Projected starter(s): senior Venric Mark
Key reserves: senior Mike Trumpy, junior Treyvon Green, redshirt freshman Malin Jones and redshirt freshman Stephen Buckley
Breakout candidate: Buckley
Buckley and Jones impressed the coaching staff during spring practice, and both could find their way onto the field this year. But we give the edge to Buckley because of his versatility: The converted high school quarterback is extremely athletic and great at catching the ball out of the backfield. It’ll be hard for Buckley to see any playing time with Mark, Trumpy and Green ahead on the depth chart, but he may be too talented to keep off the field.
Season outlook
All eyes will be on Mark to see if he can replicate or exceed his offensive output from last year. It’ll be interesting to see if offensive coordinator Mick McCal uses him as much as he did in the 2012 season; Mark was worn down or injured late more than once last year. A fresh and explosive Mark in the fourth quarter could be the difference between clinching a close game and losing a heartbreaker. If McCall uses that strategy, guys like Trumpy and Green could see more carries in the middle of games. Like in 2012, expect the run game to be the focal point of the Wildcats’ offense.
— John Paschall
