The key to success for the 2006 City College Rams' football season will be the players' ability to work as a unit and the sacrifice of individual stardom for the good of the team, according to head coach George Rush.

"We've worked a lot on players' character, developing better team chemistry, and we've urged players to leave their egos aside and do what's best for the team," Rush said.

In 2005, the Rams went 10-2, en route to a third consecutive NorCal Championship. Rush perceives the 2006 team as a deeper unit than past teams. 

Prior to the Rams' summer training, Rush commented that some of the practicing grayshirt players were better than those who were starting. One of those grayshirt players was Zac Lee, the Rams' current starting quarterback.

"He's intelligent, has good arm strength and an excellent football background," Rush said. "He's extremely prepared to take leadership of this team."

Lee, a San Francisco native who played high school football at St. Ignatius in the Sunset district, is aware of the expectations placed on him as he looks to fulfill his role as a captain.

"Being a leader comes with being a quarterback. You have to be a positive influence and make sure other players aren't either too high or too low in their emotions," he said.

Rush praised Lee's tactical breadth and leadership qualities.

“He has a great knowledge of defenses and making offensive decisions and judgments,” Rush said.

Lee said that he continues to build his repertoire by gaining different strategies from daily practices. 

"When I'm practicing, I pick up something different every time — what to do and what not to do in certain situations," Lee said.

Rams returning running back Tyreece Jacks, amassed 1,151 all-purpose yards and rushed for nine touchdowns as a freshman, while starting all 12 contests. Jacks is expected to change his rushing strategy and have greater success as a sophomore.             

"I hit the hole when I see it now," Jacks said, referring to the gaps created by offensive linemen on rushing plays. "When you dance and run, you don't get as many yards."

Rush expects Jacks to continue to be a major contributor to the Rams' offense.

"Tyreece can do everything — run to the outside, has great vision and can catch the football," Rush said. "He works hard and has great personal traits. What separates him from other running backs is his power, speed and ability to change direction."

Jacks credited the communication between him and returning offensive linemen tackles Ako Poti and Alesana Alesana as crucial to his success so far.

“We communicate a lot better having played together last season,” Jacks said.

Rush claims Poti, son of University of Utah All-American offensive tackle Ako Poti Sr., and Alesana, who had never played football until attending City College in 2005, are premiere offensive tackles in junior college football.

"[Poti and Alesana] come from different pasts — their similarities are their size and athleticism,” Rush said. "This is the best depth the offensive line has seen.”

 Poti seems ready for his role as leader and captain on offense.

"I have to lead by example and make sure everybody does their thing. I just need to stay on top of my game so everybody else is,” he said.

Poti also acknowledges the necessity of playing alongside a player of equal talent in Alesana, who Poti believes is equally deserving of being captain.

"He is great to have on the team," Poti said. "If it wasn't me who was named captain, it would've been him."

The Rams also welcome an all-new receiving core composed of transfers and incoming freshmen. Rush said new Ram receivers Derek Davis and Terrence Williams are among several receivers that will provide the position with better overall depth.

"The talent is certainly there," Rush said. "I feel good about them. They're fast and can catch the football."

New captains — freshman linebacker Nick Thurston and sophomore strong safety De'Shon Sanders — will lead the Rams' defense.

"Their overall strengths are their team speed and intensity. They want to be a great defense," Rush said.

Sanders, a native of New Mexico, cites the team's chemistry as an important strength.

"We all play together as a team. We didn't do that last year," he said.

Rush has great expectations for the Rams in 2006 and hopes to erase the disappointments of 2005.

"The losses of last year are yesterday's news, and shouldn't be motivating for players," Rush said. "What should be motivating is establishing the 2006 team as one of the great teams in City College history."