Fresno State head coach Matt Entz tapped his USC connections to hire Zach Crabtree as the Bulldogs new offensive line coach. (GV Wire Composite/File)
- New head coach Matt Entz brings in fresh talent, including offensive line coach Zach Crabtree from USC.
- Transfer portal additions include o-lineman Gino Quinones and linebacker Jadon Pearson, addressing team needs.
- Juniors Alzillion Hamilton and Josiah Freeman withdraw from the transfer portal, opting to remain with the Bulldogs.
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The 28-20 loss to NIU in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl on Monday was a disappointing end to what some believed would be a conference championship season.
Adding insult to injury, on the same day as the bowl loss, junior quarterback Mikey Keene committed to Michigan. Shortly afterward, running back Malik Sherrod announced on social media that he’ll head to hated Mountain West and future Pac-12 rival Boise State for his final year of eligibility.
Sherrod, in a Broncos Uniform, wrote on X: “Aināt got to like it or respect it, but you gone watch it.”
Aināt got to like it or respect it, but you gone watch it šš #GoBroncos #Committed pic.twitter.com/Vk586pjYNl
ā Malik Sherrod (@MalikSherrod) December 23, 2024
In his Bulldog career (2020-2024) he rushed for 1,358 yards and 11 touchdowns. However, the 2024 preseason All-MW selection was plagued with injuries throughout his time at Fresno State.
Freeman Stays Put
Unlike Sherrod, junior wide receiver Josiah Freeman withdrew from the portal and will remain at Fresno State.
Cornerback Alzillion Hamilton left the portal and came back in time to play in the Potato Bowl and made three tackles, only to go back a few days later.
Junior wide receiver Chedon James is also leaving the program.
Entz is building a foundation as the Bulldogs head into the Pac-12 in 2026. Joining the 10 incoming freshman is Clovis East’s Harold Duvall. Another three-star recruit, the wide receiver helped the Timberwolves achieve a 12-1 record in 2024 with 1,320 all-purpose yards.
Related Story: Former Bulldog QB Mikey Keene Commits to Michigan
Skipper Thanks the Red Wave
Despite Monday’s loss and a 6-7 season record, interim head coach Tim Skipper praised The Red Wave for the opportunity to be the man in charge ā even if it was just for a year.
Skipper posted on X: “It has been an honor to lead the program this season. This place is special because of the people. I want the thank the players and staff, the donors and alumni, and the Red Wave for their support.”
ā Tim Skipper (@CoachTSkip) December 24, 2024
Head Coach Matt Entz Adds OL Coach from USC
While players are moving out, new head coach Matt Entz is on the search for new players and coaches.
Entz hired Zach Crabtree as the new offensive line coach to replace Matt Smith on Friday. He, too, comes from USC, where Entz was the linebackers coach. Smith spent three seasons as the assistant o-line coach and a graduate assistant for the Trojans. This will be his first time as the head position coach.
Crabtree made coaching stops at Oklahoma State (2021), the alma mater where he played as a lineman (2013-2017). His introduction to collegiate coaching began at Baylor (2019-2020). He played professionally for the Los Angeles Chargers (2017-18), but a knee injury forced him to retire.
His pedigree can give the new line a boost since that unit struggled this past campaign due to injuries. Their eight different starting rotations were the second-most among FBS programs in 2024.
Related Story: Former Bulldog D-Coordinator Nick Toth Will Not Return. WR Josiah Freeman ...
Transfer Portal Brings New Talent to Fresno State
Reinforcements are coming. It was announced Tuesday that another Trojan is heading to the Valley ā redshirt senior offensive lineman Gino Quinones.
243 days ā³ā¦ @Coach_Crab @Coach_Entz @FresnoStateFB pic.twitter.com/JUxS8VT8uz
ā Gino Kawika Quinones Jr. (@gkquinonesjr) December 24, 2024
The 6’3, 302-pounder appeared in 19 games at USC (2019-2024) while battling injuries.
Joining him on the line of scrimmage is sophomore Kyson Van Vugt, a tight end from Iowa. He’ll put his hand on the ground in a permanent three-point stance when he becomes a Bulldog. In his Hawkeye career (2022-2024) he didn’t get any playing time, which makes him a healthy addition.
Fresno also welcomed graduate Jadon Pearson (linebacker) and junior Simeon Harris (defensive back) from conference rival Utah State as the first transfer portal signees of the Entz era. They can fill voids at the linebacker and secondary positions. Both players have Valley connections.
Having played for Air Force (2020) originally, Pearson then played at Reedley College (2021) before he became an Aggie (2022-2024). This past season he recorded 42 tackles.
Back to the 559 š„ pic.twitter.com/c08ADWfahe
ā JP š„·šæ (@jadon_pearson39) December 17, 2024
Harris started out at Colorado (2022) before playing for two years in Logan. He played in only three games in 2024 and was able to redshirt. In 2023 he accumulated 59 tackles (31 solo, 28 assist), four pass breakups, one interception and one fumble recovery.
His mother, Kelly, is a former Fresno State cheerleader.
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Related Story: New Coach Matt Entz Promises to Make Bulldog Football ‘Something ...
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