Team MVP: After throwing for over 3,000 yards with 29 touchdowns in 2003, junior quarterback Bruce Gradkowski will be expected to do just as well if not better in 2004 for the Rockets. With the talent around him, Gradkowski should be among the passing leaders nationally and an All-MAC performer.

Quarterback: Junior Bruce Gradkwoski will be the leader of the offense after putting up stellar numbers in 2003. Gradkowski threw 29 touchdown passes as compared to only seven interceptions last season. He also rushed for over 500 yards. While the Rockets have some young talent behind Gradkowski in Marques Council, the experience obviously isn't there so Toledo can ill afford to lose their starter.

Running Back: Junior Trinity Dawson rushed for nearly 1,000 yards in 2003 and earned All-MAC honors. He is a solid runner as well as a capable receiver. The Rockets also have junior Quinton Broussard to spell Dawson. Broussard saw limited duty with Dawson getting so many reps, but he could be a major factor this season. Behind the two upperclassmen are some young, talented backs that could also contribute.

Wide Receiver/Tight End: The Rockets are loaded with experience and talent at the receiver position. Senior Lance Moore is a true star. In 2003, Moore broke out and had over 100 receptions for 1,194 yards. Senior Terrance Hudson and sophomore Steve Odom are also returning starters. Odom contributed over 800 yards receiving in 2003. Tight end Andrew Clarke is likely the best in the MAC at the position, and one of the best in the nation. He amassed over 400 yards receiving last season. The Rockets also have some capable backups. Seniors Ken Higgins, Pete Lepley and Chris Holmes are all seasoned reserves. This group is loaded and deep, which gives Gradkowski plenty of options.

Offensive Line: Senior tackle Nick Koczur is the best tackle in the conference, and one of the better linemen in the nation. He is also one of only two starters returning on the line. Senior center David Odenthal is the other returning starter. They will be joined by senior Wael Jarbou and junior Chris Wakeman at the guards. Sophomore Jerry Aguwa will hold down the other tackle spot. Senior tackle Mike Sacco is the most experienced reserve. This group needs to reload after losing three starters, but they should be capable.

Defensive Line: The Rockets lost all four starters on the front wall in the off-season. Senior end Phil Alexander will, who has seen limited action the past two seasons, will be the leader of the new group in 2004. He will have sophomore Jerome Walker on the opposite end. Sophomore J P Bekasiak and redshirt freshman Tyree Pollard will anchor the middle of the line. The rebuilt line will have to gel quickly as there is little experienced depth on the roster.

Linebacker: Senior Mike Broussard and junior Anthony Jordan are returning starters at linebacker. Jordan notched 138 tackles to lead the team in 2003. While Jordan is a tackling machine, Broussard fills the bill with his athleticism. Senior David Thomas will return after suffering a broken arm in 2003. The linebacking corps could be bigger, but they get the job done nonetheless.

Secondary: The secondary returns three of four starters for the 2004 campaign. Senior Antonio Malone returns at cornerback. His is fast and physical. Senior Patrick Body returns at safety and junior Keon Jackson will return at rover. Both hit and play like linebackers. Sophomore Bo Marlin will be the only new starter. He will take over the vacant corner position. Junior Jason Flowers will also fit into the mix as a reserve.

Special Teams: Junior Jason Robbins returns at placekicker. Robbins needs to be much more consistent as he has even had problems with extra points in the past. Junior Jason Cox will handle punting duties. He will have his work cut out for him replacing Brandon Hannum. Lance Moore is more than capable on returns.

Final Thoughts: There should not be many worries on offense. In fact, the only concern is how quickly the offensive line can gel. Outside of that, Toledo may only need to concern itself with how many lights it will have to replace on the scoreboards from lighting it up so much. The defense is another story. The line, which produced only 10 sacks in 2003, is relatively untested and lacks real depth. While the linebackers are capable, they are on the small side and could get manhandled by the bigger teams. Additionally, the depth in the secondary could be better. The bottom line is that Toledo has enough juice to win the MAC with their offense alone. The key will be their final three games.

-- JJ Pesavento