As usual, he'll have a hard-working team, with QB Hinkle and DEs Wells and Zimmerman in the leadership roles. The Cardinals have a solid starting offense. Christopher took over at QB midway through last season and completed more than 50 percent of his passes with seven TDs. Sharrock ran for more than 850 yards.
Offensive line needs to stay healthy because of limited depth.
Defensive line is undersized. Last season, Columbia's first as head coach, the Cardinals snapped a 23-game losing streak and went on to win four games and qualify for the playoffs. That was a giant step for a program that hopes to keep moving forward and eventually come close to the standard established by its undefeated state title team of 1991. Coulter is on target to become the school's all-time leading tackler. Cox, who had more than 900 yards last season, will be East's all-time top rusher.