Chad Knippenberg has been putting Towson High's football program back together again.
Two years ago, the Generals posted a 7-3 record and were in playoff contention, so the coach is thrilled that they will field possibly their most experienced team in Knippenberg's five years on the job.
Seven starters return on both sides of the line of scrimmage.
"I feel this group could be something special," said Knippenberg, whose team went 2-8 last year. "I feel we can really play. I think if we take care of the small things first, we could find ourselves in a good spot."
Knippenberg has a lot of his mind at this time of the year, but one thought stands above all others: Who will be his quarterback?
Logan Cheek started for two years, but he graduated, leaving senior Trent McNaeiry (6-feet-1, 170 pounds) and junior Rodger Holcombe (5-8, 165) to compete for the starting role.
McNaeiry backed up Cheek last year and Holcombe started at both wide receiver and running back.
"Both have a significant upside," Knippenberg said. "It will be fun to see who emerges as a starter. Trent is a leader and very hard worker. Rodger is shifty and quick and has a pretty good arm. Rogder is probably the better athlete."
They'll be working behind an offensive line anchored by three returning starters: Andrew Dipaula (6-2, 250), senior guard Brendan Thomas (6-1, 190) and senior center Nick Vucci (5-11, 170).
Junior guard Kevin Bartram (6-1, 225), who was promoted from last year's JV, and junior tackle Shamar Harris (6-2, 270), also will start.
"They are quick and are a very smart group," Knippenberg said. "They pick up things quickly."
Sophomore running back Alex Simet (5-11, 190) figures to get the bulk of the carries.
Knippenberg hopes three veteran wide receivers — seniors Jackson Hays (6-1, 185), Tyrell Cook (5-10, 155) and Tyvion Wilson (6-1, 170) — emerge as big-play threats.
Holcombe and McNaeiry may also see some time at wideout.
"We have a playmakers," Knippenberg said. "It's a fairly dynamic group."
Defensively, Towson will use a 4-3 alignment with Thomas, senior Jacob Mader (6-2, 185) and Dipaula spearheading the line in front of linebackers Simet, senior Bryan Braxton (5-8, 210) and Hays.
The Towson coaching staff moved Simet from end to linebacker and Jackson to safety because of the graduation of brothers Troy and Travon Hollis, who are now playing for Fairmont State University in West Virginia.
Cook, Holcombe and Wilson form the Generals' talented secondary.
"Our defense was one of our strong points last year," Knippenberg said. "We did well against the run. We just have to improve our pass defense."