With 47 of the 73 players as sophomores or first-year players, the Colby College football team will have a shot of youth on the roster heading into the 2009 season.

Colby lost some key players from the 2008 season, but the Mules have had two fine recruiting classes the past two years.

While last year's two captains --- Tom Daley '09 and Mark Ozarowski '09 --- played on the defense, Colby will have two offensive captains in 2009. Roger Bel '10 plays fullback on offense and will play linebacker this year, while Matt Quinlan '10 will be a key performer on the offensive line.

"I think it has been obvious that in recent years the strength of the team has been our defense," Mestieri said. "I think we will have a lot more balance between the offense and the defense this season."

Colby returns most of its starters on offense from the 2008 season.  Dan Prunier '10 returns at tailback after leading Colby in rushing yards (460) and scoring (six touchdowns). Mike Cuqua '10 led the Mules in average per carry (4.2) with 59 rushes for 248 yards and Conor Tidgwell '11 will get carries as well. Bel averaged 4.1 yards per carry in limited rushes.

Experience upfront will come from a veteran offensive line led by Quinlan. Brian Leighton '10 and Nicholas Steele '11 will start at tackle, while Matt Fait '10 joins Quinlan '10 at guard. Carson Phillips-Spotts '11 will take over at center.

The offensive line will try to protect quarterback Nick Kmetz '12, who played the majority of the minutes in the second half of last season. Kmetz will throw to receivers Matt Hellinger '11, Ken Prior '12, Patrick Burns '11, Connor Walsh '12, and Andrew Graham '11. Tight ends Nate Carlson '11 and Spencer Merwin '12 will be big targets and both can block.

On the defensive line, Casey Sullivan '10 is the lone returning starter at defensive tackle. Peter Scheve '10 also will start at defensive tackle, while John McCusker '11 and Tripp Stevens '12 will play the defensive end spots.

Tom Duffy '12 will get the start at middle linebacker, while Lamont Henry '10 and Bel will play on the outside. The Mules also have experience in the defensive backfield with Nick Tucker '11 and Rich Newton '11 at the cornerback spots. Chris Copeland '10 will start at safety along with Brian Mellett '12.

Mestieri doesn't like to put pressure on first-year players by talking about them too much. However, he expects some newcomers to see plenty of action this year.

"We really like our team dynamic,"Mestieri said. "We have worked really hard and have a great blend of youth and experience."

The Colby football team will have a new artificial turf field for the 2008 season as the Mules return 36 letter winners.

Colby has had a young team for the past two years after going 13-3 in the 2004 and 2005 seasons. With 10 starters returning on both offense and defense, the Mules return a veteran team.

Patrick Burns '11 and Steve Carroll '10 will battle for the quarterback position with some promising newcomers.

Dan Prunier '10 looks to take a more prominent role at tailback. Roger Bel '10 also returns after getting carries last year. Mike Cuqua '10, Conor Tidgwell '11, and Max Williams '09 will also vie for playing time.

Justin Clark '09, Andrew Carey '09, Matt Hellinger '11, and Ernie Bove '10 return at wide receiver. Ryan Conlon '10 is back at tight end after playing just two games last year following a knee injury. Ross O'Connor '11, Ben Robinson '10, and Nat Carson '11 will compete for playing time.

The offensive line should be a strength with starters Garrett Hatton '09, Jeremy Steed '09, Mike McKeon '09, Rob Dillon '09, and Matt Fait '10 returning. Sam Hough '09, Brian Leighton '10, Matt Quinlan '10, and Carson Phillips-Spotts '11 will push to play a significant role.

Three-year starters Mark Ozarowski '09, a co-captain, and Sam Handler '09 return to lead Colby's defensive line from the end spots, while Casey Shea '09 moves from linebacker to end. Kevin Bird '09, another three-year starter, is at defensive tackle. Alex Tisch '09 and Casey Sullivan '10 are both competing to be starters.

John Murphy '09 will start for a third straight year at outside linebacker. Lamont Henry '10 and Denis Cronin '09 also return, while both Gardiner Parker '09 and Mike Talarico '11 saw significant time last year. John McCusker '11 should push to play a larger role in 2008.

The defensive backfield is experienced and deep with safeties Tom Daley '09, a co-captain, and Alex Halls '09 returning. Nick Tucker '10 and Rich Newton '11 return as starters at cornerback. Dave Brotman '10, Chris Copeland '09, and Carl Richards '10 provide solid depth.

Victor Gagne '09 is back to handle the kicking and punting duties, while Ryan Murphy '11 returns to snap for punts and all kicks.