SLIPPERY ROCK— With his team picked to finish fourth in the PSAC West preseason coaches poll, Slippery Rock University coach George Mihalik forced a smile.

"When you're picked in the middle, that means the other coaches don't know if you're going to be a good team or a bad team,"he said.

"Right now, we're a mystery team."

The Rock is coming off a 9-2 season, barely missing the NCAADivision IIplayoffs for the second consecutive season.

SRUreturns only four starters on each side of the ball from that 2007 squad. Gone from the offense are three four-year starters on the offensive line and a four-year starter at quarterback.

"Our three major concerns coming into summer camp were our offensive line, quarterback and interior defensive line,"Mihalik said. "Filling those voids has been our primary focus.

"The offensive line is melding into a cohesive unit. We're not as big and powerful up front, but we're quicker and more athletic."

Seneca Valley graduate Brandon Fusco, only a sophomore, returns at center for The Rock while left guard Grant Hrabovsky also is back.

The rest of the line features Knoch graduate and SRUsenior John Krauland at left guard, Brian Henion and Mike Tomaino at right guard and tackle, as well as senior Ross Hornish at tight end.

"We'll be quicker up front," Fusco said. "We won't run up the middle as much. We'll probably go to more of a screen and outside zone attack to use our athleticism."

Sophomore Brandon Frohnapple inherits the quarterback spot from Nate Crookshank, who graduated. He'll have a running game behind him featuring three backs, Corey Manfull, Ryan Lehmeier and Damarcus Cleckley, who combined for 2,600 yards and 26 touchdowns last season.

"In terms of talent and depth, this is the deepest crop of running backs we've ever had at The Rock,"Mihalik said.

Terry Grossetti (43 catches, 678 yards) anchors the receiving corps, along with Josh Prigorac (23, 257) and Dallas Richardson.

The SRU defensereturns tackle Marty Kern and end Tyler Boudreau, along with free safety Sam Morant and cornerback A.J. Saunders.

Boudreau had 17 tackles for loss and 12 sacks in 2007. Morant and Saunders had four interceptions each.

"People are going to look past us,"Boudreau said. "We did lose a lot of experience, but there's a lot of young talent on this team stepping up and filling the holes."

Boudreau knows The Rock's offensive personnel well from going against it every day in practice.

"Our skilled players on offense are outstanding," he said. "And I think we've got the best collection of running backs in all of Division II."

Mike White and Quentin Johnson will start up front on defense, with Zach Sheridan, Richie Barnes and Tyler Henderson comprising the linebacking crew.'

Robert Doiley and Jayson Nickson join Morant and Saunders in the secondary.

Mihalik described his defensive unit as quick and fast.

"We're so athletic in the secondary," he said. "We like to play aggressive, attacking football. These guys will be flying all over the place."

C.J. Bahr returns as The Rock's kicker after hitting six of 11 field goal attempts and 50 of 53 PAT'slast year. Kyle Witman is back to handle the punting chores.

"The difference in C.J. now compared to a year ago is incredible,"Mihalik said. "He's gained 25 pounds and his increased leg strength will be a factor for us.

"Last year, we'd let him try (field goals) from 30 yards out or so. This year, we won't hesitate to give him a shot from 40 or 45 yards out."

Bahr also will kick off this year, allowing Witman to concentrate on punting.

"The talent is here,"Mihalik said. "The overall game experience isn't. There are a lot of new names in the program, new faces behind the facemasks.

"How quickly our new players adjust to the game atmosphere early in the season will dictate what kind of success we'll have.

"We were a playoff contender last year. Our returning players are anxious to prove we can still be one,"Mihalik added.