Moorhead, Minn.-- Horan's take on the wide receiver position: "This is going to be one of our big question marks. Everybody knows about the talent we had last year and we need to find some players to step in and contribute right away."

As in 2004 when the quarterback position held the key to the Cobbers' success, so too will the receiving group in 2005. If Horan can fashion a league MVP out of the candidates for the starting position as he did with Schumacher in 2004, then he might have more magic up his sleeve than David Copperfield. However, if anyone can spot talent and coach the position it would be Horan, who was a former All-American wideout for the Cobbers.

Concordia might not have players with the speed and agility to gather in the deep ball, but they will have a returning unit that of solid possession and mid-range receivers. Once again "Slash" Rodel will be a factor at another position. Rodel lined up last year in the wideout spot and was able to gain some experience in reading the defensive coverages coming off the line. His size (6-3, 220) will be his greatest asset as he will be hard to match up with when covered by a defensive back. He also possesses enough speed to be able to outrun any linebacker who would roll over into coverage against the agile athlete. One of his unknown talents are his soft hands. He can catch almost any ball thrown in his direction and will be able to handle himself over the middle in critical second and third down situations.

After Rodel, the burden will fall on a trio of untested journeymen. Seniors Lukas Brott, Bryce Belseth and junior Pete Lien will have the chance to establish themselves as the go-to targets after Rodel. Brott caught only one pass in 2004, but has the quickness and understanding of the offense that is necessary to make the correct decision when facing the difficult pass defenses in the MIAC. Belseth, like Rodel, is a bigger target and is not afraid to go and get the ball over the middle. Lien, a former all-conference receiver from Duluth Marshall, is the prototypical possession receiver. He has very good hands and excels at running precise routes.

Others to watch for at wide receiver: Jeff Aasgaard, Nick Bartels, Adam Hokkanen, Mike Raths and Riley Sammon.