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Basically ... The offense should be interesting as head coach Chris Ault is installing an Air Wolf attack that'll have a one-back set while controlling the ball with the short to mid-range pass. The running game won't be forgotten about with RB Chance Kretschmer a workhorse to carry the attack. The only concern is on the line where there's no depth whatsoever.
Star of the offense: Senior RB Chance Kretschmer
Player that has to step up and become a star: Junior OT Adam Kiefer
Unsung star on the rise: Redshirt freshman RB Jarred Belser
Best pro prospect: Senior OT Harvey Dahl
Top three all-star candidates: 1) Kretschmer, 2) Dahl, 3) QB Jeff Rowe
Strength of the offense: Running backs
Weakness of the offense: Offensive line depth
Quarterbacks
Projected Starter
- Jeff Rowe, Jr. - Rowe is a big passer with a good arm and could take over the starting spot in a hurry if he steps up his game this summer. He was the starter last year completing 22 of 47 passes for 259 yards and a touchdown with three interceptions, but he was knocked out with a shoulder problem.
Top Backups
- Travis Moore, Soph. - The best overall combination of skills of the three quarterbacks, Moore is missing the experience and the reps Rowe and Heiser have. He had a crisp 7 of 9 for 88-yard passing day in the spring game.
- Andy Heiser, Sr. - Not exactly the prototype quarterback at around 6-1 and 188 yards, Heiser is more of a scrambling, playmaker-type of quarterback than a drop-back gunner. But he has a good arm and is normally a good decision maker with a year of experience as the starter throwing for 2,294 yards and 13 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He also ran for a score.
The Skinny: It was a three-horse race with all the candidates about dead even until Jeff Rowe won the job. Whichever prospect gets the gig will be among the WAC's league leaders in the new pass-happy attack. Jeff Rowe should be the best fit, but Andy Heiser brings more experience. Travis Moore wouldn't be a bad option to go with now and have the position set for the next three years. The numbers from this position will be better than the talent.
Player to keep an eye on: Travis Moore ... Quarterback Rating: 6.5
Running Backs
Projected Starter
- Chance Kretschmer, Sr. - Kretschmer returns as one of the nation's most productive backs coming off a 1,162-yard, 12 touchdown season. He's currently the school's number four all-time rusher with 2,969 yards and should easily hit the 4,000 mark if he stays healthy. He wasn't 100% this spring with abdominal ailments caused by kidney stones, but he looked strong again in the spring game.
Top Backups
- Jarred Belser, RFr. - A speed back in every sense, Belser adds a much-needed flash to the power of Chance Kretschmer. However, he sprained his knee this spring and wasn't able to get as many reps as the coaching staff would've liked.
- Drew Robinson, RFr. - A productive all-around runner, Robinson has speed and pass catching ability able to be a featured back if necessary. He was nicked up this spring with a knee injury.
- Robert Hubbard, Jr. - The new JUCO transfer was added to the mix this spring after all the ailments struck the top three backs. He's an insurance policy.
The Skinny: Chance Kretschmer is one of the best backs in the nation if he can stay on the field. Jarred Belser and Drew Robinson should shine as change-of-pace backs, but don't provide much power if Kretschmer goes down.
Player to keep an eye on: Jarred Belser ... Running Back Rating: 7.5
Receivers
Projected Starters
- Del McGee, Jr. - The JUCO All-American got a little bit of starting time last year and should be a big-time player now that he knows the offense. He was third on the team with 24 catches for 318 yards and a touchdown.
- Nichiren Flowers, Jr. - Flowers is a big, physical receiver with good deep ability even though he only averaged 10.5 yards per catch last year. With Maurice Mann gone, he'll be the team's top deep threat and is the leading returning receiver making 35 catches for 366 yards and two touchdowns last year.
- Tight end Anthony Pudewell, Soph. - Pudewell turned into a reliable pass catcher making 12 grabs for 162 yards and two touchdowns. He had problems with his shoulder keeping him out of spring drills, but he should be fine for the fall as more of a pass catcher than tight end No. 1A Tony Moll.
Top Backups
- Tony Moll, Jr. - Nevada occasionally uses a funky H-back/two tight end set and that's where Moll fits in. The 260-pounder got most of the work this spring with Anthony Pudewell sidelined with a shoulder problem.
- Talib Wise, Sr. - An interesting prospect, the 6-0, 207-pound former running back moves to receiver to add more speed and size. He was the team's number two rusher last year going for 405 yards and a touchdown and catching 12 passes for 162 yards and two scores.
- Caleb Spencer, Soph. - The JUCO transfer is expected to be an instant factor in the offense once he gets a chance to show what he can do. He's not the JUCO player that Trevor Brackett is, but he'll still be a factor.
- Trevor Brackett, Jr. - A star JUCO player at College of the Canyons, Brackett has the size and speed to become a starter from the word go.
- Travis Branzell, Soph. - A great all-around tight end prospect, the 6-3, 239-pound Branzell will see some action as a receiver.
The Skinny: The receiving corps all depends on the JUCO transfers. While the overall talent might not be there, the numbers will in the new Air Wolf attack. Del McGee and Nichiren Flowers are good, but they're not going to set the world on fire necessitating the move of Talib Wise over from running back. The tight ends are a strength if Anthony Pudewell's shoulder is fine.
Player to keep an eye on: Talib Wise ... Receiver Rating: 4
Offensive Line
Projected Starters
- Tackle Adam Kiefer, Jr. - Kiefer can play either tackle spot and who's starting to become the dominant lineman the Wolf Pack was hoping he'd be a few years ago. He has a great combination of size and strength.
- Guard Chris Hines, Sr. - The former defensive lineman was a good guard as a sophomore and a star last year as a second-team All-WAC performer. He's the team's best interior blocker and should be one of the league's best guards.
- Center Kyle Gosselin, Jr. - Gosselin stepped into the starting role last year and was strong despite suffering a broken hand. He still played in nine games and showed flashes of All-WAC potential.
- Guard John Tennert, Sr. - The senior has had knee injury issues over the course of his career after starting his first two seasons. He's expected to be back in the mix this year after slimming down from around 325 to around 295 pounds.
- Tackle Harvey Dahl, Sr. - Dahl got bigger and stronger last year becoming one of the WAC's best blockers. The 305-pound senior is a Lombardi Award and All-American candidate and a lock for All-WAC honors. He's very strong and a punishing run blocker.
Top Backups
- OG Adam Garcia, Soph. - At 305 pounds he's a big blocking prospect who should quickly get in the mix. He's a tremendous athlete.
- OG/C Barrett Reznick, Soph. - The 280-pounder saw a little bit of time last year and will be counted on to be a key backup at either center or guard.
- OT Thomas Stevens, Jr. - The Los Angeles native was a first-team All-Western State Conference selection and rated in the the top 100 junior college players in the country. He had 16 pancakes and graded out at 98 percent during the 2003 season.
The Skinny: The starting five should be outstanding thanks to the return of Harvey Dahl and Chris Hines. There's no depth whatsoever needing several redshirt freshmen to step up right away.
Player to keep an eye on: Kyle Gosselin ... Offensive Line Rating: 5.5
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