Iowa State Cyclones
2000 overall record: 9-3
Conference record: 5-3 (3rd in North)
Returning starters
Offense: 6
Defense: 4
Kickers: 0
2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Ennis Haywood* (1,237 yds)
Passing: Sage Rosenfels (2,298 yds)
Receiving: J.J. Moses (775 yds)
Tackles: Reggie Hayward (90)
Sacks: Hayward (7)
Interceptions: Marc Timmons* (3)
What's new
The defensive line lost a trio of three-year starters and will have several new faces this year. Sophomore and former walk-on Jordan Carstens has beefed up tremendously and will be the anchor for the new D-line. Beau Coleman and Tyson Smith will try to fill the pass-rushing role.
Battling it out
Starting tailback Ennis Haywood had hernia surgery before the spring, which makes the battle to be his backup very important. Michael Wagner has performed in a game situation at tailback, rushing for 170 yards and scoring three TD at Oklahoma State. JaMaine Billups (a star of the Insight.com Bowl victory) and Hiawatha Rutland (two TD in Spring Game) also had strong springs and made a case for playing time.
Eye catcher: QB Seneca Wallace
Originally a defensive back, Wallace became a quarterback in junior college when injuries at the position made the coaches ask for a volunteer. He played well enough to get a scholarship offer from ISU, and the rest is history. A gifted athlete with a strong arm, he had an impressive Spring Game in which he amassed almost 200 yards with touchdowns passing and rushing.
Budding star: FS Marc Timmons
With an interception in his first collegiate game, and an INT for touchdown and 10 tackles in his first collegiate start, Timmons proved he was something special in his freshman season. He has great instincts on the ball and covers a lot of ground. With seven tackles and three pass break-ups in the Spring Game, he seems prepared to continue his success this year.
Brad Edwards researches college football for ESPN and is a contributor to ESPN.com throughout the year.
