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Basically ... The Bobcats are trying to change things up going from an option team to a spread attack, so the question is whether or not the pieces are there to fit the offense. The receivers can fly as Scott Mayle and Anthony Hackett are premier deep threats and the line, while geared towards running the ball, is experienced enough to change. Now it's up to Ryan Hawk and Austen Everson to get everyone the ball.
Star of the offense: Sophomore WR Scott Mayle
Player that has to step up and become a star: Senior QB Ryan Hawk and/or sophomore QB Austen Everson
Unsung star on the rise: Mayle
Best pro prospect: Senior OT Dennis Thompson
Top three all-star candidates: 1) Thompson, 2) WR Scott Mayle, 3) WR Anthony Hackett
Strength of the offense: Receiver
Weakness of the offense: Experience running a passing attack
Quarterbacks
Projected Starter
- Ryan Hawk, Sr. - The Miami University transfer is a big quarterback with a good arm and tremendous speed. He turned into the main signal caller as the offense started to pass more and threw
for 765 yards and four touchdowns with three interceptions. On the down side, he only completed 49% of his throws. He'll need to use his experience to be a quick decision maker in the new
passing attack.
Top Backups
- Austen Everson, Soph. - Everson was thrown to the wolves as a freshman when the team was looking for any kind of spark. He's a big passer and a good runner throwing for 491 yards and three
touchdowns and ran for 178 yards and three scores.
The Skinny: Gone are the days of the option running quarterbacks looking to direct a ground attack. Ryan Hawk and Austen Everson can throw and run, but it will be up to the hot passing
hand to see who gets to handle the new offense. Each has enough experience to step in and shine.
Player to keep an eye on: Austen Everson ... Quarterback Rating: 5
Running Backs
Projected Starter
- Ray Huston, Sr. - Huston is a 211-pound back with sub-4.4 speed. He didn't get loose too much last season only running for 319 yards and four touchdowns, but he was dangerous getting the ball
on the move catching six passes for 106 yards and two scores.
- John Taylor, Soph. - With good side and excellent quickness, the 215-pound sophomore will take over the tailback role. He ran for 213 yards and a touchdown in a reserve role, and now he'll be
more of a featured back.
Top Backups
- Stafford Owens, Sr. - Owens is ultra-quick and has been extremely productive as a runner, receiver and punt returner. He is only 5-8, but his hands and speed make him one of the team's most
valuable players.
- Brad Young, Jr. - The main fullback last year, the 215-pound junior was second on the team rushing for 319 yards and four touchdowns. He doesn't have much speed or athleticism as a hard
running power back.
The Skinny: The backfield production was spread out among several players and there are several great options returning. The overall role of the running game will decrease as the Bobcats
throw more, but Ray Huston, Stafford Owens, John Taylor and Brad Young will still combine for around 1,500 yards.
Player to keep an eye on: John Taylor ... Running Back Rating: 5
Receivers
Projected Starters
- Scott Mayle, Soph. - Mayle could be one of the MAC's breakout players ready to explode with more passes coming his way. The Ohio track star was the MAC champion in the long jump and was a top
sprinter running 10.53 in the 100. He used that speed to average 20.6 yards per catch on 25 grabs with four touchdowns last year.
- Anthony Hackett, Jr. - The big and tremendously strong Hackett returns after leading the Bobcats with 26 catches fro 452 yards and two touchdowns. He's a good deep threat and a great blocker
for the ground game.
- Tight end Ryan Antle, Sr. -The top JUCO player will be more involved in the offense this year after catching five passes fro 34 yards. He's a Dean's List student with good athleticism and
great hands.
Top Backups
- Ahmona Maxwell, Soph. - Injuries should be all that keeps Maxwell down as he has the size, the track star speed, and the talent to be a star once he gets a chance to show what he can do. He
only played in three games last year making two catches for 16 yards.
- Chris Jackson, Soph. - A big and fast running back last year, the 6-1, 188-pound Jackson moves to receiver where he'll backup Anthony Hackett becoming a top deep threat. He ran for 133 yards
and two touchdowns as a freshman.
- Justin Riley, Soph. - Riley doesn't have the experience in the offense that Chris Jackson does, but he is very quick and will battle Jackson for the backup job behind Anthony Hackett.
The Skinny: The receivers are there to expect more production now that there's a commitment to the passing game. Anthony Hackett and Scott Mayle are premier deep threats that will make
several home-run hitting plays as long as defenses stay concerned about the Bobcat ground game.
Player to keep an eye on: Scott Mayle ... Receiver Rating: 5.5
Offensive Line
Projected Starters
- Tackle Dennis Thompson, Sr. - Thompson got over his broken leg and became the top starter on the line getting his left tackle job back. He is a 6-4, 307-pound mauling run blocker who has to
quickly develop into a top pass protector.
- Guard Matt Coppage, Soph. - Expected to be a decent backup, the 290-pound Coppage took over a starting spot as a freshman. He's a big, strong blocker who will get the nod on the left
side.
- Center Ralph Bracamonte, Sr. - The JUCO all-star will take over the starting job full-time this season. At 6-3 and 290 pounds he's a block of granite inside.
- Guard Matt Miller, RFr. - Tremendously strong and very athletic, the 6-3, 290-pound Miller is ready to take over the right guard job. He has the talent to quickly grow into one of the best
Bobcat linemen.
- Tackle Steve Lawrence, Sr. - The former walk-on spent his whole career trying to get healthy, and then be became a fixture on the line last year. The 6-4, 278-pound senior will start at right
tackle.
Top Backups
- OT Dave Williams, Sr. - Williams has some of the best feet among the linemen as a strong run blocker in space. He'll push Steve Lawrence for the job on the right side.
- OG Mike Nelson, Jr. - Able to play anywhere on the line, the 286-pound Nelson will push Matt Miller at right guard. He could also see time at center.
The Skinny: Can a veteran line trained to run block quickly be able to become good pass blockers? This group wasn't all that strong in the running game only paving the way for 3.6 yards
per carry. It might take a little while, but the talent is there to hope for a good season led by tackle Dennis Thompson.
Player to keep an eye on: Matt Miller ... Offensive Line Rating: 4.5
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