This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated.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.

CARBON DINOS

The Hurry-up — Carbon finished 1-9 in 2015, and 0-5 in the 3A North. The Dinos did not make the Class 3A playoffs.

Second-year head coach Josh Huntsman was unable to improve Carbon's basement-dweller status during his first year at the helm of the Dino program. But, with a year of experience and some young talent looking to take over the top positions, Huntsman feels like his team is ready to start being competitive again.

"As everyone knows, Carbon hasn't won a region game since the year 2000," Huntsman said dejectedly. "We've set our sights on winning a region game; if we can get a region win or two and have an opportunity to get into the playoffs, that's kind of what we're looking at right now."

Huntsman also believes that his team is now set up in a way that they can compete and win against region teams that have given them fits over the years. "We look forward to playing Emery every year … we look at Grantsville as a team that we're very comparable to, we also feel like we're comparable with Union this year. We're looking to compete right in the middle of that pack with those teams and make some improvements in this second season."

Quarterbacks — The starting position is wide open, with three players vying for the top spot in 2016. Huntsman has given the edge thus far to sophomore Noah Jones, who played intermittently for the Dinos throughout 2015. Junior Triton Abeyta is another underclassman working to claim the starting position, with senior newcomer Braxton Swearingen also in the fold.

Running backs — The Dinos' primary rushing weapon will be junior Nate Olsen, who finished last season as the team's third-leading rusher with 342 yards and two touchdowns on 54 carries. Fellow junior Ashton Larsen is unproven as a running back, but will carry the ball in addition to playing receiver/slot back. Oscar Herrera will be the starting fullback for the Dinos.

Receivers — Larsen will be a favorite target when the Dinos run a two back set, but 6-foot-5 sophomore Derrek Hilliam will be the go-to receiver with Larsen in the backfield. Sophomore tight end Chance Lecheminant is another player Huntsman expects to be a big part of the Dino passing attack.

Offensive linemen — Huntsman is expecting four to five seniors to be starting on his offensive line this season, led by 320-pound senior Ryan Jannoud at center. The lone underclassman starter will be junior Garrett Marquez, who also adds some much-needed size to the line with his 305-pound frame.

Defensive linemen — Jannoud will start both ways for the Dinos, in addition to fellow seniors Jake Sauer and Austin Sanderson. Huntsman says that his staff is still deciding on the final defensive end spot.

Linebackers — Senior Tristen Armstrong will be the captain of the defense, and Huntsman believes that he could be a 100-plus-tackle kind of player in the middle. He will be joined by Ashton Larsen and sophomore Collin Lewis. Huntsman also expects senior Taden Grey to bounce between his usual strong safety position and an outside linebacker position.

Defensive backs — Braxton Swearingen is expected to start at corner alongside junior Jorge Martinez. Taden Grey will control the defensive backfield at strong safety while several younger players rotate in and out of the strong and free safety positions.

Key Players

Nate Olsen, RB — One of few returning players for the Dinos with a decent amount of varsity experience, Olsen will be relied upon heavily in the running game and must stay healthy in order to keep the Carbon offense multidimensional.

Ashton Larsen, RB/WR/LB — Larsen is expected to be a do-it-all player for the Dinos in 2016. His speed and athleticism will make him a valuable asset in the offensive backfield as well as outside as a wide receiver. Defensive responsibilities will also be heaped on Larsen as a linebacker/utility defender.

Tristen Armstrong, LB — The captain of the defense, Armstrong will be relied on to keep everyone in position and ready to make plays. "He's got a great motor, great knowledge and great skill," Huntsman said about his middle linebacker. "He has our defense down and he gets everyone in the right position. He's going to be a huge contributor for us this season."

Key Losses

Taylor Rasmussen, QB — Rasmussen accounted for five of his team's minuscule 14-touchdown total from last season, with three through the air and two on the ground, but his 12 interceptions proved too much for the Dinos to overcome.

Dallyn Mower, RB/LB — Mower was the workhorse on both sides of the ball in 2015. He rushed for 489 yards and four touchdowns on 125 carries in addition to racking up a team-high 114 tackles with three sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss.

Peyton Fausett, TE/DE — Like Mower, Fausett carried a heavy load on both sides of the ball. He was the team's leading receiver with 248 yards and two touchdowns on 28 receptions, while tallying 65 tackles and eight sacks on the defensive front.

Name To Know: For a team filling a lot of vacant positions with underclassman, senior leadership will be key in making sure they are in position and doing things the right way. Running back Bradyn Lamb will provide that senior presence for the younger backs and will also be expected to contribute at halfback and fullback.

2016 Schedule

Aug. 19 — MANTI, 7 p.m. (Lost, 38-7 in 2015)

Aug. 26 — at Ben Lomond, 7 p.m. (Lost, 31-6)

Sept. 2 — at Snow Canyon, 7 p.m.

Sept. 9 — HURRICANE, 7 p.m.

Sept. 16 — EMERY, 7 p.m. (Lost, 41-7)

Sept. 23 — at Grantsville, 7 p.m. (Lost, 35-13)

Sept. 30 — MORGAN, 7 p.m. (Lost, 35-0)

Oct. 7 — JUAN DIEGO CATHOLIC, 7 p.m. (Lost, 49-0)

Oct. 14 — at Union, 7 p.m. (Lost, 28-0)

Oct. 19 — at Richfield, 7 p.m. (Lost, 28-14)

Verdict: Carbon has a lot of young players taking over the skill positions and depth could be an issue if injuries begin to mount. They will also have to navigate an improved 3A North, with Juan Diego and Morgan remaining at the top and Grantsville looking much-improved from last season. While the Dinos may improve in competitiveness on the field, it may not necessarily show in the win column in 2016.

Projected finish in region: 6th