After a crazy offseason, which saw the folding of the NFL and this
franchise moving to Camby before moving back to Indianapolis, the
Greyhounds look forward to the coming season with high expectations. 
Head Coach Jeff Spencer built an interesting roster through the draft
and the expectation and goal of the first season is to win the
division and make it to the IFL playoffs.  "We think we have a shot
this season," said Spencer at training camp, "The division is our
first goal."  That division, the AFC Central, looks to be a battle
with Peyton Manning in Pocono, great running backs in Witchita, and a
nice backfield in Luther.

-Offense

The Greyhounds will be coordinated by Head Coach Jeff Spencer.  The
team expects to focus on a power running game and quick passing
offense.  With a deep receiving corp and suspect tight ends, expects
lots of multiple wide receiver sets.  Spencer is expected to craft the
formations and play calling based on the opponents and has a deep,
flexible roster to do so.

-Quarterback

Former number one overall pick, Carson Palmer, will be under center
for the Greyhounds in season one.  Palmer backed up Kitna in his final
NFL season but will be the man in Indianapolis.  The Greyhounds hope
to give him a good running game to support him and minimize the number
of must throw situations he is placed in.  David Gerrard will back up
Palmer.  Indianapolis loves Gerrard's potential and think he is a
capable backup.  J.T. O'Sullivan will carry the clipboard in the
emergency role.

-Running Backs

This is a very deep position for Indianapolis.  Fred Taylor slots as
the starting tailback but has had some injury problems in the past. 
When healthy, Taylor is one of the best backs in the league.  Derrick
Blaylock figures to get his share of carries as the top backup. 
Blaylock is also a solid receiving back.  Aaron Stecker will be a part
time running back but his main duty will be returning kicks and giving
the offense good field position.

Mike Alstott returns to the state that made him a star in college as
the fullback.  Alstott figures to be a small part of the running and
passing games but will be crucial in clearing holes for the other
backs.  Harold Marrow will be his backup and also be a special teamer.

-Wide Receivers and Tight Ends

Another very deep position for the Greyhounds loaded with potential,
All-pro Marvin Harrison remains in the Circle City as the top wideout.
 Harrison is one of the best receivers in the IFL and will be expected
to be a leader of a young receiving corps.  David Givens, another
Indiana college kid(Notre Dame), continues to mature and will play
opposite Harrison in the pro sets.  Givens isn't flashy but is solid. 
Big play Ashlie Lelie needs to up his focus and intensity to take the
next step.  He is expected to split time with Givens and play in the
three wide receiver sets.  Youngsters Greg Lewis and Charles Rogers
are two players with starting potential.  They will learn this year
from the veterans.  Karl Williams will play sparingly in five receiver
sets and return some punts.

The tight end position is a concern and will probably force the
Greyhounds to use the three wide as a standard set.  Duane Carswell is
the default starter.  Not much of a threat out of the backfield, he is
a monster blocker.  Mark Bruener fills the same role with few
receiving skills but serves as an extra lineman.  Rookie Chris Lawrie
is an Indianapolis native who played at Roncalli High School and will
see little action this year.  Dan Klecko fills in at H-back and
defensive tackle.

-Offensive Line

With a young quarterback and an emphasis on power running, the
offensive line will be extremely important.  The center of the line is
very young and very promising.  Center LeCharles Bentley is a young
stud.  Guards Toniu Fonoti and Indiana Hoosier Chris Liwienski are
both maulers who are very good against the run.  Getting those tough
yards inside will be a key and the middle of the line is very strong. 
John Tait and Derrick Deese man the tackle spots.  Tait has been very
good in the past while Deese is a little past his prime.  Young Seth
Wand will be the backup for the tackle spot.

-Defense

Tony Dungy stayed on when the Colts moved to the Southside of Indy but
moved to the defensive coordinator position.  Dungy will continue to
use his Tampa 2 variation of the cover two defense.  The philosophy is
to remove the big play and force turnovers, letting your opponent beat
himself.  Unlike the situation for the Colts, the Greyhounds look like
they have the personnel to pull it off.

-Defensive Line

This group is the other area of concern for Indianapolis.  The line
has talent but there are some question marks and depth is certainly an
issue.  Alex Brown and Osi Umenyiora start at the end position.  Brown
is a strong run stopper with a nose for the ball.  Umenyiora has a
great motor and also hawks the ball well.  Vince Wilfolk and Anthony
"Booger" McFarland play the tackle spots.  Wilfolk is a highly rated
rookie who is expected to develop into a top notch player.  McFarland
has some injury concerns but is one of the top defensive tackles in
the game.  John Browning will be the main backup with Dan Klecko and
Adrian Dingle occasionally seeing time.

-Linebackers

Takeo Spikes will be a big play source in the Greyhounds scheme. 
Spikes is expected to play the weak side outside linebacker position,
the playmaker in Dungy's scheme, and should be a top notch linebacker.
 Ted Johnson, a quiet, steady, veteran, will be the man in the middle
and is expected to be a top run stuffer.  Isaiah Kacyvenski play the
strong side and just needs to be a consistent performer for
Indianapolis.  Wali Rainer and Antwan Peek are the backup and both are
expected to be special team performers.

-Defensive Secondary

The defensive backfield should be the strength of the Greyhounds team.
 With Chad Pennington, Aaron Brooks, and Peyton Manning in the
division, that is a good thing.  All-pro Ronde Barber and rookie Dunta
Robinson start at the corners.  In the nickel, Barber moves inside and
Duane Starks plays the corner.  All three corners were valued for
their ball skills and forcing turnovers will be at a premium.  Dexter
Wynn and Frank Walker also play the corner.  Wynn is expected to be
the primary punt returner as well.

Eugene Wilson and Will Demps expect to start at safety.  Wilson has
great cover skills and a nose for the ball.  Demps is a thumper who
will be a key run supporter.  Tony Dixon will be the backup and also
play in the dime set.

-Special Teams

With two veteran kickers, the Greyhounds expect field position to be a
strength.  Ryan Longwell doesn't kickoff as well as he used to but he
is still a very strong field goal kicker.  He is also used to the
conditions.  Chris Gardocki is one of the top punters in the league. 
He specializes in pinning opponents inside the 20 and making it
difficult on return men.

Stecker is the primary kick returner but Kerry Carter and Brad Pyatt
will also return kicks.  Dexter Wynn and Karl Williams are expected to
handle punt return duties.

-Overall 

Indianapolis has put together a strong team which should be capable of
challenging for a division and conference title.  While anything can
happen in a sixteen game season, the Greyhounds are well rounded and
explosive on offensive.  Defensively, they should be among the leaders
in forced turnovers and could be a top scoring defense as well.  The
excitement in Indianapolis can be felt and the fans hope to finally
see a champion.

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