Trojans Going to Fullerton

The Trojans will hold a scrimmage Saturday night at Cal State Fullerton and are closing it to the public. It is to be game-like, complete with an overtime period, so players can get a feel for the NCAA’s new tie-breaker rule.

“We’ve got a lot of young people,” said Coach John Robinson, whose team opens Aug. 25 against Penn State in the Kickoff Classic at the New Jersey Meadowlands. “I want them to have a sense of going somewhere else to play.”

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Sophomore wide receiver Mike Bastianelli, who is having a big preseason training camp, believes the departure of Keyshawn Johnson means this year’s team will have three receivers with 40 or more catches.

Last year, Johnson had a record-breaking 102 catches. Next was fullback Terry Barnum with 33.

“We’re really going to spread it around this season, other teams won’t know who to cover,” Bastianelli said.

“Last year, a lot of the patterns were designed for Keyshawn. This year, it’ll be a much more complex pass offense and everyone’s going to be involved.”

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Chris Brymer, a junior guard, won the team’s annual strength contest, bench-pressing 450 pounds. Defensive end Darrell Russell was runner-up at 425. Twelve Trojans bench-pressed more than 400 pounds, the same number as last year.

Most improved honors went to wide receiver Larry Parker, who enhanced his bench press by 75 pounds.