NICK ARBUCKLE, QB
Arbuckle was named the starter coming out of the spring and will be expected to manage the offense in a way to avoid the three-and-outs and negative plays that impacted it last season. The offensive line has been rebuilt in an attempt to help whomever is under center after last season’s line allowed a conference-worst 32 sacks.
ROBERT DAVIS, WR
With Albert Wilson gone to the NFL, Davis must become the go-to receiver. He was the second-leading pass-catcher last season as a freshman. Davis likely will see the same types of coverage that Wilson did last season because there isn’t an established threat at the other wide receiver spot. Davis must give the quarterback an option or the offense will struggle.
JOSEPH PETERSON, LB
Peterson will be expected to get everyone lined up correctly, make the pre-snap reads and necessary adjustments. He has led the team in tackles each of the past two seasons. The rest of the defense, which allowed averages of 36.7 points and 466.5 yards last year, will follow his lead, so it’s imperative he gets everything right.
MACKENDY CHERIDOR, LB
The Panthers had a conference-worst 11 sacks last season. Cheridor had one of those. The team will need to get to the quarterback if it hopes to produce disruptive plays (interceptions and fumbles). Much of that burden will fall on Cheridor. He has a big frame (6-foot-5, 250 pounds), speed and long wingspan, good for batting down passes or getting a hand on quarterbacks even if he’s being blocked.
MATT HUBBARD, P
If the offense isn’t consistent, it will be to Hubbard to help the defense by pinning opponents back as far as his right leg can. Hubbard averaged 42 yards per punt, with 30 fair catches and 16 kicks inside the 20-yard line last season. Twelve of his punts went for at least 50 yards.
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