The big question mark for the Azusa Pacific University football team this fall comes at running back after the Cougars said goodbye to All-American Terrell Watson.

The answer early on is expected to be a committee of backs, and APU coach Victor Santa Cruz said Monday that, initially, the two names to watch are senior Ryan Adams, who was Watson’s understudy last season, and Fresno State transfer Kurt Scoby, who prepped at Charter Oak, St. Paul and Monrovia high schools.

The first look at the duo comes Thursday when APU opens the season at West Texas A&M at 5 p.m.

“You are looking at the top two as Ryan Adams and Kurt Scoby,” Santa Cruz said. “Ryan Adams is a senior leader; outstanding runner. He’s got 4.4 speed, is a powerful runner. We have Kurt Scoby, who has transferred in from Fresno State. We think he gives us a very good combination of power and suddenness, with his ability.

“After that we have some more committee members who could see playing time. Samuela Fanua (a transfer from College of San Mateo) is a solid guy who is capable of taking on a lot of carries.”

APU PRESS CONFERENCE

Santa Cruz also said Monday that the offense is expected to be evolved from last season, when Watson carried the bulk of the load. The Cougars have another year of experience from quarterback Chad Jeffries (Glendora High School), who should fill a bigger role. Reserve quarterback Andrew Elffers (Maranatha) also offers a unique skill set they plan on taking advantage of.

“Chad Jeffries is much more mature and now has a second year in our system,” Santa Cruz said. “You could tell through camp he has a real handle on the system.

“Right behind him is Elffers, who has progressed too. So we have a great one-two punch at quarterback. With that, we’re so proud of the history we have had here at running back. We’re very enthusiastic of what this offense can look like.”

Mt. San Antonio College is No. 2

The Mt. San Antonio College football team, which won its fourth California Community College Athletic Association title last season, begins the season ranked No. 2 nationally by JCGridIron.com.

The Mounties, who feature a solid list of Division I recruits, face College of the Canyons at Walnut High School at 6 p.m. on Saturday. Mt. SAC will play its home games at Walnut this season, due to the Hilmer Lodge Stadium renovation.