GRINNELL, Iowa – Everything will start up front for Grinnell College as it prepares for the 2016 football campaign.
 
All five starters return on the offensive line in center Robbie McCarty '18, guards Elijah Smythurst '18 and Cole Riley '19 and tackles Grant Koch '17 and Ethan Lahn '17. "Grant and Ethan are three-year starters for us, and Robbie, Elijah and Cole improved throughout all of last year and should be even better," said coach Jeff Pedersen
 
The coach noted that Kevin Gubner '20 and Alex Quist '20 will also get the opportunity to play.
 
Taking over duties at quarterback will be transfer Tony Bergida '18. "He's looked good through the preseason," said Pedersen. "He's going to be a different type of quarterback than we've had recently. He's making good decisions and has a great knack for reads and putting the ball where it needs to be."
 
Sparking the backfield will be running back Jacob Bernholtz '17 and tight end/running back Carson Dunn '18. "We're hoping for a lot of production from Bernie and Carson," said Pedersen. "We're also looking for Erik Henderson '19 to stretch the field a bit as a receiver and also have an impact from Chip Scott '19 and Michael O'Shea '20."
 
Like the offensive line, the defensive line also returns intact with Matt Medrano '17, Jeff Keele '19 and Hassan Thompson '19. "Having that group back will be huge for us," said Pedersen. "Jeff and Hassan have gotten bigger and faster, and Matt is primed for his best season yet."
 
Linebacker Ryan Slager '19 ranked third in the nation in tackles last season. "In some ways this is the best position group because of how Ryan ranked statistically, but it's also a question mark since we'll be starting three new players." Among others looking for time at linebacker will be DJ Coleman '19, Luke Howard '19, Kent Hoover '17, Rick Johnson '20 and Brad Knowlton '20.
 
The backfield includes returnees Joe Galaske '17, Ben Lim '19 and Hoover. "We've shuffled guys around a bit," said Pedersen. "We have Joe back at cornerback along with Ibuki Ogasawara '17. We're looking to have Ben and Vinny (Pavoni '19) at safety, plus anticipating  impact from talented first-year players Jordan Hall '20 and Max Hill '20."
 
The Pioneers will have to replace record-breaking punter and kicker Graham Fisher '16. Pedersen said Ogasawara and Pavoni are working in the kicking department, while Hoover and David Taylor '20 are in line for punting chores.
 
Pedersen is hoping to improve on last season's 2-8 mark. "We talk a lot about being process-oriented with these guys," he said. "If we can focus on that and not worry about what else is going on, we can be vastly improved and surprise some people."