By DAN HINER

sports@vindy.com

Sebring

The Sebring Trojans’ 5-5 record in 2014 was their best since 1992, but it might be tough to duplicate.

The Trojans have seen a decrease in numbers and the current roster was at 20 players a week before the season. A lack of depth is the biggest concern for head coach Scott Springer, who is entering his fifth season.

Sebring has seven returning starters, but just two seniors. The biggest loss for the team came on the defensive side of the ball.

“These guys are a good group. These guys have been working hard together,” Springer said. “I’ve got 20 kids that I can count on. These guys come in early, they stay late and they’ll put the extra time in.”

Springer admits that his team is “undersized,” but he said the Trojans are tough and aggressive.

“They would rather hit than be hit,” Springer said. “I always tell them that if a bigger guy hits you and you’re undersized, then you are going to feel it. So why don’t you hit them first? Why don’t you attack them first rather than being attacked?”

Offense

Ty Breedlove, Sebring’s starting quarterback last season, will not play this year. Springer has named junior Rob Rouse the starter and said he is “an explosive athlete and a playmaker.” Rouse was the team’s top receiver last season.

“Robby throws the ball well, he rolls out and buys time, he’s smart with the football and he made some good reads and good decisions this past weekend in the scrimmage against Waterloo,” Springer said. “He’s the right guy for the right position as far as I’m concerned.”

Rouse and Breedlove were supposed to compete for the starting job during camp, and regardless of the quarterback competition, both players were expected to see the field in specific packages.

Nate Martin will return as the running back. He was one of the top rushers in the area last season, when he carried 117 times for 926 yards and eight touchdowns.

Jarod Hunter will return at fullback and tight end this season. Hunter was the second-leading receiver on the roster. Colton Brown, a West Branch transfer, will start at receiver this season and act as the backup quarterback.

Defense

The Trojans lost seven starters on defense — one returning defensive lineman, one linebacker and both safeties. Tristen Weekly is returning at tackle.

Seth Hambie is returning, but will move to outside linebacker. Martin, like many of his teammates, will play on both sides of the ball. Martin played linebacker last season and is considered the best athlete on Sebring’s roster.

SPECIAL TEAMS

There isn’t an official kicker listed on the Trojans’ roster, but senior Josh Zmuda has experience from last season. He was the starting placekicker and attempted all but one extra point throughout 2014. Zmuda was primarily a receiver and defensive back.

Outlook

Sebring will open the season on the road at Windham. The Trojans won their opener 38-6 in 2014 and eventually started 3-0 on their way to a .500 season.

The Trojans are switching their offense this season. Last season the team employed a run-based offense. This year, Sebring will look to throw the ball more and use Rouse’s athleticism.

“We’re definitely going to throw the ball,” Springer said. “We’re going to try to be 60-40 — I don’t know which way we’re looking. Everybody wants to be balanced so they’re not predictable.”

Springer said his team will have to be tough enough to play consistently on both sides of the ball. The players will need to deal with pain and learn to play through adversity.

“Play with a lot of heart, be strong-willed, don’t let your mind tell you that you’re tired because we’re going to have to play 48 minutes on both sides of the ball — you’re not coming out unless you’re hurt,” Springer said.

“If you’re hurt you’re going back in and if you’re injured you’re coming out. You’re going to have to learn to play hurt. You’re going to have to learn to play with bumps and bruises.”