Moorhead, Minn.-- Concordia must have players step up with Ross Hebrink returning as the only starter at linebacker. The Cobbers must find a way to replace 2004 All-American Josh Dietz and All-MIAC performer Doug Runke.

Horan's take on the linebackers: "Our linebackers stepped up big for us last year and that will be another key for us this season."

This position will be the biggest to fill for defensive gurus Scott Lucier and Dave Klug. It is tough to replace players like Dietz and Runke separately, but to fill both spots in a single season is even more difficult. The one returning starter among the linebackers is Ross Hebrink. Hebrink has the athletic ability and talent to be an impact player but has lived in the shadows of Dietz and Runke and will now get his chance to produce big numbers in 2005. Along with Hebrink, a pair of seniors will be called upon to plug up the middle of the defense. Matt Kleber and Mark Halley are players who saw significant playing time in 2004 and will need to push their play up a notch to make an impact this season. Kleber returned at the end of the 2004 campaign after suffering a lacerated liver in the team_s third game of the season against Carleton. He had a tremendous game in the playoff match-up with Occidental as he finished with eight tackles. Halley is another player who has produced solid results in the two previous seasons. Last year he was 12th on the team in tackles despite playing in only 8 of the team's 12 total games.

If the top three should falter, look for Cody Martinson, Brennen Lewis, Jeff Stromswold and Jeremy Christensen to step into a more significant role. All four possess outstanding athletic ability and can become impact players at any point during the season.

Others to watch for in the linebacker position: One of the deepest part of Horan_s recruiting class in 2005 was the linebacker position. Several quality players will have the chance to work their way through the ranks in order to challenge the returning upperclassmen.