Minnesota State University Reporter

Issue date: 8/28/08 Section: Mens Sports

Media Credit: Andrea Harrell

Media Credit: Andrea Harrell Junior quarterback Ryan Fick will start tonight in Warrensburg, Mo., against the Central Missouri Mules. Fick replaces long-time MSU starter Ben King.

It's been more than seven months since Todd Hoffner was selected to guide the Minnesota State football team. Since the announcement, Hoffner has done almost everything that goes with coaching a Division II program except for one thing: coaching a game.

That void, however, will be filled tonight when the Mavericks travel to Warrensburg, Mo., to play a nonconference game against Central Missouri, the same team they started their season against last year, winning 23-14.

And Hoffner is ready to go.

"We can't wait for that first game to start," he said. "We're anxious to go out there and see how we stack up against a very good team."

But a new head coach isn't the only thing different about this year's squad. Besides Hoffner, Stan Zweifel returns for his second stint as MSU's offensive coordinator. Zweifel was with the team in 1981-83 before leaving for Northern Colorado to take the same job.

Former Mankato West football coach Eric Davis also joins Hoffner and Zweifel on staff.

Besides the coaches, one key position will need to be filled on the field. Ben King, the Mavericks' quarterback for three of the last four seasons (he sat out his junior season to focus on baseball) is gone.

Enter Ryan Fick. The junior quarterback has thrown just 16 passes in his collegiate career, but will play in a much different offense this season.

"Fick's had a great fall camp," said senior center Jake Droessler. "He had a good spring and he's going to be an excellent quarterback. He's a very smart quarterback."

Instead of throwing the ball virtually all game as the Mavericks did under former coach Jeff Jamrog, this season they will try to use a more balanced attack.

For Fick, that means a lot more handing off to Donte Shackelford and Jake Aberg, a lot less putting the ball in the air, and a much easier transition into the starting role.

"We're going to run the ball, which is a big change from what we've been doing in the last few years," Droessler said. "But I love it, I love being able to get off the ball and hit somebody."

"We're going to try and run and pass the ball and stay balanced," Hoffner said. "Whatever they're taking away we're going to try and take advantage of what they are over committed to."

But it won't be just the linemen happy to run-block. Shackelford, who had just 40 carries last season, might get many more this season. It was Shackelford who ripped up the Mules last season in the opener, but through the air, catching six passes for 161 yards and two touchdowns.

"The biggest thing is we're going to try and put the ball in the players' hands who we feel can help win us the game," Hoffner said. "And Dante's obviously one of them."

Hoffner said the keys to the game will be turnovers and big plays. In their previous meeting last season, the Mavericks were the team making the big plays, with four plays of more than 40 yards.

"It's exciting," Droessler said. "We really want to see where we are as an offense, especially with our new coach, new system and new quarterback. It's going to be fun to see what we can do."



Josh Berhow is the Reporter sports editor

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