GROVE CITY — There is one thing the Grove City College football team has in abundance as it heads into the 2006 season.

Depth.

There are enough running backs on the depth chart to fill out three teams. Four quarterbacks vie for the starting job. Linebacker, which has been a staple for the Wolverines over the last few seasons, is also deep with talent.

So, this is the most talented Grove City College team since coach Chris Smith began roaming the sidelines more than two decades ago?

"I'll tell you in November," the coach said, smiling.

While talent is good, it may not be enough for the Wolverines in a conference brimming with solid teams.

Thiel College, which went 10-0 in the regular season last year, has 16 starters back. Washington & Jefferson, which went 9-1 and also made theDivision III playoffs, has 16 returning starters as well.

Throw in an emerging Thomas More program (5-5 overall, but 4-2 in the PAC, the only losses coming to Thiel and Washington & Jefferson), and the top of the PAC is stacked.

That doesn't faze Grove City standout wide receiver Scott Fichter, who caught 39 passes a season ago and figures to get the ball more this season.

"I'm excited," said Fichter, a senior. "I've been excited for this season ever since last season ended. I can't wait for the season. I can't wait to start playing again."

But who will throw him the football?

The Wolverines have a slew of candidates, with sophomore Stephen Mercer the only veteran on the depth chart.

He is in competition with some intriguing freshmen, such as Sean Domer, Chris Rich and South Fayette graduate Andrew DiDonato.

At SouthFayette, DiDonato finished his career with the second most passing yards inWPIAL history.

Even Washington & Jefferson coach Mike Sirianni has taken notice of the Grove City passer.

"I know coach Smith is going to kill me, but (the Wolverines) have one of the most impressive high school quarterbacks I have ever seen."

Those are some big words. But Grove City hasn't committed to a starter yet.

That's OK with Fichter.

"I'm not concerned, because I know whoever plays is going to make the plays," Fichter said. "Andrew, obviously, had a great high school career, people have seen he can make things happen. I don't think it really matters to any of us."

Offensive woes is one of the reasons the Wolverines went 3-7 overall and 2-4 in the PAC.

Grove City averaged only 12.2 points per game last season and lost four games by a touchdown or less.

"This past year, it was frustrating because it did seem like it came down to one play at the end of the game, or one big play, and we came out on the losing end of it," Fichter said. "I think anytime, whenever you lose, even if it is because it came down to one play or if you get blown out, it's frustrating, because your goal when you go out there is not to lose. It's to win the game."

The offense should improve.

Four of the five starters on the offensive line return, and the Wolverines have a stable of running backs at their disposal.

Seven backs are competing for three positions with junior fullback Matt Weil, who led Grove City with 410 yards rushing last season, figuring to get more carries this season.

Defense has been a strength for Grove City for years.

That doesn't figure to change.

Defensive coordinator Rob Skaricich returns a host of playmakers, led by middle linebacker Garrett Choby.

The senior is the latest in a long line of stalwarts at that position. His brother, Mike, was a standout there from 2001 top 2004, and Aaron Wargo dominated the PAC last year.

Garrett Choby recorded 80 tackles and 2Z\x sacks.

The secondary is led by senior Chris Schwamberger, who recorded 56 tackles and three interceptions last season. He also defended eight passes out of his cornerback position.

Skaricich hinted that Schwamberger may also see some time on offense.

Another thing is for certain: Grove City will be playing on a state-of-the-art field.

The college installed lights and CSTurf at Robert E. Thorn Field during the summer.