2012 Bishop Gorman Football Capsule

Coach: Tony Sanchez, fourth season (45-2)

2011 record: 17-0 (8-0 Southwest League)

Returning starters: Six offense, six defense

Top players: QB Jarrett Solomon (Sr.); RB/S Nathan Starks (Jr.); WR Ryan Smith (Sr.); WR Jamir Tillman (Sr.); CB Justin Sweet (Sr.); DE Isaiah Nacua (Jr.); DE Jake Smirk (Sr.); DT/OG Zack Singer (Jr.); DT Marquis Hunkin (Sr.)

Outlook: Usually teams that lose three three-year starters on the offensive line and a running back that was the state player of the year might be in for some rebuilding.

Not the Gaels.

With Shaquille Powell having graduated, Solomon becomes the big name on the Gorman offense. All he’s done in three years as a starter is lead the team to three Class 4A state titles. He was a first team all-state pick as a junior after passing for 2,744 yards and 41 TDs with just two interceptions.

Smith was a second team all-state receiver, catching 37 passes for 1,041 yards and 16 TDs, and the rest of the receiving corps returns as well.

Starks, who was a second team all-state pick at defensive back, will take over for Powell at running back, and the junior already has multiple college offers.

The defense lost all of its linebackers, but the return of the entire defensive line should help ease the transition for the new linebackers.

Singer was a first team all-state pick as was Sweet, who will key the secondary.