\u201cLowry gives us a few different things offensively, his athletic ability and the way he can run, it stood out to us,\u201d Crosby said. \u201cOrnduff can do a little bit of both, but I feel comfortable with both those guys ready to play for us at any time.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe quarterback position is an extremely hard position to play, and I just hope we stay healthy and we can be successful.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lowry said the offense has seen marked improvement across the board, and with the addition of strong transfers into the program, he envisions the season playing out much differently than last year.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s coming along a lot better, and with it being our second year under coach Crosby as our offensive coordinator, we\u2019re a lot stronger,\u201d Lowry said. \u201cWe brought in some pretty talented offensive linemen, plus some wide receivers and running backs. We definitely have some more talent on the offensive side, and now that we\u2019re all on the same page with (Crosby), it\u2019s going to be good.\u201d<\/p>\n
Emmanuel Nwosu, a junior college transfer from Santa Barbara City College, impressed over the offseason, while the Skyhawks will also return junior running back Brayden Lucero, who rushed for 642 yards on 144 carries and scored three touchdowns last season. At the receiver position, two transfers will also look to make a big difference, as Isaac Leppke, a transfer from the University of Wyoming, and Markez Boykin, who arrived from fellow RMAC foe Black Hills State University, will be a dynamic duo on the outside. Add in senior Arealous Hughes, who caught 18 receptions for 312 yards and scored three times, and it could be a formidable unit.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll of the new guys look good on paper height- and weight-wise, but it\u2019s not just on paper,\u201d said Ornduff. \u201cYou could definitely tell that they\u2019re going to make some big plays for us this year.\u201d<\/p>\n
While the offense is looking to improve, so too is an already stout defense. The Skyhawks return two all-conference selections in Suli Tukumoeatu and Marpaung, both of whom will look to play a pivotal role this year. In addition to defensive coordinator Ed Rifilato returning, the Skyhawks will look to build upon last year, in which they finished fourth in total defense after they gave up 422.4 yards per game. Marpaung made 45 tackles last year, including 14 for a loss, while Tukumoeatu made 66 tackles, and made two interceptions.<\/p>\n \u201cComing from last season, I feel that we\u2019re even deeper than before,\u201d said Tukumoeatu. \u201cWe\u2019ve got a solid defensive line, our backs are solid and our secondary is looking great. Braylan Davis and Ka\u2019Lonn Milton have looked really good for us, as well. There\u2019s a lot to be excited about.\u201d<\/p>\n