Football's spring season kicks off tonight

The two-time defending Ivy League champions hit the Franklin Field turf for the first time in 2011 tonight at 8:15 for the first of 10 practices leading up to the April 9 Spring Game. The Quakers will take on a new look this year, as only 9 of 22 starters from last year's team are returning. With so much turnover, here's a look at the top 5 questions heading into the Penn football season, which begins September 17 - or 185 days from now.

1. Who will anchor the offensive line?

The Quakers graduated four All-Ivy selections: first-teamers Joe D'Orazio and Luis Ruffulo, second-teamer Drew Luongo, and honorable mention Jared Mollenback. Only first-teamer Greg Van Roten will return to what was by far the best O-line in the league. The big men up front have been the rock of Penn's title teams, opening up holes and providing protection for whatever running back and quarterback lined up behind them, and there were many. To replace the departed seniors, Van Roten will need to step up as the line's new anchor and four underclassmen will need to respond well to being thrown into the fire.

2. How will the sophomore defensive backs respond to increased playing time?

Al Bagnoli unleashed up-and-coming youngsters Anthony Marino, Dave Twamley and Justyn Williams as the 2010 season wore on, but still relied on Bradford Blackmon, Josh Powers and Jon Saelinger in the defensive backfield. The now-junior trio has the talent to become quality full-time starters; now it's time for them to show it. Penn also needs to find a safety to start alongside Matt Hamscher.

3. How will Bagnoli use QBs Billy Ragone and Ryan Becker?

This question is the most easily answerable. It's doubtful that there will be much competition during the spring for the starting job. After earning first-team All-Ivy honors as a sophomore, Ragone is locked in as the starter behind center. Still, if he completely slips up or gets injured, Becker could get significant playing time. When the season comes around, Bagnoli will likely split time between the two in the early-going, before leaning on Ragone during Ivy play.

4. Will the quarterbacks even have reliable targets to throw to?

No matter who plays QB, the Quakers need sure-handed receivers who run precise routes. Penn relied heavily on David Wurst and Matt Tuten on the outside, two undersized but tough wideouts who led the team in receiving with over 300 yards apiece. 6-foot-4 Conner Scott could become one weapon after catching 10 passes during his freshmen year. The other starters will be determined in camp. And while Penn's WRs have been reliable, finding more dynamic receivers could add a new dimension to the offense.

5. Who will be the kicker?

Andrew Samson, who became the school's all-time leader in points last season, may be the toughest player to replace. The Quakers knew that if they could get inside the opponents' 25 yard-line, 3 points were virtually automatic. Now, someone - seniors Dan Lipschutz or Brad Marvin, or junior punter Scott Lopano? - will have big shoes to fill (pun intended).