ESPN College Football

2008 conference record: 5-3, Atlantic Division co-champions

Returning starters

Offense: Offense: 7, defense: 7, punter/kicker: 2

Top returners

LB Mark Herzlich, LE Alex Albright, LB Mike McLaughlin, FS Wes Davis, WR Rich Gunnell, LT Anthony Castonzo, C Matt Tennant, TB Montel Harris

Key losses

Coach Jeff Jagodzinski, LB Brian Toal, SS Paul Anderson, WR Brandon Robinson DT B.J. Raji, DT Ron Brace

2008 statistical leaders (* returners)

Rushing: Montel Harris* (900 yards)
Passing: Chris Crane (1,721 yards)
Receiving: Brandon Robinson (646 yards)
Tackles: Mark Herzlich* (110)
Sacks: B.J. Raji (8)
Interceptions: Herzlich* and Paul Anderson (6)

Spring answers

1. Improved offensive line. It's better than it was this time a year ago, and part of that can be attributed to the fact four starters return. Also, Anthony Castonzo had a great spring after moving from right to left tackle last fall. He was the first true freshman to start on the BC line in a decade, and is starting to live up to the hype.

2. More consistency on special teams. The staff feels good about punter Ryan Quigley, who is going to be a sophomore. By the time he's a junior or senior, Quigley could be one of the best in the league. Senior Steve Aponavicious was a little more consistent and they'll need him to be. He scored the only points of the spring game.

3. Secure secondary. The staff was very pleased with the play of safeties, namely Marcellus Bowman and Wes Davis. The secondary could be the strength of the defense, as four players return with starting experience. Davis started at free safety while Bowman backed up Paul Anderson and earned a pair of starts when Davis went down with an injury.

Fall questions

1. Quarterback, quarterback, quarterback. Last year, the question was how the Eagles would look without Matt Ryan. This year, it's how they'll look, period. Dominique Davis, Justin Tuggle and Codi Boek will continue to compete this summer. Also competing for time will be true freshman Michael Marscovetra who will join the team in the fall.

2. Achilles' Heel. Will Mike McLaughlin and fullback James McCluskey be able to come back from Achilles injuries? Both were starters last year and both missed all of spring practices. How quickly their return and how gingerly they play this summer could be an issue. McCluskey was already recovering from a broken leg he suffered against Notre Dame last year.

3. Big holes up front. Can the Eagles find replacements for two NFL draft picks on the defensive line? Jim Ramella, who started every game at end last year, and Damik Scafe impressed the coaching staff this spring. Scafe, a backup last year, is the key. He has to play well, and it's the perfect opportunity for him to make a name for himself.