Scouting report: Tustin

By Kenny Connolly | kconnolly@scng.com | Orange County Register

August 26, 2014 at 10:22 p.m.

TUSTIN TILLERS

Coach: Winter Welz (second year, 1-5)

Last season: 1-9 overall, 1-5 league

Scouting report: The Tillers are an intriguing bunch to watch after a 1-9 showing in 2013. Coach Winter Welz took over the program at midseason when Greg Gano resigned after starting 0-4 in his first season at Tustin. With a full offseason under Welz, Tustin figures to be more disciplined on both sides of the football and will have a better understanding of the coach’s systems. The Tillers will have outstanding athletes all over the field, headlined by receiver George Wilson who has been offered by Utah, Washington State and San Jose State. The 6-foot-3, 190-pounder should get the ball a variety of ways in Tustin’s offense. Running back Tyler Nobles, a transfer from Woodbridge who had 500 yards rushing and 445 yards receiving a year ago, will add to the Tillers’ offensive attack. Junior quarterback Alema Pilimai will need time to get comfortable in his first year as a starter. With 17 starters returning, look for Tustin to bounce back. It should be in contention for the league’s No. 3 seed.

Players to watch: Marwin Alapati, Soph.; Jonathan DiMaio, Jr.; Alena Pilimai, Jr.; Derek Soto, Soph.; Robert Washington, Soph.

PROJECTED LINEUP

Offense

QB: Alema Pilimai, Jr.

RB: Derek Soto, Soph.

RB: Robert Washington, Soph.

WR: George Wilson, Sr.

WR: Eamon Tregassor, Soph.

WR: Jonathan DiMaio, Jr.

T: Marwin Alapati, Soph.

G: Sean Sasi, Soph.

C: Silas Collins, Sr.

G: Christian Saavedra, Sr.