BEAUMONT, Texas – When teams put together season the likes of which Lamar University had in 2018, its hard to move past them. It was a season that had never happened before in program history – earning a spot in the NCAA FCS Playoffs. It was a season, that wasn't supposed to happen, at least not in 2018. Remember, the Cardinals were picked 10^th – next to last – in the Southland Conference Preseason Poll.
 
When teams put together seasons like 2018 LU season, students, fans and LU employees enjoy sitting around talking about the many memorable moments that made the season special, moments they will talk about for the rest of their lives, and moments which will be compared to other great moments in program history. Unfortunately, the LU coaches and players can't afford to think like that.
 
When the Cardinals stepped on the field last week to open spring drills, the highlights of the 2018 season had to be reserved for the history books because the coaches and players know that the success of 2018 will not help the Cards take the next step in 2019. So, LamarCardinals.com figured it was appropriate time to take a look at what the Cardinals return on the offensive side of the ball.
 
A good majority of excitement for the Cardinals 2019 prospects is centered around the offense and the return of eight starters. Leading the way on the offensive side of the ball is the return of four starters on the offensive front. A concern for LU head coach Mike Schultz when he first took over as head coach, Schultz now steps into year No. 3 with a veteran squad upfront to protect his quarterback.
 
The Cardinals also return two veteran receivers, one of the league's top tight ends, a speedy running back and its two-year starting quarterback. In addition to the starters, the Cardinals also graduated several key receivers who saw valuable snaps, although not always as the starter.
 
While the losses on offense were few, they're definitely significant. Seniors Garrett Bowery (offensive line) and Darrel Colbert, Jr. (quarterback) exhausted their eligibility. Bowery, the 2018 SLC Lineman of the Year and first-team All-American, was part of Schultz's first recruiting class, while Colbert transferred from SMU to serve as the Cardinals' starting signal caller each of the past two seasons.
 
Whoever wins the starting quarterback job will be well protected with the return of Hayden Kaaiohelo (6-5, 280), Tamatoa Neher (6-2, 308), Stephon Cooper (6-1, 306) and Aires Gilmore-Gardner (6-3, 331) setting up a wall in front of him. In addition to the returners, the Cardinals also have a young crop of linemen who have redshirted and are waiting for their opportunity to shine.
 
Running backs Myles Wanza and A.J. Walker will also benefit from the strength of the Cardinals offensive front. The LU duo combined to rush for more than 1,300 yards and five touchdowns last season. Wanza was tops on the team (683 yds/3TDs/6.2 ypc), while Walker was second with 623 yards (4.3 ypc) and two scores. Although just one will be named the starter in 2019, they both are first-team talents on the same team that provided a nice one-two punch against opposing defenses.
 
With Colbert having exhausted his eligibility at LU, the likely choice would be senior Jordan Hoy. The former Old Dominion transfer wowed fans during a three-game stretch this season where he had to fill in for an injured Colbert. All he did was hold on to a victory against nationally ranked Sam Houston State, and then continue the Cardinals with streak with victories over Stephen F. Austin, nationally ranked Central Arkansas and Houston Baptist. The work that Hoy did in those three weeks was strong enough to earn him 2018 SLC Newcomer of the Year.
 
Hoy will have a fight on his hands, however, as the Cardinals added Tennessee transfer Will McBride (6-1, 200) and Jermaine Givens (6-0, 185) during the signing period to go along with Marcellus Johnson (6-3, 212) who was signed prior to the start of the 2018 season. Fans also can't forget about West Orange product Jack Dallas. Although splitting his time between baseball and football, Dallas is a proven leader who continue to work his way up the depth chart.  
 
The Cardinals return two of three starters at receiver, but this is the position that took the biggest hit during the offseason. Five receivers exhausted their eligibility last season, and each one had some experience as a starter. Despite the losses, the Cardinals return capable speedsters, Kirkland Banks and Zae Giles. LU will also return the services of Kendrick King who was lost for the 2018 season following the first drive of the season opener.
 
The Cardinals are fortunate to be returning their top three options at tight end, including senior-to-be Case Robinson who has received All-SLC recognition each of the past two seasons. Even when Robinson went down with an injury in 2018, the Cardinals didn't skip a beat inserting Lumberton native Mason Sikes into the starting lineup. 
 
Although each season is a fresh start, and no job is awarded based on the merits of the previous year, the Cardinals return numerous veterans on the offensive side of the ball to go along with a healthy crop of newcomers who will compete for snaps in 2019.