Auburn Tigers
2000 overall record: 9-4
Conference record: 6-2 (1st in West; SEC runner-up)
Returning starters
Offense: 5
Defense: 6
Kickers: 1
2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Rudi Johnson (1,567 yds)
Passing: Ben Leard (2,158 yds)
Receiving: Ronney Daniels (378 yds)
Tackles: Alex Lincoln (77)
Sacks: DeMarco McNeil* (5)
Interceptions: Rodney Crayton (5)
What's new
Auburn will have a new quarterback, new running backs and a new go-to receiver. Tailback Rudi Johnson, fullback Heath Evans and wideout Ronney Daniels all opted for early departure to the NFL, leaving the Tigers with only 5.8 percent of last year's offensive yardage.
Battling it out
The quarterback race is still undecided, with senior Daniel Cobb holding a slight edge over Jason Campbell and Jeff Klein entering the fall. Cobb completed just one pass last year in backup duty. Running back is another three-man competition that will include high school All-American Carnell Williams in August.
Eye catcher: LB Karlos Dansby
Dansby was not eligible to play last season as a partial qualifier but garnered much attention this spring with his speed and hitting ability. He was recruited by some schools as a receiver out of high school and has excellent athleticism for his size. Dansby is listed first on the depth chart entering the fall.
Budding star: WR Tim Carter
He has improved his receiving skills to match his blazing speed and could cause nightmares for opposing defenses if Auburn can find ways to get him the ball. He had a 100-yard kickoff return vs. LSU last year and caught an 80-yard TD in Auburn's spring game.
Brad Edwards researches college football for ESPN and is a contributor to ESPN.com throughout the year.
