College Players
University of San Diego - Anthony Banovac
By Richard J. Marcus UNION-TRIBUNE
Aug 25, 2001, 8:17pm

University of San Diego

It's near the end of a morning workout on a hot August day at the USD practice field. Defensive tackle Anthony Banovac propels his 6-foot-1, 265-pound frame through the prescribed drills.

Banovac's legs aren't the only thing in motion. The fifth-year senior has a motor-mouth, and he likes to chatter with the volume turned up.

"Banovac is probably the loudest guy I've ever met," said senior safety Kyle Slusser. "He can't whisper. Everything is a shout."

Added USD coach Kevin McGarry: "Banovac talks at a decibel level above normal."

#57 Anthony Banovac - Crespi Class of 1997

Banovac, who played his high school football at Encino Crespi, suffered a right knee injury in training camp last year and missed the season. After surgery and rehab, Banovac will be on the field to anchor the defensive front when USD opens its season at 7 p.m. next Saturday against nonleague opponent Azusa Pacific at Torero Stadium.

"I've been looking forward to playing Azusa Pacific for almost two years now," Banovac said. "When the national anthem is played, I'll be ready."

Because of an inexperienced offense -- especially at the skill positions -- the Toreros will be counting on Banovac and defensive mates such as seniors Bryan Baxter (linebacker), Brian Luman (linebacker) and Slusser to erase the memories of last season's disappointing 4-6 record and fourth-place finish in the Pioneer Football League.

Banovac, a second-team All-PFL selection as a junior, was the most dominant Toreros lineman in '99, racking up 34 tackles (16 unassisted and 11 for losses), seven sacks and three quarterback hurries.

Due in part to Banovac's absence, USD's defense slumped in 2000, especially against the pass. Average passing yardage allowed by the Toreros increased by more than 100 yards per game over 1999.

"Banovac's absence clearly impacted the overall performance of our defense. We didn't get the production on the pass rush," McGarry said. "It wasn't his sack numbers, it was the consistent pressure that he provides."

Banovac, who has good speed and average strength for his size, has 10 sacks coming into the season and is 10 sacks short of breaking the record of 19 set by Dave Dunn (1987-89).

"If Banovac sets a new record, I would have to hope that somebody would break his record real quick, otherwise he will call me every day to remind me," said McGarry, who has learned to appreciate Banovac's sense of humor.

"Banovac makes up stories, like the time he told some of the new players that I was really his father."

A communications major, Banovac will graduate in December and is planning to live in his parents' native Croatia next summer before embarking on a career in the media.

Before then, he has a little more talking to do in his final season.

"I am verbal with the other team," Banovac said. "I like to jabber back and forth with the linemen who our guarding me. It makes the game fun and interesting."



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