Offensive Preview:
The leader on the Indians team without question is quarterback Brandon McIIwain. Brandon has over 20 offers heading into his junior year. His sophomore year he threw for over 1,400 yards and rushed for almost 600 yards. He had 21 total touchdowns.
“He’s a great athlete first. He’s a student of the game. He has a rocket for an arm and he has amazing speed. I have never seen him get caught when he breaks free in the open. He’s the total package. He can make all the throws, he can run and is a great athlete. When he’s on the run, he can make an accurate throw just like he does in the pocket. If something is not there, he’s not afraid to pull it down and get some yardage. He will put his shoulder down and hit you.”
Chris Welde returns at running back. He averaged over six yards a carry last year.
“One of our feature backs is going to be Chris. He’s a three-year returner. He has amazing speed and has been clocked at several camps at 4.43. So, he has that burst and that extra gear.”
Seth Leuz is another three-year player and he’s only going to be a junior.
“He will get some touches in the backfield.”
In the H-Back position look for either James Closser or Connor Guzy in the backfield.
“These guys will be doing more of the blocking.”
At fullback keep an eye on senior Ferris Berlin.
“He has had a nice offseason and may get some reps this fall.”
On the offensive line the Indians return three players.
Returning at offensive guard is Mike Rademacher. John Riley returns and he will be either a tackle or guard this year. The other guy returning is Colin Campenelli and he will be a guard.
Patrick Saraullo will see time at center this year. Colin Drotar could play either tackle or guard spot. Pat Bartlett is getting looks at the tackle spot. Shane Oros could get some reps at center.
“I think having a few kids with experience is going to help the younger guys early. They are a gritty group and they aren’t that big. They are real tough and hard working group of kids.”
Senior Matt Cabo returns at wide receiver. He averaged over 14 yards a catch last year.
Mitch Maisel is back at receiver.
“He will also play some backup quarterback for us again this year.”
Devon Bibbens is another kid to keep an eye on.
Matt Chandlee, Seth Leuz, Drew Burschlag, Tyler Knownas and Tyler Hone will all get some reps this year.
“We run a no huddle and we like to get kids in there. No one is really a starter, they all will see time.”
Defensive Preview:
When you talk about the Indians defense it starts with defensive lineman Connor Guzy. Last year he had 22 solo tackles, 26 total tackles, seven sacks and one fumble recovery.
“He’s very explosive. His initial burst off the line is very very good. He’s a good athlete for his size and is able to do things that other kids can’t do. He really gets after the pass rush and causes a lot of havoc in the backfield at times. He draws a lot of penalties, which is as good as or better than a sac. So, I will say his quickness is one of his best assets. In key spots, he’s a guy that makes big impact plays for us.”
Kyle Thorpe has gotten time on the line last year. He played in eight games last year. Colin Campenelli will get some reps again this year at tackle and end.
Mike Rademacher is another guy that will get some reps.
James Closser is back for his third-year at middle linebacker. He had 41 tackles last year.
“He’s the leader of our linebackers. He has good experience and is an excellent tackler.”
Colin Drotar will get some reps along with Seth Leuz.
Another guy that will rotate in is Jake Shenot.
In the secondary Chris Welde returns at corner. He played in 10 games last year and had one interception.
Drew Burschlag will play corner again this year. He led the team with three interceptions last year.
Brandon McIIwain will be a safety along with Mitch Maisel. Mitch had two interceptions last year.
“All these players have experience back there.”
Also Shawn Yoder, Ferris Berlin and Brian Choi will see action this year.
Special Teams Preview:
Chris Welde and Devon Bibbens will get some looks at kick and punt returns.
James McMullen will be the kicker. Brandon McIIwain will do the punting duties.
Connor Guzy is the long snapper along with James Closser.
Head Coach: Adam Collachi
2013 Record: 7-4 (4-3 Conference)
Key Starters Lost: Seamus Bishof, Sam Horbal, Joe Eick, Tyler Callender, Josh McWilliams
Offensive Players Returning: (7)
QB Brandon McIIwain
RB Chris Welde
OL Mike Rademacher
OL John Riley
OL Colin Campenelli
WR Matt Cabo
WR Mitch Maisel
Defensive Players Returning: (7)
DE Connor Guzy
LB James Closser
CB Chris Welde
CB Drew Burschlag
S Brandon McIIwain
Key Newcomers: Pat Sarullo, Pat Bartlett
D1 (FBS & FCS) Prospects: Connor Guzy, Brandon McIlwain
2014 Outlook: Offensive and Defensive line need to come together. A lot of skill position players return and have the ability to score and make explosive plays.
