New coach. New attitude. New offensive and defensive schemes. New conference. New uniforms. All things are leading to bigger skies for Northern Colorado football in 2006 as it begins play in the NCAA football I-AA powerhouse Big Sky Conference with first-year head coach Scott Downing at the helm.

First-year head coach Scott Downing will lead the Bears into their first season of Big Sky competition.

By listening to the passion in Downing's voice and seeing the determination on his face when he talks about his blueprint for the program, it gets easier to envision Northern Colorado as a juggernaut in I-AA.

With a tradition-rich program at the Division II level, Downing is trying to build a new legacy in I-AA by combining the storied past with a bright future.

"To build a tradition, you need to connect with former players and alumni who have been around this program for a long time," Downing said. "Tradition doesn't come from buildings or uniforms, it comes from the guys who wear the uniforms. We want to get the former players and alumni involved with our future. I think the past can be a springboard to the future. We have to embrace the tradition, but we also have to go beyond it and create our own."

In 2007, the Bears will be eligible for the playoffs. Although the Bears can't officially win the Big Sky Championship this season, Downing said there is no reason why the Bears can't compete.

With three 2005 I-AA playoff teams (Eastern Washington, Montana and Texas State); a team that finished ranked 19th (Montana State) and a team that beat I-A opponent Stanford (UC Davis), Northern Colorado doesn't have any patsies on its schedule. All of those teams are ranked in the AnyGivenSaturday.com preseason poll. Portland State is also ranked No. 25 in the Lindy's preseason rankings. In fact, eight of Northern Colorado's games are against teams receiving votes in preseason polls. And that sits well with Downing.

"We have a very competitive schedule - and that's okay," he said. "Our players came here to play the best. Sure it's fun to beat a team 56-0, but it means more to beat a top 10 team 17-15. Those are the games you remember. Our players are looking forward to playing these teams and hopefully making a name for our program."

In his first year, Downing hopes to use 2006 as a model for what Northern Colorado should look like for years to come, as well as give tribute to the seniors.

"I want to use this season to build the base of our program and send our seniors out on a high note," Downing said. "Most importantly, we need to establish ourselves as a respected program within the I-AA community. Of course that will occur if you're 11-0, but it will also happen if you're 5-6 and in every game until the end. My biggest goal is to have the reputation of being a team that fights hard until the end. That's what I see great teams do."

Downing said they have to look at the season one game at a time. He said the team needs to play that game as best as they can, learn from it and move on.

Even though Downing garners immense respect, he is not someone with a big ego. When talking about the positive changes he's seen so far with the team, he attributes the success to his coaching staff.

"I believe I have a great coaching staff," Downing said. "They're all good teachers, good men and they're passionate about football. When I say passion, that goes beyond a guy just liking football. They love football."

Downing believes the high energy his staff exudes will strengthen the team.

"When you are passionate, you pass that on to your players in the way you coach," Downing said. "I learned from Joe Tiller, Tom Osborne and Paul Roach that players emulate their coaches. The head coach has to understand that he sets the tempo. If you're excited about the game, then the players feed off you. Once that happens, it spreads around the team."

With the new attitude comes a new offensive and defensive philosophy. When talking about strategy, Downing stresses the importance of personnel.

"Our No. 1 goal is to utilize the personnel we have to its greatest potential," he said. "I learned a long time ago that football is about matchups. If my `X' is better than your `O', then I've got a chance to win that matchup."

Downing said on offense, they'd like to force the defense into more one-on-one matchups.

"If we can do that, we've got more of an opportunity for them to make a mistake and us to make a play," he said.

Northern Colorado's ideal defense will take away the opposing offense's "bread and butter." Downing said he'd like to have the other team react to what they're doing defensively.

"On both sides, the philosophy is to be fairly aggressive and create mismatches," Downing said.

Quarterback
It's anybody's game at quarterback for the Bears. With no returning starter and no one with a wealth of experience, Downing has said many times the competition is "wide open."

Junior offensive lineman Jake Gable will help anchor the Bears' offensive line in 2006.

"We know we have competition going into the fall," he said. "Certainly we must narrow that down to two guys as the season gets closer because as a staff we have to begin to establish the starter's presence in the huddle. We also need to start preparing the backup for the season."

The race at quarterback includes junior transfer Dominic Breazeale, freshman James Schrenk, sophomore Cody Stone, sophomore T.J. Swanson and redshirt-freshman Brian Wiedeman. Downing said all of them bring something unique to the table.

Breazeale, a 6-6, 235-pound junior college transfer from Mount San Antonio College in Walnut, Calif., earned all-conference honors in 2005. Breazeale split time as the starter with a transfer from Oregon State and went 66-of-137 for 698 yards and four touchdowns.

"Dominic not only brings an accurate arm, but he also brings tremendous size," Downing said. "His size makes him a prototypical pro-style quarterback, and his great awareness helps him make quick decisions."

Schrenk, who joined the Bears for spring practice, led Northridge High School in Greeley to a conference championship in 2003. He also broke school records for touchdowns in a game (5) and 100-plus rushing games in a season.

"James is a young guy that has five years to get better," Downing said. "He has a lot of time to bring out his potential."

Stone saw limited time last season, finishing 3-of-8 for 73 yards in two games. Despite the small amount of action, Stone proved to have knack for big plays, as he hooked up with Beau Miller on a 26-yard touchdown against Colorado Mines. He also tossed a 43-yard touchdown against Fort Lewis.

"Cody is take-charge guy in the huddle," Downing said. "He is someone who loves football and plays it with a passion."

Swanson served as the Bears' top backup last season after transferring from Mississippi State. In place of injured starter Nick Hager, Swanson went 28-of-49 for 324 yards in losses against Cal Poly and Southern Utah. Overall, he finished 39-of-73 with four touchdowns.

"T.J. has a very strong arm," Downing said. "He is the type of quarterback that can rely on his arm to make a big play."

Wiedeman had a standout high school career at Greeley West, where he earned 4A second-team all-state honors from the Rocky Mountain News. He was named the Northern Conference Player of the Year in 2004 after leading the Spartans to a 10-3 record and their first-ever berth in the state semifinals. As a senior, Wiedeman threw for 1,911 with 19 touchdowns, rushed for 624 yards and had six touchdowns.

"Brian is a guy that can create outside of the restrictions of the offense," Downing said. "A play can break down, and he can still make something happen."

Offensive Line
Downing's philosophy is success begins with the line - whether it is offense or defense.

"When you see a successful team, nine times out of 10 they have a strong line," he said. "These guys take pride in doing things that fans don't pick up on. The fans like to see the running back make a 20-yard run down the field, but the running back won't make that play unless the lineman does his job."

In order for there to be success with the line, Downing said they have to work as a tight-knit group.

"I am very pleased with how our offensive line has developed over the spring," he said. "They aren't where we want them to be, but I do see them developing into a cohesive unit. More than any other part of the team, the offensive line has to work in unison."

Downing said in any offense, it is important to have depth on the offensive line. He said they'd like to have the "two-deep" solidified in fall camp, as well as the "seven or eight guys that are in the rotation." The rotation will have a good mix of experience and youth with seniors Robert Baker, Bret Garegnani, John Pryor and Matt Sens, junior Jake Gable, sophomores Mark Rodden and Jacob Thornbrue, redshirt-freshmen Eric Christensen and Jarrod Wright and redshirt-sophomore Brian Boyes. Baker played seven games last season as a defensive tackle, and Downing is pleased with how well he's making the transition, even though he battled through injuries in the spring.

"Although he's been nicked up, we're happy with how well Robert is making the switch from defense to offense," Downing said.

Garegnani got the starting nod in 10 games last year at right tackle.

"This is Bret's last go around this season," Downing said. "You're looking at him and you see this means a lot to him. He's putting a lot of effort into it, and our coaching staff is proud of the way he's come along."

Pryor drew two starts last season at left tackle and figures to be a do-all lineman for the Bears.

"John is one of those guys that is very versatile," Downing said. "He is a good technician. He's smart and pays attention to details."

Sens started 11 games at center last season for the Bears and earned second-team All-Great West honors.

"Matt is adapting very well to what we're asking him to do," Downing said. "His work ethic in the weight room has been great."

Gable started 10 games on the line last season at right guard.

"Jake did a terrific job for us in the spring," Downing said. "He's a smart, physical football player. He is one of those guys you look at for leadership."

Rodden battled injuries last season and was limited to three games as a redshirt-freshman.

"I'm happy with how Mark puts it all out there," Downing said. "He pays the price for what we need him to do."

Thornbrue started in seven games at left tackle last season in what was a breakout season as a true freshman.

"As the `Bruemaster' continues to develop physically, his potential is unlimited," Downing said. "You love it when you have a guy that is 6-6, 340 pounds and can move around like he does."

Christensen is a lineman Downing and his staff arealso excited about.

"He's another guy who has a big frame and can move well," Downing said.

After a solid spring, Wright could also figure in to the starting rotation.

"Jarrod was one of the major surprises of the spring," Downing said. "We are very excited about his future."

Boyes has had trouble with injuries in his Northern Colorado career, but the NCAA has already granted him a sixth year of eligibility, giving him three more years.

"We're excited with what Brian can do when he's healthy," Downing said.

Downing also said he thinks redshirt-freshmen Ryan Kemp and James Zapp have great potential.

"If they have good summers and develop for us, they'll make us a better football team," he said.

Running Back
There are a lot of unknowns for the Bears this season, but running back is not one of them. With an electric corps of tailbacks in senior All-American candidate Andre Wilson, senior Jahir Waterman and sophomore Patrick Ealy, Downing will have a lot of options.

"They all have different styles, and we plan to use them all," Downing said. "The fact remains they are very versatile."

When getting into details about each of the running backs, Downing begins with Wilson.

"I think you have to start any conversation about running backs with Andre Wilson," Downing said. "Andre is a proven commodity at this level. He's a hard worker and well-respected by his teammates."

Wilson ran for 1,034 yards and six touchdowns last season - which is solid by any standard - but considering he did it in eight full games, it adds more merit to his ability. Wilson's career mark of 2,534 rushing yards leaves him 986 yards shy of the Northern Colorado record held by Billy Holmes.

Senior running back Andre Wilson stands only 986 rushing yards away from becoming the No. 1 rusher in Northern Colorado history.

Waterman is another proven leader for the Bears who will be able to contribute. He will also be relied upon on special teams. In 11 games last season, he rushed for 202 yards, while also tallying 85 return yards and six tackles on special teams.

"Jahir is well-respected and a leader," Downing said. "He's vocal and passionate about the game. He is well-motivated and brings a lot of talent to the table."

Ealy brings lightning speed and an ability to shake off defenders to help him make big plays. He saw most of his action as a kick returner last season, where he recorded 491 yards on 21 returns (21.3 yard average). At running back, he averaged 6.2 yards per carry with 297 yards on 48 rushes.

"Patrick's style is totally different from the other two," Downing said. "He will provide us with the ability to keep the defense off-guard."

At fullback, the Bears return sophomore Garrett Bliss, who started eight games last season.

"Garrett brings a physical presence to our backfield," Downing said. "He's been at a I-A program, so he understands what it takes at this level. We also like the possibility of having him as an H-back."

Sophomore Michael Fariss, sophomore Bill Hill and freshman Rory Chinatti will be able to contribute on special teams.

"These guys don't figure in right now to our running backs rotation, but we're hoping they can earn roles on special teams," Downing said.

Northern Colorado also brings in talented freshman Andy Muns, who led Douglas County High School in Castle Rock, Colo., to the 2005 Colorado 5A state championship. After running for 2,857 yards as a senior, he was named the Colorado Offensive Player of the Year by the Denver Post and Rocky Mountain News. Although the Bears already have a lot of depth at running back, Muns will have an opportunity to play.

"I don't plan on redshirting anybody," Downing said. "If they can help us win games, that's great. We plan on having guys win games for us."

Wide Receiver/Tight End
With a new offense that incorporates more passing, depth at receiver is a must. The Bears will have a lot of new receivers that will battle it out for a spot in the rotation.

One person that Northern Colorado will look to as leader of the wide receivers is senior All-American candidate Andy Birkel. In 11 starts last season, Birkel led the team with 50 catches for 907 yards and a team-best 10 touchdowns. He was selected by the media to the All-Great West Football Conference first-team.

"Andy has proven himself at this level," Downing said. "He had a solid 50 catch season last year. We're hoping with our offense, we can expand on his productivity and utilize him to his best ability."

Downing said he likes the potential of sophomore Eric Brown, who is making the switch from defensive back. In 10 games last season, Brown recorded 21 total tackles.

"Eric has shown flashes of what he can do," Downing said. "He had a good spring and we like what he brings to the table."

Sophomore Bryant Jestes will be relied upon to make tough catches. Downing said he likes Jestes' toughness. As a backup last season, Jestes caught five balls for 75 yards and a touchdown.

"Bryant is a tough guy and a physical receiver," Downing said. "He's got good hands and runs good routes."

Senior Zac Carlson is another receiver that will make catches in tight situations. Carlson snagged 15 receptions for 206 yards and one touchdown last season in 11 games.

"Zac is another guy that is physical," Downing said. "I think he can make the clutch catches for us."

Junior Jeff Vaden is making the switch from defense to wide receiver, where his speed will provide the Bears with a deep threat. A successful Bears track and field athlete, Vaden has not yet had a breakout season on the football field.

"Jeff has had more success in track than football," Downing said, "but I think his switch to wide receiver will tap into his potential with his great speed. If he can continue to develop, we feel like he can be a solid receiver."

Northern Colorado also has young talent in redshirt-freshmen Adams State transfer Cory Fauver and Sam McCurdy and sophomores Beau Miller, and Mike Mullen.

Senior wide receiver Andy Birkel caught 50 passes last season for 907 yards and 10 touchdowns.

"In the spring, we saw flashes of potential from all of those young guys," Downing said.

But even though there is a lot of youth and inexperience with the wide receivers, Downing said they need to "elevate now."

Incoming freshmen Brent Brown, Derek Gainey and Sam Sewell will be thrown into the mix as well.

Tight end is another position where the Bears will have to find a consistent threat, as none of the returning players have significant experience. Junior Clint Wright has logged the most time out of the returning tight ends, but he has been used primarily as a blocker in his career. Wright snagged three catches last season as a backup.

Sophomore Ryan Chesla and redshirt-freshmen Andrew Emmerling and Nate Falkner will also battle it out for a spot in the rotation.

One variable for the Bears at tight end will be University of Missouri sophomore transfer Brian Barmann. Barmann was ranked No. 17 at any position in the state of Missouri as a high school prospect after setting West Platte High School career records in receptions (226), receiving yards (3,754), receiving touchdowns (42) and interceptions. His receptions and yardage totals are Missouri high school records.

"Brian is an athletic Big 12 guy who I think brings a lot to the table," Downing said. "I think he can help our team. But he has not had a chance to be in our system, so we don't know what he can do yet."

Defensive Line
With experience and strength returning in the middle of the defensive line, as well as explosiveness at the ends, this could turn out to be a plus for the Bears' defense.

"I see a lot of potential with our defensive line," Downing said. "Last year they were hurt by injuries early in the season, and they never got healthy the entire year."

Senior Matt West could be primed for a breakout season with his work ethic in offseason workouts. West decided to stay in Greeley for the summer in order to put in extra time in the weight room. Last season, West tallied 34 tackles, including 4.5 for a loss and two sacks.

"I am pleased with the commitment Matt has made this summer," Downing said. "He's the kind of guy we can count on."

Senior Shawn Sopoaga will also look to prove his ability after sitting out last season with an injury.

"Shawn brings tremendous skills as a pass rusher," Downing said. "We need to keep him healthy so he and Matt West have an opportunity to operate as a unit."

Senior Trent Dietz will give the Bears depth on the line with his versatility. He recorded nine tackles and two sacks in seven games last season.

"Trent is very versatile," Downing said. "In certain situations, he can be a tackle, and he can also be a solid defensive end."

Senior two-year starting defensive tackle Jacob Carlson will provide the Bears with a solid anchor on the line. Carlson tallied 30 tackles last season, including 3.5 for a loss.

"Jacob has flown under the radar at times," Downing said. "You don't hear a lot of people talk about him, but he's a big, strong guy. I'm impressed with his work ethic and his passion for football. We're looking for big things out of him."

Senior defensive tackle Jacob Carlson will look to build on his 30 tackles in 2005.

Downing thinks the junior class will be important for Northern Colorado. The first player from the juniors that comes to Downing's mind is defensive tackle Vinny Pallone. Pallone had 30 tackles last season, including 4.5 for a loss.

"I think every team needs a guy like Vinny Pallone," Downing said. "He's a guy with great passion for the game, and he's also passionate about life. I don't think Vinny has a bad day. He's positive and infectious with his teammates."

Junior Mark Unrein will figure into the equation at the end. In six games last season, he tallied 18 tackles and 1.5 sacks.

"I'm very positive about Mark's future," Downing said. "He made tremendous strides in spring practice. I love watching him play."

Downing is also positive on the potential of redshirt-freshmen Martin Awachie and Jake Duckett.

"Martin still has a long way to go, but the sky is the limit for him," Downing said. "I'm also excited to see what Jake can do after he has an entire summer of strength training."

Since injuries can happen at any point in the season, Downing said he'll take a look at the incoming freshmen for playing time.

"I think guys like Ethan Davis, John Eddy and Joe Silipo can come in and create excitement," he said. "I think this line can end up having a rotation of eight or nine guys."

Downing thinks junior college transfer Naseer Ghafur will be able to make a strong impact. Ghafur comes to the Bears from Compton Community College. He also had a standout high school career at Montbello High School in Denver.

"We're very excited about Naseer," Downing said. "He comes from a quality program. We are very lucky to have him on our team."

Linebacker
Although the Bears have experience and depth returning at linebacker, it is still a young group. Northern Colorado has only one linebacker that is older than a sophomore. Despite the youth, the group showed the ability to make big plays in the spring.

Junior Sam Lewis will be counted on to make a big impact as a possible starter. As a starter at the strong side slot last season, Lewis tallied 39 tackles and an interception.

"Sam is a solid player," Downing said. "He's one of those guys who come every day to work. He brings his lunch pail and he's ready to go. He's a tackle-to-tackle guy, and he can get into the line of scrimmage."

Sophomore Joe Kenney will also be relied on to follow up on his surprising 2005 season at weak side linebacker, where he had 69 tackles, three interceptions and four pass breakups.

"Not only is Joe an excellent athlete, but he loves to play football," Downing said. "He's a guy that when the pads are on and the lights turn on, it becomes a whole different game."

Sophomore Cristian Sarmento will bring high energy and intensity to the rotation in a possible starting role. Sarmento notched 30 tackles last season as a backup.

"Cristian is the epitome of laying it on the line every play," Downing said. "He is a hard hitter and a hard worker."

Junior linebacker Sam Lewis will be among a solid corps of starting linebackers this season with sophomores Joe Kenney and Cristian Sarmento.

Redshirt-freshman Thomas Bauer was someone who Downing thought had the best Spring Game out of anybody on the team.

"You look at the Spring Game he had and you could say he had a great game," he said. "I think that was huge for his development."

Sophomore Casey Herron will be expected to contribute in the rotation after recording 19 tackles last season.

"I think Casey did a good job of improving himself in the spring," Downing said.

Junior transfer Asa Matthews could also figure into the rotation. Matthews, the brother of former Bears standout running back Adam Matthews, comes to Northern Colorado from Otero Junior College. He joined the squad in the spring.

"We're still trying to see where he fits into the mix, but Asa brings a great amount of physical talent," Downing said. "He is an explosive player. We hope we can keep him going in the right direction."

Sophomore Chris Medved will get a shot at playing a key role on special teams.

"I think Chris can play a big role for us on special teams," Downing said.

Defensive Back

The defensive secondary has arguably the largest mix of youth and experience on the team. Downing describes the group as diverse.

"This is a group that not only has a lot of different ages, but also a lot personalities and body styles," he said.

Downing said the group lost a lot in Reed Doughty, as well as Chris and Greg Gebhardt. He said he is looking for the seniors to step up and lead the group.

Seniors Jason Hildenbrand, Matt Thomas and Sirwestly Williams will be relied on to provide consistency and leadership.

"All of those guys give us a good physical presence," Downing said. "They have spent a lot of time this summer doing what they need to do in order to be good, leading seniors."

Junior Aaron Henderson will give the Bears playmaking ability in the secondary. In eight starts last season, he notched two interceptions and 16 tackles. He also had 194 punt return yards (16.2/return) last year. Despite wearing an arm cast in the spring, Henderson was able to create havoc for wide receivers.

"Aaron is a guy who played all spring in a cast and never complained about it," Downing said. "He was still able to get interceptions with the cast. He brings a lot to our secondary."

Junior Aaron Henderson will look to make an impact as a top cornerback and a possible returner in 2006.

Special Teams
Next to quarterback,the area for Northern Colorado that will have the most competition in fall practice will be kickers and punters. The Bears went through the spring with junior Rafael Mendoza at punter and redshirt-freshman Michael York at kicker.

Mendoza averaged 38.5 yards per punt last year and pinned 14 punts inside the 20-yard line. Downing said he expects Mendoza to get better over the summer.

"Rafael had a solid season, and there are things he's doing over the summer that will help him to get better," Downing said.

York kicked just one year in high school at Greeley West but had a breakout season as a senior. He went 9-of-13 on field goals and earned a spot on the All-Weld County team.

"Michael kicked only one year in high school, so every day that he gets an opportunity to compete does nothing but help him," Downing said.

One addition that might prove to be colossal for Northern Colorado is senior Nebraska transfer David Dyches. As a freshman for the Huskers in 2003, Dyches tied the Nebraska freshman record for field goals with 14. Rivals.com rewarded Dyches an honorable mention Freshman All-American.

"David already knows what I expect out of kicker because I coached him at Nebraska," Downing said. "He got caught into a numbers game at Nebraska and someone else came in to become a Freshman All-American. He wanted play as a senior, so he decided to come here."

Freshman Zak Bigelow will jump into the competition after an outstanding career at Dakota Ridge High School in Littleton, Colo. A four-year starter for the Eagles at kicker and punter, Bigelow was named to the All-Colorado team and earned first-team 4A all-state honors as a senior.

"Zak is a good athlete," Downing said. "We're excited about his future. He has the ability to punt or kick at this level."

Downing said he will look at different options at punt and kick returner. He said he is looking for someone who can break the game open, but at the same time he will look at many different options because "you have to develop different guys so you're not behind when the No. 1 guy gets injured." Some of the options Downing is looking at are Birkel, Ealy, Fauver, Henderson, Jestes and Wilson.

The Final Thought
The Big Sky Conference is one of the premier football conferences in I-AA. It will not be an easy first season for Northern Colorado, but to be successful, Downing said the Bears have to play hard through the finish and play smart.

"We have to make good decisions in every situation," Downing said. "We also have to protect the football on offense and avoid turnovers. On the flip side of that, we need to create turnovers on defense. If we play smart and don't kill ourselves by making costly errors, then we'll put ourselves in a position to win games."

But Downing reverts back to playing hard as the end-all mantra of the team.

"It comes back to, `Can you finish the game?'" he said. "At this level of football, you have to lay it on the line every single game. There have never been any cakewalks in the Big Sky."