Wittenberg (11-2 in 2001)
The Wittenberg Tigers appear to have all the elements in place for a tremendous run at the NCAA title in 2002. The five-time defending NCAC champions are loaded with skilled players and experience, and they have the attitude one might expect given the roster does not include a single player who has ever lost a conference game.

Wittenberg has made great in-roads in the last decade, but the Tigers' path toward a national title has hit a detour in the national quarterfinals three times in the last four years. To reach the top in 2002, the Tigers figure to rely heavily upon senior tailback Daniel Grove, who rushed for more than 1,200 yards in his first year as a starter and showed great durability throughout the season. He is joined in the backfield by talented sophomore fullback Raymar Hampshire and senior Greg Cornett, who threw just four interceptions in 13 games in 2001.

The only question mark on offense is at wide receiver, where record-setting Michael Aljancic departs. But the Tigers appear to have plenty of depth to make up for the loss, beginning with junior Skip Ivery, who started every game in 2001, and senior Adrian Crane, who led the team in yards per catch.

Defensively, Wittenberg must replace three starters on the defensive line, but their absence will be cushioned by the return of senior middle linebacker Dustin Goldsbury, a three-time All-NCAC selection who did not play in 2001. He will spearhead a defense that will likely start as many as eight seniors, including defensive end Allen D'Andrea, No. 2 on the team in sacks last year, and safety John Hauser, the team leader in tackles and a three-time all-conference choice.

The key to Wittenberg's season will be replacing Aljancic and the three defensive linemen — can the Tigers find a go-to player of Aljancic's caliber, and will they still be able to harass opposing quarterbacks the way they did a year ago? If so, the 2002 edition could be one of the school's best ever.

Key games will be the season opener at home against Albion, an 8-2 team a year ago that just missed out on the playoffs, and at home against Wabash on Oct. 12. Wabash was 8-2 last year as well, and brings back its entire offense in hopes of hurdling the Tigers and claiming an NCAC title.

Wooster (4-6 in 2001)
There is no substitute for experience. Never has this statement carried more meaning than for Wooster, which enters the 2002 football campaign with 38 returning letterwinners, including several senior starters at high-profile positions such as defensive lineman Drew Fay, cornerback/return specialist Nick Hajjar, running back Scott Jones, and quarterback Jeff Spraggins.

With that in mind, third-year head coach Mike Schmitz fully expects his squad to rebound from a disappointing 4-6 record last fall — its first season below .500 since 1994 — and he believes that the Fighting Scots will be one of the top contenders for the North Coast Athletic Conference championship.

Another reason for all of the optimism is that Wooster, 42-18 over the last six seasons, lost 12 players to graduation, only four of which were starters. The most significant area hit was at wide receiver, where all-conference honorees Chris Cabot and Darryl Simmons, who combined for 89 receptions, 1530 yards, and 13 touchdowns in 2001, have graduated.

Along with Jones, who grinded out 823 yards and eight touchdowns on 202 rushes in 2001, and Spraggins, who may have been on his way to All-NCAC honors last fall with over 1200 yards and 12 touchdowns before suffering a broken collarbone in the sixth game, Wooster's offense welcomes back six linemen with starting experience, anchored by senior left tackle Jon Spragg.

Defensively, the Scots return nine starters led by Fay, Hajjar, and one of the top young linebackers in Division III, sophomore Tim Cline, to a unit that allowed a total of just 38 points over the final four games in 2001. Fay had 7.5 sacks and 34 other tackles last fall, Hajjar is a two-time all-conference honoree with 32 pass deflections to his credit over the past two years, including 10 interceptions, and Cline returns after tying for ninth in the nation in tackles (13.5 per game) as a rookie.

Wooster's specialists also look to be strong on paper with senior Ryan Hartschuh set to handle the punting duties for a third-straight year and sophomore Richie McNally, who connected on a pair of 43-yard field goals last fall, returning alongside Hajjar, who led the league in punt returns (11.1 average) and was third in kickoff returns (22.7 average).

Wabash (8-2 in 2001)
It will be difficult for the 2002 Wabash football team to provide any more excitement than it did in the final 2.7 seconds of the 108th Monon Bell Classic, claiming a 27-21 win on the final play of the game. But Coach Chris Creighton's squad has tasted success, and it wants more.

The Little Giants won their final seven games, earning a tie for second place in the North Coast Athletic Conference standings. The 8-2 record in 2001 has led to preseason recognition for 2002.

Nineteen of the 22 starters on offense and defense return for the 2002 season. The offensive line returns all but one starter from a team that set the school record for total offense (4,629 yards in 10 games) and touchdowns in a season with 55. The line tied the school record for fewest quarterback sacks allowed, giving up only seven sacks in 2001, and helped Wabash to a top-15 national ranking in total offense and the 17th-best passing offense in the nation. Senior co-captain Jamie Bopp (6-5, 290 lbs.) returns. Bopp and sophomore Dan Rodriguez (6-1, 255) are expected to anchor the outside of the Wabash front five. Senior Thomas Meeker (6-3, 245) will be back for his another season as the starting center for the Little Giants, along with senior guard Andrew Melshen (5-11, 260). The other starting guard spot may be filled by senior Jason Binder (6-4, 271) or sophomore Todd Small (6-2, 265). Both players saw action last year as reserves.

The offensive line provided the protection for what has become the top passing attack in Wabash history. Quarterback Jake Knott returns for his senior season after setting the school career passing record in his third season at the helm of the offense. Knott threw for 2,908 yards last season while earning the Mike Gregory Award as the NCAC's offensive MVP. He broke Creighton's conference record and the Wabash single-season record for touchdowns in a season, throwing 34 scoring strikes. Knott was fifth in the nation in total offense with an average of 322.4 yards per game and was 15th in passing efficiency at 154.03. He completed 200 passes in 347 attempts with 11 interceptions. He needs just 770 to break the Wabash record for total offense in a career set by Chris Ings '96 (9,608 yards). Knott is also currently seventh on the Indiana all-time collegiate passing list. Drew Brees of Purdue heads the list with 11,792 yards.

Knott's favorite target last season was tight end Ryan Short. Short was named a D3football.com Second Team All-American, tying his school and conference record of 13 touchdown receptions in a season. Short had 73 receptions for 901 yards as a ten-game starter for the Little Giants. His biggest play of the season did not come on a catch, but when he tipped the final pass of the Monon Bell game to a waiting Kurt Casper for the game-winning score. Short enters the 2002 season having earned preseason accolades as well, as a D3football.com first team preseason All-American.

With the departure of Casper, the second-leading receiver last season, several other Wabash wideouts are ready to add to the offensive output. Junior Josh Bronaugh hauled in 26 passes for 551 yards and six touchdowns last season. Junior J-Back Nick Dawson made 24 receptions for 285 yards and four TDs. Sophomore Brandon Clifton finished his rookie season with 10 receptions in a reserve roll.

Senior Chris Morris leads the rushing attack for Wabash, coming off of a career-high 819 yards on the ground in 2001. He averaged 5.8 yards per carry and scored nine rushing touchdowns last season to add balance to the Little Giants' offensive game plan. Junior David Sutherland will also spend some time in the backfield for Wabash after averaging 3.7 yards per carry in 60 attempts last season.

Defensively the Little Giants return 10 starters from the 2001, losing only defensive end Brad Taphorn to graduation from a team that forced 35 turnovers and was ranked 21st in the nation against the run. Wabash will be led up front by returning starters Blair Hammer, Matt Mercer, and Josh Stanton. The three linemen totaled 149 tackles, 47 tackles for losses, and 22 sacks. Stanton led the team with 10 sacks, while Hammer was second with 9.5 sacks for 69 yards. Hammer was a First Team All-Conference selection, while Stanton earned Second Team All-Conference honors.

Senior Nate Boulais returns from a semester in Europe to anchor the linebacker corps for Wabash. Boulais led the Little Giants in total tackles for the third consecutive season, making 75 stops in 10 games to earn First Team All-Conference honors. The senior linebacker has made 262 tackles in his career and has 24 tackles for loss in three seasons. Juniors Connor Kuba and Nick Fanelli added 54 tackles as starting linebackers on either side of Boulais last year.

The defensive secondary grew up in a hurry last season. After the 1-2 start, defensive coordinator Neal Neathery tweaked his defensive unit and produced a group that finished the year with 12 interceptions. Junior cornerback Artie Montes led the way with five picks. Sophomore Dustin Deno stepped in midway through the season as a starter and made four interceptions. Senior Lonnie Heck was added three fumble recoveries to the turnover totals from his safety position. Stu Johnson, Terence Nance, Chad Springer, and Adan Garcia all bring experience to the rotation back for another season.

Olmy Olmstead returns as the extra point and field goal kicker for the Wabash squad. Olmstead set a Wabash single-season record by successfully hitting 40 extra point attempts in 2001.

The table is set. The Little Giants are ready for another exciting season and are hungry for even more success in 2002.

Ohio Wesleyan (9-1 in 2001)
Coming off one of the best seasons in Ohio Wesleyan history, Battling Bishop head coach Mike Hollway will look to a group of 14 returning starters and 48 returning lettermen to build on that momentum and return Ohio Wesleyan to the top of the North Coast Athletic Conference standings.

The Battling Bishop offense, which ranked second in the nation in rushing (3301 yards) and fourth in the nation in total offense (5107 yards) and scored a school-record 418 points last year, again will be a potent force.

Senior center Jeff Hollway and senior tackle Todd Ison, an All-NCAC pick last year, will anchor the Bishop line. Senior tackle Bob Cross, junior guard Jon Robinson and junior tight end Matt Gasaway also are returning starters. Senior tackle David Swierczek will provide experienced depth, while sophomore tackle Adam Lonczak, sophomore guard Kevin Packard and sophomore center Nathan McLoney also return.

Tailback Matt Capone, Ohio Wesleyan's all-time leader in rushing and scoring, is gone, but the Bishops' power running game should again be a strength nonetheless.

Both starting halfbacks return in senior Jason Osborne, who averaged 8.6 yards per carry in 2001, and junior Chad Smith, who rushed for 10 TDs in 2001. Senior Bernie Vendlinski, who ranked third in the NCAC in rushing and won all-conference honors in 2000 but suffered through an injury-riddled 2001 season, and sophomore Eric Indiciani, who recorded a 100-yard game last year, also return. Senior tailback Jimmy Kinch, a starter in 1999 and 2000, could reclaim that position.

Sophomore quarterbacks Jeff Hanna and Joe Stanton will battle to take over the signal-calling duties. Sophomore Steve McConnaughey also will be in the picture.

The split end position will be up for grabs among juniors Bryan Beigie and Harold Dale and sophomores Bill Sisto and Eric Wilder.

Defensively, the Bishops expect another solid season. The line returns both ends in junior Cory Krieger and sophomore Corey Hedges, as well as junior Travis Little, who had 8½ sacks in six games before suffering a season-ending injury. Juniors Josh Brown, Mike Kohr and Zac Morris and sophomores Alex Colins and Eric Ramsier are among those returning at the interior positions.

Junior Billy Chrisovergis took over the middle linebacker position last year and went on to record 8 sacks and 18 tackles for loss. Junior Kent Weakley returns at the weak-side spot and senior Ryan Nixon will look to win the strong-side position.

Senior cornerback Steve Siefert and junior free safety Travis Finch are the returning starters in the Bishop backfield. Junior Jay Douglas will vie for the other cornerback position, while senior Levi Williamson and sophomore Josh Dawson have experience at safety.

Sophomore Brett Schumacher returns as the Bishops' punter. Osborne, Vendlinski and sophomore Brian Gamble all are dangerous kick returners.

The Bishops face a schedule highlighted by defending NCAC champion Wittenberg, as well as Wabash, who tied Ohio Wesleyan for second place in the NCAC last season, and traditional powers Allegheny and Wooster. Albion, the 2001 Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association champion, highlights the non-conference schedule, which also includes MIAA member Olivet and NCAC member Denison.

Hiram (3-7 in 2001)
Plenty of new faces fill the roster for Hiram as the Terriers begin their second season under the tutelage of head coach Mike Meyer and their third in the North Coast Athletic Conference.

Only nine starters and 15 letterwinners are back from last year's squad which finished 3-7 (1-6 NCAC). That means this year's team will feature a lot of young players.

"We hope for a lot of excitement because of the amount of young kids who will serve as our foundation for the future," said Meyer. "We are going to have some fun playing football."

Offensively, the Terriers have some big shoes to fill. Gone are all-conference, record-setting running back Kris Giebel, quarterbacks Dwayne Pavkovich and quarterback/receiver Tom Gallagher. Those three accounted for over 92 percent of the Terriers offense in 2001 and set five single-game or single-season school records last season.

The Terriers do return two of the top three receivers from a year ago and also welcome back an all-conference performer from 2000 in the backfield. Senior Mike Sandy was second on the team a year ago with 20 receptions for 260 yards and one touchdown. He is joined by junior Tim DeMay, who caught 16 passes a year ago for 126 yards as the number three wideout.

Returning to the Terriers after missing last season is All-NCAC running back Wally Froelich. In 2000, filling in for the injured Giebel, Froelich finished third in the NCAC in all purpose yards (1439) and led the team in rushing with 639 yards on 188 carries and three touchdowns, earning all-conference honorable mention recognition. Froelich will be aided by the return of junior fullback Cory Flachbart, who caught 10 passes a year ago and provided solid blocking for Giebel's record-setting year, and sophomore Dan Crofoot, who split time at both the fullback and tight end positions a year ago.

Hiram also lost all five starters on the offensive line from a year ago and how well and how quickly this year's group meshes together will be a key. Sophomore Frank Arnold is the lone returning veteran.

"Offensively, we are going to try to throw the football more than we did last season," Meyer added. "We have some good young skill people to accompany our returners and we have more team speed on offense and more weapons than we did a year ago."

On the defensive side of the ball, the Terriers return five starters from last year's squad which ranked third in the NCAC in pass defense and forced turnovers.

Senior Honorable Mention All-NCAC pick Ryan Cecchini and classmate Bob Bastian return as starters on the defensive line. Cecchini totaled 26 tackles a year ago, tying for second on the team with seven tacklers for losses and two quarterback sacks. Bastian made 20.5 stops a year ago and tied Cecchini with seven tackles for loss and two sacks. Sophomore Dan Murphy is also back and will look to compete for a spot among the front four after seeing action in four games a year ago.

Senior Brad Maguth, the team's leading tackler a year ago with 55.5 total tackles, returns to lead the linebacking corps. Maguth registered two tackles for losses last year and recovered one fumble and was second on the squad with 31 solo tackles. Sophomore Scott Hoffman totaled seven tackles a year ago as a backup and will look to see more playing time this year either at a linebacker spot of in the defensive backfield. The group is also aided by sophomore Jacob Berkley who lettered as a running back in 2000 but has shifted over to defense, and junior Louis Ule, a two-year letterwinner as an outfielder on the Terrier baseball team, who was an all-conference performer in high school.

In the secondary, seniors John Pascarella and Jason Bastin are both three-year letterwinners and were a big reason for the Terriers' outstanding pass defense ranking a year ago. Pascarella, who earned All-NCAC Honorable Mention accolades in 2001, was second on the team in tackles with 46, including a team-leading 34 solo stops, from his safety position. Bastin registered 35 total tackles last year and tied for second on the team with three interceptions, including a 59-yard interception and return vs. Wooster. In addition, junior Josh Smith made 14.5 tackles in a backup role last season and should vie for playing time again this year along with sophomore Tom Weil.

"Defensively we want to play an aggressive, attacking style like we did a year ago. Having two all-conference players (Cecchini and Pascarella) plus three other veterans will be a big plus for us"

On special teams, the duo of Pascarella and Froelich give the Terriers one of the top tandems in the NCAC. Pascarella ranked fourth in the NCAC in kickoff returns in 2001, averaging 22.1 yards per return. He also ranked sixth with an 8.7-yard punt return average. Froelich was second in the league in punt returns in 2000, averaging 10.0 yards per return, and set Hiram single-season and career records with two punt returns for touchdowns. Hoffman handled the kickoff duties a year ago as a freshman and will be the leading contender to replace graduated placekicker Joe Rogich. Hoffman made his only field goal attempt last year, a 25-yarder vs. Wooster, and also made his only point-after-touchdown attempt of the season.

Many of the recruits from Meyer's first recruiting class since arriving late last summer will be counted on heavily to fill key spots in the Terrier lineup.

"We will work very hard with this freshman class because it is going to be the nucleus for the next three to four years," Meyer concluded.

Allegheny (5-5 in 2001)
A new era in Allegheny football began in early July as former Gator fullback Mark Matlak became the 33rd head coach in the history of the program. Matlak, who has spent the last 13 seasons as defensive coordinator at New Hampshire, returns 20 starters and 48 letterwinners as strong foundation to a team that looks to bounce back from the program’s first non-winning season since 1985. He replaces Blair Hrovat, who resigned in mid-June when it was revealed he had lied about receiving a bachelor's degree from Edinboro.

The graduation loss of Shane Ream, the school’s all-time leading rusher, leaves a hole on offense, but four starters are back at the skill positions, led by quarterback Bubba Smith, an honorable mention All-NCAC pick. Smith set school records for passing touchdowns, attempts and completions last season.

Wide receiver Jon Turner, Smith’s favorite target, returns after setting Allegheny’s season receptions record a year ago. Tim Carl, who has battled an injury-plagued career, along with Brian Woods and Jamie Sye will make up the Gator backfield.

A veteran defense will be counted on, as nine starters return from last season. Up front, the Gators return first team All-NCAC performer David Pisanick at tackle, who registered 7½ sacks last season. All-NCAC selection Tony Fusaro once again will clog the middle at nose guard. The linebacker corps is led by All-NCAC pick J.P. McFeeley, who was the team’s second-leading tackler last season.

All-NCAC cornerback Matt Komar and strong safety Joe Cowart lead the defensive backfield. Komar tallied five interceptions last season, while Cowart led the team in tackles. Derek Vikara and Kirk Rhoades will also be in the mix.

Kenyon (1-9 in 2001)
Head coach Vince Arduini, who enters his eighth season at Kenyon, has erased the X's and O's and wiped the chalkboard clean of residue left over from the 2001 football season. Now he's ready to draw up a new formula that will push the Lords forward into a promising future.

"We are heading into the 2002 season with a positive attitude, but we can't overlook that 1-9 record from last year," Arduini said. "We need to develop consistency in progress from year to year, and in many ways this 2002 season will be a new starting point for us."

One of Arduini's first jobs will be to fill the holes left by nine graduating seniors. The departure of the Class of 2002 cleared out starting spots at nearly every offensive skill position and made some noticeable holes on the defensive line as well. However, a strong recruiting class of 13 players and a renewed commitment from the veterans will help Arduini fill those spots and move toward the completion of his new formula.

"Our whole new approach starts with those experienced players," Arduini said. "They will be asked to do more this season because of the personnel changes. We are going to move a lot of people around in order to have our best 22 players on the field."

Although position shifts will be inevitable with a roster of just 36 players, the Lords will focus their play around a returning class of 22 lettermen and 13 returning starters, with most of that experience scattered among the offensive linemen and linebacking corps.

Up front, the Lords will most likely go with some combination of Derick Busenburg, Joe Craig, Tom Giberson, Adam Lazarus, John McBride and tight end Adam Partridge — all players that either started up front or earned a good chunk of playing time last season. That group is supported by one of the more formidable linebacking duos in the conference — sophomores Casey McConnell and Calvin Hatfield. The pair combined for 212 tackles, 8.5 sacks, five fumble recoveries and three interceptions during their freshman campaigns.

The talent in those two groups, along with a restructured defensive line, should help the team become stronger with and against the run.

"(The run) was definitely an area that we struggled with on both sides of the ball," Arduini said. "We gave up far too many points and far too many yards. We had to play catch up on offense and that led to imbalance and inefficiency."

The statistics, unfortunately, also reveal Kenyon's weak point as the team gave up an average of 281.5 rushing yards per game (worst in the NCAC), while gaining an average of just 92.2 rushing yards per game (second-worst in the NCAC).

"We are making strides to improve in these areas," Arduini added. "Last year was a developmental year for a lot of these players who had no collegiate experience. Now, with a year under their belts, I think we will see some better results."

No matter what the results will be, the Lords' offensive running game will have a new look as it searches for replacements in the tailback and fullback positions, which were left vacant after graduation.

Because of the graduations of Tony Miga and Andy Pillay, the Lords will also need to plug in a new quarterback and receiver into the equation. However, the return of Milan Perazich, an extraordinary receiver, will be a huge plus for Kenyon. In the 2001 season, Perazich racked up team-highs of 57 catches and 895 yards. He scored six touchdowns and also led the conference in average receiving yards per game (99.4).

Defensively, the Lords need to mix-and-match along the line with experienced players like Dave Contrada, Patrick Howell, Bobby Talebian and Jeremiah Thompson. The secondary has finally overcome its injuries from last season and will have a new look in 2002. Chris and Bryan Mazzolini will join Greg Scheiderer and John Tisdale to try to stop opponents' passing games.

"There is no question that our lack of depth and low numbers have a big influence on some of our statistics, but we don't use that as an excuse." Arduini explained. "The team that we put on the field this season will not be a very experienced group, but I do believe the talent is there. If we can stay healthy and figure out the formula for putting the right player in the right situation at the right time, then our lack of depth shouldn't matter. This group can get the job done and I look forward to seeing the results during the upcoming season."

Denison (2-8 in 2001)
Denison, under the direction of third-year head coach Nick Fletcher, features 46 lettermen, including 17 starters from a year ago. In comparison to the past two seasons, Fletcher will return a more seasoned team for 2002.

The Big Red open their 2002 season on Sept. 7, when they host Waynesburg. Last year, Denison lost their opener to the Yellow Jackets in Pennsylvania. This year's squad, while still young, will have a more experienced nucleus. The Big Red, who finished the 2001 season tied for seventh place with a 2-5 record (2-8 overall), want to better their standing in the tough 10-team North Coast Athletic Conference.

Fletcher and his returners expect to improve on both sides of the ball during the 2002 campaign. "We started a young defense last year, with a year of experience, the defense should be improved this year. We also feel that we significantly improved our linebacker and defensive line positions with a strong recruiting class. Our most glaring weakness on offense last year was on the offensive line. Through our recruiting efforts we have also improved this weakness."

The Big Red are expected to present a balanced attack building on an offense that average 361.4 total yards per game in 2001. Last season, the offense established three new season records and a single game record. The three new season records were most passing touchdowns of 31, most first downs passing of 145 and most net yards passing of 3482 yards. The single game record was for most first downs passing of 31 against Waynesburg.

Denison will have all of their receivers back for the upcoming season. Seniors Ryan Hite (Findlay High School; Findlay, Ohio) and Josh Jergins (Lutheran West High School; Lakewood, Ohio) return after hauling in 851 and 963 yards respectively. Both Hite and Jergins were All North Coast Athletic Conference selection last season. Last fall, Hite tied Ben Fordkamp's season record with 11 touchdown catches. Hite also set a record with 58 receptions in 2001. Jergins broke a single-game record held by Fortkamp with 231 net yards receiving against Waynesburg. They will be joined by third wideout Brian Bishoff (304 yards in 2001) and tight end Jay Watt (509 yards).

Sophomore Phil Bouwhis will run behind what looks to be an improved offensive line in 2002. The line returns starters Taylor Furst, Derek Anderson, Sean Newell and Pat Hackett to provide stablility for new signal-caller John Stoll.

Stoll will replace All-NCAC performer, Greg Neuendorgf who will not return this season. Stoll will be challenged by Aaron Rose for the starting job. Stoll passed for 176 yards and a touchdown, seeing action in four games last season.

An improved defense will be built around a group of solid returning linebackers. Tom Kaprowski, Tyler Branstool and Brian Hoge are three of the lineman expected to make a strong contribution. Mike Perkins returns on the defensive line, along with converted lineman Matt Mrkobrad.

Returners in the defensive secondary are Dele Kadri; Ryan Bush and Aaron Rose. Travis Moles is also expected to contribute in the defensive secondary.

Senior Mike O'Donnell is expected to return and handle the kicking duties. In 2001, O'Donnell went 25-for-35 in point-after conversions and 1-for-1 in field goal attempts. Andy Stromwell who averaged 31.1 yards per punt last season is expected to handle the punting duties.

Denison welcomes back a cast of kick return specialists. Jason Rhodes along with Dele Kadri and Josh Jirgen are expected to share in handling kickoffs and punt returns. In 2001, Kadri returned 16 punts for a 72 yards and Rhodes returned 24 kickoffs for 452 yards.

Earlham (4-6 in 2001)
Coach Gerry Keesling enters his first season as Earlham's interim head football coach full of optimism and excitement about the 2002 season. The first-year head coach takes the reigns from predecessor Frank Carr, Earlham's new interim athletics director. "We do not have a bare cupboard," says Keesling. "I'm looking to continue to build on the foundation that Frank has built in the football program here."

Coach Keesling and the Quakers will rely on the strength and experience of their backfield to lead them in 2002. The senior running back duo of Jermel Hurt and Darrian Story garnered 1268 yards on the ground last season. Hurt rushed for 520 yards averaging just over 4.5 yards per carry, while Story, an All-NCAC honorable mention team member, led the team in rushing with 748 total yards and set a single game rushing record of 230 yards.

Supporting this dynamic duo are 17 returning starters and 33 returning letter-winners. Including Hurt and Story the Quakers return nine offensive and eight defensive starters.

Junior quarterback Jeremiah King played in nine games last season and will be expected to lead the Quaker offensive attack. On the receiving end Earlham returns wide receivers Kevin Carr and Mike Elorreaga. Sophomore Dan Ries returns as fullback and punter. He led the NCAC in punting in his first collegiate football season tallying 2104 yards in just 55 punts and was an All-NCAC honorable mention punter.

Seniors Tim Taylor and Chip Yeakey along with junior Alan Campbell are the returning men in the trenches for the Quakers.

Senior linebackers Rodney Gunn and Bryon Whitten will be looked upon for their field experience and leadership. Gunn was a 2001 All-NCAC second team member and the team's second leading tackler totaling 85 total tackles; Whitten added 59 tackles and two sacks.

Experience continues as the Quakers return four position players in the defensive backfield. Senior Jason Powell and sophomore Jeremy Carpenter return at the corner positions, while seniors Saul Mack and Chad Berndt return to the free and strong safety positions respectively.

Up front the strength of returning defensive linemen Dee Bostic and Carl Rhinehart will be the cornerstone of the defensive line. Bostic recorded 11½ sacks for a loss of 72 yards to lead the Quakers last season.

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