SLIPPERY ROCK — Looking for a good mystery? Follow the 2009 Slippery Rock University football team.

The Rock is coming off its first losing season since 2004 and entered summer camp without a No. 1 quarterback and one of its biggest impact players on defense.

"I know we'll compete, show up on Saturdays and hit ya," SRU coach George Mihalik said. "I don't know much more than that."

SRU was 5-6 a year ago, losing five of its final seven games. Defensive back Ryan Webb, last year's team interception leader with five, was injured in the spring game and won't be available this fall.

Only four starters return on offense, led by Seneca Valley graduate and all-PSAC center Brandon Fusco. The other returning starter up front is right guard Mike Tomaino.

Ryan Lehmeier, who rushed for 905 yards and 10 touchdowns last season, returns at tailback. Brandon Frohnapple, last year's starter, was one of five quarterbacks, but left the team during camp.

"Ryan's our starter at running back, but he's got some company," Mihalik said. "We need to hope Damarcus Cleckley can stay clear of injuries and Sayquan Scott-Mitchell excelled when he got his chance last season.

"Akeem Satterfield is a freshman worth watching there, too."

Kent State transfer Rocco Colavecchia won the QB job over redshirt freshman Ryan Sabo and true freshmen Ryan O'Rourke and Moniteau graduate Tyler Armagost.

"It's wide open going into camp," Mihalik said. "May the best man win."

Fusco was hoping the best man would win quickly.

"We need the reps for the center snap," he said. "Our line needs to come together quickly for cohesion there as well."

Whoever the quarterback is will have plenty of young receivers as targets. Redshirt freshman Kenny Cottman has the inside track at H-back, and Devin Goda, Kevin Sanders and Jermale Cromerdie will see ample time at receiver.

Goda had 13 catches and Cromerdie nine a year ago. Kevin Guidish has the inside track at tight end.

"We're short on experience, but long on ability at wideout," Mihalik said. "We've got people who can catch the ball. We need to develop somebody who can get the ball to them."

Starters returning on defense are tackle Marty Kern, end Pat Marsilio, linebacker Zach Sheridan, cornerbacks Anthony Walls and Robert Doiley and safety Jayson Nickson. Kern is a four-year starter.

Nickson and Sheridan topped the 2008 team with 77 and 68 tackles, respectively.

"We have athleticism on defense, good team speed," Mihalik said. "Losing Webb hurts, but we've got a transfer, Andre Freeman from Hofstra, who may help in that regard."

Knoch graduate Bill Elliott will see plenty of action at defensive end and Mihalik hopes nose tackle Jason Curenton can bounce back fully from an Achilles' injury.

"Marty Kern, Zach Sheridan and Jayson Nickson give us anchors in each phase of the defensive unit," Mihalik said. "The Rock prides itself on defense and we're going to need it while we sort out personnel offensively."

A.J. Saunders is in the mix at defensive back, as SRU will face a pair of fourth-year starting quarterbacks in Indiana (Pa.) University's Andrew Krewatch and Edinboro's Trevor Harris.

"As a cornerback, you relish that type of challenge," Saunders said. "There are some great passing attacks in our league and any defensive back has to raise his level of game to compete."

C.J. Bahr returns for his third year as SRU's placekicker. Kyle Witman is back at punter and both are coming off solid seasons.

Walls is a veteran kick and punt returner while Mike Carnahan is back at long snapper.

"Special teams should be a real strength," Mihalik said.