Cincinnati Bearcats

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2000 overall record: 7-5
Conference record: 5-2 (t-2nd)

Returning starters
Offense: 5
Defense: 5
Kickers: 2

2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Ray Jackson* (808 yds)
Passing: Deontey Kenner (1,717 yds)
Receiving: Antonio Chatman (609 yds)
Tackles: Troy Evans (107)
Sacks: Antwan Peek* (8.5)
Interceptions: Anthony Thomas* and DeJuan Gossett (3 each)

What's new
Rick Minter brought in six new assistant coaches, including two new coordinators. Dave Baldwin is the offensive coordinator but shouldn't change much of what the Bearcats have been doing. A.J. Christoff takes over the defense, which will try to put more pressure at the line and employ more man coverage in the secondary. The idea is to take advantage of an experienced defensive line and ask those players to make more plays.
Battling it out
At quarterback, Arizona State transfer John Leonard played well enough to grab the lead from last year's backup, Adam Hoover, but the race is far from over. To make matters more interesting, a star prep QB could be in the mix come August. Gino Guidugli was the successor to Jared Lorenzen in high school and threw for more than 4,000 yards with 51 TD as a high school senior last year.
Eye catcher: DE Andre Frazier
Frazier walked on to the team last year from a high school that is across the street from UC. As a very undersized true freshman, he earned defensive scout team player of the year honors. Already with great quickness, he has put on some good size and strength since the end of last season. He made five tackles and a sack in the spring game and has earned the starting spot at defensive end entering the fall.
Budding star: DE Antwan Peek
Peek was recruited as a wide receiver, played defensive back in his freshman season, moved to linebacker the next year, and last August was switched to defensive end just before the start of the season. Despite his inexperience at the position, his raw athleticism was good enough for 8.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss. Peek has added another 10 pounds of muscle and really benefited from the change of scheme. He seems destined for an even stronger season in 2001.

Brad Edwards researches college football for ESPN and is a contributor to ESPN.com throughout the year.