FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — The Fresno State football team reported to the practice field Friday morning to kick off spring camp, a period that head coach Matt Entz describes as “all about development.”
“The Bulldogs aren’t going to win any games in the spring,” said Entz. “We’re setting ourselves up for success in the summer, the summer leads into the fall, and we’re just trying to embrace our process right now.”
Entz established the foundation in his first season at the helm, leading the Bulldogs to a 9-4 record that included a road win at eventual Mountain West champion Boise State.
But, a foundation only holds up if it’s stable.
Consider this – Fresno State retained 14 starters from last year, as well as the entire coaching staff besides OL coach Zach Crabtree (Purdue).
They only lost three major contributors to the transfer portal – Jayden Davis, Carson Conklin, and Richie Anderson – which makes the Bulldogs one of 12 FBS programs in the country to lose that few.
If there’s anything Fresno State has, it’s stability.
“We pride ourselves on being about our people, our process, and hopefully that’s part of the reason we’ve been able to retain,” Entz said.
What Fresno State does not have yet is a starting quarterback.
With Conklin and E.J. Warner moving on, the QB battle is “very competitive” between Maryland transfer Khristian Martin, returner Jayden Mandal, and freshmen Jonathan Craft, Jacob Chambers and Deagan Rose.
“There’s a lot of servant leadership in that room as well,” Entz said. “No Bulldogs down, they are all helping each other.”
The Bulldogs were 98 players deep Friday, which Coach Entz pointed out as the most he’s ever had for a spring practice.
Running back Bryson Donelson and safety Ryan Wilson are two starters who will miss spring football while recovering from offseason surgery, according to Entz.
Fresno State returns to practice Wednesday.