SAN DIEGO - The University of San Diego's Nick Coppedge made his first collegiate career start last week, caught his first career pass and scored his first career touchdown to help beat Valparaiso University.

Pretty soon, the sophomore fullback from Vista High might gain the first yard rushing of his college career.

That may sound ironic, but at USD the fullback is a blocking back, and Coppedge isn't complaining. Not after shoulder surgery and two years on the sidelines.

"I've learned to love blocking," Coppedge said. "I like demolishing guys and opening up that hole. I take pride in getting in those good blocks."

Coppedge, a 6-foot-2, 240-pounder, is set to make his second start when USD faces Drake at 6 p.m. today at Torero Stadium in game that could decide both the Pioneer Football League title and mythical national title for Football Championship Subdivision non-scholarship schools.

USD (5-0, 2-0 PFL) is No. 1 in The Sports Network Poll and Drake (4-1, 2-0 PFL) is No. 2. USD and Drake were 1-2 last year when USD won 37-0 en route to its second straight PFL and national titles.

"Nick has really come on in the last two weeks," USD coach Ron Caragher said.

"He's been running through and finishing his blocks, and it's something I hadn't seen in him in spring ball and fall camp. He's a strong individual, but I didn't see that strength carrying over until all of the sudden something clicked."

Part of it had to do with coming back from a shoulder surgery. Coppedge played his senior year at Vista in 2004 with a chronically dislocated shoulder. He was forced out of six games when it popped loose, although he played the full contest in the CIF San Diego Section Division I championship when he scored two touchdowns in a game that ended in a tie against Torrey Pines.

But he missed the 2005 season when he took a hit in fall camp that forced shoulder surgery. Then he spent 2006 as a backup to senior fullback Jon Polk.

"It was hard watching when you're not playing and you're used to having your number called," Coppedge said. "But he was a great guy to learn behind. He was a punishing blocker."

Coppedge has played in three games this season with one carry for 0 yards. But in last week's 41-27 win at Valparaiso, when the Crusaders emphasized pass defense in attempt to control senior quarterback Josh Johnson, USD turned to its running game. Coppedge helped clear the way for running back J.T. Rogan, who finished with 16 carries for 127 yards and four touchdowns.

Coppedge also caught a 5-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter that provided an insurance score with 7:04 left in the game.

"It had crossed my mind I might never play again," Coppedge said. "But I hung in there because I felt I could start in his program and I wanted to prove it to myself. That first start, first catch and first touchdown was awesome. It's all coming together for me."

Never mind his rushing total. It's the blocks and wins that matter to him.