California Golden Bears
2000 overall record: 3-8
Conference record: 2-6 (t-8th)
Returning starters
Offense: 8
Defense: 8
Kickers: 1
2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Joe Igber* (901)
Passing: Kyle Boller* (2,121)
Receiving: Geoff McArthur* (336)
Tackles: Nnamdi Asomugha* (76)
Sacks: Andre Carter (13.5)
Interceptions: Jemeel Powell* (4)
What's new
Al Borges, who was offensive coordinator at UCLA the past five years, takes over the play-calling duties at Cal. He wants to establish the run first and pass second, which would be a huge help to quarterback Kyle Boller, who has had way too much placed on his shoulders since playing as a freshman two years ago.
Battling it out
The Bears have some depth at receiver, and several players are fighting it out for the starting jobs. Geoff McArthur and Chase Lyman both started as true freshmen, but it was Derek Swafford who led the team in catches last year. Charon Arnold and Sean Currin are also in the mix, and Currin had a great spring. McArthur and Swafford appear to have a slight edge entering the fall.
Eye catcher: LB Scott Fujita
The former walkon safety is now a 6-5, 250-pound outside linebacker. He started last year and had 13 tackles for loss, but he left a bigger impression with his play in the spring, making plays all over the field.
Budding star: QB Kyle Boller
Boller's development in college has been a rocky process, so the new offense was just one more thing to go through. But he has picked up the system very well, and Borges is impressed with his progress. Fundamentals were a point of emphasis in the spring, and Boller responded by completing 11-of-19 for 154 yards in the spring game. Four starters are back on the offensive-line, which should provide a boost to his performance.
Brad Edwards researches college football for ESPN and is a contributor to ESPN.com throughout the year.
