In 2007, the Capital University football team looks to reload rather than rebuild in its efforts to challenge for an Ohio Athletic Conference championship and make a third-straight trip to the NCAA Division III Football Playoffs.
The Crusaders finished last year ranked No. 3 in the nation, a school-record 11 wins and a second straight appearance in the NCAA Playoff National Quarterfinals, but must replace two-time All-American quarterback and OAC all-time passing leader Rocky Pentello, the OAC's all-time interception leader in All-American safety Kyle Hausler along with his twin brother Thom Hausler, who was the eighth player in NCAA Division III history with over 1,000 punt and 1,000 kickoff return yards in a career.
The cupboard is far from bare at Capital as a trio of All-Americans in defensive back James Starks, wide receiver Derick Alexander and placekicker Matt Spitz return for their senior seasons.
Starks led the team in interceptions last year and along with fellow seniors in defensive back Matt Coleman, linebacker Eric Andriacco, defensive linemen Nick Bucci and Zac MacKenzie join junior linebacker Pete Ankrom as the six returning starters on the defense. Andriacco and Bucci were all-region selections last year, while MacKenzie was an All-OAC pick.
Alexander, left tackle Adam Persing and left guard Will Smith are the three returning starters on offense. Alexander, the third receiver in school history to post over 1,000 yards receiving in a season, and Persing were All-OAC First Team and all-region selections. Sophomore quarterback Marty Assmann is projected to be at the helm of nation's No. 5 rated offense from a year ago.
Spitz is a two-time All-American that bested his own school-record for kicking points in a season with 85 points and is 6-for-8 over the last two season in field goals over 40 yards. Along with Spitz, junior punter Shaun Stencil also returns.