It’s five days before the season opener and Eden Prairie Head Coach Mike Grant still doesn’t know who his starting quarterback will be.

“It depends,” he said.

If Grant can find a starting tight end other than his son Taylor, Taylor Grant will be his starting quarterback; or, if he finds a starting safety other than Sam Gotham, Gotham will be his starting quarterback.

Decisions, decisions.

In reality, Grant and staff are still evaluating talent; then again, that’s what you do when you graduate nearly 20 of 22 starters (the word nearly is used because part-time starters are hard to label).

In any case, expect this year’s squad to have a new look.

That’s not necessarily good as last year’s seniors shouldered a team that went 14-0 en route to a state title, but it’s not necessarily bad either as Eden Prairie has been in this position before, plenty of times of actually.

“It’s really more the norm,” said Grant.

The good news is that record-wise, this year’s junior class bears a striking resemblance to the junior class of two years ago. And lest you forget; Eden Prairie has been a perfect 28-0 since that group played its first game.

There is a difference, however, as the group of two years ago joined a senior class that included DI players Blake Sorensen, Bryce McNaul and Ryan Orton.

So?

Potential

Admitting that this year’s team won’t be as good as last year’s, Grant said this year’s team doesn’t have to be as good as last year’s (last year, Eden Prairie was over-the-top dominating, outscoring their opponents by a combined total of 585-111).

That said; Grant adds that this year’s team looks to be deeper, particularly in the secondary and on the offensive and defensive lines.

“We’ve got a lot of players that no one but us has heard of,” said Grant.

What he also has is a group of receivers that just might be the best he’s ever coached.

That said; don’t expect Eden Prairie to start throwing the ball all over the field.

“You’re not going to find our quarterback leading the conference in passing,” said Grant, adding that his quarterback, whoever he is, is certainly capable.

“I think our skill people are as good as anyone else’s,” he adds. “And our offensive line has the potential to be even better than last year’s.”

Prediction

On one hand, Grant expects his Eagles to come back to the pack; on the other, he says that doesn’t mean that they don’t have a chance.

“Two things are going to have to happen,” he said. “We’re going to have to win some close games and we’re going to have to stay healthy.”

Lastly, Grant said he’s heard people say this is the year Eden Prairie doesn’t win the conference.

“That’s the fun of it,” he adds.

Sounds like someone just poked a sleeping lion.