By DAN HINER

sports@vindy.com

SEBRING

Numbers were a problem for Sebring last season. A roster light on bodies to begin with got even skinnier as injuries mounted.

The final numbers — a 1-9 record — were predictably disappointing.

Scott Springer, now in his sixth season, said some young players got early experience while others had to change positions to account for the lack of bodies.

“They definitely had to battle. On both sides of the ball, not a lot of players came out last year,” Springer said. “Physically, it wears them down after a while. Mentally, I think it made us stronger. There were definitely some younger guys who got a lot of playing time. We were down at a lot of positions.

“We just didn’t have enough bodies to fill some of those positions. Some guys were playing linebacker that might have been defensive backs.”

Offense

Senior QBs Colton Brown and Robbie Rouse return as co-starters. Brown threw for more than 600 yards.

Springer said both will play consistently this fall. When one is at quarterback, the other will be a strong-side receiver. Both players will see time at receiver to help an inexperienced group.

Spring said he has high expectations for seniors Drew Kleinman and Jason Dickson, who are new to the program. Springer said both bring speed to an already explosive offense and he believes this is the fastest team he has coached.

Nate Martin is returning at running back and Jared Hunter will return as the Trojans’ fullback. This is the third season the backfield duo has played together and Springer said he thinks Sebring will have one of the top running games in the ITCL.

“[Hunter] is a great kid to coach. He doesn’t say anything. He’ll get his three yards and a cloud of dust or six yards in a cloud of dust on our dive plays,” Springer said. “Nate Martin is explosive — he should be one of the best backs in the league this year. He has exceptionally good hands.”

Defense

Defense — especially against the run — has been a priority for the coaching staff. Springer said the Trojans will emphasize fundamentally sound football.

Springer said the strength of the defense will be in the secondary, which boasts talent and depth.

Springer said a couple players who played in the secondary last season will move to linebacker.

Special Teams

Sebring must replace kicker Josh Zmuda and Collin Baia — a former soccer player — will fill that role. Senior Tristen Weekly will punt.

Rouse, Dickson and Martin will handle the return duties.

Outlook

Springer wants the Trojans to be able to overcome adversity.

“One thing I do try to emphasize is being mentally prepared,” he said. “I want my boys to be able to handle adversity. Every game, every Friday night, there is going to be some adversity.

“How are we going to handle it? Are we going to buckle down and play even harder or are we going to tuck tail and run? That’s not my demeanor, that’s not how I was coached and that’s not how I was brought up. These guys are going to strap it up and get after it for 48 minutes.”