Wide receiver Josh McKee is one of 14 returning starters in 2010.

Springfield, Ohio — The Wittenberg University football team, which returns 14 starters from last year's 12-1 team, once again has experts believing it has the talent to make a run at a national championship. The publishers of Lindy's 2010 College Football Preview ranked the Tigers ninth in their NCAA Division III preseason poll, while publishers of The Sporting News ranked the Tigers eighth in their NCAA Division III preseason poll. 

With the most wins in NCAA Division III history, Wittenberg is no stranger to preseason or postseason accolades, and expectations are at their customarily lofty levels heading into the 2010 season. A year ago, the Tigers won the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) title while posting a perfect 10-0 regular season before reaching the NCAA Division III Tournament quarterfinals. Wittenberg's season came to an end with a 31-13 loss at eventual national champion Wisconsin-Whitewater.

While the Tigers have numerous holes to fill, starting with the quarterback position after record-setting signal-caller Aaron Huffman graduated, there is a great deal of talent back in the fold, starting with the first national defensive player of the year in program history, end Eddie Vallery, class of 2011 from South Solon, Ohio. He spearheaded a unit that led the nation in total defense and scoring defense in 2009.

Offensively, the Tigers return a pair of standout wide receivers in Josh McKee, class of 2011 from New Carlisle, Ohio, and Michael Cooper, class of 2011 from Springfield, Ohio. They combined for 118 receptions for 1,865 yards and 22 touchdowns a year ago. In addition, running backs Corey Weber, class of 2011 from Pataskala, Ohio, and Conner Warye, class of 2012 from Maineville, Ohio, who combined for 334 carries for 1,821 yards and 15 touchdowns a year ago, also return to the lineup.

Wittenberg is seeking its 10th conference title since joining the NCAC in 1989. The Tigers open the 2010 season on Saturday, Sept. 4, against Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association contender Olivet. Kick-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Wittenberg's Edwards-Maurer Field.

Written by: Ryan Maurer
Photo by: Erin Pence

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