Here are five Meridian football players to keep an eye on in 2017

Here are five players who could impact the 2017 football season for Meridian:

Adam Kruzich

Junior T: With the loss of most of last year’s offensive line, juniors, such as Kruzich and Trevor Pagnossion, will be asked to step in and fill big roles up front. Kruzich also will play a big part in solidifying Meridian’s defense.

Manny Sabalza

Senior C: As a returning starter, Sabalza will play an important role in helping Meridian’s offensive line mature. It is up to them to keep their standout quarterback clean and allow a potentially high-powered offense to get rolling.

Simon Burkett

Senior QB: After a busy summer at passing camps around the region, Burkett committed to play for Eastern Washington next fall. The co-1A NWC MVP can burn you with his arm (2,623 yards, 20 TDs) or legs (618 yards, 12 TDs).

TJ Dykstra

Senior WR: Dykstra was Burkett’s favorite target last year, hauling in 55 passes for 805 yards and seven touchdowns. He leads a talented receiving core that could put up some big numbers this fall, and he’ll likely lend a hand on defense.

Tony Schleimer

Senior RB: Schleimer may not get the chance to put up the numbers his uncles did at Mount Baker, but he’s very talented. He had 765 yards and 11 touchdowns rushing and 485 yards and 3 TDs receiving in 2016 and is a valuable piece of the Trojans defense.

This story was originally published September 1, 2017 at 9:00 AM with the headline "Here are five Meridian football players to keep an eye on in 2017."