MOULTRIE — It was a different looking Colquitt County High football team that took the field a breezy, but otherwise beautiful day at Tom White Field at Mack Tharpe Stadium.

For one thing, there were some 120 players in full uniforms.

And there were some new — and semi-new — faces among the coaches. And there were several outstanding players and coaches who were missing.

“That is the most kids I’ve ever had,” said head coach Tim Cokely, who is preparing for his third season with the Packers.

The staff split the players, with the likely B-teamers practicing together for part of the time.

The Colquitt County staff is looking to fill the void left by a number of players who were multi-year starters, but will be graduating with the Class of 2007.

One of the players that is expected to contend for a starting job at a focal point position is still playing another sport.

John Michael Harrison, who is the likely successor to graduating record-setting passer Channing Hudson, will be with the Packers baseball team that will open state playoffs on Friday at Newnan.

Jarvis Lambright, who also is expected to play a significant role on offense next season, will run in the state track meet later this week and did not suit up on Monday.

And while longtime offensive assistant James Stancil, who has retired, was missing, former Packers assistant Kevin Giddens was back on the field as the offensive line coach.

But while there is plenty of work to be done with the offense, Cokely said the primary focus over the 10 days of spring drills will be on the defense.

“Obviously, we have to improve defensively if we are going to reach the goals we have set,” Cokely said.

Scott Chandler has replaced Bill Ragans and was making his presence felt on Monday.

“He’s got a lot of (his defense) in already,” Cokely said.

Chandler has coached at the high school and college level and was the head coach of the Rome Renegades of the American Indoor Football League.

“He brings a wealth of knowledge,” Cokely said. “He has a full understanding of defense. He sees the whole picture.”

As defenses try to keep up with the multiple formations opposing offenses use, they, too, have become more diverse.

“Defenses used to be more static,” Cokely said. “I think we’ll be more multiple.”

Of particular concern for the defensive staff this season is the line.

“In this league particularly, you have to have players who can play up front,” Cokely said.

To that end, Brandon Coleman has been moved from offensive guard, where he has started for two seasons, to the defensive line, which is being coached by Chandler.

Eric Roberts, who played defensive line last year and already has grabbed the attention of college recruiters, is likely to play linebacker this season.

Brandon Carter, who has had a strong off-season, Cokely said, is making a bid for one of the other linebacker positions. Highly regarded Jarrett Sutton is another player who should be a starter at linebacker.

Spring practice will continue through Friday this week and Monday through Friday next week after school at the stadium.