For that, the press likened the Salem, Mass.native to everyone from former Harvard star TomYohe '89 (Restic's most cherished formerquarterback) to Larry Bird to the next Messiah.

With Giardi in that kind of company, it's nowonder expectations are running high for thebackfield.

And they should be. Along with Giardi, Harvardhas three quality offensive backs: Senior KendrickJoyce is a hard-nosed halfback, known for hisblazing speed. Senior Captain Robb Hirsch, Mr.All-Purpose, is an unstoppable force whether he'srushing or receiving. (He's only been dropped fora loss on a rush two times--yes, two times--in hiscollegiate football career.)

The third, Hill, provides a combination of thetwo, and should fill in the hole left by thegraduation of Matt Johnson.

Though his strength is on the ground, Giardi'sarm is strong enough to lead an air attack. Thisyear, he will have senior split end Colby Maher,his favorite target in '91. The undersized, butsurehanded, senior Chris Taylor should also makean impact backing up Maher.

Restic rarely utilized the tight end last yearon passing plays (first-Team All-Ivy Andy Lombara,often lauded as one of the best tight ends ever tocome through Harvard, only had 11 receptions) soreplacement Read Hubbard probably won't see muchaction in the air.

Rather, look for Restic--who is often morecomfortable with the pass then than run--to go toHirsch and Maher as much as possible.

While the"skill" positions are filled, Harvard encounterssome serious difficulties along the line.Currently, the Crimson features only one returningstarter: senior guard Jeff Landry.

The lack of a line poses grave problems forRestic's. Already confusing and complicatedenough, the Multiflex cannot work unless theoffensive unit is perfectly in synch. Giardi has ahost of options on each play, but he won't be ableto exercise any of them unless the proper blocksare made. Even Hirsch--tank that he is--can't runthrough the trench without some assistance.

"We have to find a capable center, and we haveto make sure Michael's protected. If he's forcedout of the pocket, he can't do the things he'sbest at," Restic said.

Currently the line could include junior RayMertens at center, and junior Jason Slavik andsenior Mark Hourihan at tackle.

Other than that, it's all up for grabs. Giardisaid that right now the lineman have his "completeconfidence" but it will be interesting to seewhether that's the case after the first few games.Until Harvard's hogs prove themselves capable, theCrimson offense cannot be considered solid.

Defensively, Harvard is a little harder tofigure out. The Crimson does have some experiencedplayers coming back; the line is stacked withseniors--Kayode Owens, Josh Smiley, David Scherer,Liam Sullivan, Phil Furse, and James Reddinger.

But at linebacker and secondary Harvard hassome important vacancies. Harvard will missrock-solid David Stires at linebacker. SeniorMonte Giese (who played exceptionally in the winagainst Princeton last year) and formerspecial-teams player senior J.J. Vasquez will tryto fill those massive shoes.

Harvard's secondary needs some work as well.Last year, Harvard was expected to have atop-notch unit with seniors Greg Belsher and SeanKoscho but could barely hold back the feeble Brownrun-and-shoot.