Two years ago, few NAIA quarterbacks were as multi-talented as Kaleb Harris.

Harris, then a sophomore at Haskell Indian Nations University, passed for nearly 1,500 yards and rushed for 200 more to rank second in total offense in the Central States Football League.

But HINU coach Eric Brock switched Harris to wide receiver the next spring, and Harris transferred to Northeastern Oklahoma State that fall.

If Harris, now back with the Fightin’ Indians, left because he was miffed about the position switch, the Claremore, Okla., native isn’t saying.

“I had some family issues,” Harris said, “so I went home and enrolled at Northeastern, but didn’t play football.”

Harris also worked as a volunteer assistant coach at Locust Grove, Okla., High where his dad is an assistant coach. He returned to Haskell last spring and resumed working as a wide receiver.

“I’m enjoying the change of pace, and working with new guys,” he said.

Haskell has an established wide receiver in junior Hunter Smith (65 catches, 6 TDS in 2006) and uncertainty at quarterback, so even though Harris is now officially listed as a wide receiver, it’s possible he could move under center again.

“If called on, I will,” Harris said. “If it’s wideout, I’ll play there, too. I just want to win.”

Harris’ weakness at QB was a penchant for throwing interceptions. He tossed a CSFL-high 17 in 2005. Since then, HINU has dropped out of the CSFL and now operates as an NAIA independent.

In their first year without a league affiliation in 2006, the Indians struggled to a 2-9 record, the worst mark in Brock’s five years as head coach.

“It was just a bad year, I guess you could say,” Brock said. “Some kids transferred out we couldn’t replace, and we had to suspend some kids late in the year. And we lost a few games by a touchdown or less.”

Still, with the return of Harris and Hunter Smith to complement running back Bubba Wills, who rambled for 1,160 yards last season – fourth best in the NAIA – the outlook is bright : if Brock can come up with a competent quarterback.

Victor Ramos, a 5-foot-10, 185-pound sophomore from Phoenix, Ariz., is the only recognizable name from among five candidates.

“He’s probably the front-runner,” Brock said, “just because he’s been here.”

Freshman Dwayne Butler may push Ramos the hardest, Brock said. The 6-1, 200-pound Butler will have to make the transition, however, from small New Mexico high schools(Crownpoint) to the college level.

On the offensive line, Brock has to find replacements for Kelvin Starks, a four-year starter at offensive tackle, and center Stephen Morgan, a three-year starter who was forced to forego his senior year because of a back injury.

On defense, linebacker Evan Baker, last year’s leading tackler, transferred to Northeastern Oklahoma State, but senior Antonio Hayes is finally at full speed after missing most of the ’05 and ’06 seasons with knee problems.

Still, Brock has a solid core of returning defenders, including linebackers Mario Torres and John Sullivan and defensive backs Micah Swimmer and Morris Denetdeel.

“My biggest concern is the lines, the O-line specifically,” Brock said. “I think we can get good starting fives out there, but we need to find some others to help out.”

Haskell will open at home on Aug. 30 against Missouri Southern.