Detroit Free Press from Detroit, Michigan • Page 56

Spring football 8D DETROIT FREE PRESSTHURSDAY, APRIL 16, 1987 cAllister 'heavy' favorite to start for ii in 1US MSU MSU QDs yy i am BOBBY MCALLISTER, junior, 6-3, 199 McAllister started five games in 1985, completing 40 of 88 passes for 577 yards and two touchdowns. As the No. 1 backup and heir apparent to Dave Yarema last season, he completed three of five passes for 40 yards. Perles likes his fluid movement and will use him often as a rollout, bootleg passer. PAN ENOS, Sophomore, fl-1, 195 Enos was an all-stater at Edsel Ford High, passing for 1,971 yards and rushing for 590.

He didn't play as a freshman with the Spartans. Possibly the best option quarterback among MSU's lot. TOM HOLBA, Junior, t-5, 210 Holba has yet to attempt a pass in college. "My first game," he said, "was in '85 when I got in for one play against Notre Dame, third-and-26, in the third quarter. We ran a draw." ANTONIO MERRITT, Junior, 6-4, 210 ff 1 By TOMMY GEORGE Free Press Sports Writer EAST LANSING As a freshman three years ago, Bobby McAllister weighed 179 pounds.

He was lean and soft-spoken, tremendously talented but raw. He was redshirted. McAllister, 6-feet-3, now weighs 199. The excuse-me, polite demeanor remains, but McAllister realizes he has other attributes besides his newfound bulk. He is more confident, a bit more stern.

He is not the backup quarterback pushing the starter, but now the starter being pushed as Michigan State approaches the midpoint of spring practice. "I can definitely feel it, the maturity it's like night and day," said McAllister, a junior. "I've been waiting and waiting. I always wanted to be No. 1 and now that I am it's pressure-packed but awfully fun." Not that he has not experienced the feeling before.

Last season he threw only five passes, completing three for 40 yards. But in 1985, when starter Dave Yarema's thumb was broken in MSU's first game, McAllister started against Notre Dame, Western Michigan, Iowa, Michigan and Illinois. He finished the season with 40 of 88 passing for 577 yards and two touchdowns. His most memorable performance was against Iowa on national television: 18 of 27 passing for 275 yards and a touchdown. McAllister, from Pompano Beach, heads a group of four players competing at quarterback.

Others are redshirt junior Tom Holba (6-5, 210) of Lansing, junior Antonio Merritt (6-4, 210) of Jersey City, N.J., a transfer from Nassau (N.Y.) Community College; and redshirt freshman Dan Enos (6-1, 195) of Dearborn. "I said when Dave was hurt," MSU coach George Perles said, "that it was like putting money in the bank. Now it's our time to cash in the return. "Bobby has those few games' experience, and he is our starter providing he withstands the heat. Bobby has had a good start in life.

He has super parents. He's blessed with great athletic ability. He worked for Frank Kelly in the attorney general's office last summer and was well liked, plus rugged offensive tackle Tony Mandarich, fleet receiver Andre Rison and All-America punter Greg Montgomery. "Having played some with those guys," McAllister said, "an important thing is they have the confidence in me, as much as I do in myself. They know I can do it.

We believe that no team should keep us off the scoreboard." McAllister can gain yardage and points in a variety of ways. He has a strong arm, is an adept scrambler and throws well on the run. That's why Perles would like to keep him moving. Perles says MSU likely likely throw from the pocket and from rollout formation at a 50-50 ratio. "I think I'm better in drop-back, pocket passing," McAllister said.

"That way I get to use the whole field rather than just one-third. In '85 I was leaning on my athletic ability. It was a learning experience, where everything hit me in the face. I saw how the smallest mistakes can lose a ball game. Now I'm more mentally prepared, better at reading and picking apart defenses.

A lot of credit goes to coach (Morris) Watts (offensive co-ordinator and quarter- back coach). He teaches the most difficult tasks of quarter-backing in an easy, simple way." Holba said: "Bobby has the experience, but we've gone after him. Hey, I've been here for three years and I feel like a 10-year veteran. God blessed me with height, a strong arm and smarts, and I guess it's not too bad that he left one thing out speed I know I can play in the Big Ten and that if anything happened to Bobby, I'd be ready." Merritt arrived at MSU in unlikely fashion. He was ready to sign with Virginia Tech when his junior college coach met an MSU assistant at a convention in San Diego and told him to give Merritt a call.

Enos' Edsel Ford High team was 4-5 his senior season, the school's first losing record since 1956. "A lot of people wonder how I ever got here," Enos said, laughing. "But I'm with the big boys and sometimes I try to hard and rush things. I like running the football, and whenever we use the option It will be a plus for me. Bobby, -Tom and Tony have two years left and I have the advantage of four left.

We'll be together awhile. We'll only improve." 1 JOHN COLLIERDefroit Free Press Among the fastest and quickest of MSU's quarterbacks. A transfer from Nassau (N.Y.) Community College, Merritt comes from an l-formation offense similar to MSU's but must learn the Spartans' terminologies. Bobby McAllister (front) is the front-runner for the Michigan State quarterback's job, bvt he'll get a rpce from (from left) Dan Enos, Tom Holba and Antonio Merritt. and he has lots of friends.

He just fits in well here." Besides McAllister's experience, Perles is encouraged that his new quarterback has a strong supporting cast. MSU returns eight offensive starters from a team that went 6-5 and suffered four three-point losses. Heading the list is a healthy Heisman Trophy hopeful, tailback Lorenzo White, U-M U-M QDs contenders wage friendly battle CHRIS ZURBRUGG, 6-1, 207 Jo Zurbrugg is the only U-M quarterback with college experience, completing 70 of 134 passes for 819 yards and six touch-downs. He started the fi-n a I four games in 1984, but has played spar games of the regular season and in a Holiday Bowl loss to Brigham Young. His 1984 statistics: 63 completions in 1 13 attempts for 691 yards as Michigan finished 6-6.

Zurbrugg's big game that season came against Purdue, when he set a school record with 259 passing yards and tied another with four touchdown passes. His single-game yardage record has been broken four times by Harbaugh. "He throws pretty well and runs a pretty decent option," Schembechler said. "He knows our offense and has the most experience. That is his biggest asset." bechler said.

"He has a quick release, is quick of foot, and is a nifty guy. He can scramble real well." Brown, who runs the 40 in 4.69 seconds, did not play last season. But he is familiar with the Wolverines' offense since he ran a similar one for four years at Miami Beach, High. Brown says he needs to concentrate more and improve his reads of defensive alignments. Frequent talks with Harbaugh last season set him in the right direction.

"Obviously, I don't have that much experience," Brown said. "As time goes along I have to gain that experience and become, in my eyes and my teammates', a winner. I want them to have confidence in me." What does it mean to be Michigan quarterback? "What would it mean to me?" he. said, repeating the question. "It would be indescribable.

But it would mean a whole lot to me. Chris Zurbrugg: Zurbrugg is the most experienced of the three and the only other quarterback besides Harbaugh to throw a pass last season. Though he has thrown only 21 passes the past two seasons, he played a lot in 1984 after Harbaugh was injured, Zurbrugg started the last four ingly the past two seasons (seven of 21 for 168 yards). DEMETRIUS BROWN, 6-1, 190 hard on passing and has improved in that area. But he still has a ways to go." Taylor said: "I feel I can pass or run when it's third-and-five or third-and-six.

I am not the fastest person. (He runs the 40-yard dash in 4.6 seconds). I have real quick feet and can avoid heavy rushes." Most of his passes in high school were off play-action. "I always felt I had a strong arm," Taylor said. "But I never had to read coverage before.

Now I know where to go with the ball. I've been getting the ball there." What does the U-M quarterback job mean to Taylor? "It's a real high achievement, but I want the job not just for me and my teammates, but also for my mother (Shirley Taylor). "She's done so much for me in my life and I hope she can hold herself up and say, 'That's my Demetrius Brown: Off the field, Brown is quiet and unassuming. But listen to Schembechler and Brown sounds dangerous with a football. By TERRY FOSTER Free Press Sports Writer ANN ARBOR Michigan fans probably have to wait until fall to learn who the Wolverines' starting quarterback will be.

The Wolverines end spring football practice Saturday, but coach Bo Schembechler says the battle to replace Jim Harbaugh is too close to call. Competing for the starting job are fifth-year senior Chris Zurbrugg and redshirt sophomores Michael Taylor and Demetrius Brown. "All of us are best friends," said Taylor, from Lincoln Heights, Ohio. "We cheer each other on the field. We don't say to ourselves, 'I hope this guy does bad' or anything like that.

That is not what U-M football is about." A look at the candidates: Michael Taylor: Taylor is a capable runner, but he also wants to show he can throw. Taylor, an option quarterback at Cincinnati Princeton High, played little last season, rushing six times for 33 yards and a touchdown against Illinois. "He is the best option quarterback," Schembechler said. "He is bright and learns very quickly. He has worked teal mi A four-year starter at Miami Beach High, Brown didn't play as a freshman at Michigan.

But Brown, who runs the 40-yard dash in 4.69 seconds, ran an offense similar to the mm -3 Wolverines' in high school. May have the best arm. MICHAEL TAYLOR, 6-1, 197 "He has the strongest and most accurate arm of the three, Schenv Taylor was a two-time all-stater for Princeton (Ohio) High, but didn't play as a freshman The games of spring Steel-Belted Radial at U-M. Last season, he rushed six times for 33 yards and a MICHIGAN: Blue team vs. White team, 1:30 p.m.

Saturday, Michigan Stadium. Tickets: $2 for adults, $1 for students (available at the gate). MICHIGAN STATE: Green team vs. White team, 1:30 p.m. May 2, Spartan Stadium.

Tickets: $3 (available at the gate). NOTRE DAME: Blue team vs. Gold team, 1:30 p.m. April 25, Notre Dame Stadium. Tickets: $3 for adults, $1 .50 for 1 7-under in advance ($4 and $2 at the gate).

Mail orders (with check) to Ticket Office, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556. CENTRAL MICHIGAN: Maroon team vs. Gold team, 1:30 p.m. April 25, KellyShorts Stadium. Free admission.

EACH TIRE touchdown against Illinois. Taylor P15580R13 WHITEWALL had 1,800 yards in total offense in 1983 as Princeton won state title. SAL-E SALE PRICE PRICE Whitewall (each) Whitewall (each) P16580R13 4L95 P21575R14 61.95 PI 7580R1 3 47.95 P22575R14 66.95 P18580R13 51.95 P20575R15 64.95 PI 7575R14 52.95 P21575R1 5 67.95 P18575R14 55.95 P22575R15 69.95 P19575R14 56.95 P23575R15 71.95 P20575RI4 59.95 In Notre Dame's defense, hope may have blossomed in spring Most major credit card accepted Participating dealer accept the Firestone credit card lor the purchase ot tlree and repair. Front disc brake Electronic engine service analysis Ultra Lube Lube, oil, filter and 10 point safety check III $cyi95 sreis Cere, 95 32 Si By DENNIS CORRIGAN Free Press Special Writer SOUTH BEND, Ind. Notre Dame's defense last season didn't evoke many memories of the 1966 team led by Alan Page and Kevin Hardy, which shut out six opponents and whose unbeaten season was spoiled only by a 10-10 tie with Michigan State.

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drfferenliai. ATF, suspension system, tihautt system, battery belts, hem. and brake radiator fluid levels The Irish allowed 19.8 points a game last season, their second-highest total in 30 years, while going 5-6. If spring practice is any indi- ysin WHILE YOU WAIT Offer expires May 16. Prices may vary.

Stonebreaker, a sophomore, made 21 tackles at linebacker. This spring they are competing for a spot alongside senior Wes Pritchett (46 tackles). Stonebreaker had 18 tackles in the two scrimmages, Bocar 16. SENIOR QUARTERBACK Terry Andrysiak (Allen Park Cabrini), working with with the No. I unit, is 13 of 19 for 143 yards and one interception.

Last season, Andrysiak completed 17 of 30 passes for 233 yards, one touchdown and one interception as a backup to Steve Beuerlein, now graduated. Pete Graham and Steve Belles are battling behind Andrysiak. "I'm taking the attitude that I want to be a leader out there," Andrysiak said. "I don't feel like there's a lot of pressure on me, but I want to make the other guys have confidence in me. That's so important for the offense and important to the team.

Now the weight's more on my shoulders. I feel it's time for me to step out. "I've told myself, 'Hey, it's my last shot; quit laying back and show people how much you want it and how much you want to play here at Notre This has been like no other spring practice. Time is going by so fast." 1. I canon, woire uame aeiense win I be more effective this season.

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The Irish returned four starters to the offensive line, led by co-captain Byron Spruell and Chuck Lanza. Spruell, a tackle, and Lanza, a center, will be fifth-year seniors. ThAssociated Press contributed to this repotl. 4016 Baldwin a Gregory 391-0123 ROSEVILLE 10 4 Kelly Sunoco 18645E tOMIIeaKelly Terry Andrysiak 0ur defense is getting much better at rushing the passer, and I think they are really progressing well." That is somewhat surprising since seven defensive starters graduated, and senior linebacker Cedric Figaro is ineligible for spring practice because he was involved in an altercation at a local bar. Younger players have grabbed the opportunities, led by inside linebackers Ned Bolcar and Mike Stonebreaker.

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