Akron Zips
2000 overall record: 6-5
Conference record: 5-3 (t-1st in East)
Returning starters
Offense: 7
Defense: 6
Kickers: 2
2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Brandon Payne* (1,108 yds)
Passing: Butchie Washington (2,319 yds)
Receiving: Lavel Bailey (876 yds)
Tackles: Rich Reliford (80)
Sacks: Dwayne LeFall* (4.5)
Interceptions: Dwight Smith (10)
What's new
The Zips will have to find a new quarterback after the departure of four-year starter Butchie Washington, who had been behind center for their last 38 games. He was a dependable, athletic playmaker and holds almost all of the school's passing records. The search for his replacement is far from over.
Battling it out
None of the top three contenders at quarterback attempted a pass last season. Coming out of the spring, the leader is sophomore Nick Sparks, who is a good athlete in the mold of Washington. Sparks sat out last year after transerfing from West Virginia. He holds a slight edge over both Ryan Uhlenhake, who didn't play last year after breaking a bone in his ankle, and redshirt freshman Charlie Frye.
Eye catcher: FB Dan Basch
Basch was one of the premier recruits in last year's signing class but played mostly on special teams as a true freshman. This season, however, he will see a lot of time on offense. In the spring, he showed himself to be versatile and talented as a blocker, a strong inside runner and a good receiver out of the backfield.
Budding star: DE Dwayne LeFall
After breaking into the starting lineup halfway through last season, he went on to lead the team with nine tackles for loss, which included 4.5 sacks. He has an amazing combination of size, strength and speed and has all the tools to be a dominant defensive end. In fact, he was so dominant during spring drills that some folks in Akron are already whispering comparisons to Jason Taylor.
Brad Edwards researches college football for ESPN and is a contributor to ESPN.com throughout the year.
