SLIPPERY ROCK — With a conference-high 16 returning starters, Slippery Rock University will have plenty of familiar faces this season.

But it’s the newcomers who may put The Rock over the top.

SRU got off to 5-1 starts in both of the last two seasons, only to fade to 6-5 down the stretch. The Rock dropped its final three games last year, each by a margin of a touchdown or less.

“We were only a few plays away from 9-2,” coach George Mihalik, entering his 24th season, admitted. “We have to find a way to finish.”

Enter Cody Endres, a 6-foot-4, 235-pound senior quarterback who transferred from the University of Connecticut, where he threw for 2,236 yards and 11 touchdowns in parts of three seasons.

Sophomore John Schademan and redshirt freshman Ken Amos are projected as starters at receiver, joining productive returnee Devin Goda (54 catches-590 yards) at that position.

Last year’s starting QB, Ryan Sabo, is also in the mix, as is former West Allegheny High signal-caller Jared Buck, another 6-4 quarterback who transferred from Indiana (Pa.) University.

“Defenses stacked our line and dared us to throw the ball last year,” SRU offensive coordinator Vic Campagna said. “We struggled to do that consistently and it caught up to us.

“Our passing game is further along in camp now than it’s been in a number of years by this point.”

Of course, The Rock will continue to run the football. Akeem Satterfield (1,352 yards, 20 TDs) was one of the most productive Division II running backs in the country last season. LaQuinn Stephens-Howling and James Zubik, a transfer from Division III power Mount Union, provide depth.

SRU’s biggest challenge offensively is retooling its offensive line. Center Brandon Fusco is now with the Minnesota Vikings and Mike Tomaino, a three-year starter at right guard, has graduated.

North Allegheny graduate Austin Fedell has shifted from left guard to center, but was slowed by a hamstring injury in camp. Jesse Klesser, a transfer from Geneva, was to replace Fedell at left guard, but a back problem will likely keep him out of the season opener.

“What looked like a question mark on paper has grown into more of a concern because of those injuries,” Mihalik said.

Redshirt freshman Kirk Nypaver is the projected starter at right guard. Veterans A.J. Hopp and Dan Perz return at the tackle spots.

“Offensive line isn’t where you want freshman names popping up, but we’ve got a few in the mix,” Mihalik said. “We’re hoping our skilled players help buy us some time while the line comes together.”

Defensively, The Rock has plenty of experience. Safeties Brandon Watters and Jayson Nickson are multiple-year starters and Mihalik said Andre Freeman may be the best corner in the PSAC.

Zach Sheridan and his 102 tackles return at middle linebacker, Quindell Dean is a returning starter on the outside and Jack Wickline, a transfer from Edinboro, fits in on the other side.

“We’ve got new faces up front defensively, but I think we’ll be productive there,” Mihalik said. “I think (rush end) Jeff Thompson will have a big year.”

Josh Smith, a senior transfer from Lock Haven, is the other end. Tackle Ahman Milot and noseguard Andrew Hanchulak saw action last year.

“You want to have a playmaker at each level of your defense — line, linebacker, secondary — and we have that,” defensive coordinator Shawn Lutz said. “This is a unit that can create a lot of turnovers.”

Placekicker C.J. Bahr is gone, but Kurt Brackman returns after winning a game at Clarion last year. Mike Wainauskis, a freshman from Thomas Jefferson, is pushing Brackman for the starting spot, however.

Sophomore James McCombie returns at punter.