Torero Is On Top of His Game

SAN DIEGO â€”  His strength is knowing what he can’t do.

Steve Crandall didn’t simply walk on the University of San Diego football field on Day 1 and turn the collective heads of his coaches and teammates. There wasn’t much that distinguished the defensive back from Walnut from everyone else at the position.

Not until Crandall’s sophomore year. Two years ago against Azusa Pacific--the Toreros’ opponent when they travel to Azusa for game at 1:30 today--USD defensive coordinator Kevin McGarry used Crandall when injuries depleted the defensive backfield.

“I knew he had some talent, but I just wasn’t too sure,� McGarry said. After a 21-10 USD victory, Crandall had McGarry believing.

“He played as good as anyone,� McGarry said. “Clearly, without him, there’s a good chance we don’t win that game. At that point, I thought, maybe this kid is going to do some things for us.�

In nine games last year, Crandall made 50 tackles, which tied him for fifth on the team, and had one interception and one pass deflection. Through five games this season, Crandall has 17 tackles, two pass deflections and a team-leading two interceptions.

“Steve’s never going to be the Scott Sporrer of defense,� McGarry said in reference to USD’s leading rusher. “He’s not one to make all the big plays and grab the headlines, but with Steve, we’re in the right place at the right time. He makes those plays a lot.�

Crandall couldn’t have been more opportune for his first interception. Against Cal Lutheran two weeks ago, Crandall’s grab helped salvage a 21-20 Torero victory.

“It was a big play and it did save the game,� said Crandall. “But there were so many others in that game that could have won or lost it for us. . . . I try not to dwell on the good or the bad. I just try to look at what we have to do next week.�

The next practice, the next game, the next play. Crandall’s mind works at a furious pace, constantly thinking about where he needs to go and what he needs to do to shut down the opposing offense.

Because Crandall is a thinking man’s player, McGarry moved him to the wide side cornerback position, where he has more of the field to cover.

“We moved him there because of his experience,� he said. “He won’t hurt us because of mistakes. We have kids that are more skilled on the short side, but they’re apt to make more mistakes. There’s more pressure on the wide side.�

USD has faster and bigger defensive backs, but none that are smarter or work harder.

“We’ve traded brains and experience for speed,� McGarry said. “. . . Steve’s disciplined and he knows his limitations. He knows where he has to be in correlation to his capabilities. If he gets beat, it’s because someone is better than he is.�

Torero Notes

USD (4-1-1) goes for its fourth consecutive victory today at Azusa Pacific’s Cougar Stadium. Azusa Pacific (1-4) has used three quarterbacks in five games and is expected to start senior Paul Ulibarri.