Central Michigan Chippewas
2000 overall record: 2-9
Conference record: 2-6 (6th in West)
Returning starters
Offense: 7
Defense: 9
Kickers: 2
2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Vince Webber* (458 yds)
Passing: Derrick Vickers* (1,059 yds)
Receiving: David Hannah (411 yds)
Tackles: Brian Leigeb (147)
Sacks: Marvin Smith* (3)
Interceptions: Tedaro France* (5)
What's new
There should be several new faces on the field for CMU this fall, despite losing only six starters from the 2000 squad. Only six true freshman played last year, which means 15 freshmen redshirted. All of those redshirts are currently battling for a starting spot.
Battling it out
The top two receivers from last year are gone, which has opened competition to tremendous levels. Between five returning wideouts and several incoming freshmen, there could be as many as 10 players vying for playing time this fall. Steve Messam is the statistical leader of this group after catching 22 passes as a true freshman last season. Rob Turner probably had the best spring of the veterans and put himself in a good position to start fall camp.
Eye catchers: RBs Kenan Lawhorne and Terrence Jackson
Central Michigan was one of the worst rushing teams in the nation last year and hopes to get a big boost this season from a pair of sophomores. Lawhorne and Jackson both played as true freshmen in 2000 and totaled just 114 yards between them, but they had excellent springs and gave the coaches a reason to be optimistic about a turnaround. Jackson is listed as the starter at fullback but can play both positions. Lawhorne is listed No. 2 at halfback.
Budding star: CB Tedaro France
Entering his fourth year as a starter, France is lacking recognition for an outstanding career but looks to make this season his best. He was second-team All-MAC as a freshman and has continued to improve with no accolades since. He led his team in interceptions and pass break-ups last year and is now the leader of a very experienced defensive secondary.
Brad Edwards researches college football for ESPN and is a contributor to ESPN.com throughout the year.
