That's the operative word in 1999, however -- potential. The program last made a postseason appearance in 1994. Despite a likely improvement on last season's six-win total, the ball will need to bounce the Broncos' way on more than one occasion in 1999 for bowl drought to end.

There's a bit of a question mark hovering over the quarterback position as well, although it'not injury that has the coaching staff keeping a close eye on things. Bart Hendricks is the likely starter. Last year Hendricks threw for 1,799 yards and 13 scores, but a concern about his ability to throw the deep ball has lifted freshman B.J. Rhode into a position to challenge him. Whoever is taking the snaps, he'll be looking at unfamiliar faces at receiver. There is talent there, but it's also inexperienced. Mike Davisson and Billy Wingfield caught three passes apiece in '98, but they will be called upon to shoulder the load this season, along with former tight end Jeb Putzier. The backfield is also unsettled, but the eye-opening performance of Davy Malaythong this spring has eased most offseason concerns.

The defensive line doesn't feature any one player in particular, but three starters return in tackle Jon Rydman, and ends Mike Maloy and Andy Bennett. The unit suffered a blow when tackle Paul Reyna sustained a head injury he during the team's first preseason scrimmage The freshman tore a blood vessel in the left side of his brain when he tipped, fell backward and hit his head on the turf. Doctors are optimistic about his prognosis, but he is unlikely to be anywhere near the field this year. If there is a star among this group, it would have to be linebacker Bryan Johnson, who was named second-team all-conference selection the past two years. A season ago his 76 tackles were tops on the team. A heavy hitter, he'll roam the middle, while returning starter Shawn Sandoval will handle the outside, looking to add to his 59-tackle total of a season ago.