Bigger McIntyre ready to anchor Durango ‘D’

Spencer Patterson

Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2002 | 9 a.m.

He came blitzing around end in 2001, surprising opposing quarterbacks and his own coaches with the ferociousness of his pass rush.

But despite his area-best 18 sacks and his team's trip to the state tournament, Durango linebacker Allen McIntyre is far from satisfied. So the senior spent the offseason working hard, adding 30 pounds to his frame and shaving .16 seconds off his time in the 40-yard dash.

"The 18 sacks were last year," McIntyre said. "I want to double it, maybe triple it this year. I know I can do it."

Playing at 6-foot-2, 190 pounds last season, McIntyre emerged as a force in his first varsity season. Manning one of the Trailblazers' outside linebacker spots, he finished with 83 tackles (62 solo), six forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries to go with his impressive sack total.

The athletic McIntyre proved to be the perfect complement for the Trailblazers' massive front line, with the unit combining to hold opponents to just 11.9 points-per-game over 13 contests.

"We knew he was a special player coming in, but once he strapped it on he showed he's a heck of a football player," Durango coach John Mausbach said. "He's got great natural ability, and some of the things he does are pretty amazing.

"To come off the edge as fast as he does and still maintain outside containment, that's something you can't coach."

After taking the sack title and earning first-team all-Southern Nevada and Sun All-State honors as a junior, McIntyre knows he will face constant attention from opponents. He spent his summer preparing for that challenge, bulking up to 220 pounds and trimming his 40 time from 4.68 to 4.52.

"I was in the weight room, and I ran a lot of sprints during our passing league and that helped," McIntyre said. "I like going after the quarterback, and I don't like having those big linemen in my face."

McIntyre could also receive help from the squad's other outside 'backer, junior Tywain McTyer. The first-year varsity starter, known best as Durango's starting point guard on the basketball court, has shown signs he could be a special football player as well.

"We both have speed, so the quarterback won't know which way to roll out," McIntyre said.

Along with McIntyre and McTyer, opponents also will have to contend with a corps of returning defenders that includes inside linebacker Vince Dimick, tackle Mike Kravetz, nose guard Robert DiMartini and defensive backs Isaiah Wigham, Jonathan Phillips and Ahmad Atkins.

"Allen was blessed to be around some good defensive players last year, and I think he'll have some good players around him again," Mausbach said. "Allen knows his role, and he knows he's a big part of it. He's a lot more than just a sack guy."

McIntyre's added size and improved speed could also help him become a bigger part of Durango's offense. As a fullback, he rushed for 350 yards and three touchdowns in 2001. With Atkins nursing a broken foot, Mausbach will turn to McTyer and McIntyre as his primary ball carriers.

"If we can get some quick-hitters and get Allen in the open field, he should be a threat at 6-0, 220 running a 4.5 forty," Mausbach said.

Initially overlooked by big-time colleges, McIntyre's offseason work has attracted several Pac-10 schools, including Oregon, Oregon State, UCLA and Washington.

Before he worries about that decision, though, he promises to continue racking up sacks, tackles and rushing touchdowns. And, most importantly, trying to lead the Trailblazers to their first state championship.

"We have a really good chance," McIntyre said. "We have more talent and speed than last year, and we have a better passing attack on offense. So the only thing that can stop us are grades and injuries."