The LB group may be the best position group on the team this year with Dugan, Arnold, Hornschmeyer I'm thinking are locks to start. Dugan started some games last year and Hornschmeyer was a full season starter. Arnold obviously a top talent looking to make his mark on Varsity. He had a solid year on JV and received some snaps on Varsity. Then, you have senior Voelkerding who had good seasons on Frosh and JV, but didn't get a lot of Varsity snaps last season. I think he will play and contribute this year. Junior Fortkamp is a good outside LB who will push for a starting position or a lot of playing time. Senior Willenborg adds depth and can play especially if he has grown since last season. There was a freshman LB last year I was impressed with Cowans I think will add depth to Varsity LB group also. The front 7 should be much improved from last year since 4 of the 7 are back and really 5 of 7 since Paff went out later in the season.
It really depends on how committed these kids were to the off season strength program. Hopefully, the St. X player comment from last season lit a fire into the off season strength program. Elder has paid strength trainers and a state of the art weight lifting facility. There is zero excuse for X to consistently outdo Elder in the off season.