The 2010 season was a complete wreck for the Spartans. They were 1-12 overall and 0-8 in the WAC as they transitioned to new coach Mike MacIntyre and dealt with a ridiculous string of serious injuries.

But 2011 should be a year of massive improvement. The Spartans' injuries forced many freshmen to step up last fall, and some significant playmakers developed. Linebackers Keith Smith and Vince Buhagiar and wide receivers Noel Grigsby and Chandler Jones were standouts as freshmen.

And with the 2011 recruiting class, MacIntyre was able to spend an entire year searching for the right guys for his system and rebuild the Spartans' roster to 85 scholarship players, an elusive number in recent years.

There are still issues -- quarterback, the run game, the defensive line -- but MacIntyre at least has the time and bodies to address them this year. Spring ball will be critical.

The other plus for MacIntyre: The schedule isn't nearly as daunting as last year. It's possible that neighbor Stanford will be the only ranked team the Spartans face, a year after they battled Alabama, Wisconsin, Utah, Boise State and Nevada.

TOP OF THE CLASS

QB Joe Gray (Dorsey HS, Los Angeles): The Spartans hope Gray can develop into the game-changing quarterback they have lacked for many years. He threw for 31 touchdowns in 2010 to earn all-city honors in Los Angeles.

OL Jon Meyer (Foothill College, San Jose): Meyer was a first-team All-American in the California JC system and could factor into the lineup immediately.

WR Sam Boyd (Roosevelt HS, Corona, Calif.): Boyd is 6-foot-3, 240 pounds and caught four touchdown passes of at least 75 yards last season. He will be used in multiple positions in the offense.

DT Nathan Falo (Inderkum HS, Sacramento, Calif.): Falo addresses a need for some stout defensive linemen. He is 6-foot-1, 305 pounds.

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