They have all graduated.

Andrew Cota, Cameron Denson, Jay Williams, Kaelin Deboskie, Robert Wilson, Jake Casteel, Kevin Hamlett, Brandt Davidson, Gabriel Sandoval, Breeon Auzenne, Santiago Nieto, Austin Weaver and Alex Flores.

In all, some 29 seniors from Salpointe's 14-0 run to their first-ever state championship are no longer in uniform. Some of the names are well-known to the average football fan but they are all known to those who follow football.

But, with players such as Taylor Powell, Zach Dorame, Jacob Ksiazek and Justin Holt still in uniform, one would have to believe the Lancers under head coach Dennis Bene will be ready to defend their title.

"We are going to surprise a lot of people and don’t underestimate our potential," Holt said. "We have weapons at every position and we are solid on the line."

Even though he was only a sophomore, Holt was an undeniable force on the defensive line last year and he looks to continue with an even bigger presence and role on the field.

"I'm ready for that role and will try to set an example by being the best person I can be," explained Holt on his status as a team leader. "I learned by my father who is my role model."

Julius Holt was a major force behind Larry Smith's Arizona teams of 1981 and 1982 that began a decade-long dominance over ASU and he has been a role model for several of the current generation of players and a constant presence with an undeniable Wildcat heritage.

Still, Justin has UCLA and USC in his top three along with Arizona. No doubt, there might be some SEC teams trying to get in the mix once he makes it past his junior season.

"Arizona is obviously near my heart," added the younger Holt. "I love that school and that staff. Rich Rod is a player's coach."

But Holt has business to take care of before he signs his name to anything.

"We need to put forth the effort to accomplish what we need to accomplish. We need to replace talent with talent. I look forward to meet this head on and give it 100%."

Holt is one of 15 defenders named to the Southern Arizona Preseason All-Star list along with Powell. The Lancers took their biggest hit on the offensive side with Cota gone along with his top seven receivers including Denson and Deboskie.

But you don't win a championship with just your starters or seniors. It takes a full team to practice and prepare for each game and Bene had a bench that could have qualified for a spot in the state playoffs in their own right.

 

2014 Preseason Football All-Stars (AllSportsTucson.com)

Based on the All-Star selections to end last season, here are the 2014 preseason All-Stars. Some may have switched positions or may have switched schools but these are the ones to watch for this year.

 

OFFENSE

QB: Emilio Araiza, Sabino

QB: Adriell Alvarado, Cienega

RB: Taylor Fitzgerald, Pusch Ridge

RB: Dionte Flores, Flowing Wells

TE: Matt Solverson, Ironwood Ridge

TE: Travis Howard: Marana

WR: Deonte Williams, Buena

WR: Spencer Schuller, Bisbee

OL: Joe Tavizon, Cienega

OL: Jared McElmell, Canyon del Oro

OL: Kaine Sanchez, Amphitheater

OL: Wesley DiGiuseppe, Nogales

OL: Christian Lopez: Marana

UT: Derik Hall, Sahuaro

P: Matt Aragon, Cienega

K: Grant Hubble, Catalina Foothills

 

DEFENSE

DL: Austin Goddard, Ironwood Ridge

DL: Justin Holt, Salpointe

DL: Marcus Edwards, Sabino

DL: Derek Sommers, Cienega

DL: Enrique Sparkman, Mountain View

LB: Taylor Powell, Salpointe

LB: Tristan Peterson, Canyon del Oro

LB: Izzy Calvillo, Walden Grove

LB: Coy Colgate, Nogales

LB: Sam Ross, Mountain View

DB Terrence Johnson, Cienega

DB Omar Lloyd, Sahuaro

DB: Jared McKemy, Ironwood Ridge

DB Anthony Peralta, Sunnyside

DB: Justice Summerset, Mountain View