Toulouse heading to Southern Connecticut

Saturday, February 26, 2005

By SCOTT MARTIN
Staff Writer

By SCOTT MARTIN

Staff Writer

Midway through his senior football season, Craig Toulouse was shifted from tailback to fullback. Now, he hopes to play the position fulltime.

The Gardiner senior recently signed a letter of intent to play football at Southern Connecticut State University, a member of the Division II Northeast-10 Conference.

"They are looking for a fullback and I'm hoping to step into that spot," Toulouse said. "I wanted to be challenged and I'm positive it will be a challenge there."

Toulouse will receive a scholarship at the New Haven, Conn. school, which finished 8-2 last year, including 7-2 in the Northeast-10 Conference.

As a senior, Toulouse rushed for 752 yards and eight touchdowns to help the Tigers to an 8-2 record and a berth in the Pine Tree Conference Class A semifinals. He started the season as Gardiner's tailback, but was shifted to fullback after returning from an ankle injury suffered in the Tigers' second game of the season. Toulouse was switched to fullback because his running style and size was better suited for the position.

"We run multiple offenses so the fullback has to be able to carry the ball, block and catch the ball," Southern Connecticut State coach Rich Cavanaugh said. "When we looked at him on film he just jumped off the film. He has good speed, he's athletic and he's tough. He seems to enjoy contact."

At Gardiner, Toulouse also played defensive end and linebacker. He finished his senior season with 63 tackles and one sack.

He was also considering St. Anselm, which also plays in the Northeast-10. Former Gardiner teammate Nate Munzing recently finished his freshman season at St. Anselm.

"Southern really showed a lot of interest and it boosted my ego," Toulouse said. "I'm stepping into a great football school."

Toulouse said he needs to put on about 15 pounds to his 6-foot-2, 220-pound frame before going to school. Cavanaugh isn't concerned with Toulouse's weight right now, but sees potential for growth.

"After four years here, with training and eating right, he could get up to 245," Cavanaugh said. "We like his size right now. He is all muscle. There's not an ounce of fat there."

Southern Connecticut State has a senior fullback, Darcell Sheats, returning, but Cavanaugh expects Toulouse to see playing time as a freshman.

"We are giving him the opportunity to show us what he can do and we hope to get him on the field," Cavanaugh said.

Toulouse was impressed with Southern Connecticut State's success and their history. New England Patriots offensive lineman Joe Andruzzi and San Diego Chargers defensive lineman Jacques Cesaire both played for the Owls, as did former NFL head coaches Chris Palmer and Kevin Gilbride.

"They are one of the best Division II schools around," Toulouse said. "They are legit. They have NFL scouts at every practice and a couple of guys have been drafted. I love to play at a competitive school."

Toulouse has yet to decide on a major, but is leaning toward sports medicine.

Scott Martin -- 621-5618

smartin@centralmaine.com