It's a problem that any coach would love to have.
As the Sault Sabercats begin outdoor workouts this week at their home training base at Bawating, four quarterbacks are vying for playing time with the Ontario Varsity Football League team.
Incumbent Ryan Maunu returns as starter as does Anthony Amadio, who led the St. Mary's Knights to a high school city, Northern Ontario Secondary Schools Association (NOSSA) and Central Bowl championship this past season.
Throw in St. Basil's Peter MacNamara and St. Mary's junior John Mullin and the Sabercats have a lot of depth at the position as they enter their third year of play.
"We really have five guys out there but four of them are going to see the majority of reps in practise," said Sabercats head coach Ross Viotto. "All this is going to do is make the other quarterbacks better.
"We are happy that Anthony came back out because he really helps us. He's in great shape, he's a great athlete, he's smart and he's really to going to help push Ryan and it's going to help push himself."
While the locals are set with a quality starter in either Maunu or Amadio, the team is now concerned with bolstering the offensive line to give the pivots the time to produce.
As of Wednesday, three returnees have been confirmed for the offensive line including Matt Cook, Mike Iachetta and Joey Turpin. The team will also enjoy the services of rookies Mark Porco from St. Basil and Mike Pratt from Sir James Dunn.
"We have a good starting five if we have all these guys out but we would also like to develop and establish some depth at that position," said Viotto.
In all, 52 players are currently on the Sabercats training camp roster which is 10 hopefuls more than at this time last year. Viotto expects between 45-50 players on the roster to begin the season May 29th in Sarnia against the Lambton Lions.
Viotto has really been impressed with the defensive secondary in workouts. Joining returnee Kurt Morrison are quality rookies Joey Thorburn, Brian McAndrew, Mike Jurich and Justin Wensley.
Another highlight at camp has been the play of running back Kofi Osei. Osei has been solid in workouts and will give a serious push to returning backs Frank Farkas and Jeff Ianni for the majority of carries.
Before the season opener in Lambton, the Sabercats will host Sudbury for an exhibition game Saturday, May 22 at 1 p.m. at Bawating.
PHOTO: Coach Gavin Cond (back)puts the linebackers through drills at practise.