close competitor.

Regardless of who does the throwing, there will be some returning starters to pass to--John Gibbs and Todd White at wide receiver and Jim Thornton at tight end.

But until Wednesday, it’s just practice in shorts--stretching and sprinting and re-orienting.

“The impression part will come when they put the pads on,” Murphy said. “They may look like all-lobby in shorts, but we want to get the pads on to see if they’re all-football field.”