Head Coach Brad Hatter Q&A
Q. What are the key things we should know about your offense?
A. We will continue to run some spread but will be mixing in some Pro I. We are hoping to have a balanced attack of run and pass which will hopefully keep defenses guessing.
Ethan Troutman will return after missing his entire junior year and will provide a nice target at wide receiver for our sophomore quarterback Christian Wingard.
We should have decent skill position players and will need to have good production from our offensive line, which will be anchored by Cole Hoover and Austin Simpkins.
Austin Lehman, Cole Shomper, and Connor Keim will get the bulk of the carries from the RB position.
Q. What are the key things we should know about your defense?
A. We will continue to run a 4-3 base defense but will also work a 4-4 look as well.
We should be good up front and in the secondary but will need our linebackers to step up this year.
Lukas Cassel and Cole Hoover lead an experienced group up front while Connor Keim and Austin Marks will solidify the linebackers.
Austin Lehman and Ethan Troutman will provide experience and leadership in the secondary.
Q. What are the key things we should know about your special teams? Who are your kick and punt returners? Who are your kicker and punter?
A. We hope to be better with our special teams in terms of returning kicks and punts and in our kicking game. Connor Keim will return, as our punter and Christian Wingard will be our kicker.
Head Coach: Brad Hatter
2013 Record: 3-7
Key Starters Lost: Alex Frederick, Seth Ramberger, Mark Simpkins, Logan Ebersole, Brandt Smink
Offensive Starters Returning: 6
Defensive Starters Returning: 8
1. Ethan Troutman: Senior: WR/DB
2. Cole Hoover: Senior: OL/DL
3. Connor Keim: Senior: RB/LB
4. Austin Marks: Senior: RB/LB
5. Lukas Cassel: Senior: RB/DL
6. Austin Simpkins: Senior: OL/DL
7. Austin Lehman: Junior: RB/DB
8. Austin Hoke: Junior: OL/LB
9. Tylor Erdman: Junior: RB/LB
10. Tyler Hesen: Junior: WR/DB
11. Gavin Carter: Junior: OL/DL
12. Christian Wingard: Sophomore: QB/DB
13: Cole Shomper: Sophomore: RB/DB
14: R.J. Daley: Sophomore: WR/DB
2014 Outlook:
We did not lose very much from last year and basically have the bulk of our skilled position player’s back.
The biggest question for us will be how well our line plays on both sides of the ball.
All in all, we are looking for some of our younger players who contributed last year to contribute even more.
