Moorhead, Minn.-- Horan's take on the running back position: "We have some good kids to replace but we feel very confident in the players who are returning."

One of the positions that is sometimes forgotten in the double slot scheme is the position of running back (slot back). Concordia has always possessed one of the top running games in the conference and has led the league in rushing in each of the past four seasons.

The reason for the success on the ground is twofold. One is the commitment by the coaching staff to control the clock and wear down the opposing team's defense. The second is the number of quality backs who the system routinely produces. Every year it seems that a couple of players step out from the background and into a 500-800 yard season. Last year it was Oehlers and Travis Christensen. This year there are a handful of quality backs ready to take their turn as the workhorse for the Cobber offense.

The lone starter who returns is Tyler Anderson. Anderson has sprinter-like quickness and can quickly find holes that open in the line. Anderson rushed for a team-leading 4.9 yards per carry last season. He played in all 12 games and was fourth on the squad in overall rushing yards.

Joining Anderson as a threat from the slot back position will be Ben Thoresen. Thoresen is another speed demon who can turn the ordinary play into a long gain. Thoresen played in all 12 games last year and had the second highest yards per carry average (4.2) on the team. Making his bid to become Concordia's "slash" player, look for Rodel to see time at the slot back position as well.

Giving offensive coordinator Bob Nick outstanding depth at the position will be Nick Reinisch. Reinisch could have the most potential out of all the returning running backs. He was the North Dakota High School Player of the Year in 2002 and transferred to Concordia after attending North Dakota State University for a year.

A pair of freshmen could also make an impact on the Cobber running attack in 2005. Cory Johnson and Levi DeVries both had outstanding high school career and both have raw breakaway speed. Johnson was an all-state honorable mention player from Moorhead, while DeVries was an all-state second team selection at Mahnomen.

Replacing Oehlers at fullback will fall on the shoulders of Kevin Williamson. Williamson was set to share time with Oehlers last year before injuring his knee at the start of the season. Williamson is an extremely hard worker who has the exact same physical size as Oehlers. The size and punishing running style will give Concordia another deadly weapon in goal line situations.

Adam Swingdorf moves over from the slot position after adding 20 pounds in the off-season. His ability to gain more than just the hardnosed four yards in the middle of the line will add another dimension to the offense.

Others to watch for at running back: Ben Frisk.