It’s usually Boise State and then everyone else in the Mountain West, but the Fresno State Bulldogs might have the firepower to challenge the perennial favorites this season.
The skill position group might be the best in the conference and their top returning players list is littered with offensive weapons.
Fresno State Bulldogs Top Returning Players
10) Dean Clark, S
While he wasn’t great against the run last season, Dean Clark was part of one of the better pass coverage units in the Mountain West.
The Bulldogs lose a lot from the secondary, but Clark is a consistent returner and leader on the back end of the defense.
9) Daniel Taumalolo, OL
Daniel Taumalolo didn’t play much last season as the reserve left tackle behind Jacob Spomer (who shows up higher on this list), but this season, he’s likely moving to one of the guard positions in an effort to get the best five players on the field. He’s an excellent pass blocker but can also hold his own in the running game.
8) Malachi Langley, LB
The Bulldogs’ leading tackler a season ago, Malachi Langley returns to anchor an otherwise inexperienced group of linebackers. His veteran presence will be needed, as will his ability to always be around the ball.
7) Raylen Sharpe, WR
The Bulldogs lost their best slot receiver from last year, so the coaching staff went out and snagged two of the best FCS receivers available in the portal.
Raylen Sharpe was excellent at Missouri State, catching 73 passes last season for seven touchdowns and nearly 1,000 receiving yards.
6) Jacob Spomer, OT
Jacob Spomer was Fresno State’s best and most consistent offensive lineman at arguably the most important position on the line last season, so getting him back for another year is huge for the offense’s potential.
A two-year starter, Spomer was injured in Week 11 last season but is back and healthy in 2024.
5) Chedon James, WR
One of two high-profile FCS wide receiver transfers to join the Bulldogs, Chedon James was a Walter Payton Award Finalist last season at Idaho State. He caught 103 passes for over 1,000 yards while operating primarily out of the slot and underneath.
4) Jalen Moss, WR
Jalen Moss gets the edge here over the two FCS transfers because of his proven FBS experience. He was the second-leading receiver last season for the Bulldogs and a favorite of quarterback Mikey Keene.
Moss finished 2023 with 705 yards on 55 catches in 80 targets.
3) Devo Bridges, Edge
While the Bulldogs lose a good bit from the defensive front, but Devo Bridges returns as the team’s sixth-leading tackler. He also led the team with 42 pressures and was probably the top pass-rushing threat on the team last year.
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This year, Bridges has a chance to put together a truly great season.
2) Malik Sherrod, RB
Malik Sherrod was the leading rusher for the Bulldogs last season, running for over 900 yards and catching 44 passes in the process. He brings balance to the pass-happy offense and can really open up room for his receivers in play-action.
1) Mikey Keene, QB
Despite being locked in a quarterback battle for most of the season, Mikey Keene won the job outright and never looked back. Now, Keene returns as a second-year starter looking for big things in 2024.
Keene threw for nearly 3,000 yards last season and though he doesn’t add anything to the running game, he spreads the ball around well, allowing his many talented skill players to make plays.
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