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2007
"We're really excited about our junior class," Ross, a former player at Fresno State, said. "They still experienced some growing pains this season, but we think these guys could be the foundation of really something special for us next season. They all have the ability to be Division I players and they're all great kids both on and off the field." Probably the most high profile player at Crespi for next season will be running back E.J. Woods, who transferred into Crespi this fall and ended up running for 438 yards and five scores on just 62 carries. He finally started to pick the offense up late for Crespi after struggling early and had big games against Loyola and Bismat Amat. Woods also showed flashes of excellence on defense with 31 tackles, four sacks and one fumble recovery in only seven games on defense. "He had 148 yards against Loyola," Ross said. "He also had 135 yards against Bishop Amat. Those are big games against some very good defenders. He's very well built at 6-foot and 200 pounds, and he has good quickness. He's also tough to bring down in the open field because he can beat you with his power and with his speed. "We feel by the time he's done as a senior, he's going to have a chance to be really special." Woods won't be the only offensive weapon next year for the Celts. Ross is really high on his quarterback Kevin Prince and all-purpose back Austin Shanks. Prince threw for 1,422 yards as a junior. He completed 56 percent of his passes and had 12 touchdowns with only five interceptions. At 6-foot-2 and 185 pounds and good feet, he should be one of LA's better signal-callers next year. "He's really come along as a junior," Ross said. "There's no question he's a legit D-I quarterback. I think he's good enough to play in the Pac 10. He's a very accurate thrower, and he's very intelligent. He makes the right calls and gets us into good situations. He's also a good leader and everybody respects him in the huddle." Shanks, who is 5-foot-8 and 155 pounds, was the main workhorse for Crespi this season on offense, with 891 yards rushing and nine touchdowns. While Woods might be the more complete back, Shanks' game is all about speed and explosive ability to take it to the house on any play. "He's our scat back," Ross said. "He could also be a cornerback on the next level. He's definitely athletic enough. You watch him on tape and he blows up a lot of angles and make people miss. He was very consistent for us all year long, and he's only going to get bigger, stronger and faster by next year." College football fans, especially Colorado fans, will recognize the last name of Crespi's other big-time junior prospect. Tight end Joseph Fauria is the nephew of former CU All-American 12-year NFL veteran Christian Fauria. Fauria now is all potential. He's still rather thin at 6-foot-7 and 235 pounds, but you can see why Ross is excited about him. On film he shows flashes of brilliance, especially on one play where he ran an opposing defender down after he intercepted a ball and almost returned it for a touchdown. Once he fills into that body of his, he's going to be a heck of a player. "He's very good at most everything," Ross said. "He's already 6-7 and 235 pounds, and he's still growing. He's starting to really run well and learn more about what it takes to be a successful player on the next level. He obviously has some great bloodlines, and he wants to work hard. That's why I think he's going to make it and be a special player for somebody." Just like next year could be a truly special year for Crespi. "We're really excited about what's coming up," Ross said. "We had some ups and downs this year, but next year should be really fun." |