Illinois Fighting Illini
2000 overall record: 5-6
Conference record: 2-6 (t-9th)
Returning starters
Offense: 7
Defense: 6
Kickers: 2
2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Antoineo Harris* (772 yds)
Passing: Kurt Kittner* (1,982 yds)
Receiving: Greg Lewis* (544 yds)
Tackles: Robert Franklin (109 tackles)
Sacks: Fred Wakefield (9)
Interceptions: Eugene Wilson* (4)
What's new
Brandon Lloyd returns to the lineup after missing all of the 2000 season with a broken femur. As a true freshman in '99, Lloyd helped Kurt Kittner stretch defenses while averaging 17.0 yards per catch. That deep threat was noticeably absent from the Illini offense last season.
Battling it out
A pair of four-year starters needs to be replaced on the offensive line, and there were plenty of contenders in the spring. The left tackle spot now seems to be between David Diehl and Sean Bubin and this battle will certainly be continued in the fall. Aaron Hodges and redshirt freshman Bucky Babcock have separated themselves at right guard.
Eye catcher: WR Dwayne Smith
Smith had only 146 receiving yards last season but was a star in spring drills. In the first two scrimmages, he combined nine catches for 194 yards and two TD. He is the starter at split end entering the fall.
Budding star: CB Eugene Wilson
After intercepting three passes in the final three games of 2000, Wilson looks to keep that momentum in the Illini's new defensive scheme. More man-to-man coverage has not been a problem for Wilson, who made an interception in each of the first two spring scrimmages.
Brad Edwards researches college football for ESPN and is a contributor to ESPN.com throughout the year.
