Philadelphia, PA -- (Sports Network) - 2007 SEASON IN REVIEW: As has been the custom in recent years, the Warhawks got off to a slow start in 2007, as they dropped four straight and five of their first six games. All five losses came by double figures, including a 31-21 setback to a North Texas program that failed to beat any other Sun Belt team. Despite the poor start, UL-Monroe never gave in and ripped through the second half of its schedule, winning five of its final six contests. Included in those wins was a 33-30 triple-overtime defeat of SBC co-champions Florida Atlantic and a stunning 21-14 road upset of SEC power Alabama.

The team finished 6-6 overall and 4-3 in conference, making it bowl eligible for the first time since moving up to the FBS level in 1994. Although the Warhawks weren't invited to a bowl, their finish opened a lot of eyes and sent notice to the rest of the league. With a slew of returning starters, head coach Charlie Weatherbie has every reason to be excited about the 2008 campaign.

"I think we really have a chance to have a pretty good football team. We have 16 returning starters and each is vital towards our success in the fall. We have worked diligently this offseason to get better and are very excited to start the season."

OFFENSE: The Warhawks must fill a big void left by tailback Calvin Dawson, who rushed for 1,414 yards last season, but other than that the offense should be pretty sound. Trying to fill the shoes of Dawson will be Frank Goodin, as the 5-9, 195-pound back rushed for 596 yards and four scores as a true freshman in '07 and he has the type of talent to make fans forget all about Dawson.

With that said, the ULM offense starts with senior quarterback Kinsmon Lancaster, who proved he could move the team up and down the field last season. Lancaster threw for 1,866 yards and 13 touchdowns in addition to rushing for 398 yards and a score.

Lancaster has several experienced receivers to throw to, including junior Darrell McNeal, and that should help him take the next step. The 6-0, 210- pound McNeal paced the club in receptions (54) and receiving yards (502) in 2007 and he can play any receiver spot on the field. Tight end Zeek Zacharie has recorded 66 catches for 842 yards and eight scores over his career and the 6-3, 240-pound senior will once again provide Lancaster with a consistent target. Zacharie is one of the leaders of this team and Weatherbie understand his importance.

"Zeek (Zacharie) was voted as one of our team captains by the players, which really speaks to his character. He's a guy who never misses a workout and continually works harder than anybody out there. Hes a former walk-on who worked his way onto the roster and is now one of the most valuable players we have. We have to get him the football. Hes a tremendous football player."

The team's overall speed should also help take some of the pressure off a line that welcomes back just one starter.

DEFENSE: ULM ranked as the league's top run defense last season and the line played a huge part. Junior end Alaric Coleman broke through in '07, posting 45 stops and 11 TFLs, and big things are expected from him this year. Junior end Aaron Morgan is also back after capturing three sacks and eight TFLS and he will be complemented by juco transfer Alex Ford, who at 6-1, 310 pounds has the size to plug up the middle and stop the run.

The linebacker corps is deep and talented and juniors Cardia Jackson and Josh Thomas highlight the group. Jackson led the team with 79 tackles last season, while Thomas finished fourth with 61. As for the secondary, the Warhawks must find a pair of reliable corners, but the safety position is the strength of the defense. Junior Josh Thompson missed most of last season with an injury, but the 6-2, 215-pound rover is now healthy and should make an immediate impact. Junior safeties Greg James and James Truxillo combined for 145 tackles last season and they will be expected to at least repeat that success.

SPECIAL TEAMS: Junior Scott Love took over the punting duties last season and averaged 42.1 yards per kick, and he will assume the same role this time around. Redshirt freshman Radi Jabour has a big leg and he will take over the placekicking duties.

OUTLOOK: With last year's great finish, highlighted by the Alabama win, and numerous starters back in the fold, ULM is certainly a candidate to compete for the SBC title in 2008. The Warhawks host preseason favorite Florida Atlantic, so that will help their chances, although three games against SEC members will certainly put a dent in their overall mark. Still, the Warhawks have plenty of talented players and if they can get some help from their juco transfers, the program could appear in its first-ever bowl game.