"Have you ever played football?" "How much do you weigh?" When these are among the first questions Bill Wagner, coach of the Penn lightweight football team, directs at a Daily Pennsylvanian reporter, one might think his lightweight football team isn't looking forward to the upcoming season. But most of Wagner's players don't seem as concerned with the lack of depth. Instead, they aim to improve upon last year's 2-4 record in the Eastern Lightweight Football League. Although the Quakers return a total of 23 letterwinners, they are missing a few key players that were expected to return this season due to a graduation, academic difficulties and weight problems (players must weigh in at no more than 159 pounds). Among the positions that have been hit hardest is the quarterback spot, where neither of the top two signalcallers returns. Without a quarterback on the roster with any college experience, senior Matt Veneri, who starred at linebacker last year and last played quarterback in high school, has been forced into the starting role. Backing him up is freshman Zach Shinar. On offense, Penn will rely on the leadership of seniors Clint Schmidt, Joel Correia and Zach Chan, its three captains. Chan will move from defensive end, where he was all-ELFL last year, to tight end. "He's a complete tight end," said Clint Schmidt, who will be Veneri's favorite target at the depleted wide receiver position this year. Joining Veneri in the backfield will be sophomore tailback Greg Grabon and fullback Correia. Jose Vidal and freshmen Tim Ortman and Kave Golabi may also see action at tailback. The backs and Veneri will draw most of their protection from experienced linemen Neil Batiancila, Andre Martinez and Carl Jamison. Defensive coordinator John Ament will employ a 52-style defense, the same one that Al Bagnoli uses for the heavyweights. "The defense will be the best in the league," Quakers starting linebacker Mike Steib said. Joining him at the other linebacker spot, and replacing Veneri, will be Keith Crivello. Mario Malcolm will start at free safety and will be joined in the secondary by tested cornerbacks Justin Reger and Dan Malasky. Malasky will double as Penn's place kicker. Wagner said the kicking game with Malasky and punter Kevin Lotman will be one of the Quakers' strong points. The team's goal is to win the ELFL, and Wagner feels a strong start and at least a split with league powers Army and Navy are necessary. Unlike past seasons, Wagner will be able to devote his full attention to his squad as he has retired from teaching. Now, Wagner is devoting his attention on adding depth to his team. An injury to anyone with experience could force Wagner to make more position changes, dig deep into his roster or even recruit DP reporters more aggressively.
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