Thanks to an influx of four junior college transfers, and solid recruiting classes each of the last three years, the Bobcats are hoping the depth will pay dividends in 2008.

Ohio has spent the offseason mulling what to do at quarterback and running back this spring. All-time leading rusher Kalvin McRae is gone and is hoping to hear his name called in the NFL Draft.

Also gone is senior quarterback Brad Bower, who gave coach Frank Solich a security blanket to turn to when sophomore Theo Scott was injured late last season.

So finding players to step up in those two vital positions will be Ohio's primary focus this spring. The Bobcats begin spring practice on March 31.

In typical Solich fashion, it was a fairly stable off-season. Only one assistant coach departed, as defensive line coach Carl Pelini joined his brother Bo Pelini at Nebraska to become co-defensive coordinator.

Solich replaced Pelini with another Nebraska guy, Steve Stanard, who served last season as the defensive coordinator at Colorado State.

Freshmen Donte Harden and Vince Davidson should lead the battle to be McRae's replacement in the backfield. Scott, meanwhile, will face challenges under center from juniors Josh Febus and Brandon Jones, and junior college transfer Franshaw "Boo" Jackson.

Ohio returns six of its top seven linebackers from last season, but will have holes to fill at safety and at defensive tackle on the defensive side, where safety Todd Koenig and defensive tackle Landon Cohen must be replaced.

Entering his fourth spring in Athens, Solich is confident he has better players, better athletes. But getting them all to mesh, and seeking on-field leadership, will key in the 'Cats spring development.

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