It’s really quite simple. Nothing complicated. Nothing sophisticated. Nothing too fancy.

All first-year Azusa Pacific head coach Victor Santa Cruz wants is for his players to compete.

That’s it. Just compete.

Seems easy enough, especially for a team that returns 45 lettermen from last year’s NAIA playoff team, including 14 starters, and 56 Cougars in all when tossing in the redshirts.

Santa Cruz, however, isn’t so easily convinced.

“Athletically, we’re good and we have a chance to do some good things,” he said as he perused his 107-man roster, “but we’re young when it comes to success.”

He has a point. From a program that has gone 34-10 over the past the past 4 years and advanced to 3 NAIA playoff series, gone are a 4-year starting All-American linebacker, a 3-year starting quarterback, a 3-year starting cornerback, a 3-year starting safety, a 3-year starting tight end and one of the program’s all-time best place-kickers. That is a lot of experience -- winning know-how, so to speak.

“Don’t get me wrong, I believe in the guys we have,” said Santa Cruz, “and it’s my job to give them a chance to be successful.”

And job No. 1 is to make sure his guys compete, 60 full minutes from goal line to goal line, from the first quarter to, most importantly, the fourth quarter.

Given the Cougars’ 10-game slate, it is likely that each contest will come down to the final quarter of play, and to Santa Cruz, competing in those moments will be crucial. There are no gimmes on this agenda. In fact, this is as daunting a schedule as any that the 41 previous Cougar teams have faced. Among the 10 foes, 6 are first-time opponents, never before seen by an Azusa Pacific squad. They seemingly come in all sizes, shapes and locations. They include the likes of San Diego, this year’s preseason top-ranked NCAA Division I-AA mid-major team, and Wisconsin-Whitewater, last year’s NCAA Division III national runner-up. Whitewater’s conference mate, Wisconsin-La Crosse, a 3-time NCAA Division III playoff participant the past 4 years, is ticketed for its first-ever trip to the Canyon City, as is Dixie State, an NCAA Division II school from Cedar City, Utah.

Webber International, an NAIA nationally-ranked team last year, and Southern Nazarene, an up-and-coming NAIA program, have scheduled first-time appointments with Azusa Pacific. Other NAIA schools on the docket are rival Southern Oregon and first-time challenge Malone College of Ohio, which will host the Cougars in famed Fawcett Stadium, home of the NFL’s Hall of Fame Game.

Whitworth College of Spokane, Wash., is back on the Cougars’ schedule for the first time in 7 years, and Humboldt State, the Cougars’ longest-running opponent, returns for a date with Azusa Pacific for a 17th consecutive year.

Nothing short of challenging, Azusa Pacific’s schedule is also colorful, featuring road trips to 5 different states – Ohio (the farthest trip east in program history), Wisconsin, Oklahoma, Washington and Oregon. Including a journey to San Diego, the only instate jaunt of the year, the Cougars will travel over 7,500 miles in 2006.

“It’s hard to put together a schedule as an NAIA independent,” said Santa Cruz, “and we’re thankful to have 10 games. We’ll go anywhere at anytime, and to be honest it’s exciting to the players to travel the country playing football. I think it helped us some in recruiting.”

Along with inheriting a significant number of returnees, which include 14 starters (8 of offense and 6 on defense), Santa Cruz has assembled a strong class of newcomers, including what could be the best set of true-freshmen in program history.

Will the combination of experience, youth and new talent be enough to catapult Azusa Pacific back into the playoffs for the seventh time in the past 9 years? If the Cougars compete with the consistency that Santa Cruz desires, then it is quite possible.

QUARTERBACKS

The Cougars struggled collecting yards through the air in 2005, but an improved Rudy Carlton (91-for-191, 1,242 yards, 5 int, 8 TDs in 2005) and some improved depth at the position should enhance the Cougar offense. Carlton, a junior, returns to the starting spot that he first wrestled away from 3-year starter Sean Davis midway through the 2005 season. A strong-armed, athletically gifted big man, the 6-foot-4, 230-pound Carlton has all the tools to excel, and excitement has always followed his potential. Injuries and inconsistency, however, have nagged Carlton since his 2002 arrival at Azusa Pacific. He showed brief flashes of what he can do when last season he combined to go 32-for-45 for 511 yards and 5 TDs in victories over Southern Oregon and Eastern Oregon.

“Over the past 6 months, I’ve seen Rudy really become committed to getting better,” said Santa Cruz, “and he is showing that he really wants to the team to be successful. He’s a tough guy, strong and competitive, and he is putting the team first over his personal goals.”

Carlton has a lock on the starting signal-caller. The battle for backup, however, is a different story. Returnee Ryan Bridges, a third-year player in the program, is gunning for the prime opening, hoping to take his first live snaps as a Cougar. Transfer Chris Lamkin, who played at Santa Rosa and Butte Community Colleges the past 2 years, was a late summer addition to the Cougar roster and has pleasantly surprised with his skills, to the point where he’ll push Bridges throughout the season.

RUNNING BACKS

If the running backs can remain healthy through the year, the Cougars should be able to push the ball up and down the field. All-American candidate Marcus Lampkin (926 yards, 5.0 avg/c, 7 TDs in 2005), a senior who a year ago came within 74 yards of becoming the seventh 1,000-yard rusher in school history, is a quick back who is surprisingly tough and durable for his size. He’ll be the workhorse, but he won’t be alone in his labor.

“Marcus is a proven back,” said Santa Cruz. “He has grown a lot as a player during the off-season and now is championing things that running backs have to do without the ball.”

Alex Peltier (145 yards, 4.8 avg/c, 2 TDs in 2005), if fully recovered from a severe hamstring injury that shut him down over the final 4 games last year, offers a perfect counter-punch to Lampkin. He is a physical, bruising back, and runs exceptionally well between tackles. Plus he’s pretty good at catching the ball out of the backfield.

“Pelt brings the whole package,” added Santa Cruz. “He can do everything as a back -- run, catch and block, plus he’s a good leader.”

Senior Craig Robbins returns to the offensive backfield after putting in a quality performance at linebacker last year. Robbins shined as a running back during his 2 seasons at El Camino Community College. Now back with his first love, Robbins brings a new linebacker mentality to his running with the ball.

Newcomers Donnie Lee (Lutheran High in Orange, Calif.) and Jordan Atwell (West Valley High in Cottonwood, Calif.), both of whom had excellent high school careers, are impressive with their potential, and while giving quality depth to the ground game, the pair also offers reason for optimism about the future.

OFFENSIVE LINE

The truth of the matter is that no quarterback or running back is worth his salt without a strong offensive line, and perhaps no area of the Cougar scheme is stronger than the offensive front. All 5 starters return from a year ago and 4 have been together for 3 seasons. Senior Steve Mejia, a smart player and quality leader, is a 2-year starter who moves back to center this year where he anchors the line. He is flanked by fellow seniors Keith Ornelas, a monster of a lineman who could continue his career after Azusa Pacific, and Cameron Nazemzadeh, a third-year Cougar. Justin Magallanez switches spots with Mejia and takes over at one of the guard spots. A sound technician, Magallanez is quite strong and is a great complement to the rest of the line. The only non-senior to start along the front is redshirt sophomore Ben Winslow, who came on strong during the last half of the 2005 season, and is quite adept at both run and pass blocking.

“I’m excited about the type of guys we have along the offensive front,” added Santa Cruz. “They’re very close as friends and quite determined as a unit. They’re physical and will set the tone for what I hope to be a physical offense.”

Returnees Pat Ferguson and Jonathan Foley are experienced veterans, who played in several games last year and can step in as starters to keep the unit strong if necessary. Freshmen Grady Steward and Eric Beaton could be called upon this year but are likely to redshirt the season and prepare themselves to become part of the next wave of great offensive linemen at Azusa Pacific.

TIGHT ENDS

Since its 1998 NAIA championship season, Azusa Pacific has established a tradition of excellent tight ends. This year’s collection is no different. Juniors Anthony DeJager (1 rec. in 2005) and James Webster (Saddleback CC) not only will share time this season, they occasionally will be used on the field at the same time. DeJager, now in his fourth season in the program, is a terrific blocker who has vastly improved his catching skills and is playing the game at a higher physical level. Webster, a junior college transfer who originally signed with NCAA Division II Texas A&M-Commerce only to return to his Southern California roots after one semester, has outstanding hands and should benefit from a passing game that will utilize the tight end more this season.

WIDE RECEIVER

Uncharacteristically, Azusa Pacific struggled at wide receiver in 2005. Big plays were nearly nonexistent (only 3 receptions all season over 35 yards in length, and 2 were catch-and-runs) and dropped balls consistently stalled out drives. However, a couple of newcomers and emerging young talent are expected to turn the tide and make the wide outs a great weapon in the Cougar arsenal once again.

Nine players, all with significant talent, are vying for starting positions. Jeremy Lugbill (14 rec., 21.2 avg/rec, 1 TD in 2005) is the lone senior in the group and offers the most experience. Junior transfers Jordan Farrell (Sacramento State) and Trent Sakioka (Santa Ana CC) are the impact newcomers, while returnees Paul Hardiman (4 rec., 5.0 avg/rec in 2005) and Nathaniel Nasca (3 rec., 18.7 avg/rec, 1 TD) are the speed burners who give Azusa Pacific what should be an explosive vertical game that can take advantage of Carlton’s strong arm.

Sophomore Jon Davis (4 rec., 19.8 avg/rec., 1 TD), a fabulous athlete who is playing only his second season of football, is creating excitement among the coaching staff and his teammates with his raw skills. Junior Todd Wilson (1 rec. in 2005) is a possession-type wide-out who brings a much-needed physical presence. Sophomores Andrew Kazanjian (improved strength) and James Burke (improved speed) are the up-and-comers who will be utilized as well

“The talent is there for this to be a great group of receivers,” said Santa Cruz, “but we’re inexperienced. We have the speed to beat people, but we will take calculated shots. If we run our system, and play the game the way we have it designed, we should be effective in air this year.”

Defensively, Azusa Pacific has been superior over the past 4 seasons, holding 33 of 44 opponents to just 2 TDs or less, and the 2006 defensive unit appears to be as strong as its predecessors, already drawing comparisons to the 2004 gang, arguably the best in school history.

The front line is deep and the secondary is speedy and strong. Yet, it is the linebackers who stand above all else with 3 All-American candidates, the centerpieces of what should be an extremely stingy defense now coordinated by former UCLA All-Pac 10 backer Brian Willmer.

“Coach Willmer has implemented some great concepts into our defense,” added Santa Cruz, the Cougar coordinator the past 2 seasons. “I’m excited to see how good this defense can be.”

LINEBACKERS

Senior Scott Ellis (92 tackles in 2005), a preseason All-American and the Cougars’ leading returning tackler, offers the veteran leadership. A 3-year player who is likely to achieve triple-digit tackles this season, Ellis is savvy, aggressive and a hard hitter. His sidekick, junior Clint Shamblin (46 tackles, 8 for loss in 2005), is extremely smart and makes plays that seem to defy understanding. Together, Ellis and Shamblin not only are the middle linebackers for Azusa Pacific, they form the heart of the defense as well.

“It’s Scott’s and Clint’s defense now,” said Santa Cruz. “Not only are they great players, but they are great leaders too. They’ll hold their teammates accountable and at the same time inspire everyone to play to a higher level.”

Flanking the Ellis-Shamblin tandem are 2 standouts in their own right. Sophomore Travis Bengard (87 tackles, 10 for loss in 2005) is coming off an exceptional rookie campaign in which he was third on the team with 87 tackles including 10 for loss. Redshirt sophomore Kenny Simmons (40 tackles, 9 for loss, and 4 sacks in 2004) returns for action after missing all of 2005 with a torn Achilles tendon. Simmons was a key figure on the aforementioned 2004 defense, coming on strong over the last month of the season with dominating play.

“This is an explosive quartet,” said Santa Cruz. “These are great guys with a lot of talent, and I’m excited to see what they’ll do this season. It could be something special.”

Returnees Brian Casey (2 tackles in 3 games in 2005) and Taylor Sergey (2 tackles in 4 games in 2005) partner with true-freshmen Mac Gebbers (Brewster High in Brewster, Wash.) and Andrew Buehler (California High in Whittier) to offer good depth at linebacker. Casey and Sergey have plenty of experience to fill in when called upon, while Gebbers and Buehler are gifted young men who have quickly caught the attention of their coaches.

Additionally, newcomers Mynor Schult (Liberty University), Josh Markwith (Kalani High in Honolulu) and Brandon McLaughlin (Palmdale High in Palmdale, Calif.) are not taking a back seat and will see the field this year.

“We have great depth at linebacker,” added Sanchez, “and I’m excited about the competition going on there. It will only make us stronger as the season goes on.”

DEFENSIVE LINE

The Cougar defensive front is solid, a wall that should be difficult to push back and run against.

Seniors Josh Zeno (25 tackles in 2005) and Nevin Flores (21 tackles in 2005) anchor the line. Zeno is an impact defensive end with terrific anticipation, while Flores is an excellent pass rusher even from his nose guard point of play.

Junior Casey Roel (5 tackles in 2005) moves from reserve linebacker to defensive end to take advantage of his athleticism while adding weight to his frame. As he adjusts to his new role, Roel is expected to come on as the season unfolds, using his quick first step to get by opposing offensive lines and pressure quarterbacks.

Sophomore Eric Augustine (7 tackles in 6 games in 2005), who played a lot as a true freshman last year, figures into the mix as well and is not the average back-up lineman. He’ll have an impact on games throughout the season.

Transfers Jason Macciola (Montana State), Sean Kemp (Western State) and Sal Ortiz (Chaffey CC) aren’t expected to be bench warmers but rather offer significant back-up and competition for the starting unit.

“You won’t find a star amongst our defensive front, but what you have are 7 very sound players who are quite good and together form a great front,” said Santa Cruz. “We’re deep enough where I expect us to be fresh in the fourth quarter, coming hard after tired offensive fronts.”

SECONDARY

As great as the Cougar linebacker corps is, Santa Cruz believes that the secondary may be the strongest unit on the team.

Starting cornerback Cameron Tucker (59 tackles in 2005) and free safety Adrian Magallon (53 tackles in 2005) are back for another year. Tucker is a marvelous coverage player who will take on opposing teams’ top receiver.

Magallon is a hard-hitting, smart player whose presence is always felt on the field.

Junior Mike Perez (15 tackles and 3 pass deflections in 2005) is a vintage over-achiever who makes things happen with take-aways. He knows the system and is emerging as an off-the-field leader.

Like many other transfers on the roster, Tommy Musa (Southwestern Oklahoma State) returns home to Southern California and brings with him an outstanding game at cornerback. He is likely to have a significant impact and perhaps push for postseason honors.

Trevor Love (Santa Fe Christian High) is one of several first-year freshmen whose athletic talents are likely to get him on the field this year with a lot of playing time, backing up Magallon. Junior college transfer Jayson Sanchez (East Los Angeles CC) comes out of the same mold as Magallon and will push others all season for a starting berth.

Junior David Frazuer (6 tackles in 2005) and sophomore Andre Hunter are exceptional athletes as well and give the Cougars depth that should pay off in the form of fresh players late in games.

“Defensively, we didn’t play up to our potential last year,” said Santa Cruz. “However, there is hunger about this year’s group that is encouraging. They are always looking to prove themselves to one another and take on any challenge presented to them. I see a brotherhood developing on our defense that is quite healthy and inspiring.”

The Cougar kicking game is wide open for competition. Freshman Ben Hansen (Valley Christian High in San Jose) is battling returnee Matt Atkinson and fellow freshman McCabe Tonna (Willow Glen High in San Jose) for kicking duties.

“I feel honored to be in this capacity,” said Santa Cruz about his first-ever head coaching assignment. “Azusa Pacific is the best place to work. This is a rich, historic football program, and I couldn’t be more excited.

“I have high expectations for our players both on and off the field. We have to expect the best to be our best. We’re not afraid of losing, and we’re not afraid of anyone. We will compete.”

Yes, it is as simple as that.