Spring Football Outlook: The Lumberjack Offense

March 29, 2016

ARCATA, Calif. – The Humboldt State offense is primed to repeat as the Great Northwest Athletic Conference's best in 2016.
 
The Lumberjacks return a seasoned offense, with explosive receiving and rushing threats, and a sturdy offensive line anchored by arguably the nation's top left tackle in Alex Cappa.
 
"We should be ready to go," said Offensive Coordinator Eric Tripp. "We have all-league players at almost every position on the offense."
 
Tripp will be in his ninth season leading the Green and Gold offense; a unit that ranked first in the GNAC in scoring offense, total offense, rushing offense, pass efficiency and first downs last season. HSU returns 14 letterwinners, including starters at almost every position.
 
The key to the Jacks attack last season was its running game, spearheaded by Harlon Hill Trophy runner-up Ja'Quan Gardner. The Ceres, Calif., product led NCAA Division II in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns and returns for his junior campaign.
 
"Ja'Quan is dedicated to staying fit and healthy, and he continues to develop in his understanding of our offense," said Tripp. "Ja'Quan is special and needs the football in his hands. Our goal is to take advantage of his many talents as a football player and put him in positions to improve the offense."
 
Another familiar face will guide the Jacks from under center. Robert Webber will open his junior season as HSU's top signal caller and will aim to improve on last year's success. He finished 2015 with 2,213 passing yards and 22 touchdown passes.
 
"The next step for Robert is to continue to take command of the offense and play to his strengths even more," said Tripp. "We have been careful not expose him too much, but it is time to utilize what he has upstairs mentally. He is invested and a football junkie. It is really exciting and fun to work with guys like Robert."
 
The 2016 season will be the last for receiver Chase Krivashei. The Corona, Calif., native earned GNAC Freshman of the Year honors following the Jacks' difficult 0-11 campaign. Sixty-two pass receptions are all that separate Krivashei and all-time leading receiving Dustin Creager in the record books, and by the time his career is over, he may hold several other HSU all-time records.
 
"I think knowing Chase, he is going to go out with a bang. You are going to see a great senior season," said Tripp. "He is focused, and he has goals. He is going to do whatever it takes for the offense and the team to win.  You won't see a more dedicated and competitive kid stepping out on the field for his senior season than Chase Krivashei."
 
Fans can also expect increased production from underclassmen at the wide receiver position with the departure of Brandon Kakitsuka and Marquise Deadwiler. Sophomore John Todd caught 10 passes for 275 yards and three touchdowns last season, and he will set his sights on repeating as a deep threat for the Jacks.
 
"Todd is at the top of the list to make a name for himself this season at receiver. This is his time now," said Tripp. "He got a taste of it as a freshman and made big plays. Marjani Ellison is in the same boat. He is progressing and developing. His size and jumping ability are things no other player out there has. Christian Basden is having a great spring. He has taken two steps forward and then two more steps forward rather than any steps back."
 
Humboldt State added a few mid-year additions to the team and one looks to be a factor on the offensive line. Junior Sam Madden was an All-Valley Conference First Teamer at Fresno City College and will look to add depth along the Green and Gold front.
 
"We had Sam inside at guard and then moved him to tackle. He has embraced the opportunity and has been flexible to move around," said Tripp. "Sam is fitting in, he is one of us, and is very coachable. He is at the top of the list for guys that will make an impact on the offensive line."

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