Titans Discover New Strength, Weakness : Fullerton Has Veterans on Offense, Lacks Experience on Defense

Has someone decided Cal State Fullerton’s football team can succeed at one of the following, but not both?

A) Scoring.

B) Stopping others from scoring.

Last season, Fullerton had a defense that held opponents to an average of less than 14 points in Big West Conference games. And an offense that seemed to have a strange aversion to the end zone, even from less than 10 yards out.

Naturally, most of the defense is gone this season. And most of the offense is back.

That’s the way of college sports: Just when you get something down, the players’ eligibility runs out.

When Fullerton opens its 10th season under Coach Gene Murphy Saturday against Northern Illinois in DeKalb, Ill., it will be trying to win its opener for the first time since 1984, when the Titans were 11-1. Fullerton, 5-6 last year, also will be trying to have a winning record for the first time since 1985.

The attempt will be made without defensive end A.J. Jenkins, linebacker Jerry Leggett and nose guard Alex Stewart, all National Football League draft choices. Only three starters are back from last year’s defense--outside linebackers Chris Wright and Harold Jones and free safety Mike Schaffel.

But two players who saw extensive action last season are back--nose guard John Bavaro, who left the team after seven games because of family commitments, and linebacker Russ Oleyer, who finished the season with 54 tackles.

Kirk Harmon, the Titans’ defensive coordinator, sees some reason for optimism even though Fullerton will start four players on defense Saturday who have never played a down for the Titans--including both cornerbacks, Terry Tramble and Darrell Bruce.

“The good news is we feel like we have the talent; we’re just lacking in experience,” Harmon said. “Which is a lot better than having the experience and not the talent. A lot better.”

The offense is led by quarterback Dan Speltz, who began last season by fumbling a wet ball four times in a loss to Southwestern Louisiana and finished it by passing for well over 200 yards in each of the final three games. Also back: running backs Mike Pringle and Tim Byrnes and receiver Rocky Palamara.

The team at a glance:

Defensive line and linebackers: Bavaro, says teammate Schaffel, “is about as ferocious as they get.” Outside linebackers Jones, who bench-presses 475 pounds, and Wright are the most experienced players and keys to the defense. J.C. Farrow inherits Jenkins’ position. Community college transfer Dave Dorf won the position at tackle. Oleyer and another transfer, Shawn Forristall, are the inside linebackers.

Secondary: Schaffel, a regular for the third season, is the most experienced member. Shaun Dennis, a part-time player last season, also will start.

Offensive line: Reggie Redding, a 6-4, 295-pound senior who is moving from guard to tackle this season, is the Titans’ top professional prospect. Tom Gang, a part-time player last season, is the other tackle. Marc Hauser, who started last season, is back at center. At guard will be community college transfer Shannon Illingworth and letterman Laita Leatutufu, at 6-2, 300 pounds. At tight end, Bill Brennan beat redshirt freshman Mike Kent.

Quarterback: Speltz passed for 1,924 yards, the third-best season total in school history, and was playing his best at the end of the season. Paul Schulte will back him up.

Running Backs: Murphy has said Pringle could be the best running back the Titans have had. Pringle was the Titans’ leading rusher last season with 496 yards, despite missing two games because of a transfer eligibility ruling and one because of an injury. Fullback Byrnes adds consistent short-yardage ability.

Receivers: Palamara was the leading receiver last season with 53 catches for 875 yards. Mark Hill is the other starter. Tony Dill, the former quarterback, has been slowed during preseason by a hamstring injury.

Special teams: The key name here is Phil Nevin, the former El Dorado High School kicker who turned down a six-figure signing bonus after the Dodgers made him a third-round draft choice. Nevin will kick off, kick field goals, PATs and punt.

Titan Notes

Running back Mike Pringle required stitches after cutting a finger in practice last week, but he is expected to play Saturday. The only key player out for the opener is backup tailback Chip Grant (hamstring).