TANN'S TOUCHDOWNS
Colorado Mesa running back David Tann returns for his final semester of eligibility. The University of Iowa transfer scored 25 total touchdowns last season (20 rushing, 5 receiving) and ranks number two in total touchdowns amongst players returning nationwide. Tann scored a school and RMAC record seven touchdowns in a 63-42 win over Adams State on October 22.

PAVING THE WAY
Senior offensive lineman Austin Fleer and Aaron Simons have combined for 52 total starts in their career, giving the Mavericks one of the most experienced offensive lines in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. The duo helped pave the way for the program's first 1,000 yard rusher since 2013.

SALUM AT THE HELM
Junior Eystin Salum takes over for graduated Sean Rubalcaba under center. Salum passed for 851 yards and eight touchdowns in the five games he played in. He also rushed for 668 yards and four touchdowns, good enough for second best on the team.

OFF THE EDGE
Senior defensive end Blake Nelson wrecked havoc on opposing teams a year ago. Nelson finished with a team-high 7.5 sacks including a pair of sacks in the Mavericks win over Adams State on October 22. The senior also tallied 101 total tackles including 14 in the win over South Dakota Mines.

BIG MAN BACK IN THE MIDDLE
2017 marks the return of 6-6 middle linebacker Tommy Saager. The junior missed the entire 2016 campaign with a foot injury that sidelined him all the way through spring practices. The Centennial native led the Maverick defense in the 2015 campaign with 114 tackles.

RIVAS RETURNS
All-American safety Dustin Rivas is back for his final season. Rivas has total 16 career interceptions roaming the secondary. That's not the only place where Rivas does his damage. The Horizon High School product was named the preseason RMAC special teams player of the year for his returning and kick blocking capabilities as blocked four kicks during the 2016 season including the game-clincher against Colorado Mines.

JUST FOR KICKS
All-American kicker Ryan Sheehan is back for the Maverick special teams unit. The senior connected on 23-of-29 field goal attempts and hit on all 53 of his PAT attempts during the 2016 season.

WHAT IT MEANS
If the Mavericks win, it would be their fifth straight season opening win dating back to the 2013 season where they defeated Menlo College 34-0 at Stocker Stadium.

If the Mavericks falter, it would snap a four-game season opening winning streak and drop head coach Russ Martin to 4-2 in season openers. He also lost his first game as the Mavericks lead man in 2012, a 38-19 setback to No. 23 Humboldt State.