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Ogden • If Weber State's offense were the wishbone, the Wildcats' fleet of quality running backs would be no problem.

Instead of a three-back set, though, Weber generally has only one rusher behind the quarterback — or none at all in its spread offense.

Still, it doesn't seem as if the current set of running backs has any real problem with the logjam, and, if that kind of attitude is emblematic of the team as a whole, Weber State might just be in for a solid and maybe even special season.

The Wildcats return nine offensive starters and eight defensive starters from a team that finished 6-5 overall last year and 5-3 in Big Sky conference play.

Though the 'Cats technically were seventh in the 13-team Big Sky, they were just two games out of first in what was a crowded and hotly contested championship race.

And one of Weber State's conference wins was an overtime victory against a Montana team that eventually earned an at-large berth into the 24-team FCS playoff.

"We have a lot of guys who played good football for us, even ones who haven't started in the past," said Weber State coach Jay Hill. "This is, by far, the most depth that we've had going into our first game.

"We've got every passing yard, rushing yard, receiving yard back from our team last year," he added.

That starts with senior quarterback Jadrian Clark, who threw for 1,875 yards in '15 but also had the wheels to gain to net 265 yards on the ground. His familiar returning targets at wideout include senior Cam Livingston, junior Darryl Denby, junior Drew Batchelor and junior tight end Tui Satuala.

As for those running backs, junior Eric Wilkes was the team's leading rusher with 662 yards and three times went over a hundred yards in a game. He wasn't the only Weber back to find the century mark, however. Returnees Treshawn Garrett did it twice and senior Emmanuel Pooler accomplished it once.

And, after missing the 2015 season due to a knee injury, 2014 leading rusher Zach Smith returns for his junior year.

"It brings out the drive because we have so many good running backs," Smith said. "Everyone has to be at the top of their game. When you're out here, you're competing with friends and competing to be the legit No. 1 spot.

"We've got five running backs who are legitimate starters," he added.

Defensively, the entire linebacking corps is back for Weber, including junior Emmett Tela, who led the team in tackles a year ago. At outside linebacker, senior Tre'von Johnson is also back after tying for the team lead in solo tackles (35) last year.

"I remember coming up here as a freshman, I blinked my eyes and now I'm a senior," said Johnson, who played at Hunter High and added that the program has changed mightily in four years.

"Light years ahead," he said. "When I came in we were having 2-10 seasons, but this program has taken off."

For the coach, the numbers are there and the attitudes seem good. But Hill knows there will be obstacles to overcome — starting with the Wildcats themselves.

"This is a good enough team to be right there at the end," Hill said. "But they've got to respect the proces and be ready each week." —

Weber State schedule

Sept. 1 • at Utah St., 6 p.m.

Sept. 10 • at So. Dakota, 1 p.m.

Sept. 17 • Sacramento St., 6 p.m.

Sept. 24 • at UC Davis, 7 p.m.

Oct. 8 • Portland St., 6 p.m.

Oct. 15 • Montana St., 1:30 p.m.

Oct. 22 • at So. Utah, 6 p.m.

Oct. 29 • at No. Dakota, Noon

Nov. 5 • No. Arizona, Noon

Nov. 12 • Cal Poly, Noon

Nov. 19 • at Idaho St., 2:30 p.m.