FAYETTE - Kevin Linnell's favorite quarterback growing up was Hall of Famer Steve Young.

Being from California and watching the San Francisco 49ers, the Upper Iowa football player appreciated Young's grit, athleticism and smarts.

Linnell was also in awe of the playmakers around Young, from Ricky Watters in the backfield to Jerry Rice, John Taylor and Brent Jones on the outside.

When Linnell looks at his Upper Iowa offense, the quarterback sees a similar number of options.

"I've never had this many weapons around me," he said. "It's the first time I've been part of such a complete offense."

The backfield is stocked, ignited by returning starter T.C. Hicks and D.J. Speed. The receiving corps has five viable options, headlined by all-American Dwayne Croker.

Croker had a team-high 66 receptions for 1,023 yards and five touchdowns last year. Right behind him are Ryan Hudgins (52 receptions, 579 yards), Aaron McFarland (38-455), Independence native Kyle Hosch (27-242) and Allen Conrad (12-159).

"It's not like he has to carry the load by himself," head coach Mike Knoll said of Linnell. "Wide receiver is our most athletic position, and it's our deepest position."

In all, the Peacocks return 217 receptions and more than 2,500 yards from last year's 3-8 club.

"We've probably got the best receiving group in the Northern Sun," Croker said. "There's no reason this offense shouldn't put up a lot of points."

Croker, a 5-foot-10 and 180-pound senior from Immokalee, Fla., draws the most attention. By the middle of last season, it was rare for him to be covered one-on-one, particularly near the goal line.

"He's a tough guy," Linnell said. "He's the type of guy that's not afraid to go up for a ball or go across the middle. He'll do whatever it takes to win a game."

Even if that requires being a decoy and setting up one of his other receivers.

"We do spread the ball around," Knoll said. "Those other four guys are all going to have a lot of balls thrown at them."

For Upper Iowa, the questions center around Linnell and a rebuilt offensive line.

Linnell, a junior, played in three games last season but only threw 18 passes. Despite his lack of game experience, Knoll said he'll fit well into Upper Iowa's spread attack.

"You'd always love to have your quarterback be a redshirt senior, but he has enough experience being on the field and being the trigger guy that we feel comfortable," the third-year head coach said.

"He's a type of athlete that you want the ball in his hands. He has a strong arm, an accurate arm, makes good decisions and his escapability is a real plus."

It sounds like Young, who was known for shredding defenses with his mobility and decision-making.

"With our offense, the smarter I am, the more success I'm going to have," Linnell said. "The athleticism helps, but you can pick apart defenses with our offense by being smart."

The offensive line is where the Peacocks must show the most improvement to move forward in the NSIC standings. Upper Iowa was sacked on 29 occasions and scored touchdowns only 43 percent of the time inside the red zone last year. Tackle Jerad Jandrain, an honorable mention selection in the NSIC last year, is the only returnee among the group.

"Coach just wants us to be more consistent," said Charles City alum Adam Kirksey, who moved from the defensive line to right tackle in the offseason. "We've got a real explosive offense and can make big plays happen, but we've got to do it up front. It's up to us. We set the tempo.

"If we have a good day, our offense will have a good day."

An explosive offense is a sign of progress for the Peacocks, who have suffered seven straight losing seasons.

"This offense is going to put up a lot of points," Croker said. "We are ready to turn the corner."

Contact Matt Coss at (319) 291-1468 or matt.coss@wcfcourier.com