Moorhead, Minn.-- Horan's take on the holding position: "To have a successful kick you need a good battery. You need to have a good snap and then have a good hold. Jordan Talge was our holder for four years and he was the type of player who had ice water in his veins in game-deciding situations. Finding the holder is going to be one of our big jobs in the first couple of weeks."

Probably the most underrated position on the field is that of holder for extra point and field goal attempts. For the previous four years, the Cobbers had one of the best holders in the conference, if not the country. All-American defensive back Jordan Talge possessed an uncanny ability to take any snap and turn it into the perfect placement. His sure hands will be missed by the special teams unit, and finding a replacement will be a key for the Cobbers in the very important kicking game.

Look for an upperclassman and a freshman to get the first shot at acquiring the holder spot. Junior wide receiver Pete Lien has had high school experience at the position and has the type of hands necessary to field any snap. Freshman quarterback Jesse Nelson brings experience in pressure situations to the table. Having led Minnetonka to a state championship, he is very adept at staying calm when everything around him is falling apart.