JACKSON, Miss.- Opening day is just around the corner and this week fans will get their first look at the 2012 Blazers through a four part season preview beginning with a look at the offense. Belhaven's offense will have a new identity in 2012 as the team transitions to more of a balanced attack. Traditionally the Blazers have been a pass first offense, but in 2012 the run will be used more to setup the pass. The team took steps in that direction in 2011 by churning out 1,516 yards on the ground. Belhaven's aerial attack covered 2,112 yards a year ago.

“You look at the teams that do well and the two things you notice are that they run the ball well and they stop the run,” says Thrasher. “That's the model I want the program to have and it has taken some time for us to transition, but we are making a full swing to it and I believe we have the athletes to succeed in this new system.”

Running back Justin Gaines was a big reason for Belhaven's success on the ground in 2011. Gaines, who hails from Montrose, MS, is returning for his senior season after making the MSC All-Conference Team a year ago. Gaines accumulated 977 total yards on the ground, which was fourth most in the MSC. He also rushed for a season high and school record of 250 yards against Faulkner on October 18th. Gaines also scored 13 touchdowns, averaged 88.8 yards per game on the ground, and went for 5.3 yards per carry in 2011.

One of Belhaven's top recruits on offense is running back Aaron Spikes who is transferring in from the University of Louisiana-Lafayette. Spikes, a native of Dallas, TX, had three carries in the spring game and reeled off 89 yards in his limited time on the field. Spikes has great speed and will be an explosive player in the backfield.

Kylan Pollard will be the featured receiver heading into the season after landing on the MSC Honorable Mention All-Conference team last year. Pollard, a native of Laurel, MS, led the team in receiving with 52 catches for 742 yards and four touchdowns. Pollard will get some help in the receiving game from senior Reese Unger who moves from the defense to the offense to become a tight end. The Blazers also brought in freshman tight end Lawrence Brown from New Hope High School in Columbus, MS to add some depth as the team transitions to an offense with a true tight end position for 2012.

The stage could be set for a good battle at the quarterback position during training camp. Senior Alex Williams heads into the season with 5,052 career passing yards for Belhaven (Third most in school history) and has completed over 55 percent of his passes. Williams recorded 1,404 yards through the air in 2011.

The Blazers signed quarterback Raymond Cotton during the off season and are excited about what he could bring to the table. Cotton, a native of Mobile, AL, transfers to Belhaven after spending last season at Gulf Coast Community College. Cotton played in 10 games and completed 74 passes for 806 yards and six touchdowns. Cotton can hurt opposing defenses on the ground as well, as evidenced by 437 rushing yards and six touchdowns a season ago.

Coming up on Tuesday a look at the Belhaven defense.