WASHINGTON, Pa. -- No team has won more Presidents' Athletic Conference football championships than Washington & Jefferson. In fact, W&J owns three times as many titles (24) as second place (eight by previous PAC member John Carroll). After earning the 24th title in 2014, winning 10 games and advancing to the second round of the NCAA Division III Playoffs, the Presidents have received a multitude of preseason recognition, including a No. 4 ranking in the preseason top 25 poll released by The Sporting News.

Just because last year was overall a strong year and W&J returns 18 starters and 49 lettermen, 13th year head coach Mike Sirianni knows that nothing is guaranteed for the upcoming season.

"Yes, there are some expectations floating around the program," said Sirianni. "But just because we were good last year, doesn't mean that we'll be good this year."

Only three programs in NCAA Division III history have won 700 football games -- W&J (707) and its two playoff opponents from 2015, Mount Union (742) and Wittenberg (736). With a 48-30 win over Carnegie Mellon on September 20, 2014, Washington & Jefferson became the 25th NCAA program in all divisions to win 700 games.

"Previous success – last year, the last three championships, the 1922 Rose Bowl – doesn't mean anything. We don't start the season 9-0 trying to avenge the loss to Waynesburg; everyone starts 0-0."

With that said, the Presidents' leader holds firm that the goal of the program remains the same: win the first national championship in school history.

One of the philosophical changes that is expected from the red and black entering this season are more players are expected to contribute, because Sirianni believes his team peaked in the middle part of last season and wore down later in the year from overuse. His staff plans to make a conscious effort to get more players snaps to be better prepared for the latter portion of the season.

OFFENSE
W&J has consistently had one of the top offenses in the country under Sirianni. That is not expected to change in 2015 as the Presidents return nine starters from an offense that finished the 2014 campaign ranked seventh in Division III and averaged more than 500 yards of offense per game (504.3), highlighted by 701 yards in a 49-18 win at Thiel on November 8.

In each of the last three seasons, W&J has improved its offensive production in a big way, from being the 121st total offense (360.0 yards per game) and 120th scoring offense (24.2 points per game) in 2012, to being seventh total offense and 15th in scoring offense (41.5 ppg) last year. 

QUARTERBACK
When you think of some of the top players in recent W&J history, quarterback is one of the first positions to come to mind. From Brian Dawson to Chris Edwards, Bobby Swallow to Matt Bliss, the Presidents have gone as far as their signal caller would take them.

In his first year as the full-time starter in 2014, junior Pete Coughlin (Pittsburgh, Pa./Upper St. Clair) showed that he is ready to follow in the footsteps of some of W&J's best pocket presences after amassing 3,257 yards and 31 touchdowns through the air and completing 65.5 percent (273-of-417) of his passes. His yardage total ranks fourth in single-season program history, while his completions are second.

"We thought Pete played very well last year and didn't turn the ball over (just six interceptions and two lost fumbles)," said Sirianni. "He made a lot of plays when the designed play broke down."

Backing up Coughlin expects to be sophomore Alex Rowse (Beaver, Pa./Beaver), a player that Sirianni feels confident in should he need to call Rowse's number. Despite attempting just three passes last season, Sirianni is so confident in the sophomore that the staff has decided to move former back-up QB Kevin Mechas (Pittsburgh, Pa./Bishop Canevin) to defensive back.

"Alex is going to play some," said Sirianni. "When? Where? We don't know yet, but he is going to get on the field. We are very confident in him."

RUNNING BACK
W&J returns the arguably most underrated offensive weapon in the country from last season in senior running back Ryan Ruffing (Pittsburgh, Pa./Thomas Jefferson). In his first year as a starter a season ago, Ruffing netted 1,605 yards on the ground and 25 touchdowns, while also accounting for 270 yards and four touchdowns in the passing game. His 29 total touchdowns rank second behind only Chris Babirad (34 in 1992), one of the best players in school history.

Despite the eye-popping numbers that Ruffing collected as a junior, he was just a second-team all-region selection by D3football.com and failed to land on any All-America lists post-season or prior to 2015. "Ryan Ruffing not being an All-American last year was confusing, considering he led the country in touchdowns and was third in rushing yards."

One of the main reasons for the change in philosophy of working on getting more players on the field throughout the course of the game is because Sirianni noticed his workhorse back get tired as the season progressed and the carries mounted, "We have to take some of Ryan's carries away from him. We want him to have the same yards, but a much better yards per carry."

The stable of backs is an experienced one behind Ruffing as junior David Kincaid (Washington, Pa./Chartiers-Houston) ranked second on the team with 377 yards on 59 carries last year. Senior Zack Puckett (Salineville, Ohio/Southern Local) saw plenty of time in the backfield on protection packages and also carried 43 times for 151 yards in 2014. Sirianni also feels comfortable with returning running backs junior Anthony Keriotis (Beaver, Pa./Beaver) and sophomore Justin Vickless (Pittsburgh, Pa./Brentwood) to handle carrying some of the load out of the backfield.

WIDE RECEIVER
The head coach doesn't mince words when asked about what he expects from his receiving corps in 2015. "We're always good at wide receiver," he says with a sly grin. "I don't think this year will be an exception."

The top two threats at receiver return from last season in senior Daniel Lis (Washington, Pa./Chartiers-Houston) and sophomore Jesse Zubik (Sewickley, Pa./Avonworth), who combined for 137 receptions, 1,760 yards and 18 touchdowns. 

"Lis continues to amaze me," said Sirianni. "Every time I turn the film on he does something better I didn't notice before. He's just a very good, smart football player. And Zubik, has a chance to score every time he touches the ball. We haven't had a player as explosive as him since maybe Todd Fry in the early 2000's."

Also back as a starter is senior Michael Giampole (Pittsburgh, Pa./Avonworth) and classmate Asa Costelnock (Scottdale, Pa./Southmoreland), who spent a lot of time on the field as a junior and is expected to contribute. The two combined to make 41 catches for 438 yards and four touchdowns last year as hybrid tight ends.

Junior Eric Scott (Pittsburgh, Pa./Imani Christian Academy) will be back in the mix after missing the final nine games with an injury. He opened 2014 as a starter and is expected to be full strength by the time camp opens.

Other returning depth options on the outside are seniors Nicolas Greaves (Monongahela, Pa./Ringgold), Colin Jones (Pittsburgh, Pa./Bishop Canevin) and Christopher Zdinak (Pittsburgh, Pa./Plum) and sophomore Cody Hearst (Clarion, Pa./Clarion).

OFFENSIVE LINE
Up front, the Presidents return four starters from last season, but have a large hole to fill at center where D3football.com All-America John Wanner departs to graduation. "John was our best lineman, and it wouldn't be hard to say he was our best player last year."

Senior Dalton Main (Reynoldsburg, Ohio/Pickerington North) expects to move into the starting center role this year after being Wanner's primary back-up a season ago and starting five games at guard.

"We're all about playing our five best lineman, whether it is guard to center, center to tackle, tackle to guard," said Sirianni. "Dalton showed he is capable of that last year when called upon."

Few linemen in the country enter the 2015 season as heralded as senior Zack Crossey (Irwin, Pa./Penn-Trafford), a unanimous First Team Preseason All-America who has made 23 consecutive starts as the Presidents' left tackle. 

The remaining two returning starters up front are senior Joe Graziani (Canonsburg, Pa./Canon-McMillan) and junior Brandon Martuccio (Girard, Ohio/Girard), both of whom Sirianni speaks highly of. "Zack has gotten the preseason publicity, but there's not a lot of difference in talent between him and Martuccio and Graziani is one of the most consistent linemen in the conference. We feel really strong about our line."

There's plenty of depth up front as well for the Presidents in a trio of seniors Ryan Doyle (Monroeville, Pa./Gateway), Mike Dunlap (Pittsburgh, Pa./Bethel Park) and Joe Victorelli (Moon Township, Pa./Montour), who have all played meaningful snaps in their first three seasons. Other returners expected to compete for playing time are juniors Jacob Bayha (Gibsonia, Pa./Hampton) and Colton Toy (Kittanning, Pa./Kittanning) and sophomore Marcus DeSantis (Mentor, Ohio/Lake Catholic).

DEFENSE
Make no doubt about the 2015 Presidents: the defense is not just an afterthought, but a full-on force to be reckoned with. With depth at every position and plenty of talented players, Sirianni is challenging his defense with one goal this year: the defense needs to be as good as the players are. It is good enough to be dominant.

DEFENSIVE LINE
"We're loaded at defensive line," said Sirianni.

With all four starters back, it's easy to see why Sirianni feels strongly about the talent up front on the defensive side of the ball. "For the first time in my career at W&J I feel really good about our depth on the D-Line. It's a position we're excited about and have good players."

Everything starts up front with senior Jon Turner (Freeport, Pa./Freeport), an all-region selection last season after putting up 18.0 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks to go with 56 total stops and four forced fumbles from his defensive end position.

Junior Ryan Snedeker (Chagrin Falls, Ohio/Kenston) and senior Sly Revitsky (Latrobe, Pa./Greater Latrobe) are back to man the middle of the Presidents' 4-2-5 scheme. Snedeker tied for fourth on the team a season ago with 9.5 TFL. Junior Justin Bauer (Pittsburgh, Pa./Brentwood) is back at the other defensive end position and made 47 stops and 5.0 TFL as a sophomore.

Junior Zach Perry (Industry, Pa./Western Beaver) and sophomore Matt Girting (Midland, Pa./Western Beaver) return after working into the rotation in 2014. John Loper (Pittsburgh, Pa./Upper St. Clair) should figure into the mix after being injured last year, as well as junior Torre Carr (North Strabane, Pa./Canon McMillan), a transfer from Allegheny, who made 62 tackles and 7.0 TFL in two seasons for the Gators.

LINEBACKER
While there aren't a lot of holes to fill from last season on defense, one of the biggest will be replacing Jared Pratt who graduated after setting the school record for single-season tackles with 136, including breaking a 27-year old school record with 22 in the second round game at Mount Union. "Jared was our leader; he called our plays and was just a tremendous football player," said Sirianni.

Junior Ryan Torrance (Latrobe, Pa./Ligonier Valley) was second on the team with 94 stops and 11.0 TFL in 2014 and is expected back to headline the linebacking corps in 2015. Joining him will be junior Lucas Parrish (Pittsburgh, Pa./Montour) who, while not a starter, played a good deal last season when W&J went to a three-man front. Sophomore Zach Walker (McDonald, Pa./South Fayette) made his first career start against Mount Union and was one the bright spots for the Presidents.

Sirianni believes linebacker is one of the deepest positions on the team, feeling confident in upwards of nine student-athletes that can contribute at a high level. Included in that group are senior Jalen Morris (Washington, Pa./Washington), junior Xavier DeRose (Titusville, Pa./Titusville) and sophomores Dalton Day (Sewickley, Pa./Avonworth),  Billy Drear (Beaver, Pa./Western Beaver), Freddie McKissick (Carnegie, Pa./Carlynton) and Ricky Zuk (Monaca, Pa./Central Valley).

DEFENSIVE BACKS
Alec Schram, another graduated President, ranked seventh in the country last season in passes defended at 1.8 per game at the weak side corner for W&J. Junior Tim Blair (Pittsburgh, Pa./Seton LaSalle), who started every game opposite Schram in 2014, expects to move across the field into that position after intercepting a pair of passes, defending six and making 37 tackles as a sophomore.

Mechas, who Sirianni calls one of the best athletes on the team, will get the chance on the defensive side of the ball at corner opposite Blair, along with senior Dominic Gibson (Smock, Pa./Uniontown) and sophomores O'Shea Anderson (Rochester, Pa./Rochester), Will Bowser (Burgettstown, Pa./Madonna (W.Va.)), Reed Fichter (Massillon, Ohio/Washington) and Jordan Yates (Beaver, Pa./Beaver). 

Senior Bryce Merrill (New Stanton, Pa./Hempfield Area) plays the hybrid safety-linebacker position for W&J and does it well, causing Sirianni to mention him as one of the best players on the team and one of the most important in the back seven of the defense. He ranked third on the team in tackles in 2014, recording 92 tackles and 9.5 TFL in 12 games. Sophomore Brendan Reddy (Irwin, Pa./Penn-Trafford) figures to be in the mix to alleviate the workload for Merrill.

Both starters return at safety for W&J in seniors Dan Graziano (Pittsburgh, Pa./Mount Lebanon) and Billy Kelley (Clarion, Pa./Clarion-Limestone). The duo combined for 90 tackles and nine interceptions a season ago, with Kelley joining Schram as the two Presidents to record three interceptions each as part of W&J's eight total in the 41-25 NCAA First Round win at Wittenberg. 

Gibson and Luke Merhaut (Gibsonia, Pa./Pine-Richland), a converted wide receiver, will provide depth and competition at safety.

SPECIAL TEAMS
The special teams unit for W&J was such an incredible asset in 2013, although Sirianni believes the unit took a step back last season, but will be aiming to get back to that level where the third facet of the game can be a marked advantage.

KICKING GAME
Junior Blake Davis (Kittanning, Pa./Kittanning) returns after a solid season as the Presidents' kicker. "Blake was good last year and we expect him to improve even more so this year," believes Sirianni.

Liam Casey (Wheeling, W.Va./Wheeling Park) is a transfer from Wabash that will help provide depth and competition at kicker.

The biggest question mark on the team, in Sirianni's eyes, is punter. Mechas handled the duties last year, but the team is looking for someone else to step up this year and take the role to allow the converted quarterback to focus on his transition to defensive back.

RETURN GAME
Zubik and Lis can both return kicks as well as Vickless. Scott saw time deep on kicks before sustaining his season-ending injury last season. "We have good players that we aren't afraid to put back there if that's the best way to help us win a football game," said Sirianni.

NEWCOMERS
With just a few transfers on the roster, most of the new faces for the Presidents in 2015 will be freshmen. "We've accumulated a tremendous amount of talent from the WPIAL that we think can help us both in the near future and long-term," said Sirianni. "Mix in some players from Ohio, Virginia and New York and we believe that this is one of our most talented freshman classes."

W&J opens the season on Saturday, September 5 with a 1 p.m. non-conference kick-off at Wooster. The following week, the Presidents open up the home portion of the schedule with a 7 p.m. fray against PAC-foe Westminster in a non-conference meeting. Four of the 10 games this year are scheduled for night games, including 7 p.m. on October 17 when Bethany arrives at Cameron Stadium. Homecoming will be the previous week, October 10 against Grove City with a 2 p.m. kick, and PAC play begins at 1 p.m. on September 19 at Carnegie Mellon.