SLIPPERY ROCK — From no recruiting class in 2021 to a partial one, with roster tweaking still to come.

Regardless, the Slippery Rock University football team is ready to return to action as its spring schedule is on the horizon.

“Our spring practices start March 23 with our spring game set for 6 p.m. April 23,” SRU coach Shawn Lutz said.

“Our weight lifting sessions begin on Monday and we have skill instruction sessions lined up with our position coaches and their players. We will undergo COVID-19 testing every Friday. We can't wait to get going.”

SRU has not had a formal team event since its Division II semifinal loss to Minnesota State in mid-December of 2019.

All but one of The Rock's 2020 senior class — reserve linebacker Terrell Gabriel the exception — is returning for the 2021 campaign.

“We did have seven or eight players decide not to return overall,” Lutz said. “It's been a long time since these guys have played football. A few just decided to give it up.”

With all those seniors deciding to take advantage of the additional year of eligibility, Lutz did not anticipate having a recruiting class to announce on national signing day Wednesday.

Now the coaching staff will be announcing three transfers and 12 incoming freshmen on Wednesday.

Last year's recruiting class was approximately 32 players.

“Just in case something like this would happen, we decided to bring some kids in for visits anyway,” Lutz said. “We were prepared and I'm glad we were.”

SRU's football roster limit is 90 to 95 players. After the 2021 recruiting class is announced, The Rock roster will consist of 102 players.

But that's before spring football even starts,” Lutz cautioned. “A lot can happen between now and when we begin camp in the summer.”