Indiana Hoosiers
2000 overall record: 3-8
Conference record: 2-6 (t-9th)
Returning starters
Offense: 8
Defense: 8
Kickers: 1
2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Antwaan Randle El* (1,270 yds)
Passing: Antwaan Randle El* (1,783 yds)
Receiving: Versie Gaddis (554 yds)
Tackles: Johnny Anderson (92)
Sacks: Justin Smith* (6)
Interceptions: Sharrod Wallace* (2)
What's new
Already one of the best running and passing combinations in college football history, Antwaan Randle El will add receiving to his resume in 2001. In order to get some playing time for talented quarterback Tommy Jones, Randle El will line up at wideout some of the time (if not a majority of the time) and also return punts. But don't expect him to entirely disappear from behind center. As we have learned, you never know what Randle El is going to do.
Battling it out
The Hoosiers have four solid candidates for the two safety spots. Ron Bethel started all 11 games at free safety last year, which might give him the inside track, but he received plenty of competition this spring. Last year's nickel back, Joe Gonzalez, was impressive, as were JC transfers Antonio Watson and Willie Northern (both enrolled in January). Northern had an interception in the spring game.
Eye catcher: CB Michael Hanley
Hanley played in all 11 games as a freshman but had to sit out last year for academic reasons. He is a good cover corner whose talents were certainly missed. But the layoff didn't do too much to his footwork and timing. After a great spring, he is listed as a starter entering the fall.
Budding star: FB Jeremi Johnson
The 270-pounder may be one of the more versatile backs in the Big Ten. Not only is he a devastating lead blocker, but he has also scored 5 TDs between rushing and receiving over the last two seasons. He has great agility for his size and could even be used in a one-back set when Indiana chooses to break out that formation.
Brad Edwards researches college football for ESPN and is a contributor to ESPN.com throughout the year.
