GLANCE AT 2006: New coach Todd Graham will not only replace longtime head coach Ken Hatfield but his coaching staff must teach an entirely new offensive and defensive system to a team recruited to play a different style. The biggest transition will come in moving from the triple option to a more balanced pro-style offense, especially when it comes to finding a true passing quarterback. On the plus side, the new staff inherits a team that will lose only 10 seniors and returns a number of young players who have seen significant playing time. Even with as many as 10 starters returning on offense the Owls have to become a better passing team. As many as nine starters could return on defense, but the Owls have to force more turnovers and make more big plays.

PRO POTENTIAL

DE-LB John Syptak -- A quick, relentless pass rusher who faced double teams all season, Syptak appears to be a better fit as an outside linebacker or possibly even an inside linebacker in a 3-4 defense at the next level. He played inside linebacker in the East-West Shrine Game and recovered a fumble, but he's got a lot to prove about where he'll fit in the NFL.

LB Adam Herrin -- Herrin appears to have the quickness, toughness and smarts to play at the next level, but he's only 5-11 1/2 and 217 pounds and must improve in pass coverage.

ROSTER REPORT
A productive spring practice will be crucial for a program in transition with a new coaching staff, but it will be especially vital for the quarterbacks. Sophomore Joel Armstrong and redshirt freshman Chase Clement shared the quarterback job throughout the season, with Armstrong starting 10 games. Neither quarterback completed more than 42.7 percent of his passes, and both finished with more interceptions than touchdowns. Now they must make the transition from the spread option to a more balanced pro-style offense.

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