GRINNELL, Iowa – Led by the strength of the linebacker corps, the Grinnell College football team is hoping for a successful campaign in 2014.
Among the Pioneers returnees at linebacker is David Ternes '15, a two-time All-Midwest Conference selection who last season led the league in tackles with 130. He is also an All-Region pick and preseason All-American.
Joining Ternes is Richard Renteria '15, who led the MWC in forced fumbles last season with three and ranked fifth in sacks with 5.5 for 41 yards.
"Having those two back is a huge plus for us," said Grinnell coach Jeff Pedersen. "It does hurt to lose Jeremy (Wiles) and Colton (Feller), but we have moved Barrett Morrissette '16 to outside linebacker, and then have Daniel Munger '15 and Brogan McWilliams '16 inside to help David. The linebacking corps will definitely be a strength for us."
Pedersen added the defensive line will also be solid with returnees Clayton Desjardin '15, TJ Jones '17, Daniel Ryerson '15, Edward Guen-Murray '15, Riley Drexler '17 and Matt Medrano '17. First-years Jackson Smith '18 and Devin Austin '18 are also looking to be in the mix.
The Pioneers graduated their entire starting defensive backfield, with Jacob Beecher '16 returning as the most experienced player. Others looking for playing time at safety include Kent Hoover '17, Edward Hardman '15, Ibuki Ogasawara '17 and Thomas Jones '18.
At cornerback, the Pioneers will rely on Joe Galaske '17, Nate George '15 and Scott Beecher '18.
On the offensive line, the Pioneers graduated two key players in Morgan Kinsinger '14 and Quinn Rosenthal '14. "However, we have jelled pretty well so far with some of our other returnees, plus some good newcomers."
Returnees include Cedric Abdul-Hakeem '15, Pierce Gustafson '15, Zach Davis '17 and Will Rebelsky '17. Isaac Chadri '15 missed last season, but returns as a lineman with two years of starting experience, while Grant Koch '17 is back after missing last year due to injury.
The Pioneers have a quality transfer in Ethan Lahn '17, while newcomers Robbie McCarty '18 and Elijah Smythurst '18 should also be in the mix.
"I expect all of those guys mentioned to get playing time," said Pedersen.
Four players who started at one time or another are back at the receiver spots. Jacob Meixler '15 led the Pioneers in receiving a season ago, coming up with 49 catches for 682 yards. He ranked third in the conference in receiving yards per game and fourth in receptions per contest.
Emmi Sandoval '16, who had 31 catches for 346 yards, also has starting experience as do Aamir Walton '15, Greg Ruzich '16 and Henry Cummings '16.
Jacob Washington '15 returns to the team, and along with transfer Zach McGriff '18 and first-year Carson Dunn '18, the receiving corps should be deep. "Overall, the receiving corps is a pretty solid group," said Pedersen. "Now we need a playmaker to emerge."
The team's leading rusher, Jacob Bernholtz '17, returns this season. "He'll get more carries this year," said Pedersen. "We'll expect him to carry the load."
The coach added that Blake Rish '18 and Dunn are also in the mix at running back.
Sam Poulos '16 is back at quarterback after being slowed a bit by injury last season. He still completed 123-of-225 passes for 1,435 yards in seven games.
"Sam is looking great," said Pedersen. "He'll be backed up by a newcomer, Harrison Hoegh '18."
Graham Fisher '16 will handle the punting and kicking duties, while Scott Beecher is expected to be the primary returner.
The Pioneers open their campaign this Saturday at Beloit College. The first home contest is Sept. 27 against Macalester College.
"Our goal this season is to get off to a quick start and carry the momentum from there," said Pedersen. "We're looking for a strong year."