There will be life after Ross Scheuerman.

By Rich Cirminiello | @RichCirminiello

You don’t just replace one of the best running backs in program history. Life just won’t be as much fun.

Lafayette lost its signature player, as well as four starting linemen, creating a vacuum on offense. However, unlike this time last year, the program has options and experience behind center.

Juniors Drew Reed and Blake Searfoss both played extensively in 2014, and will continue to push each other for reps this summer.

Plus, a defense that ranked second in Patriot League scoring a year ago will boast one of the conference’s best collections of linebackers. Chris Brockman and Mark Dodd are the reliable vets, while explosive sophomore Brandon Bryant is a budding star at the position.

It’s one thing to be experienced at quarterback, but it’s another thing entirely to be good.

The Leopards want to throw a little more in 2015, utilizing the skills of 6-4 WR Matt Mrazek and athletic TE Brian Keller. Reed and Searfoss, though, must improve their decision-making after combining for 13 picks last season. Here’s the other problem …

You don’t get better after losing a player the caliber of Scheuerman, especially when the balance of the team is mediocre. Quarterback play will improve slightly, and it helps to get Fordham and Bucknell at Fisher Stadium.

Still, the Leopards are going to lack a true catalyst on offense.

Lafayette will just miss the .500 mark—again—extending its streak of losing seasons under Frank Tavani to six.

What You Need To Know About The Offense: There will be life after current Pittsburgh Steeler Ross Scheuerman, one of the best running backs in program history. Life just won’t be as much fun for Leopard fans. Lafayette lost its signature player, as well as four starting linemen, creating an enormous vacuum on offense. However, unlike this time last year, the program has options and experience behind center. Juniors Drew Reed and Blake Searfoss both played extensively in 2014, and will continue to push each other for reps this summer. Meanwhile, junior DeSean Brown is the favorite to be Scheuerman’s successor on the ground. Brown wasn’t needed much last year, but he has track speed and the 200-pound frame to shoulder the load.

What You Need To Know About The Defense: Fingers are crossed on campus that the Leopards can stay the course after tying for second in the league in scoring defense. The foundation will again be built upon one of the Patriot League’s premier linebacker corps. Chris Brockman and Mark Dodd are the reliable vets, while explosive sophomore Brandon Bryant is a budding star at the position. The leader of a secondary that allowed just 50.9% of passes to be completed will again be all-star CB Matt Smalley. However, Smalley and his fellow DBs will benefit from more help from the pass rush. Leading sacker James Coscia has graduated, and not a single returning lineman got to the quarterback more than one time in 2014.