Q: Who are the top returning players at these positions?
Offensive line:
A: "Ben Gates was all-league for us last year and Jesse Lenharr, who played as well as Dan Campbell did last year, who was also all-league. They give us a good starting point to build around."
Defensive line:
A: "Lenharr was a first-team defensive end and Jared Smith was named to the second team. They both have experience. Smith is a legitimate Division I prospect. A lot of schools are interested, but they want to wait and see what he does this season."
Linebackers:
A: "Matt Copenhaver is a third-year starter who runs our defense and is a smart player. Cordell is able to run with most running backs. Jordan Statler started some games at outside linebacker for us last year."
Secondary:
A: "Barry started four or five games back there last year because of injuries and did well. Ritchey played three or four games back there too, but he had a shoulder injury so we're not sure how much he will play there."
Q: Who is the one departed player who will be most difficult to replace?
A: "It's Dan Campbell. He was a vocal leader who was first team both ways, but it will be his leadership that will be tough to replace."
Q: Who are the "unknown" or new players who could make an impact in 2007?
A: "John Frick will start at tackle and defensive end. We hope he will be able to do it and he probably will. Paul Peer will be in at linebacker. He ran the defense for the JV team and now has to step up and play next to Copenhaver."
Q: What is the biggest challenge your team will face this season?
A: "Our line is the big question mark on offense and the secondary on defense. We don't have the quality depth that we have had in the past."
Q: What things must this team do to improve over the 2006 season?
A: "We have to stay healthy because our second unit is not close to our first unit. Last year, the guys who stepped in are now veterans and half of them are seniors and half are juniors starting. We are not just a senior-oriented team."
