STARS OF 2008:

QB Theo Scott -- Scott emerged as Ohio's starting quarterback late last season, but was slowed by nagging injuries. He passed for 743 yards with five touchdowns and three interceptions while appearing in 10 games. If newcomer Boo Jackson is slow to develop, Scott will be counted on to claim the role.

TE Andrew Mooney -- Mooney, a freshman All-American at New Mexico in 2004, became a vital cog in the offense at Ohio last season. He led all Ohio receivers in catches (34), yards (498), and set a new Ohio single-season mark for touchdown catches (9). Though on the small size for a power tight end, Mooney's speed and hands made him a tough matchup for most MAC defenses.

DE Jameson Hartke -- A three-year starter, Hartke had 51 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and two sacks last season. The Bobcats think they finally have found some complementary pass rushers to play opposite Harkte, who faces more double teams than anyone else in the Ohio front four.

SS Michael Mitchell -- The team's second leading returning tackler, Mitchell led the Bobcats in turnovers forced in 2007.

TOP NEWCOMERS

QB Franshaw 'Boo' Jackson -- A four-star junior college transfer from El Camino Community College, Jackson was brought in to immediately compete for the starting job. A pocket-pass with athleticism, Jackson threw for 2,235 yards and 23 touchdowns in just 223 attempts in 2007 at El Camino.

S Hilton Dawson III -- Jackson's teammate at El Camino, Dawson was likewise brought in to immediate compete for a starting position. Both players were expected to arrive on campus in time for the start of spring quarter and spring football on March 31. Dawson was ranked the 48th best junior college player last season by Rivals.com.

DT Corey Moncreif -- Another junior college transfer (Mississippi Delta Community College), Moncreif enrolled at Ohio in time for winter quarter and may start the spring near the top of the depth chart. He has the size (6-2, 309) Ohio is looking for in a run-stopper plug in the front four.

DE Treymayne Scott -- Among the high school players signed in February, Scott could be the best of the bunch. At 6-3, 227 pounds, Scott was a terror off the end last fall when he notched 14 sacks and 18 tackles for loss at Trinity Catholic HS in Ocala, Fla.

ROSTER REPORT

--Sophomore DL Ernie Hodge returned to the university in time for winter quarter after sitting out a one-quarter suspension handed down by the university for a violation of the student-athlete code of conduct. A defensive end as a freshman in 2006, Hodge is expected to see more time at defensive tackle this spring.

--Senior safety Michael Mitchell may be unable to practice this spring. Mitchell received shoulder surgery following the season, and was anticipated to need several months of recovery time.

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