BIG SPRING, Texas (KOSA) - The Big Spring Steers have a lot of work to adjust to some big changes across the team. One of the biggest changes is a new starting quarterback.

“It looks like AJ Yanez is going to fill that role. Gavin Pedrone did a good job for us for the past two years, but with a new year and a new quarterback, it’s going to be interesting. I think there’s going to be some growing pains…,” head coach Cannon McWilliams said.

“Man, it’s fun. I love being out here, it’s pretty fun. I’ve been waiting all summer for it and it’s back,” AJ Yanez said.

“It’s not just the quarterback position, I mean, we’re replacing about 8 or 9 on both sides of the ball. So it’s fresh, it’s new, it’s going to be exciting,” McWilliams said.

A lot of starting positions will need to be filled, but head coach Cannon McWilliams says this is the biggest roster since he started at Big Spring.

Defensively, one spot that is solidified is RJ Gomez.

“Another returner that started as a sophomore for us last year on the defensive line and also could play on the offense is RJ Gomez. We’re looking for big things from him. He’s just going to be a junior but he was a good defensive player for us last year,” McWilliams said.

“I just try my hardest and just try to get the quarterback all the time, try to make plays for my team. It feels good– amazing just doing my thing,” RJ Gomez said.

The Steers defense will be led by a new coordinator and McWilliams says to expect new schemes and playstyles on both sides of the ball.

Big Spring opens the season against El Paso Riverside, a team they’ve met in the playoffs each of the last four seasons.