Bucs still sorting out starter at QB

Charleston Southern slipped to 5-6 last year after back-to-back winning seasons, but head coach Jay Mills has 18 returning starters.

However, the Bucs do face several major questions as they prepare for the season opener Aug. 28 at Miami.

Here are a few of the biggest concerns as the preseason practices progress into the second week of contact drills:

1 Who will win the starting job at quarterback?

The Bucs entered the spring with virtually no Division I experience under center on the roster. Junior college transfer A.J. Toscano and redshirt freshman Gabe Gilmour had a spirited and healthy competition during the spring. Clemson transfer Tribble Reese threw his name into the mix during the summer, creating a wide-open battle for the top spot. Reese has been part of a big-time program but played very little during his career. Toscano and Gilmour bring different attributes to the table, and neither is conceding the job to Reese. Regardless of who enters the season as the No. 1, Mills should feel more than comfortable with depth at that position. And, CSU's receivers are among the best in the league, so big numbers are there to be had through the air.

2 Will younger linebackers step up?

The school's all-time leading tackler, Jada Ross, is gone, as is

Jonna Lee, a former Big South Freshman of the Year. Senior Josh Mitchell is back after missing all of last season with a knee injury and should provide key leadership. Mitchell is surrounded by talented athletes but very little game experience. Athleticism is not a problem at linebacker but the youth will face major obstacles early with the likes of Miami and Wofford in the first two games.

3 Will the most experienced OL in recent memory be able to establish a consistent running game?

When CSU's offense is at its best, the Bucs are able to run the football. This offensive line will be the most experienced unit since Mills arrived on campus five years ago. The projected starting lineup includes a pair of redshirt seniors and two more redshirt juniors who have played a lot of football for the Bucs. Sophomore running back DeMarcus Moon is capable of big things out of the backfield. The line will be under the gun to open holes for the backs but also needs to protect the quarterback. If the Bucs can balance the run with the pass, the offense could be one of the best in the league.

4 Will young placekickers be up to the task?

Nick Ellis, the most productive placekicker in CSU history, has graduated, leaving the all-important kicking duties to some young talent. Local product Daniel Martin of Stratford High is in contention for the honors, but none of the candidates have run away with the job so far. Ellis kicked 11 field goals last year and was nearly perfect inside 40 yards. With an offense capable of moving the football, being able to come away with three points now and then will be crucial.

5 How will defensive players respond to an entirely new defensive staff?

Charleston Southern allowed 34.4 points and 396.7 yards per game last season, and Mills has an entirely new defensive staff in place this fall.

CSU allowed only 21 points per game in their five victories but gave up 45.5 points in their six losses.

Being able to work with the team in the spring certainly helped, but the defense has to show dramatic improvement if they hope to contend in the Big South. The unit has some experience back up front and in the secondary, but four of the top six tacklers from last season have graduated. Meshing with the new staff may take more time but the Bucs face three good offensive teams early in Miami, Florida, Wofford and Miami of Ohio.