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Eckley hopes the numbers increase among the freshmen as turnout among the rookie class has been very light (about 10).
While Union lacks the overwhelming numbers of some of the area's other programs, it makes up for it in quality. The names are new to many, but they picked up a lot of experience during the offseason.
"All but three or four of the full group were with us for 90 percent of what we did during the summer," said Eckley. "A lot of kids played during 7-on-7."
Eckley said the kids took some lumps during 7-on-7 play and at the team camp, but learned quickly.
"We started off against Webster Groves in 7-on-7 play and it was the worst 7-on-7 I had seen, but Webster Groves returns a lot of kids and seasoned athletes. It was a challenge we needed."
During 7-on-7 play, the Wildcats faced off against a variety of different bigger schools, including Eureka, Oakville, Lindbergh, Rockwood Summit, Ft. Zumwalt West, Washington and Vianney.
During the East Central Camp, Union played well in most of its exhibitions, Eckley reported.
"We competed very well against all teams except Riverview Gardens," Eckley said.
So who are some of the players who could step into the limelight this season?
At quarterback, sophomore Chris Savage has emerged as the likely successor to Webb.
Savage will be backed up by junior Bryan Schaefer, who likely will see significant time at wide receiver. Eckley indicated both Savage and Schaefer could get snaps early this season.
At running back, the top candidates to replace three-year starter Adam Amato are sophomores Ryan Baser and Steven Jones.
At wide receiver, Eckley is excited about this year's group "We might not have a 100-catch or 1,500-yard receiver, but overall we have a good group," Eckley said.
Receiver candidates include senior Bobby Vondera, junior Tyler Thompson, sophomore Ryan Coons and Schaefer.
They are looking to step into the shoes of players such as Malcolm Stanley and Isaac Purnell. Both are at East Central College this semester and Eckley is hopeful they will be able to catch on with football programs in the spring.
Players who could make an impact offensively this season on the line include senior center Tyler Gaither and junior Griffin Daehnke.
Defensively, Eckley expects Vondera to be an impact player.
"Bobby had a great offseason," Eckley said. "Two years ago, he started for us at defensive tackle. He was only 150 pounds, but we needed someone there and he went in there and took his lumps. Last year, he played linebacker and was one of our best defensive players."
Eckley indicated others to watch on defense include junior linebacker Mike Yenzer, Daenke (line), Baser (linebacker), Gaither (line) and Thompson (defensive back).
Eckley has some additions to the coaching staff this year. Two former Union players, Chris Janssen and Jake Montalbano, have returned to help the Wildcats.
"Chris brings a lot of experience," said Eckley. "He just finished up at Central Methodist University. He played quarterback and strong safety in high school and tight end at the college level. He has a very good background and is open to playing different systems. He played three systems in high school and two in college. Jake is a volunteer assistant coach this year. He's spent two or three years coaching youth football. He just graduated from college in the spring. He did his student teaching in the Owensville district last year."
Union will go to Farmington for its jamboree next Friday night.
"Our numbers are low, but we have several very good players who are developing as leaders," Eckley said.
