Big Lou (Tribune)

[wbtfg]

Saucedo big key to Bobcats' improved play on defensive line

By SCOTT MANSCH
Tribune Asst. Sports Editor
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADVERTISEMENT
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


During Montana State's spring football scrimmage in Great Falls last April, University of Hawaii defensive coordinator Jerry Glanville was a special guest.

"Look at that No. 75," the ex-NFL head coach exclaimed at one point. "We don't have anybody who's that big at Hawaii."

The Bobcats don't have anybody as large as Louis Saucedo, either. The redshirt freshman noseguard, No. 75 on the MSU roster, is listed at 6-foot-5 and 317, although that might be conservative by 20 pounds or so.

"I've taken off a few pounds the last few weeks," he said. "I think I'm playing at a weight where I'm comfortable. I can go sideline-to-sideline and I'm able to play between 50 and 60 plays a game."

Defensive line play was a big problem last year, and the Bobcats believe some big boys can provide a solution. Saucedo and teammates Chris Kolone (6-4, 288) and Aaron Papich (6-2, 263) are the guys expected to do the heavy lifting on the defensive line this season.

The early results are encouraging. Saucedo and Co. yielded just 15 points to Oklahoma State's Cowboys last week in Stillwater, an impressive effort for any NCAA I-AA defense let alone one that struggled mightily down the stretch in 2004.

"It was OK," Saucedo said. "We've got a lot to improve on."

The Bobcats switched from a traditional 4-3 alignment to a 3-4 during the offseason. The new front relies on a talented player at noseguard, and Saucedo didn't complain when coaches switched him from offensive tackle to the defensive line.

"I've got a pretty nasty demeanor when it comes to paying football," he said. "I was hoping to add a nasty attitude to the offensive line, kind of like (star offensive guard) Fred Matua at USC. But the team needs me at noseguard and I'm happy to play wherever they need me."

In fact, Saucedo said, he would be happy to contribute even more. Especially in short-yardage situations.

"The coaches think I'm joking," he said, "but I tell them to try me at tight end, fullback — or even quarterback. I could run the quarterback sneak, or they could throw me the fade."

Don't laugh. Saucedo was a tremendous tight end in high school back in California. And the Cats have a history of trying some of their bigger, better athletes in weird positions down on the goal line. All-American linebacker Roger Cooper played a little fullback in recent years, and All-American guard Jeff Bolton, a 310-pounder, has also been a lead blocker in the backfield this year.

"I'm no stranger to catching balls or running over safeties," Saucedeo with a chuckle.

He weighed about 40 pounds less in those days. His assignment now, of course, is not to score touchdowns, but to prevent them.

"We're excited about this defense," said Saucedo. "We've got a lot of young guys and I think we'll continue to get better."

A year ago, MSU's defense was a weak link in November.

"This year we're a much deeper defense, a lot more physical," Saucedeo said.

The Bobcats face Stephen F. Austin's Lumberjacks Saturday afternoon at 1 in MSU's home opener. The Jacks piled up 517 yards of offense Sept. 1 en route to a 49-38 victory over NCAA Division II Henderson (Ark.) State.

"They're a dangerous team," Saucedo said. "They've got the potential to beat us. But I think we'll be ready for them."

[94VegasCat]

Could you imagine being a DL and seeing Saucedo and Bolton in the backfield. YIKES