University of San Diego Head Coach Ron Caragher Interview

In his first season, head coach Ron Caragher built upon the recent tradition at the University of San Diego football program. The Toreros compete in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision and are members of the Pioneer Football League. Over the last three years, the team executed a trio of successful campaigns and now are considered one of the perennial powers in the Pioneer Football League. San Diego won the league championship in 2005 and 2006. The Toreros ended 2007 with a record of 9-2 behind the strong play of quarterback Josh Johnson who was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft.

As he prepares for his second season in charge, head coach Ron Caragher recently found time this spring to answer a few questions for Football Review Daily.

Q. When you reflect on your first season, what have you taken from 2007?

Confirmation that our approach and philosophy of ‘coming out of the gate’ fast and playing hard & smart was key to our success. Further, football is still the ultimate team sport and that all eleven players on the field must carry their weight and execute their assignment. The game comes down to blocking, tackling, turnovers, and scheme execution.

Q. With season one completed, what has been your main focus heading into season two?

Balance and execution. We want to be a well balanced football team that is fundamentally sound. For example, on offense, while we like to throw the football, we know that we must be able to run the football to have sustained success. Defensively, we want to have an attacking, aggressive defense.

Q. What is your overall assessment regarding the incoming class of recruits?

We are very excited about this years incoming recruits. We feel we addressed all of our needs and are looking forward to working with these young men when they report in August. Two already have made an impact as they were here for the spring semester. Nick Kostielney (Gavilan JR. College) came out of spring as our starting center and Chris Danser (San Jose State transfer) will be a contributor if not starter on the offensive line.

Q. Were you pleased with your team's performance at spring practice?

Yes, for the most part. While it is hard to replace key contributing seniors such as Josh Johnson, Eric Bakhtiari, Wes Doyle, Ronnie Pentz, etc., I felt other individuals stepped forward and showed they can play at a high level. Further, some of these individuals stepped into the leadership role that we need them to.

Q. Have you decided on a QB for 2008 or are you still evaluating?

Unfortunately, Andrew Rolin, our most experienced returning QB, missed most of spring practice with a stress fracture in his lower back. With the additional repetitions and practice opportunities, Ben Hannula emerged at the QB position and had a terrific spring. He has a good grasp of our passing game concepts and uses his athleticism to make plays when the pocket collapses. The keys for the fall will be to see Ben continue the high level of execution at the position and to see how Andrew bounces back.

Photo Courtesy University of San Diego Athletics