Can they do it again?

The Wolf Pack enjoyed a dream season in 2010, defeating California, besting Boise State, earning a spot in the rankings for the first time since 1948 and finishing the year with a huge crowd and big win in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl. The 13-1 season won't soon be forgotten by anyone in Reno.

Now the Wolf Pack must rebuild without several stars, such as quarterback Colin Kaepernick, running back Vai Taua, tight end Virgil Green, offensive lineman John Bender and defensive ends Dontay Moch and Ryan Coulson. The Kaepernick Era will certainly go down as one of the greatest in Nevada history.

Tyler Lantrip will have to fill some very large shoes now that it is likely his turn to run the vaunted pistol offense. Lantrip is not the runner that Kaepernick is, but he might be a better passer. And the Wolf Pack is solid at wide receiver, so the offense could shift slightly. With much of the offensive line returning and solid options at tailback, the focus will be on Lantrip to keep the offense humming along.

Nevada has more questions on the defense, where a veteran linebacker crew will have to be the strongest part of a unit that must replace the havoc-causing Moch. The secondary came up big in important moments, but there are still consistency and big-play issues to be worked out.

The momentum created by the season appeared to carry over into recruiting, and the Wolf Pack loaded up on California players, mostly on defense. Nevada enters its final season in the WAC as one of the favorites to take the title and prove that 2010 was the start of something sustainable.

TOP OF THE CLASS

LB Burton De Koning (Folsom, Calif.) -- A three-star recruit as rated by Scout.com, De Koning could make an impact in 2011 because of his versatility. Nevada coach Chris Ault said he is capable of playing all three linebacker spots. De Koning earned MVP honors in the section championship, the state championship and the end-of-year all-star game.

DE Reggie Coates (Encino, Calif.) -- A multi-sport star in high school, the 6-foot, 229-pounder could play a role similar to what Dontay Moch fulfilled for the Wolf Pack -- a pass rusher and playmaker off the edge. He attracted interest from a number of schools in the West.

RB Kendall Brock (Fresno, Calif.) -- The Wolf Pack earned an early commitment from Brock, who gave his word in August. Then they held onto the rusher through a remarkable senior season. Brock rushed for 2,313 yards and 40 touchdowns and was a finalist for the state's Mr. Football award.

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