While Coach Mark Rosenberger describes his 23rd football team at Jim Thorpe as “a work in progress,” he knows for certain that he has speed, power, and depth in his backfield.

“We return a good group of running backs and wide receivers, who in our offense, will also carry the ball for us,” said Rosenberger.

Senior Cameron Tinajero, who averaged nearly five yards a carry last season, is a downhill runner with great vision between the tackles and “always falls forward,” according to Rosenberger. Complimenting Tinajero’s power is sophomore Sal Capria, who Rosenberger says is pound for pound, the strongest player on the roster. Last year, Capria showed flashes of becoming a special running back and he has the speed to take the ball to the house on any given play.

With wildcat formations and jet sweeps a standard part of the JT offense, expect speedy senior Derryl Fisher to get plenty of carries along with junior David Fiorito. Both have big play potential.

The quarterback position is still up for grabs, but junior, Brett Balliet has the nod right now. “Brett has come a long way,” said Rosenberger. “He’s seeing the field better and is more confident with the delivery of the football.”

Pushing Balliet at the signal caller position is sophomore Ryan Fikentscher, while Fisher may also see some time behind the center.

The Olympians, 6-3 a year ago, have always been known for having a big offensive line and this year’s edition is no different. Averaging 250 pounds from tight end to tight end, Rosenberger’s titans down in the trenches feature sophomore left guard, Noah Rosahac and right tackle, Paul Rutledge.

“Noah is big, physical, and smart as his Paul. Both will be checking defensive alignments and communicating blocking schemes,” said Rosenberger.

Center Nathan Lopez, left tackle David Wiley are also expected to start up front, while Tiernan McCartney and Dominic Bergern should rotate at the right guard spot.

Tight end Bryson Heydt is 6-5 with good hands and provides a nice target over the middle. Thomas Smith, who excels at base blocking at the line of scrimmage, is another tight end who will see plenty of time on the field.

This year’s version of the Red Storm defense is another work in progress.

“It’s hard to really tell what we have when we practice going against our scout team,” Rosenberger said. “We know we have two very good defensive ends in Heydt and Bryan Bowen. They’re both good run stoppers and pass rushers.”

The remainder of the defensive line isn’t set in stone, but Rosahac, Wiley, and Lopez should all get playing time.

Experience at linebacker will come from Tinajero, Jason Bowen and Jave Butler.

The corners include Fiorito, Fisher, and freshman, Justin Yescavage. Seniors Drew Wimmer and Ethan Gavornik are among the players competing for the starting safety spots.

Rosenberger beams about punter Travis Benson. Benson can boom the ball 50 yards with high spirals to allow his coverage team to get downfield and he’s also proficient at dropping punts inside the 10 yard line. He will be utilized as an effective weapon in gaining field position for JT and making opposing offenses sustain long drives to get into the red zone.

“Travis is one of the best in the state,” Rosenberger said.

The place kicking position is a “tight race” between four candidates, with three of them bringing their talents from the soccer field.

Like almost all coaches at this time of the season, Rosenberger is both cautious and excited about what lies ahead.

“We need to diversify our offense and get better with our passing game,” he said. “ On defense, we need to develop interior tackles and get better in the back end defending the pass. Another key to our season is to find some depth behind our starters.”

“But overall, we have a nice core of quality athletes who have us excited about the season.”

QUARTERBACKS

At this point, junior, Brett Balliet gets the nod with sophomore, Ryan Fikentscher showing pre-season promise and wide receiver, Derryl Fisher also calling signals behind center. The Olympians like to run out of the wildcat formation so look for direct snaps to a bevy of talented running backs.

RUNNING BACKS

This position is the strength of the team with no fewer than five backs that will share carrying the rock for Rosenberger’s offense. Senior, Cameron Tinajero will run through the tackles with the strength and vision to get the tough yards. Explosive Sal Capria can get through the holes and outrun opposing defenses to paydirt. Jason Bowen will also see action. Expect wide receivers, Derryl Fisher and David Fiorito to run jet sweeps and get to the edge with their speed.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Pass catchers/running backs, Fiorito and Fisher will get the ball handed or thrown to them in hopes of making big downfield plays. Freshman wideout, Justin Yescavage is a key newcomer to the Red, White, and Blue passing offense.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Big and strong across the front, Noah Rosahac, Paul Rutlege, David Wiley, Tiernan McCartney, and Nathan Lopez will have to make up for the loss of graduated AJ Bailor, Derek Hunter, and Gabe Herschman. Junior, Dominic Berger and freshman center, Marcus Muffley are competing for playing time. JT is solid at the tight end position with Bryson Heydt and Thomas Smith.

DEFENSIVE LINE

An admitted work in progress, the early nod goes to tackles, Rosahac and Wiley with Nate Lopez rotating in. Sophomore, Austin Fronheiser should spell the aforementioned two- way players. Defensive ends are a lock with edge rushers, Heydt and BryanBowen. Paul Rutlege will rotate into the scheme.

LINEBACKERS

A team strength that includes seven inside and outside backers. Tinajero mans the “Mike” in the middle. Jason Bowen, Jave Butler, Dom Berger, Ben Goldberg, Ryan Fikenstcher, and Sal Capria should all seeing playing time at the second level behind the line of scrimmage and are expected to fill the gaps between an unproven interior “D” line.

SECONDARY

Another question mark for Rosenberger and his staff to answer although safety, Drew Wimmer’s key interceptions at cornerback last year that ended opponent’s drives is proven at pass coverage. Fiorito and Fisher bring speed and athleticism to cover opposing wideouts. Ethan Gavornik, Balliet, Matt Stauffer, and Josh James could see action in the deep middle.