More than three-fifths of his roster is composed of freshmen. He has only two seniors and just five juniors.

Why is Haskell Indian Nations University football coach Eric Brock smiling?

“We’ve lost some crafty veterans,” Brock said, “but we’ve upgraded in talent and athleticism.”

When the Fightin’ Indians open Saturday against Waldorf College in Forest City, Iowa, freshmen may fill as many as half the HINU starting positions.

Not many coaches relish the idea of opening with a true freshman at quarterback, yet Brock has few concerns about Kaleb Harris, a 6-foot, 175-pounder from Claremore, Okla., who was named MVP of this summer’s Native American All-Star game at Haskell Stadium.

“He’s taken a great leadership role,” said Brock, who handed the job to Harris after incumbent QB Pete Hahn decided to enroll for his senior season but drop football.

Harris, who gained more than 200 yards running and passing in the July all-star game, has impressed veteran wide receiver Cody Wilson, HINU’s leading receiver last season with 46 receptions.

“He definitely has more athletic ability than Hahn,” said Wilson, a 6-2, 200-pound junior from Forney, Texas. “And his arm has to be about the same, if not better.”

Wilson also likes Harris’ take-charge attitude.

“He’s a little bit more mature,” Wilson said. “He doesn’t get all excited like a freshman. And he doesn’t make a lot of mistakes.”

6Sports video: Fightin’ Indians ready to start season (8-23-04)

Harris is not a drop-back passer. In fact, he’s probably more of a threat to run, meaning he should complement sophomore tailback Chad Murphy, who led the Central States Football League in rushing last fall with 970 yards.

“He is mobile,” said linebacker A.J. Leading Fox about Harris. “He can throw on the run.”

Leading Fox, a 5-9, 215-pound junior, is one of the few returning veterans on the defensive platoon. In fact, practically the entire secondary will be composed of newcomers. The lone returnee is soph cornerback Antonio Hayes.

Among the likely secondary starters are freshman Cory Murphy, younger brother of HINU’s tailback, and Randy Jackson, a sophomore who transferred from Langston University.

Haskell does have one veteran lineman, and he’s a good one. Blaine Wise, a 6-3, 245-pound sophomore from Glenpool, Okla., earned first-team all-CSFL honors in 2003.

Brock just wishes he had more players like Wise.

“Our depth on the offensive and defensive lines is definitely a concern,” the third-year coach said. “Our defensive linemen … I feel like bubble-wrapping them so there’s no possible chance of them getting hurt. They have the skills to help us win.”

Brock also has to replace his punter (Hahn) as well as place-kicker Brett Blythe who completed his eligibility last season. The leading candidate for both jobs is Matt Martens, a freshman who took a redshirt last fall at Western Carolina.

Two-a-day practices ended Tuesday, with the first day of classes scheduled today.

“It’s gone well,” Brock said. “We had some injuries, but none season-ending. And we had no real eligibility surprises.”

Haskell, playing an 11-game schedule for the first time since 2001, will open at home Sept. 4 against Trinity Bible.