Colorado State Rams
2000 overall record: 10-2
Conference record: 6-1 (1st)

Returning starters
Offense: 6
Defense: 6
Kickers: 1

2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Cecil Sapp* (841 yds)
Passing: Matt Newton (2,609 yds)
Receiving: Pete Rebstock (768 yds)
Tackles: Rick Crowell (125)
Sacks: John Howell (5)
Interceptions: Crowell (3)

What's new
Offensive coordinator Steve Fairchild joined the staff of the Buffalo Bills, and coach Sonny Lubick has named co-coordinators to replace him. Both are longtime assistants at CSU and should continue to use the same offensive philosophy. John Benton will continue to coach the offensive line, while Dan Hammerschmidt will switch his position responsibility from receivers to quarterbacks.
Battling it out
Speaking of quarterbacks, Matt Newton is gone after compiling an 18-6 record over the last two seasons. A pair of sophomores is battling to replace him. D.J. Busch played in four games as backup last year and became the first true freshman to play QB for the Rams since 1981. Bradlee Van Pelt is now eligible to play after sitting out the 2000 season as a transfer from Michigan State. The race could be complicated by the August arrival of signee Justin Holland, who is one of only five prep players to pass for more than 10,000 yards.
Eye catcher: C Mark Dreyer
The most critical need CSU had on the offensive line was at center, where they have boasted the all-conference performer for three straight seasons. Dreyer had seen limited time as a backup center and special teams player and entered the spring as a candidate to fill the starting role. After a dominant month of workouts, he separated himself as the best at the position and should be the starter in 2001.
Budding star: HB Joel Dreesen
Lubick says this redshirt freshman is the best player he has brought into the program in his nine years as head coach and thinks he can be a four-year starter. Dreesen just turned 18 and is already the best athlete the Rams have had at the tight end/H-back position. He has great pass-catching skills and is a good blocker. Look for him to be more involved in the offense than those who have played there before him.

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