Stafford, Assad settling in at new positions for Trojans

By ADAM BREWER
MVI Sports

California’s Jaeden Zuzak had a record-breaking, monster season for the Trojans in 2020.
In just seven games, Zuzak rushed for 1,571 yards and compiled 28 total touchdowns.
With his graduation, some may think Cal might have a hole in its offense. But Coach Ed Woods thinks he has a winning solution in the form of seniors Damani Stafford and Hunter Assad.
“There’s no question about it, Jaeden was the focal point of our offense last year and was near unstoppable,” Woods commented. “You can’t replace him with one guy, it’s going to take a team and a couple of special players to fill those shoes.”
Stafford was Cal’s quarterback last year after lining up at fullback as a sophomore. This fall, he will handle the brunt of the Trojans’ rushing attempts and will be the primary back in an offense that averaged 38 points per game a year ago.
“Damani is a smart kid and he is coming along this training camp,” Woods said. “We needed him as a quarterback last year because we didn’t have anybody to go under center. He is a special athlete and runs hard. I think the year at quarterback will only help him, as he viewed the offense from a different perspective.”
As a signal collar last season, the 6-1, 230-pound Stafford had close to 500 rushing yards and added five touchdowns.
“He has the size and can run over you, but I think he is very deceptive with his speed,” Woods added. “He is an elusive back and I think every week during the offseason he got stronger. He was in the weight room three days a week, and when he wasn’t in the weight room, he was playing basketball in a rec league. He took care of his body this summer and is in great shape.”
Assad transferred to Cal from Brownsville last November and, due to the new PIAA transfer rule, couldn’t compete in the basketball and baseball playoffs. Woods said that Assad submitted a waiver to play in the football playoffs and it was granted.
“I really respect Hunter and all that he has gone through the last couple of months,” Woods explained. “He is a tough kid and is probably one of the most coachable kids I’ve ever had on a team. He is a coaches’ son and has football in his DNA. He has been around high school football all of his life. He understands the game and it’s like having another coach on the field. He knows the offense and our expectations.”

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