STARS OF 2008:

QB Nate Davis -- The junior broke almost every passing record last year for the Cardinals while only scratching the surface of his potential. Davis should be so good next season that he could consider leaving the Cardinals a year early for a shot at the NFL.

WR Dante Love -- He became only the second player in school history to reach 100 catches in a season when he caught 100 balls for 1,398 yards in 2007 to earn first-team All-MAC honors. Love led the MAC in receiving yards per game (107.5) and all-purpose yards (206.9).

LB Bryant Haines -- The senior has been bothered by injuries the past two seasons, but when he plays the defense is much better with him in the lineup. Haines led the Cardinals in tackles the past two seasons. Haines had back surgery this winter and probably won't participate in spring drills.

TOP NEWCOMERS

QB Kelly Page -- The Texas native de-committed from Oregon to sign with Ball State in February. Page is seen as the heir apparent to the quarterback position after Nate Davis leads the Cardinals.

WR Briggs Orsbon -- Ball State's coaches likened Orsbon's skills to those of Dante Love: a small receiver with shiftiness. Orsbon comes in with a better skill set for the receiver position than Love, who played quarterback in high school.

DE Jeff Barker -- He's a pass-rushing specialist who likely will help the Cardinals right away next season. Barker is rangy with good quickness off the ball. Barker said he was timed in 4.4 seconds in the 40-yard dash, and he runs the 100, 200 and 400 dashes for his high school track team.

ROSTER REPORT

--Coach Brady Hoke received a new contract in February that will increase his salary for 2008 from $164,000 to $240,000.

--T Robert Brewster and TE Darius Hill were selected to the preliminary watch list for the Rotary Lombardi Award. Ball State is the only school in the MAC with two players on the list.

--The Cardinals have numerous players coming off surgeries who either won't play this spring or will be severely limited. Among them are TB MiQuale Lewis (ACL), LB Wendell Brown (biceps), CB Trey Buice (shoulder), DE Brandon Crawford (wrist), DB Koreen Burch (shoulder).

--Assistant coach Dennis Moynihan (special teams, recruiting coordinator) left the program this winter. His replacement hasn't been announced.

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