Ocala Christian Academy coach Jason Zimmerman said he saw a little extra something in starting quarterback Joey Kauffman this past Spring.

"He was more mobile," Zimmerman said. "He hadn't been much of a runner in the past, but (in our classic) he threw for 150 yards and ran for about 70.

"Joey being able to do that allows us to open up the playbook more."

Last season, his first as the Crusaders' starting quarterback, Kauffman completed 60-of-187 passes for 833 yards with seven touchdowns and 15 interceptions. He also finished with 62 carries for 225 yards (3.7 ypc) and two touchdowns, as OCA went 2-8.

Now a senior, Kauffman said he worked to drop weight and now feels very comfortable at 195 pounds — down 20 from a year ago.

Zimmerman said Kauffman's added speed not only will make him more of a running threat, but also will allow for more roll-out passes (something that could be essential for OCA, which lost its entire starting interior offensive line to graduation).

It also could help the strong-armed Kauffman fix the one issue he said he knew he needed to improve upon the most.

"I have to take care of the ball a lot better," Kauffman said. "That is a goal of mine."

Among those who will help him do that are returning running backs Quan Dixon (63 carries for 347 yards and four touchdowns in 2015) and Hayden Helinski (41 carries for 248 yards, TD) — each of whom averaged at least 5.5 ypc a year ago. Between them, they also combined for more than 400 yards receiving and five scores last season.

A junior, Dixon said he is looking to "gain more yards after contact this year," while Helinski, a senior, plans to step up his intangibles.

"I need to be more of a team player, encourage my teammates," said Helinski, a four-year starter who also had 84 tackles at outside linebacker in 2015.

The leader of the defense will be middle linebacker Austin Fulk.

In addition to being the team's most veteran offensive lineman, the 6-foot-2, 235-pound senior will be asked to duplicate or better a stellar junior season that saw him record 111 tackles (11.1 tpg), two sacks and two fumble recoveries.

Fulk said he's excited about the challenges that await him — and the entire team — in 2016.

"Our biggest goal is to make the playoffs this year," Fulk said. "We believe we can."

PREDICTION: Perhaps the two biggest graduation losses OCA took last season were leading rusher Garrett Artman (541 yards) and offensive/defensive lineman Peter Whyte. In Dixon, Helinski and Kauffman, the Crusaders have capable runners that will become even more effective once the new starters on the interior line become comfortable. OCA also should be improved defensively. Look for the Crusaders to be in contention for a playoff berth.