This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Manti Templars

The Hurry-Up – Manti finished 5-5 in 2015, and 3-2 in league play. The Templars lost to Morgan, 28-14, in the Class 3A quarterfinals.

Manti has some pieces on defense — especially the secondary and linebackers — and will be looking to hang its hat on that end of the field. But with a brand new quarterback who hasn't played the position before, figuring out the offense will be a challenge.

Coach Cole Meacham plans to lean on his leading rusher from last season, Mac Stevens, who is expected to emerge as a senior leader this season. He's still going to need his new quarterback to get up to speed and be able to be an efficient passer.

"We need him to run the offense well," Meacham said. "We need to have our quarterback run the ball … he's been a running back so he'll be effective there. He needs to be effective in our short passing game when we do throw the ball. We need to be a high-percentage throwing team."

Quarterbacks — Marshall Dotson is heading into his senior season, but this will mark his first year as a starting quarterback. Previously seeing stints as a safety and a running back, the four-year veteran will now make the transition to under center. He'll be looking to replace recently-graduated Derek Wright.

Running backs — Mac Stevens will get a lot of touches out of the backfield this season. Behind Dotson, who will be expected to be more of a dual-threat, running quarterback, the offense will go as far as the ground game goes.

Receivers — Stevens will be plenty busy as the main ball carrier, but he will also serve as one of the main targets in the air. Losing last year's leading receiver, Jordan Howe, it will now be Stevens turn to move the chains.

Offensive linemen — The Templars return starters at guard, tackle and center. Paired up with Stevens in the backfield, the Templars will have continuity carrying over from last season and the potential to build off it.

Defensive linemen — Seniors Sam Tiatia and Michael Alder are back and will lead the charge up front. Considering additional upperclassmen return, as well, this side of the ball should pose a solid threat.

Linebackers — The Templars might have lost their leading tacklers from last season, but they will have two seniors and a junior ready to replace them. Nate Lee, Mac Stevens and Cooper Parry will be a promising trio with experience and talent to be productive.

Defensive backs — This year's group poses a lot of depth and a lot of promise. Featuring Cort Olson, Kaden Kirkman, Austin Robinson and Marshall Dotson, there is no doubt this is the Templars' strongest group on defense.

Key Players

Mac Stevens, RB — Rushed for a team-high 554 yards on 108 carries and totaled another team-high in rushing touchdowns, with eight, in 2015.

Marshall Dotson, QB — Only attempted two passes last season as a junior, but will have the keys to the offense this season.

Sam Tiatia, Ol, DL — Totaled 16 tackles and one sack as junior, but is primed for a breakout season in 2016, as the Templars look to him to be one of their main guys on defense.

Key Losses

Douglas Schiess, DL — Totaled 122 tackles and 10 sacks, and was one of the Templars best overall defensive prospects. Signed to play at Weber State.

Jordan Howe, OLB — Arguably the biggest loss on defense, the senior linebacker led the team in tackles with 148 and sacks, with 13.

Derek Wright, QB — The senior quarterback didn't have the greatest season on paper — throwing for 967 yards, seven touchdowns and seven interceptions — but the team will miss his leadership on offense.

Name To Know: With holes to fill on both sides of the ball, look no further than Mac Stevens, who will be the Swiss Army knife for this year's team. In addition to being the main ball carrier in a run-heavy offense, Stevens will also have plenty of reps to make an impact on defense.

2016 Schedule

Aug. 19 – at Carbon, 7 p.m. (Won, 38-7, in 2015)

Aug. 26 – JUAN DIEGO, 7 p.m. (Lost, 28-0)

Sept. 2 – PINE VIEW, 7 p.m. (Lost, 30-15)

Sept. 9 – at Emery, 7 p.m. (Won, 44-27)

Sept. 23 – NORTH SANPETE, 7 p.m. (Won, 45-21)

Sept. 30 – DELTA, 7 p.m. (Won, 39-16)

Oct. 7 – at Richfield, 7 p.m. (Won, 35-0)

Oct. 14 – at Juab, 7 p.m. (Lost, 14-12)

Verdict: It won't be easy bringing up a quarterback who has never played the position – let alone at the varsity level – but with a proven back and a veteran core of leaders on defense, Manti should have another solid season.

Projected finish in region: Fifth

hkim@sltrib.com

Twitter: @haydaykim