Scouting the Glenbard East Rams

For all the new faces Glenbard East's football team will have a definite sense of familiarity this season.

With the graduation of three-year quarterback Jack Merrithey, the Rams are again shifting their focus to suit their talent. What that means is a return to the program's Wing T roots.

Steve Kinney, third on last year's team with 280 rushing yards, shifts from running back to quarterback to guide the offense. Tyler Lueck also returns to bolster the backfield while the Rams still have a threat in the passing game with receiver Kevin Priebe, who last season caught 19 passes for 265 yards.

Expect to see a crew of running backs working the option in front of a young line with potential.

"We're going to be quite a bit different on offense, but you're not going to see us with a feature back," said Rams coach Dennis Lueck, whose team returns only four starters. "We'll go back to the old grind, but I think we're also a threat to throw the ball."

The one issue with the offense will be the four inexperienced juniors teaming with returning right tackle Tim Sullivan. The situation's similar on defense, where five of the front seven will be juniors.

Returning lineman Jerrell Bellamy is one of the few seniors on defense, but coach Lueck especially has confidence in his linebackers led by Roy Williams and Ted Bostert, who also will see time at fullback. In addition to playing receiver, Priebe will play in the secondary.

"The key will be our linebackers," Dennis Lueck said. "I think we're pretty athletic outside. We've got some good speed out there."

The Rams aim to take advantage of six home games as they try to ease the sting of last year's four-win season. An overtime loss in Week 9 kept them from the playoffs, but don't look for the Rams to dwell on the past.

"The kids really want to establish their own identity and be their own team," Lueck said. "This is a new team and it's a new year."

The breakdown

Coach: Dennis Lueck (20th year, 69-135).

2009 record: 4-5, 2-5, sixth in DuPage Valley Conference.

Top players: Steve Kinney (QB, 6-1, 190, sr.); Tyler Lueck (RB, 5-7, 155, sr.); Kevin Priebe (WR-FS, 6-4, 195, sr.); Jerrell Bellamy (DE, 6-0, 225, sr.); Tim Sullivan (RT, 5-10, 220, sr.); Roy Williams (LB, 6-1, 190, jr.); Eriberto Carreon (OL, 6-2, 200, jr.); A.J. Asuncion (OL, 6-4, 250, jr.); Ted Bostert (LB-RB, 6-2, 215, jr.); Jon Morris (CB, 6-1, 175, sr.); Dreylon Jones (CB, 6-1, 165, sr.); Ryan Nasti (LB, 5-9, 175, sr.); Don Wichman (LB, 5-10, 185, jr.); Angelo Walker (DL, 6-3, 310, jr.); Nate Kolar (DL, 6-1, 225, jr.).