CLERMONT NORTHEASTERN ROCKETS
Division IV, Region 16
Head Coach: Jason Conley (2-8, one year @ Clermont Northeastern, 2-8 overall)
2010 Record: 2-8, 1-3

Overview: If you want to be successful at the small school level depth plays a major factor. No one can attest to this more than CNE head coach Jason Conley. Clermont Northeastern just didn't have the horses to finish down the back stretch. Things will be different in 2012 with more players in the program and a year under Conley's tutelage.

The Rockets struggled to move the ball on offense in 2011. Those troubles should be addressed this fall with returnees Dallas Miracle, Clay Cousino and quarterback Derek Schmidt, who all have been through the wars. Last year they struggled at times getting the ball to their playmakers. The coaching staff will have to find a way to get the ball to those guys this time around. Cousino, a versatile option, racked up 1,009 all-purpose yards (465 rushing, 398 receiving) and 10 total touchdowns, Miracle picked up 671 yards and seven scores on the ground. Schmidt threw for 793 yards. If he can reverse his six touchdown and 19 interception totals from a year ago it will be a grand campaign for the Wildcats. Receiver Austin Thompson will be the beneficiary of Schmidt's down-field tosses. On the line, senior Tony Khulenberg and newcomer Jordan Jeffers will pave the way.

The defense should be better with an offense that allows them some time to stay off the field with their drives. There is plenty of motivation to improve as the team enters the season on a seven-game losing streak. CNE gave up 31 points per game over the final six of those defeats. Up front Dakota Parks and Blake Bishop will be looked to for guidance. Miracle, Thompson and Cousino sure up the back seven. Miracle also handles punting duties and Cousino returns on special teams.