2008 HAAC INDIVIDUAL TEAM OUTLOOKS

 

AVILA UNIVERSITY

The 2008 Eagles will look to build on the impressive numbers put up during the 2007 campaign. During Coach Young's tenure, the offense has improved each year and they will look to continue that trend this year. Look for the Eagles to work out of multiple sets and formations, with an emphasis on ball security and running a balanced offense.

Quarterback Returners Derick Barnes (Kearney) and Justin McCown (Hilmar, CA), both red shirts last season, will battle it out for the starting nod during fall camp. Newcomers include Marc Benavides (Troy), Justin Reed (Nevada), and Rob Kennedy (Parkway Central). Wide Receiver The leaders for the wide receiver position are returning senior and all-conference player, Doug Wendel (Blue Valley West), and his "side kick" Anthony Kelly (Chaffey CC, CA). Together, they will solidify the offense and provide great balance to the offense.

Returning squad members include David Sloan (Marshfield), Trevor Lewis (Neosho), Jeremy Davila (Osceola), and Brian Witt (Jupiter High, FL). Incoming new players include MJ Bland (Wisc. River Falls), C. Kennard (Nixa), Chris Kelly (Tenn-Martin), Chris M Kelly (Center), John Hicks (Blue Springs), Dominique Smith (Mesa CC CA), Joe Parkhurst (Pleasant Hill/UCM), and Adam Mattison (Mountain View).

Running Back/Fullback The Eagles will have several new faces in the backfield. At the tailback position, Roderick Coby (Hutchinson CC KS), redshirt in 2007, returns to compete against Damien Collins (Park Hill), a Division II transfer from Central Missouri. Newcomers Zach Thompson (Seneca) and Michael Haynes (Truman) will also be competing for playing time. Competing for the fullback position include newcomers Michael Bruce (Blue Springs South) and Bobby Zajicek (Wellington High FL). Tight End Matt Rodenberg (Kearney) returns and had a great spring. Tim Mincher returns and may also contribute in the offensive line. A very talented group of new recruits, Kody Parker (Lebanon), Tray Swager (Stuart High FL), Josh Lohkamp (Nixa), and Jeff Brooks (Wichita NW) round out the tight ends.

Offensive Line Returning starters Ryan Brenner (Camdenton) will anchor the offensive line, at center. Along side Ryan, a much improved Zach Johnson (Kearney) and new players Dale Deetz (Nixa), TJ Paletaoga (Blue Springs), Chris Morefield (Blue Springs South), Deonta Wade (Lebanon), Don Kiser (Nixa), Kris Moore (Center), Cory McCormack (Grain Valley), Josh Hewitt (Vianney), and Josh Lewis (Chillicothe) will play a crucial role in the offensive line.

The 2008 Eagle's defense, under Coach Steward and his staff's direction, will run a straightforward; "get after them" style of defense which promises to exhibit a toughness and physical style of play not yet seen at Avila. The strength of this year defense will be the number of physically bigger and talented players defending their side of the field. Defensive Line Stephen Johnson, a starter since his freshman year, possesses a 100% effort, hard-nosed style of play, which is exactly what the defense is looking for. Johnson is joined on the line by returners with playing experience, Kyle Dilkes and Jonathon Decker.

An extremely talented recruiting class will make pre-season extremely competitive. New comers include Chris Smith (Blue Springs), Alex Taylor (Turner), Peter Kondracki (Seminole Ridge FL), Jarrett Brooks (Lincoln Prep), Chris Crawford (St. Pius), Jared Stumpe (St. Dominic), Shawn Sullivan (Springfield Catholic), JT Kight (Ozark) and Phillip McCabe (Blue Springs). Linebacker The most experienced position on the team is returning players including Derick Barker (Odessa), Jesse Richardson (Cass-Midway), Nick Ward-Bopp (Crawfordsville, IN), Spencer Davis (St. Pius), AJ Hamel (SM Northwest KS), and Matt Varner (Liberty High CO). New recruits include a Northwest Missouri State University transfer, Cody Conard (Lee's Summit) who should step quickly into the starting mix, Robert DeGeorge (St. Pius), Ryan Loehr (St. Pius), Justin Walker (Lincoln Prep), and Kevin Henderson (Belton).

Secondary Victor Gray (Nixa) and Andre Edwards (Springfield Glendale), who red-shirted the 2007 season, returns in the defensive secondary will set the corners of the defense. The other two positions will be a hotly contested battle between the returners and an excellent group of young players. Returners are Toby Cashell

(Osceola), Mike Pepple (O'Hara), CJ Moore (Lee's Summit West), Ryan Hardwick (Nixa), Brian Kelly (Pine Creek High CO), Sean Kelly (Air Force Academy High CO), and the newcomers include Greg Henderson (Nixa), Tyler Cardwell (Blue Springs), Charles Davis (St Joseph LeBlond), Jesse Demoss (Neosho), Ty Postlewait

(Belton), Dakota Wise (Harrisonville), and Brian Bosley (St Mary's College, KS).

In 2008, the Eagles will have many returning players with special teams experience. Plus, the addition of new players with the abilities suited to special teams play will add competition and depth to all positions. Kicker Andrew Korth (Grandview) handled all kick-offs, field goals and extra points in 2007 and is expected to do the same in 2008. Added depth will provided by Jake Zinn (Pleasant Hill), Andy Meyers (Nixa), and Leon Haenel (William Chrisman). Punter David Sloan (Marshfield) returns as punter. Newcomer Chris M Kelly (Center) was an all-district punter in high school. Several other incoming freshmen punted for their high school teams.

Coverage Teams The list of players with kick coverage skills is long. The competition will be keen for playing time. Several members of the recruiting class will also be in the mix as the staff has a chance to evaluate their abilities. Returners Brian Witt (Jupiter High FL), kick-offs and Doug Wendel (Blue Valley West), punts, are back, and have game experience. Competition will come from several returning Eagles plus some new recruits have the skills to return punts and kick-offs. Snappers Matt Varner (Liberty High CO), who has snapped every snap during the 2006 & 2007 seasons is back and will be counted on in 2008.

BAKER UNIVERSITY

Baker University has a good group back for the 08 season. Their special teams will be lead by the return of All-American kicker Derek Doerfler SR 5-11 223 Lee's Summit, MO. He shattered three school records 1. Field Goals Made in a Season 23 2. Field Goals Made in a Game 5 3. Longest Field Goal 62 The record for field goals in a season was a national record until beaten during the playoffs last year. He made eight field goals over 50 yards. The punting duties will be held down by Danny Ohmes JR 6-1 171 Shawnee, KS. Kendall Bradley SR 6-5 240 Rogersville, MO and Caleb Johnson 6-1 240 Blue Springs, MO will be the battery of holder and snapper. Special teams should be a strong suit for the Wildcats in 08.

Offensively, the Wildcats return eight starters with a lot of game experience. The QB position is solid with two year starter Mack Brown JR 6-3 220 Liberty, MO returning for his junior campaign. He will be backed up by Kendall Bradley SR 6-5 240 Rogersville, MO a starter as a sophomore who is very capable in either roll. Both young men have proven they can win football games in the HAAC. Joining these two in the backfield will be running back by committee, led by returning starter Richie Bryant SR 5-11 205 Louisiana, MO; Blaine Crow SO 5-9 200 Liberty, MO; John Babb FR 5-9 175 Topeka, KS; and Kyle Rooks FR 5-9 185 Overland Park, KS. The ball will be thrown to a nice mixture of speed and good hands. Tyrell Spain SR 6-2 198 San Diego, CA and James Hensley SR 6-0 160 Rose Hill, KS should provide big time fireworks thru the air for Baker University. Brad Fawcett JR 5-10 185 Grapevine, TX; Cody Conover JR 6-3 205 Grapevine, TX; Brett Woods JR 5-10 165 Shawnee, KS; Austin DeGraeve SO 5-11 164 DeSoto, KS; and Alex Farran SO 6-3 205 Alma, AR round out this very talented crew that will rotate in for Baker. Steve Underwood SO 6-2 225 Lenexa, KS came out of spring football as the starting TE for this offensive unit.Up front the Cat's will be big and athletic led by RG Andy Bibb SR 6-2 295 Springdale, AR a four year starter. Clint Benge JR 6-3 298 Lenexa, KS hauled in All Conference honors and will play RT his junior year. Left tackle will be occupied by Phil Collins SO 6-4 287 Shawnee, KS a very athletic tackle. Left guard should be held down by Eric Munoz SR 6-0 258 Springdale, AR a guy with a lot of experience. The center position will be a battle between Matt Kinsman SR 6-0 278 Mission, KS and Patrick Mirch FR 6-1 300 Bentonville, AR. This crew will dictate the overall success on the offensive side of the ball.

Defensively, the Wildcats return eight starters from a very stingy crew in 07. They are led by an athletic front four of Philip Weinmaster SR 6-1 255 Lawrence, KS; Levi Calhoun JR 6-0 273 Oklahoma City, OK; Brad Thimmesch SO 6-3 243 Andover, KS; and Kyle Weinmaster SO 6-1 235 Lawrence, KS. This group will add Andrew Patch JR 6-2 245 Independence, MO a two year All HAAC performer back into the mix. Behind these four at the three linebacker positions will be Spencer Curran SR 5-10 227 Kansas City, KS the conference leading tackler. Matt Brock SO 5-10 203 Holton, KS and a to be named later youngster at the third position. The Cats will have a nice roof on their foundation with Eric Allen SR 5-11 178 San Diego, CA a four year starter and possible All American candidate. Colton Miller SO 6-3 205 Largo, FL is another outstanding player in their secondary. When not throwing in those two guys areas, you will have to contend with Herb Askew SR 5-8 180 Kingman, AZ and Rodney Harris JR 5-11 180 Olathe, KS. The Wildcats are planning on this crew making it tough for the opponent to crack the end zone.

The Cats plan on being an exciting group to watch in 08. Enjoy the wacky and unpredictable ride of a football season!

BENEDICTINE COLLEGE

The Benedictine College football program under the guidance of head coach Larry Wilcox returns a strong mix of experience on both sides of the ball headed into 2008.

Offensively, the Ravens return quarterback Ryan Kelly (Soph., Topeka) to lead an offense that accounted for over 3,700 yards in 2007.

Kelly has his trio of receivers back to for the 2008 season in receivers Chris Langley (Jr., Easton), Jake Mohr (Soph., Bennington, Neb.) and Conor Walsh (Sr., St. Louis).

Langley, a 2007 second-team All-HAAC selection, was the Ravens leading receiver in 2007 with 747 yards and five touchdowns. Mohr was the teams second-leading receiver with 535 yards while Walsh, a 2007 honorable mention All-HAAC selection, is the team's third leading returning receiver with 397 yards from 2007.

In addition, the receiving core will have John Weitlich (Jr., DeKalb, Mo.) who is making the transition from quarterback. Charles Archie (Fr., Omaha, Neb.), Ethan Mackey (Fr., Independence, Mo.), AJ Thompson (Fr., Country Club Hill, Ill.) and Kenji Hollaway (Soph., Enola, Penn.) will give the Ravens plenty of depth at the receiver position.

Tailback Jesse Thomas (Sr., Kansas City, Mo.) returns to the Ravens back field in 2008 after missing the final eight games of the season. In three games Thomas, who is one of the Ravens six captains, rushed for 333 yards.

Kelly, who is considered one of the top dual-threat quarterback in the HAAC, rushed for 280 yards in 2007 while Jamail Grimes (Soph., Houston, Texas) is the teams other top returning tailback. Grimes split time late in the season with 2007 graduate Jason Garland and Clayton Havelka.

In addition, Andrew Pucinksi (Soph., Chicago), DJ Matysek (Fr., Pacos Heights, Ill.) and Phil Gielow will give the Ravens even more depth at the running back position.

Several fullback return for the Ravens in 2008.

ACCHS product Gus Kautz (Sr., Atchison) served as the Ravens primary fullback in 2007 and along with David Gorbea (Jr., Perth Amboy, New Jersey) will give the Ravens some experience grinders in the back field.

The offensive line will be looking for new leadership with the graduation of two-time NAIA All-America Truman Ashby, and All-HAAC performer Ryan Parks.

The unit, which was hit hard by injury in 2007, will be looking to a pair of seniors to lead the way. Aaron Caskey (Sr., Kansas City, Mo.) and Alex Saporita (Sr., Jacksonville, Fla.) - another team captain - return with the most experience on the line. Justin Wolinski (Jr., Jacksonville, Fla.) and Zach Peterson (Sr., Tucson, Ariz.) also return with starting experience for the Ravens. In addition Cody Jiru (Soph., Elk Grove, Calif.), Creighton Staude (Jr., Wentzville, Mo.), Carlos Pacheco (Soph., Kansas City, Kan.), Desmond Fitzgerald (Soph, Medesto, Calif.) and Bubba Pearl (Fr., Parkville, Mo.) will add to the mix headed into practice in August.

Over the course of the history of Ravens football, the program has traditionally placed tight ends on the all-conference squad and will have a trio of players looking to continue the tradition in 2008.

Richard Brillhart (Sr. San Francisco), Alex Goddard (Soph., Hanford, Calif.) and John Whitehead (Fr., O'Fallon, Mo.) will compete for the starting spot headed into practice in August.

Defensively, the Ravens also return a strong core of starters and reserves that will look to replace two-time All-HAAC selection Dema Preobrazhensky and defensive lineman Mason Puthoff.

Linebacker Chris Kline (Sr., St. Louis) was the squads leading tackler in 2007 with 93. Linebacker Jon Lohman, another team captain, returns as the Ravens third leading tackler from 2007 with 79 tackles. Linebackers Adam Kenkel (Sr., Omaha) and Guy Hudson (Jr., Douglas, Ariz.) recorded 57 tackles and 28 tackles respectively in 2007.

Two additional linebackers Matt Jackson (Fr., Des Plaines, Ill.) and Ryan Bunkowski (Fr., Overland Park) will also add depth at the position.

Defensive end Robbie Schultz (Sr., Atchison), another team captain, was a top tackler in 2007 with 46. Defensive tackles Erskine Williams (Sr., Boilingbrock, Ill.) and Josh Lindsey (Sr., Melbourne, Fla.) combined for 42 tackles in 2007 which included a total of nine for a loss and 4.5 sacks. Andrew Egan (Sr., Plainfield, Ill.) and Aaron Herrera (Jr., Aurora, Col.) also return to help anchor the defensive front.

Several other players could play a factor this season.

Casey Adams (Sr., Barhart, Mo.) returns to the defensive line after missing 2007 with an injury. Newcomers Travis Wiedenkeller (Fr., Prairie Village) and Conor Flecke (Fr., St. Louis) will also help bolster the defensive front at defensive end and defensive tackle respectively.

In addition, defensive ends Keith Starr (Jr., Maryville, Mo.), Nick Rudolph (Fr., Overland Park) and RJ Nill (Fr., Kansas City, Kan.) will add depth on the outside front.

The defensive backs will miss the leadership of Kraig Goerl in 2008 but should be helped by the return of 2006 All-HAAC first-team selection Drew Reno (Jr., Atchison).

Reno, who led the Ravens in interception in 2006 with five, will give the Ravens defensive back field a number of interception threats.

Corners Mike Long (San Diego, Calif.) and Dustin Ralls (Jr., Parkville, Mo.) combined for eight of the Ravens 19 interceptions in 2007 with free safety Gus Jorge (Sr., Pleastanton, Calif.) accounting for three interceptions. Jorge is the leading returning tackler for the defensive backfield, recording 58 tackles in 2007,

Free Safety Tom Joerger (Sr., Alexandria, Minn.) and strong safety Mitch Hundley (Jr., Carrollton, Mo.) also five the Ravens two experienced players on their final line of defense.

Newcomers Wes Downing (Jr., Atchison), Clint Hanf (Jr., Atchison), Sean Cavello (Soph., San Francisco) and John O'Grady (Fr., Topeka) will add even more depth in the defensive back field.

The special teams graduated kick-off specialist Jason Wood but return their primary punter, place kicker and top returners.

Punter Brian Lowry (Sr., Miami, Fla.) averaged 35.6 yards per punt in 2007 and set a new record for longest punt, when he booted an 85-yard punt against Baker.

Place kicker Jordan Banion (Sr., Kansas City, Mo.) moved onto the all-time scoring list in 2007. He converted 10 of 15 field goals and 29 of 34 PATs for 59 points, moving him to 22nd on the list with 108 points.

Banion could be challenged by Ft. Scott Community College transfer Jared Oshel (Soph., Lecompton) to the kicking duties in the fall. Oshel helped guide FSCC to a bowl during the 2007 season.

Receiver Derek Lowe (Sr., Tipton, Mo.) and running back Jason Stover (Jr., Denver, Col.) served as the Ravens primary punt and kick off returners in 2007.

Lowe recorded 154 yards on 24 punt returns and 490 yards on 22 kick off returns. Stover had 16 yards on punt returns and 132 yards on kick off returns.

The Ravens season kicks off Sept. 6 in Marshall, Mo., as they take on the Missouri Valley Vikings at 6 p.m. The home opener for the Ravens is Sept. 13 against MidAmerica Nazarene University. Kick off is set for 2 p.m. and prior to the game, BC will officially make the name change of Raven Stadium to Larry Wilcox Stadium in honor of the long-time coach's 200th career win.

CENTRAL METHODIST UNIVERSITY

The Central Methodist University football team approaches the new year with enthusiasm and optimism as the Eagles are set for their first season under the direction of Head Coach Alan Dykens. New players, a new football field and a new coach all build anticipation for a strong showing in 2008.

Offensively, CMU will look to returning quarterback Brock Brockmeier for leadership. Look for Brockmeier, a 2007 captain, to have a healthy '08 campaign. Returners Cory Meyer and Adam Mikesch, as well as newcomers Cory Rector, Logan Cornish and Josh Tipton, will also vie for the starting nod and playing time as the fall unfolds.

The receiving corps will be anchored by newcomers Kevin Pike, Alonso Spiller and Seth Bauman, in addition to returners Derek Lannigan, Chris Janssen, Whalen George and Reggie Hatton at tight end and wide receiver. These men should take some of the pressure off of the quarterback position as the offense reorganizes.

Returners Rashaad Lee, Justin Gerald and Ryan Griffin will also bring added stability to an offensive unit in transition. Lee is a returning second team All-Conference selection and Gerald is an All-American return specialist who will be asked to do multiple duties within the Eagles' 2008 offensive scheme. After a great spring, look for Griffin to get extensive playing time as the fall develops.

Up front, the Eagles will rely on returners Steven Keaster, Popi Stevens, Matt Beaty and Ryan Turner. Last year's backups BJ Frans and Austin Crawford, as well as Chad Denningman, who moved from defense in the spring, will look to solidify spots during the preseason. A great group of young offensive linemen, along with a strong recruiting class, have created a heightened expectation up front.

Defensively, the Eagles will be faced with replacing a crew of players who were mainstays for the last couple of seasons. With defensive linemen All-American Justin Wisdom and Marvin Williams graduated, the Eagles will turn to returners Michael Stromsness, Ryan Huckaby and Matt Beaty; newcomers Patrick Siebels and Cortez Lawrence; and Cavelle Cole-Neal, who moved from offense, to solidify this unit.

The Eagles return several starters on the rest of the defensive side of the ball. Chad Smith, Ryan Boyer, Charlie Stevens, Mickey Pitman, Ira Riggins and Touissant Peterson are all returning to bring stability to the great defensive unit. Newcomers Cody McCann, Brett Fitchpatrick and Matt Polowy, transfers Kyler Crawford and AH Marshall, along with multiple other incoming freshmen, look to break into a very solid unit that will vie for playing time and starting positions.

The Eagles' special team responsibilities will be manned by Matt McClenahan and Tyler Padgett. McClenahan is a returning punter who averaged around 38 yards per punt last year. Padgett will hold down the place-kicking duties. Newcomers Rey Hernandez and Dustin Payne will support the kicking corps, while Marshall Woodruff will help with the punting.

Overall, the Eagles are aiming to make great strides in the 2008 campaign. The players are excited, the coaches are excited, the administration is excited - and EAGLE PRIDE is returning to Fayette, Mo.

CULVER-STOCKTON COLLEGE

One definition of the word experience is - practical knowledge, skill, or practice derived from direct observation of or participation in events or in a particular

activity. Culver-Stockton had 22 players listed as either freshmen or red-shirt freshmen on its two-deep depth chart leading up to the season finale at MidAmerica Nazarene. Many of those players saw significant playing time during the season. Culver-Stockton College Head Coach Christian Guenther is hopeful that knowledge gained by his young football team in 2007, coupled by a solid nucleus of upperclassmen, will pay dividends in 2008 as the Wildcats look to reverse the nightmare of a 1-10 season.

Offensively, the Wildcats have a good foundation on which to build as quarterbacks Justin Gumm and Dustin Jacoby both return. Gumm, a senior, and Jacoby, a red-shirt sophomore, combined for the second-highest passing yards total in school history with 3,297. They also helped the Wildcats set school records for pass completions (261) and pass attempts (435) in a single year. Jacoby, who is a double-threat with his arm and legs, is expected to get every chance to be the starter come the opening week. He passed for 1,410 yards and five touchdowns while also rushing for five touchdowns last season. But don't count out Gumm, who threw for almost 1,900 yards and 13 touchdowns last year. Gumm was very accurate, completing 62.1 percent of his passes, and he also had two rushing touchdowns.

Arguably, the biggest hole the Wildcats will have to fill is at wide receiver where they lost their top four receivers from a year ago. Preston Nicholson, the AFCA/NAIA All-American, who had 84 receptions last season graduated in May. Then, Darrell Dancy (39 rec., 467 yards), Archie Heath (35, 455) and Ben Mohwinkle (27, 309), decided not to return to the team. That leaves senior wide receiver Jeremy Osborne and red-shirt sophomore tight end Mike Sweeney as the only experienced receivers returning. Osborne hauled in 24 passes for 301 yards and three touchdowns, while Sweeney netted 14 catches for 116 yards and two touchdowns.

Red-shirt sophomore Cameron Chenoweth, of Harrisonville, Mo., and senior Tyler Roberts, of Princeton, Mo., are expected to get the first opportunities to claim the starting positions; however, several newcomers will also be looked at during the preseason, including StacJuan Kelly, a junior college transfer from Compton, Calif., and Sir Oliver Turner, a freshman from Maywood, Ill. If the Wildcat offense is to be successful in 2008, they will have to be better at the running game. Culver Stockton managed 747 yards rushing total last season with Ricky Williams leading the way with 382 yards on the ground.

The top returning running back is red-shirt sophomore Josh Roberts, who rushed for 153 yards and a touchdown in limited action last season. Joining Roberts, and giving the Wildcats a power back, is junior college transfer Adrian Allen of San

Marcos, Calif. (Palomar JC). Allen did not play last season at Palomar due to injury. At fullback, Dustin Green is the incumbent and will be toted as the starter during the preseason.

Up front, the Wildcats welcome back red-shirt sophomore Justin Shawe, who played in every game last season and is the top returning lineman. Also returning

are Anthony Jahr, another red-shirt sophomore who saw action last year, and senior Greg Neagle, who started at center last year. With three starters returning, the battle will be for the two tackles positions where returning players Jon Tatum and Cory Huchteman will battle it out with true freshmen Matt Cameron, Jake Wengerski and Zach Higdon. As well as the offense was able to move the ball last

season, it will be the defense that decides whether the 2008 team improves or not.

The defensive line is the biggest question mark as the Wildcats must replace three of the four starters. Only sophomore Alonzo McAfee (51 tackles, three sacks)

returns as Chris Haverstick, John Good and Michael Zehnle depart due to graduation. Of the returners, Steven Kerr, Travis Stephenson and Ryan Stephenson saw action in several games last season, albeit in a limited role, and will battle for the three starting positions when the preseason begins. Returner Drew Hurst will also be added to the mix while junior college transfer Rosny Volney and freshman Kyle Haeberlin also figure to compete for playing time.

Linebacker should be one of the Wildcats' strengths as sophomores Dustin Haynes and Brent Holtrop both are expected to return in 2008. As freshmen, Haynes recorded 69 tackles and a team-high four interceptions. Meanwhile Holtrop garnered 81 tackles, second on the team, and had 5.5 tackles for loss.

In addition, Jamartae Jackson is expected to move from strong safety to linebacker this season. Others expected to compete for playing time include returner Ted Daniels, a senior, and freshmen Shane Duty, Adam Fricke and Adam Gunterman.

In the defensive backfield, red-shirt junior Tyler Buckman is the most experienced of the cornerbacks, finishing 2007 with 68 tackles, three interceptions and

seven passes defended. The other cornerback entering the preseason is Jordan Cox, a sophomore, while returner Jim Varner and newcomers Toddrick Lee and

Raymond Byrd will push the starters for playing time. With Jackson moving to linebacker, the Wildcats will have two new safeties this season. Freshman Marcus

Barnett has been moved to free safety while junior Tom Fallert is expected to be at strong safety. Those two will be contested by Brian Richardson and Trenton Francies, two junior college transfers, and Brandon Carver, a freshman.

On special teams, Will Ryan kicked well during the spring and is earmarked to be the starter this season. The Wildcats, who were the second-worst team in the

league last season punting the football, will have two new guys competing for that job. They are Ryan and Tyler Roberts. Osborne will most likely keep his job as the Wildcats' punt returner after averaging 14.1 yards per return last season. C-SC will have to find a replacement on kickoff returns as Heath and Dancy, both of whom averaged over 20 yards per return, filled those roles last year.

EVANGEL UNIVERSITY

The 2007 Crusader football team won its last two games to finish with a winning mark (6-5). Those wins should help the 2008 edition of Evangel football carry over a positive attitude as it begins preparation for another tough Heart of America Athletic Conference race.

With 13 starters returning - seven on offense and six on defense - head coach Scott Metcalf, who begins his seventh season at the helm in 2008, will have some experience on the roster. Forty-two lettermen return and an equal number of recruits have been added to challenge for starting spots. These factors should help ease any preseason worries Metcalf may have - with the exception of two areas.

A peak at the 2008 2-deep shows all new faces in the offensive backfield and only one returning starter on the defensive line. While the coaching staff has a few other holes to plug, their main focus will be on these two areas.

"Every year teams lose people to graduation who have made a significant impact during their career," stated Metcalf. "We are no different. That's why you recruit. We are blessed to have outstanding returning personnel and newcomers who will have a great opportunity to step in and to contribute."

The offensive backfield lost quarterback Derek Rasmussen, fullback/slot back Jared Stevens, and tailback Shedrick McClenton II. The talented trio will be hard to replace. Richie Roepke (6-2, 180, So.) was Rasmussen's backup in 2007 and should be the QB to beat out of the starting spot. At fullback, David Flores (6-0, 230, Jr.) was Stevens' backup last season and he will be looked at as a possible starter. The No. 2 tailback on the 2007 2-deep was Ryan Polite (6-0, 200, Sr.) and he will be hard to nudge out of the starting lineup. Polite averaged 3.2 yards per carry last season and scored four TDs. He also caught 15 passes for 185 yards and a pair of TDs.

Up front, the offensive line lost all-conference guard Garrett Gretz to graduation. Returning starters Matt Gomez (6-2, 265, So.), Jared McNutt (6-2, 265, Jr.), Danny Sweet-Clyne (6-1, 240, Jr.) and Chris Teed (6-2, 275, So.) should provide plenty of stability to the offensive line. In addition, starter Steve Trulove (6-3, 230, Jr.) returns to do battle from his tight end position as does his backup Todd Drury (6-0, 220, Sr.). Trulove caught 26 passes last season for 338 yards and a TD to earn second team all-conference plaudits.

The receiver corps boasts the return of its starters and backups from 2007. Starting flanker Brenton Roggow (511, 160, Jr.) caught 27 aerials in 2007 for 405 yards and four TDs. Mike Ryswyk (6-3, 185, So.), last year's starter at split end, caught 20 passes for 237 yards and a TD. Backups Zach Troutman (6-1, 180, Jr., SE) and Landon Small (6-2, 190, Sr., FL) also had an outstanding 2007 season. Troutman caught 26 passes for 241 yards and three TDs. Small latched onto 10 footballs for 139 yards and three TDs.

"Our offensive line and receivers should be solid. The offensive line will feature many new faces and as the players work together, they will gel and grow into an outstanding group. I expect the same from the receivers. Our receiver unit has depth and experience, which will make for great competition during preseason," Metcalf remarked.

"Our strengths on offense will be the depth we have with our running backs and receivers. We also showed the ability to play loose and to play together with great energy during spring practice and that I believe that will carry over into 2008. We will need to continue to gel as a unity, understanding and executing all our schemes with great effectiveness and efficiency."

As Metcalf steps over the line of scrimmage and turns around, he sees the most pressing defensive problem directly in front of him. Only one starter returns on the defensive line. Ryan Chaffin (6-3, 250, Sr.) is the lone returner and finished 2007 with 28 tackles, five tackles for losses and two sacks. When Metcalf's gaze goes beyond the defensive line, however, he has to smile. All but one starting linebacker returns and he lost only one player in the secondary.

"A part of coaching is dealing with the loss of players. Players who had a significant impact for us will be replaced by players who will come in the following year and, hopefully, fill their spot," said Metcalf. "We are excited about the players - Ryan (Chaffin) and the backups from last year - we have returning on the defensive line and about the many newcomers, who will have an opportunity to compete at every position. As the season begins, our strength on defense is our secondary and linebacker units because of their overall experience and depth."

The returning linebackers are Jeff Hedrick (5-11, 235, Sr.) and Andrew Matrone (6-1, 220, Jr.). Matrone, who earned second team all-conference honors, led the 2007 defense with 84 tackles. He also had 13 tackles for losses and seven sacks. Hedrick tallied 33 tackles, four tackles for losses and one sack. EU returners in the defensive backfield are seniors John Hunt (5-10, 185, CB), Travis Meacham (6-2, 190, FS) and Nathan Thomas (5-8, 190, SS). Thomas led the group with 64 tackles - third most on the team - and also had three tackles for losses, two sacks, one interception for a TD, and three pass breakups. In addition, Thomas earned first team all-conference honors as a kick returner. He returned 18 kickoffs for a 28.2 average, with one TD, and was ranked No. 3 in the nation (NAIA) in this category. Meacham accumulated 45 tackles with three interceptions for 39 yards and five pass breakups. Hunt broke up four passes and was credited with 27 tackles.

"Position groups aside though, the entire defense played together aggressively, freely, and with great passion during the spring drills. As the defense continues to play this way, I believe, these factors will be its biggest strength," Metcalf said. "We will need to work on the players knowing their assignments in the new defensive system. I believe we'll see exciting things happen on the field for us defensively as the players gain experience."

In addition to the offense and defense, the special teams unit will also be attended to by the Evangel coaches. Placekicker Erik Brown, long snapper Jacob Hamon, and kickoff returner Jared Stevens are not returning. Trevor Gies (5-11, 180, Jr.) shared the placekicking duties with Brown last year and was the starting punter. Gies averaged 37.5 yards on 58 punts. He also booted 15 of 18 extra points and connected on 6 of 11 field goals, one of which measured 52 yards to tie the school record. The kickoffs were handled by two of the best kickoff returners in the NAIA last season. Thomas, who returns for his final year in 2008, was ranked No. 3 in NAIA kickoff returns. He brought back 18 kickoffs for a 28.2 average and had one TD. Stevens, who has graduated, returned 14 kickoffs for 26.8 yards per kick average and was ranked No. 8 in the NAIA. As a team, Evangel was ranked No. 3 nationally in kickoff returns (23.8). Joel Stevens (6-0, 190, Sr.) returns to field punts and should see plenty of plays from his defensive back position. He returned 20 punts last season for a 10.5 average and scored one TD. David Sebastian (6-2, 200, Jr., QB) also returns as the holder on extra points and field goals.

"After a tremendous year in 2007, we will continue to expect great things from our special teams in 2008," stated Metcalf.

As Metcalf and his assistant coaches groom the 2008 Crusader football team for its 11-game schedule, they have one thing in mind - a conference title. With the parity demonstrated in the Heart of America Athletic Conference over the past several campaigns, however, the race to grab that trophy will be a challenging one.

"The HAAC, from top to bottom, is probably one of the most competitive football-playing conferences in the NAIA," stressed Metcalf. "Every week each team strives to improve, play with consistency, and stay injury-free. The teams that can do this, of course, have the greatest chance of winning the championship. Our main goal is to give our absolute best each week and then see how things play out in the conference race."

GRACELAND UNIVERSITY

The 2008 Jacket football campaign appears to be a positive one on paper. After finishing last season with a disappointing 6-4 record due to some key injuries late in the year, the Jackets have a solid foundation built around them for success this season. Graceland Head Football Coach Cris Welch enters his sixth season at the helm on campus and will have some fresh faces next to him on the sidelines. Defensive Coordinator Jeff Douglas replaces the departed Alan Dykens who left to take the Head Coaching job at HAAC conference foe Central Methodist. The Jackets will be running a tandom of coaches as offensive coordinators as Erik Coffey will be in charge of the run game and former Jacket All-American quarterback Clayton Braddock will be controlling the passing game.

Graceland returns almost their entire defense from last season including all conference performers Cameron Willkomm (MLB San Diego, CA), and Chris Bell (OLB Lamoni, IA) as well as budding two sport athlete and defensive end Simon Morefield (Independence, MO). Along with some key transfers from the University of Colorado, the Jackets should sport a very stingy defense.

Offensively the Jackets will have some fresh faces. Returning senior quarterback Rory Schoonmaker (Huntington Beach, CA) started the final game for the Jackets last season and looks to potentially fill that void this season. The running back battle for the Jackets could be an interesting one as many as five guys could be competing for the starting spot. Graceland should be loaded at the receiver position headed up by senior Tyler Stewart (San Diego, CA).

It should be a very exciting season for the Jackets in 2008 who look to return to the NAIA National Tournament after a two year hiatus.

LINDENWOOD UNIVERSITY

When Lindenwood head coach Patrick Ross oversaw the move of his offense from a two-back, tight end scheme to a wide open, one-back shotgun, no-huddle outfit before last season, no one was quite sure what would happen.

It went pretty well, actually.

Beginning with an opening night 44-point barrage against a MidAmerica Nazarene team which would eventually make the national playoffs, the Ben Kisner-led Lions were a high wire act all season on offense, averaging 37 points and 424 yards per game while winning the HAAC title.

Gone from that outfit are leading scorer and rusher Hakeem Abdullah, as well as leading receiver Dominic Peterson. Back in the fold, though are Kisner and four of his five offensive linemen from a year ago, plus senior All-HAAC receivers Brent Hodgkiss (32 catches) and Austin Bortle (38 catches).

Kisner, a 6'1, 196-lb. senior from Independence, enters his fourth season as the Lions' starting quarterback with every conceivable school passing record well within his sights. The 2^nd team All-HAAC selection threw for 2,549 yards last season, leading the Lions to ten wins, a Heart championship, and a berth in the national playoffs.

Some of his top targets are back, including four-year players Hodgkiss (6'2, 180) and Bortle (6'0, 204), along with sophomore Mike Bunton (5'9, 181) and junior Stuart Sago (6'4, 218)-all of whom played extensively last season. Bunton, the St. Louis metro Player of the Year in 2006, is a star in waiting who will be used in a variety of ways this fall.

A couple of transfer receivers made huge impressions in the spring. Senior Darrell Thornton (6'2, 191) and junior Rudy Fleming (5'10, 184) are both expected to be impact players in their first season with the program.

Outstanding incoming freshmen Matt Angell (5'11, 175) and Matt Holt (6'5, 200) are small school prep stars who could surprise at wideout as the season moves along.

Abdullah was certainly a force at tailback last year, but the Lions are going to be remarkably loaded at that spot again in 2008. Senior Leonard Durant (5'11, 191) was the Lions' most-prized recruit four years ago as the Ross era was just beginning, and his final year should be his best. Sophomores Nate Orlando (5'8, 178) and Robert Williamson (5'7, 175) were dazzling in the spring-it's not a stretch to say that whichever of them is the fastest may be the fastest back in the Heart-and senior Dario Camacho (5'11, 198), a transfer from Purdue, showed moments of brilliance in the spring, as well.

"We have been blessed since we've been here at Lindenwood to have some of the best backs in the country," said Ross, entering his seventh season as a head coach with 47 career wins already in the books. "This year is going to be no different in that respect. Leonard is a guy it's easy to pull for because he's been so great for the program, but those younger players are going to be challenging him every day, and Dario was a full-ride, Big 10 tailback at Purdue."

As deep and talented as the Lions figure to be at the skill positions, it is up front where the strength of this team lies. Junior center Jeff Hynes (6'1, 290) is the anchor, a first team All-HAAC selection who makes all of the Lions' calls along the front, and could probably call the offense if the need arose.

Alongside Hynes is sophomore Justin Callaway (6'1, 272), who started practically all season for the Lions last year as a rookie, earning 2nd team All-HAAC honors. Callaway has a motor that runs for 60 minutes, and though he is undersized, the Liberty, Mo., native will be among the four or five top linemen in the Heart this fall.

Also returning along the offensive line is senior guard Carlos Chang (6'3, 284), a JC transfer last fall who started from the first game, and 6'4, 276-pound sophomore Dan Jones, a player whom the Lion staff believes will be a star for the next three years. Juniors Jerry Martin (6'2, 274) and Mike Errante (6'1, 271) will battle with Chang and Jones for clock, and they are both high quality players. Martin was a JC All-American two years ago before missing all of last season with a knee injury, and Errante enters his third year in the program with expectations befitting a former 1st team All-Metro selection from St. Louis.

Record-setting junior place kicker Halley Ferrell (5'10, 186) also returns as one of top kicking specialists in the NAIA, after hitting 17 of his 20 field goal attempts last season. That mark set an all-time NAIA record for kickers attempting at least 20 field goals.

"The bar was set very high by last year's offensive unit, so this group is going to have to play very consistently to take a step forward," said Ross. "Fortunately, it's many of the same guys, one year better."

No football team in the Heart of America Athletic Conference has won more conference games than Lindenwood over the last four seasons. The Lions have won two of the last four Heart championships, advanced twice to the national playoffs, and own a record of 15-5 in play against the other upper echelon HAAC teams (Benedictine, Graceland, Missouri Valley, Evangel and MidAmerica Nazarene).

You don't put up those numbers without playing some defense.

With all the emphasis and focus on high-powered spread offenses in today's college game, it's sometimes easy to forget that written in big letters at the top of the chalk board, in the Great Coach's Office in the Sky, it says, "Defense Wins Championships".

Led by a standout group of returning linebackers, the 2008 Lion defense should be able to hold up their end of that bargain.

Returning on the inside will be last year's leading tackler, redshirt sophomore Dan Carlisle (5'11, 207), who came from nowhere when injuries struck to record 80 tackles for the 10-2 Lions in 2007. Also back in the fold will be sophomore Seth Tutera (6'0, 204), who played extensively as a rookie and enjoyed a great spring.

The wildcard inside is junior Logen Wright-a first team All-HAAC pick as a sophomore in 2006, Wright missed all of last season with a leg injury, but should return this fall.

If Wright is back to his old form in 2008, the Lions will be extremely deep at inside backer, with redshirt freshman Brandon Casey (6'0, 211) and redshirt sophomore Nick Stemmler (6'2, 222) ready to play in the Heart, as well.

"Obviously, getting Logen back will be huge," said Ross. "But those other guys have really come on, to the point where the competition is going to be stiff no matter who is out there."

Outside, the ringleaders figure to be seniors Bruce White (6'2, 233) and Denver Price (6'0, 209). Both played regularly last fall for a Lion team which finished third in the conference in scoring defense, and each should enjoy a big senior year.

Junior Ryan Zimmerman (6'1, 228) will also find time on the outside, and a newcomer to watch for in this group will be junior transfer Sam Latham (6'0, 218), whose speed off the edge should make him well-known to Heart quarterbacks as the season moves along.

"We should be athletic outside, with pretty good size," said Ross.

One of the biggest questions for the defending HAAC champions going into the 2008 season is who will replace three outstanding seniors from the defensive front wall? The departed trio of Brian Schaefering, Jeremy Coley and John Krieger was highly decorated and very productive.

"We're probably not that much different than most college football teams in the country this summer with respect to our defensive line," said Ross. "Those are the hardest guys to recruit and develop, so when you lose three like that in one year, it's a concern. But we are very excited about the new players who will fill those roles, and it's time for Billy Ray to step up."

Senior Billy Ray Uren (6'5, 255) returns for his fourth season in the rotation, but it's different now-no longer the understudy to Coley and Schaefering, Uren will be asked to be "The Man", making plays and rushing quarterbacks into bad decisions which will create plays for others.

Senior LeShawn Newberry (6'1, 290) started all 12 games at guard for LU last season, but was moved to noseguard in the spring, and he should provide a nice anchor for the defense there. At the other end, auditions will be open in fall camp, with redshirt freshmen Kellen Dreyer (6'3, 235) and Duke Middleton (6'5, 249) battling junior transfer Alvin Davie (6'4, 244) and sophomore Stephen Frichtl (6'4, 252) for clock and the QB's flushed by Uren.

In the secondary, the Lions return two All-HAAC caliber co-captains to lead the way: junior Brandon Gould (6'1, 178) is one of the top athletes in the program at cornerback, and senior safety Hector Corona (6'0, 204) is the unit's emotional leader and biggest hitter.

"Both of those guys are playmakers," said Ross of his secondary leaders. "They will make plays themselves, and they will help other people make plays by getting them lined up and ready to go."

Redshirt sophomore Jacob Glose (6'2, 185) joined the Lions in the spring, and he should compete for the other starting spot at safety, along with senior Adam Cecil (5'8, 188). Senior Mark Marquez (5'10, 181) will try to hold off a long list of talented young corners for the spot opposite Gould.

Highly touted JC transfer Nick Somes (6'1, 181) is expected to win the punting job vacated by Chicago Bears signee Zac Atterberry.

MIDAMERICA NAZARENE UNIVERSITY

Offense

Senior Darrius Blanson (Kansas City, MO) will compete with Stinson Dean (Blue Springs, MO) for the quarterback position. They will have two choices in the backfield: seniors Pat Ealy (Loveland, CO) and Kendall Addison (West Wego, LA) both had big 2007 seasons and are poised to do the same in 2008. Sophomore Brock Drumm (Peidmont, OK) will be the favorite targer at wide receiver. Tight Ends Chris LaCount and Juan Redman will figure prominantly in the offensive attack this season. The Offensive Line of Taylor Stewart (Olathe, KS), Tyler Rodden (Olathe, KS), Nick Woodard (Overland Park, KS), and Mack Gouin (Ft. Myers, FL) will be in charge of protecting and creating lanes for the Pioneers.

Defense

Head Coach Jed Stugart will double as defensive coordinator this season. Last year's leading tackler, Chad Ammons (Fort Scott, KS), returns for MNU, along with standout seniors Mike Deavours (Loveland, CO) and Travis Huseman (Harrisonville, MO). The secondary will feature William Griffin (Kansas City, MO), Ed Hawkins (Kansas City, KS), Geoff White from (St. Louis, MO), and Kevin Hlad from (O'Fallon, IL).

MISSOURI VALLEY COLLEGE

With a 23-4 overall record the past two seasons, the Missouri Valley Vikings have emerged as one of the premier small-college football programs in the nation. MVC sits at #3 in the NAIA pre-season rankings for a second consecutive year. Valley has advanced to the Semi-final round of the NAIA playoffs two years running. The 2008 Vikings will not be satisfied with those accomplishments, however, as the Vikings return a dynamic group of athletes bent on advancing the program to another level.

The 2007 Vikings suffered through an inconsistent start, dropping a pair of home games in the first month of the season on their way to a 2-2 start. With their playoff backs against the wall, the Vikings ripped off eight straight victories from that point, including convincing wins over fellow HAAC playoff teams MidAmerica (32-7) and Lindenwood (33-13). MVC notched a pair of post-season road wins, over KCAC champion Friends University and previously-undefeated Ohio Dominican, before falling just short in a last-second heartbreaker in the semi-finals against the University of Sioux Falls (SD) by an 11-10 score.

The MVC defense, as stout a unit as any in the NAIA the past two seasons, will look to replace some fine players from the 2007 squad, including Heart of America Conference Defensive MVP Reggie Singletary and fellow 1^st-Team all-HAAC linebacker Marquette Floyd. Inside linebacker Soane Sevelo (Sr., 5-11, 23 Kaneohe, HI) is a returning starter and juniors Colin Smith (6-1, 233 St. Louis, MO) and Bryan Crayton (5-11, 235 New Orleans, LA) saw significant playing time a season ago. Davohn Dillard (Jr., 5-11, 220 Fontana, CA) is a transfer who joined the Vikings for the spring semester and will compete for a starting job. At outside linebacker, seniors Billy Atlas (6-2, 205 29 Palms, CA) and Jonathan Durham (5-11, 220 Marshall, MO) return along with sophomore Jesse Putnam (6-3, 240 Sedalia, MO). All three made strong contributions on the field in 2007 and will look to make even more plays with increased roles.

The Viking secondary will replace three of four starters from a year ago, and there are several capable candidates. Senior safety Tevita Wiliams (6-3, 205 Kalihi, HI) is the returning starter and Moamoa Palepale (Sr., 6-0, 195 Everett, WA) was a key contributor in '07. Drew Hauskins (Jr., 5-8, 181 O'Fallon, MO), Steven Price (So., 5-9 189 St. Peters, MO) and Esa Ikonen (Jr., 6-0, 210 Pori, Finland) will compete for game reps.

At cornerback, Valley graduated a pair of All-HAAC performers in Aubrey Smith and Emmanuel Robinson. Corey Anderson (Jr. 5-8, 163 Fort Pierce, FL) and Correy Webb (Sr., 5-10, 165 Rohnert Park, CA) will look to fill those roles after seeing significant playing time last fall.

The defensive front for MVC returns four of the top five performers from '07 and figures to be an outstanding group. Seniors Larry Wentzel (6-2, 240 St Louis, MO) and Jacory Lindsey (6-3, 230 Desoto, TX) return at defensive end along with junior Anthony Collins (6-6, 240 Warrensburg, MO). Wentzel was the HAAC Conference MVP as a sophomore and has 27 career sacks. Junior nose tackle Merlin Benefield (5-11, 290 New Orleans, LA) is a stalwart in the Vikings 3-4 scheme and should continue to be a force on the interior.

Offensively, the Vikings return five starters from a unit that averaged 32 points per game in 2007. Quarterback Chris White (So., 6-1, 220 Brielle, NJ) returns as the incumbent starter after a freshman season where he threw for 2075 yards and 16 TD's. Red-shirt freshman Paul Wayne Thomas (6-1, 213 Marshall, MO) and sophomore Micah Petersen (6-2, 225 Lamar, MO) will also compete for the QB job coming into fall camp.

Valley will replace three of five starters across the offensive front in 2008, along with the top two tight ends from last year's unit which led the Heart of America Conference in rushing with 196 yards per contest. Senior tackles Nick Peker (6-3, 295 Eureka, MO) and Jermaine Solomon (6-4, 295 Ft. Pierce, FL) will anchor the O-Line and provide leadership. The center and guard spots will likely be filled by some combination of sophomores Marque Black (6-2, 278 New Orleans, LA) Henry Hamilton (6-2, 276 Hialeah, FL) and Zach Wybert (6-2, 290 Moberly, MO) and juniors Justin Hendrix (6-3, 320 Dallas, TX) and Marcus Love (6-0, 280 Spring Valley, CA). Competition should be intense in fall camp as red-shirt freshmen Brett Speed (6-0, 285 Angleton, TX) and John Carrell (6-0, 295 Belton, MO) could also find their way into the mix. At tight end, the Vikings will return three-year letterman Trevor Howard (Sr., 6-4, 235 Grain Valley, MO) along with an exciting prospect in Tommi Pinta (Fr., 6-6, 262), an international student from Finland who red-shirted in 2007 and possesses a rare combination of size and athleticism.

At tailback, MVC returns two impact players in Robert Holmes (Sr., 6-0, 205 Kansas City, MO) and David Allen (Jr., 6-2, 240 Moberly, MO). Holmes ran for 1399 yards and seventeen TD's in 2007 highlighted by a 262 yard performance in week six against MidAmerica Nazarene. Allen added 890 punishing yards and ten touchdowns, averaging 5.8 yards per rush. Holmes and Allen could be the premier rushing tandem in NAIA football this fall. The fullback position will be filled by Jacob Cahill (Jr., 6-1, 220 Odessa, MO), a versatile blocker and receiving threat, and senior Clint Baldwin (6-2, 230 Macon, MO), a convert from the defense where he was a former letter-winner at linebacker.

Valley will have a stable of quality wide-outs in 2008 despite graduating two of the top three passing targets from 2007 in Eric Brown and Michael Wilder. Speedster Javion Jones (Sr., 5-8, 170 Dallas, TX) averaged 18.6 yards on nineteen receptions with five TD's last fall and is a dangerous deep threat. Jon Nunez (Sr., 6-3, 205 Bakersfield, CA) and Cortavious Anderson (Jr., 5-8, 170 Ft. Pierce, FL) caught eleven and sixteen balls respectively in '07 and will each see an increased role in the offense. Scott Humphrey (Jr., 6-2, 215 Salisbury, MO) caught ten passes for 121 yards before his season was cut short by injury. This season will also mark the return of Darrell Madry (6-1, 175 Hollywood, FL), a sophomore who lost all of 2007 to a medical red-shirt after a stellar freshman season which saw him score five TD's and average nearly 25 yards per reception.

WILLIAM JEWELL COLLEGE

The William Jewell College football team looks toward continued success in the Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) as it prepares for the 2008 season.

"One thing that's happened now is we have built a foundation," said head coach Fran Schwenk, who has led the Cardinals to a 17-13 record in three seasons since moving from Doane College in Nebraska. "We feel very strongly that we should be able to be competitive and turn a corner. This team in my mind is ready to succeed."

The Cardinals will rely on a group of 14 seniors to provide leadership as Jewell looks to improve on their 6-4 season and third-place finish in the HAAC a year ago. "We have a number of guys who have gone through the process that are ready to step up," Schwenk said. Despite the veteran presence, the Cardinals do have some holes to fill, especially at quarterback, running back and receiver. "We have a group of guys who can fill in nicely for the players that have graduated," Schwenk said.

OFFENSE
Quarterback
Two players battled for the starting spot during the spring, with sophomore Drew Witman and senior Nick Persell emerging as the top two candidates to replace Benny Palmer. A two-year starter, Palmer threw for 1,700 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2007 while earning third-team All-HAAC honors. Persell saw limited action in 2007, completing 6 passes for 28 yards. Witman, who red-shirted last season, has been playing hard and was impressive in spring workouts.

Running Back
The Cardinals lost a vital part of their offense with the graduation of Leon Wiggins. Wiggins rushed for 588 yards, and finished second on the team in receptions with 31.Redshirt first-year player Jarail Johnson, sophomore Demonte' Whitley and juniors Josh Cooper and James Fransaw all are expected to be factors in the ground game this season. Whitley is the only one who saw action last year, gaining 116 yards in 7 games played.

Wide Receiver
Another big loss for the Cardinals was starting wide receiver Evan Adams (38 receptions, 459 yards and 7 touchdowns). Coach Schwenk will look again to a group of individuals to come in and help fill the void created with the graduation of Adams. Senior Tyler Mills, who finished third on the team in receptions last year, will most likely continue to occupy his starting slot. The Cardinals will look to Nick Persell, along with sophomore Taylor Gallagher, senior Travis Milne and sophomore Curshion Jones, to provide depth at the receiver position. Schwenk is excited about the addition of first-year player Ethan Cunningham of Southlake Carroll High School in Grapevine, Texas. Cunningham was one of the top-rated wide receiver prospects in the nation, according to USA Today.

Offensive Line
The offensive line will undergo a few changes in 2008. The Cards lost three starters to graduation in Matt Callaway (HAAC Honorable Mention selection), Tanner Phetteplace and Jerrad Hansen. Anchoring the offensive line this season will be a host of juniors, including Andrew Nolting, Drew White, Chris Steinrauf and Tony Moore. Adding depth on the offensive line is NCAA Division II transfer Kyle Sudhoff, sophomores Andrew Clarke and Sean Razloznik, along with some outstanding first-year recruits.

DEFENSE

For the second time in three seasons, the Cardinals will have a new defensive coordinator. Jerod Kruse spent last season as the defensive secondary coordinator at Baker University, where he helped the Wildcats move from #8 in 2006 to a #3 ranking in 2007 in total pass defense in the Heart of America Athletic Conference. Prior to coaching at Baker, Kruse served as secondary coordinator for Emporia State University, an NCAA Division II school. Kruse will begin his new position at Jewell immediately.

Defensive Line
The Cardinals' defensive line emerged as a top unit last year, with the starting front three accounting for 6 sacks. The Cards did lose first team All-HAAC performer Wade Smith, but defensive tackle, senior Shane Spencer and senior ends Lynn Nutt and Aaron McQuinn return. Spencer finished third on the team with 3.5 sacks. Reinforcing the defensive line are returners sophomore Mark Gerster, senior Frank Ugochukwu, sophomore Chris Dillon and converted linebacker, sophomore Cody Sharp. Sophomore Division II transfer Corey Sudhoff will look for playing time on the defensive line as well.

Linebacker
The linebacker corps will return three of four starters from last year's squad. Back for another season are inside linebackers, senior, Jacob Williams and junior Travis Foerschler . They will be backed up by a pair of talented underclassmen in sophomores Nathan Valentine and Alex Hilton. Senior John Appleby, who finished fourth on the team in tackles in 2007, will anchor the outside backers, with help from senior Will Ogorek and sophomore Jason Kingslover.

Secondary
The Cardinals defensive backs could be the strength of their defense in 2008. At cornerback Jewell will look to replace starting cornerback Zach Cunningham. The Cards will return second team All-HAAC performer in junior Ryan Florence at one cornerback spot. Senior Eric Johnson and junior Clayton Hewitt will return at strong safety and free safety, respectively. Daniel Webster, Mike Heggie, Chris Ramirez and Creed Lenhart will also figure in the mix for playing time.

SPECIAL TEAMS
The Cardinals will look to replace Stephen Bader, who was an All-HAAC performer for three years at Jewell. Senior Garrett Withers will step in to help out the kicking game. The Cardinals will look to first-year player Troy Green from Lawson High School in Lawson, Mo., for added depth. The Cardinals will regain the services of returner Curshion Jones, who averaged 23.8 yards per kickoff return in 2007.