ARCATA — In only his second year as Humboldt State's head football coach, Rob Smith has had to compromise his usual approach towards building a program. But that change – relying more heavily on his underclass recruits, doesn't alter the Jacks' expectations for marked improvement this fall.

“I believe in the redshirt process, giving true freshmen a chance to adjust and develop,” Smith explained. “This year is going to be different. The freshmen here are expected to compete for jobs immediately. And all of the transfers were brought in to win a job. That's what happens when you have a program in transition.”

The Jacks' transition under Smith should make further progress in 2009, following up on a more competitive though still disappointing 2-8 showing last year. Humboldt State opens its campaign with a Sept. 5 trip to Alamosa, Colo., to take on Adams State College.

Following is a breakdown of the Jacks' talent following the first two weeks of fall practices.

Offensive Line

Along the offensive front, returning all-GNAC first team selection Taylor Boggs anchors the center position for his junior season. Boggs, (6-3, 285) could be flanked by guards Riordan Gomez (6-2, 322), who saw extensive time in the spring, and Daniel Rios, but a wide-open competition for all spots remains active.

At tackle, junior transfer Brandon Hribar has moved into a starting role, providing good size at 6-8, 292 pounds. Another junior transfer, Adam Cherrie, has impressed during fall drills, along with sophomores Drew Shaw (6-3, 275), John Hughes, and freshmen Ora Lupear, Adam Tulloch and David Kulp. Redshirt freshman Brett Frydendahl (6-2, 270), who is recovering from offseason surgery should also see the field.

Matt Devlin, who hauled in 27 passes for an average of 28.7 yards per game last year, is back as a junior at tight end. Freshman Alex Heibert has emerged during the fall and will likely be active in a backup role.

“Last year there was a real drop off from our starters to the next group,” Smith said. “This year we have 10 to 12 guys who are competing along the line.”

Receivers

Senior Matt Smith hauled in 43 passes for a team-high average of 53.4 yards per game last year, and should have little problem duplicating or exceeding those numbers as a senior. He'll eventually be joined by junior Edwin Henry, who missed all of 2008 while recovering from knee surgery, but had 25 catches for 321 yards in only seven games the previous year. Henry is still a couple of weeks away from finishing his rehabilitation.

Lining up on the opposite side will be Dirk Dallas, a transfer from Western Washington University who caught 8 passes for 112 yards and one touchdown last year. In the slot, Kevin Ramos and Sergio Allen are both capable receivers.

Corey Anderson, a senior, Mike Streck-Woodard, a returning sophomore speedster, and Pat Gondkoff , a sophomore, should all see time at receiver. Running back Corey Stollmeyer, who had 12 catches in 2008, will also fill the role.

Running Back

Bobbie Thomas returns for his senior season after leading HSU in in rushing attempts (74) and yards (372) during 2008. Backing him up, Stollmeyer rushed 44 times for 210 yards a year ago.

Freshman Jordan Kennedy-Smith and transfer Donnie Lee, who came to the Jacks from Azusa Pacific, will get a look during preseason camp. Another option is Daniel Wyatt, who used a redshirt season last fall and will see his first action as a Jack.

Freshman speedster Nick Ricciardulli will eventually join the Jacks, but a injury suffered in preseason workouts will restrict him for the next four weeks.

Filling the fullback spot will be redshirt freshman Will Duka (5-9, 230), who adds a blocking presence to the Jacks' backfield.

Quarterback

Mike Proulx split time as the Jacks' starter during his redshirt freshman season, and is therefore much more seasoned following the spring and entering his sophomore season. Proulx appeared in nine games, starting six, and was 73 of 134 passing for 904 yards and 4 touchdowns.

Adding to the mix is sophomore Chris Bolt, who transferred in from Western Washington following that school's decision to eliminate football. Joining the Jacks in time for spring drills, Bolt brings an impressive background that includes leading the Lynden (Wash.) High School team to the 2006 state championship.

The Jacks' third signal-caller is junior Geoff Davis, who received the team's “Jack Pride” award in 2008.

Defensive Line

Much improved from a year ago, the Jacks' defensive line appears both talented and deep.

Returning senior Justin Hornsby, who made 26 tackles in 2008, adds the all-important element of experience to the HSU front.  Chris Holmes, a junior, will be among those players occupying the nose position after moving over from his 2008 spot on the offensive line.

At tackle, heralded junior Brian Wilson, who redshirted a year ago, adds his 6-3, 305-pound frame, and Dawiet Haile, at 6-4, 265-pounds, will fill the anchor role.

Returning seniors Luke Swangler (6-1, 275), a starter in 2008, and Derrick Garrett bolster the line, and newcomer Daniel Beadle, a sophomore who joined the Jacks in the spring, has shown great potential.

Linebackers

Again a strength, Humboldt State's linebackers will be counted on to plug the gaps and contain opponents this season. Returning senior Bubba Reynolds, the team's top tackler with 109 takedowns, and senior Mike Lynch, who was No. 2 last year with 95 tackles while leading the team with 11 for lost yardage, form a tough tandem in the middle. Additionally, the Jacks' top tackler in 2007, Allen Brunner,will try to finish his Jacks' career again after being knocked out with an injury early in 2008.

Redshirt freshman Chris Peterson, sophomore Kevin Duley, and freshmen Joe Casey and Jackson Holstein are among those players patrolling the outside. Kenny Dorset, who came over from Santa Barbara City College, has looked good in early scrimmages.  

Defensive Backfield

Another fortified area is the defensive backfield, which boasts returning strong safety Guy Ricciardulli. As a sophomore in 2008, Ricciardulli made 55 tackles and had six interceptions, earning NCAA DII Super Region honors.

The free safety spot remains up for grabs, the leading candidates including seniors Eddie Umeh and Wes Montgomery. Redshirt freshman Sal Adame is another prospect seeking playing time.

At cornerback, senior Justin Price is back after a stellar 2008 season that saw him lead the team with seven pass breakups while also grabbing two interceptions. Newcomer Elzie Gatson, from San Diego Mesa JC, is a potential starter who was a first-team all-conference choice last fall. Talented freshman Kevin Cooper and sophomore Corey Green offer support in the defensive backfield.

Special Teams

Kyle Schierholt topped the GNAC in punting with an average of 38.5 yards per boot in 2008 and was a first team league all-star. He also kicked off 18 times for an average of 58.1 yards per kick, and was 4-of-8 on field goal attempts. Schierholt appears ready to address all three duties again this fall, though freshman Tim McMullen may also be employed.