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While Sherrod Motors to Boise, Entz's Bulldogs Add a Coach, Transfers, Recruits
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By Steven Sanchez
Published 23 hours ago on
December 24, 2024

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)

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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: “Ainā€™t got to like it or respect it, but you gone watch it.”

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.

Hamilton and Freeman Stay Put

Unlike Sherrod, junior cornerback Alzillion Hamilton and wide receiver Josiah Freeman withdrew from the portal and will remain at Fresno State. Hamilton played in the Potato Bowl and made three tackles.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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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Steven Sanchez,
Entertainment/Sports Writer
Steven Sanchez, a resident of Clovis, graduated from Buchanan High School in the class of 2007 and obtained his film degree from University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Steven is a multifaceted artist, working as a filmmaker, writer, photographer, videographer, and published author. He has a profound passion for movies, comic books, and rock ā€˜nā€™ roll. A dedicated football enthusiast, he cheers for the Las Vegas Raiders. In his leisure time, he indulges in reading and collecting vinyl records. Steven is often found attending rock shows in town, a keen enthusiast of live music. He holds a special fondness for his grandma's homemade meals and spending time with his twin sister.

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