We already know that a new hunter is coming to town on The Vampire Diaries Season 4, as Todd Williams has been cast in a role Julie Plec described to me at Comic-Con as far scarier than anything Mystic Falls residents are prepared for.

But this character won't be the only new player to make his presence felt in the fall.

According to Zap2It, the series is also seeking an actor to come on board as Professor Shane, a faculty member at the local university who specializes in the supernatural. Look for this teacher to get involved with Bonnie in some way.

The Vampire Diaries returns on October 11 and we'll be posting exclusive TV Fanatic interviews with Ian Somerhalder and Julie Plec later this week.

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.