This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated.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

CYPRUS PIRATES

THE HURRY-UP — Cyprus finished 2-8 in 2015, and 1-5 in league play.

Second-year head coach Jed Smith noticed strides from the Pirates during a difficult season last year. "More than anything it's just time in the saddle that we needed," Smith said. "We're really excited about the things that have been put in place kind of initially. We're starting to see some traction going."

One of the most dramatic differences heading into a new season is the number of players Cyprus has to choose from. "We had about 106 kids report to camp," Smith said. "That's pretty significant compared to, from what I understand, what it was in the past. I was told there were about 35 to 37 kids that finished the season 12 months ago."

A mix of a handful of really skilled players, some just beginning to comprehend the game and others becoming eligible to play, the Pirates are developing into a team that could compete for Region 6 down the road.

QUARTERBACKS — Brooks Marshal is a confident signal caller even though he's only received limited reps. Marshal will control the huddle in the Pirates' pro-style attack, and will be looked to as one of the team leaders. He's a capable passer who excels at keeping the play alive with his feet, while still keeping his eyes downfield.

RUNNING BACKS — Soujah Gasu has added strength in the offseason and looks the part of a back ready to receive an increased workload. Now a junior, Gasu has quick feet and keeps his legs going to make him hard to wrap up. Cyprus graduated five backs from last year's team, but Alex Lanktree also has some playing experience.

RECEIVERS — LJ Faletui will be the go-to target in a receiver corps that is young and largely unproven. Asher Pollock has earned playing time with how he's performed leading up to the opener, and Omar Campos is a capable tight end. Newcomers will be competing for playing time as they show how well they can pick up the offense and execute their assignments.

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN — Alex Trevino returns to once again start at guard and will anchor a front that is full of players learning how to play. Manny Ramirez has shown promise in his progression.

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN — TJ Palu was arguably the best player for the Pirates as a junior, and he'll be counted on to set the tone for the front seven in the base 4-3.

LINEBACKERS — Omar Campos has a nose for the football, and is constantly putting himself in good positions to stop opponents. Campos is also effective in the pass rush. Ricky Garreaud is also a solid outside linebacker who will be counted on to make a lot of tackles.

DEFENSIVE BACKS — Soujah Gasu may tire from the amount of carries he'll receive on offense, but he's also a talented corner. Alex Langtree and Josh Amasio bring good instincts to the safety position. Another spot where untested players are picking up the territory that comes with the position, the Pirates' need guys to step up.

KEY PLAYERS

Omar Campos TE/LB — The leading returning tackler, Campos was all over the place to make his 89 tackles, and he finished the year with multiple sacks.

TJ Palu, DL — Palu can be a one man wrecking crew at times for offensive lines trying to slow him. He'll demand double teams.

Brooks Marshal, QB — Marshal has a toughness about him that speaks to his desire to keep the play alive. Whether he is standing in the pocket or avoiding defenders, he is always attempting to make something happen.

KEY LOSSES

Hunter Jacketta, QB — A skilled athlete, Jacketta was relied on to run the Pirates' attack most of the season.

Nick Brown, LB — Brown was one of the top tacklers for the Pirates and was consistently sniffing out what opposing offenses were trying to accomplish.

David Jordan, LB — Jordan provided Cyprus with additional quality at linebacker and paired with Brown to limit teams.

NAME TO KNOW

Stepping into a role where the offensive production will often go as he does, Soujah Gasu doesn't waste much motion in his stride and is adept at running into space. He's set for a breakout campaign.

2016 SCHEDULE

Aug. 19 — GRANTSVILLE, 7 p.m.

Aug. 26 — at Park City, 7 p.m.

Sept. 2 — at Copper Hills, 7 p.m.

Sept. 9 — PINE VIEW, 7 p.m.

Sept. 16 — OLYMPUS, 7 p.m. (Lost, 43-0, in 2015)

Sept. 23 — at Murray, 7 p.m. (Lost, 49-7)

Sept. 30 — SKYLINE, 7 p.m. (Won, 21-17)

Oct. 7 — HILLCREST, 7 p.m. (Lost, 28-7)

Oct. 19 — at Kearns, 7 p.m. (Lost, 63-7)

VERDICT

Cyprus is still a few years away from challenging for a playoff spot, but Smith and his staff should be proud of how they've transformed a somewhat hapless program into one that has promise as it continues to grow.

PREDICTED FINISH IN REGION:  Sixth