IWU football depth chart

Friday, August 31, 2007 3:06 AM CDT

OFFENSE

Receivers

WR-Martin Ceisel, 6-4, 205, Jr.

Matt Sandrik, 6-4, 180, So.

Jack Scalcucci, 6-2, 205, So.

Tom Almanzo, 6-0, 193, Jr.

ANALYSIS: Ceisel, a two-time all-CCIW first-team performer, heads a deep and talented receiving corps. Ceisel will draw a lot of attention, so the others must pick him up.

TE-Rick Podkowa, 6-6, 255, Jr.

Pat Topf, 6-2, 210, So.

ANALYSIS: Podkowa is a massive target, but he only had five catches in four games last season. He will see a lot more balls thrown his way.

Linemen

LT-Dewayne Stallings, 6-5, 305, Jr.

Kevin Balwierz, 6-4, 290, Fr.

LG-Wesley Butler, 6-2, 285, Sr.

Keenan Clifford, 6-2, 240, So.

C-Eric Van Hise, 6-4, 270, Sr.

John Nelson, 6-1, 255, Jr.

RG-Keely Flood, 6-1, 250, So.

Ben Hammer, 6-5, 305, Jr.

RT-Travis Boothe, 6-5, 285, So.

Ray Krishock, 6-4, 295, Fr.

ANALYSIS: Van Hise is the lone returning starter on what is unquestionably the team’s biggest question mark position-wise. These guys need to come together in a hurry, and everyone will get an opportunity.

Backfield

QB-Nick Panno, 6-1, 180, Jr.

Kraig Ladd, 6-4, 195, So.

ANALYSIS: Panno had to beat out Ladd for the starting job despite starting several games last season. Panno, a transfer who didn’t play football his freshman year at Illinois, is shaking off the rust and getting more comfortable with every snap.

RB-Marcus Dunlop, 5-9, 180, Sr.

Bo Lanter, 6-0, 205, Fr.

ANALYSIS: Dunlop is a three-year starter poised for a breakout season if he can find running room and avoid injury. Lanter, one of the stars of the recruiting class, is ready to step in if needed.

FB-John Meacham, 6-1, 230, So.

Larry Pope, 6-4, 230, So.

ANALYSIS: Neither player got a carry last season, but this has been more of a blocking-oriented position in the IWU offense.

DEFENSE

Linemen

DE-Alex Holmberg, 6-0, 225, Jr.

Kevin O’Connor, 6-0, 225, So.

DT-Brock Collins, 6-2, 240, Sr.

Andrew Boyd, 6-5, 255, Jr.

NG-Rob Hoyland, 6-1, 260, Sr.

Max Brooks, 6-2, 215, Fr.

DE-Tim Wilkins, 6-2, 225, Sr.

Mike Ammirati, 6-3, 240, So.

ANALYSIS: Collins, Hoyland and Wilkins all started last season alongside graduated all-CCIW selection Mike Stephens. If Holmberger develops, the front four could be fearsome.

Linebackers

OLB-Charlie Welke, 6-2, 210, Sr.

Donnie McGhee, 5-10, 210, Sr.

MLB-Dan Souder, 6-1, 205, Jr.

Mike Kotz, 6-2, 220, So.

OLB-Nick Nikolich, 6-2, 200, So.

Josh Monk, 6-0, 200, Jr.

ANALYSIS: The most inexperienced position on a veteran-laden unit, although Welke is a returning starter and Souder, McGhee and Monk all saw playing time last season.

Defensive backs

CB-Roman Hunter, 6-0, 175, So.

Brandon Patrick, 5-10, 185, So.

CB-Andrew Dulaney, 5-10, 180, Sr.

Chad Olson, 5-9, 175, Sr.

SS-Bo Osburn, 5-11, 200, Sr.

Adam Crouch, 5-10, 195, So.

FS-Brian Smith, 5-11, 190, Sr.

Robert Beauchamp, 6-1, 195, Jr.

ANALYSIS: Athletic newcomer Hunter joins a trio of three-year starters in what is arguably the strongest position on the team. They have to avoid the big pass plays that haunted the Titans last season.

SPECIAL TEAMS

P-Sam Vizza, 6-3, 190, So.

Dennis Zic, 6-1, 175, Fr.

PK-Brian Tiefenbruck, 6-3, 190, Jr.

Chris Cklamovski, 6-3, 225, Fr.

ANALYSIS: Vizza enjoyed a solid freshman season, and the coaches have been encouraged by Tiefenbruck’s performance in training camp. The return teams were effective in the scrimmage against Benedictine.