Miami Hurricanes
2000 overall record: 11-1
Conference record: 7-0 (1st)
Returning starters
Offense: 6
Defense: 8
Kickers: 2
2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: James Jackson (1,006 yds)
Passing: Ken Dorsey* (2,737 yds)
Receiving: Reggie Wayne (755 yds)
Tackles: Dan Morgan (136)
Sacks: Chris Campbell*, Jamaal Green*, and Morgan (4 each)
Interceptions: Edward Reed* (8)
What's new
The biggest thing at Miami is what's not new. Sure, Butch Davis is gone after six seasons at the helm, but new head coach Larry Coker has done a great job of maintaining continuity in all facets of the program. There might be a slightly more aggressive defensive scheme, but overall, it will be business as usual for the Canes in 2001.
Battling it out
After losing what was statistically the greatest trio of receivers in school history, Miami will have at least five players in competition to take their places. The best battle may be at split end, where Ethenic Sands moved from quarterback to challenge Andre Johnson. Johnson has the advantage heading into the fall, but the battle has just begun.
Eye catcher: DE Andrew Williams
He just enrolled at Miami in January, but the junior college transfer is already competing with Jamaal Green for a starting spot. He was very disruptive in the offensive backfield during the spring, recording numerous sacks and forced fumbles in spring scrimmages.
Budding star: CB Philip Buchanon
Buchanon has displayed impressive coverage skills and picked up in the spring where he left off at the end of last season. He started seven games in 2000 and scored two defensive TD. He had 10 tackles and 2 pass break-ups in his first career start (vs. FSU) and also recorded a key interception in the Sugar Bowl win over Florida.
Brad Edwards researches college football for ESPN and is a contributor to ESPN.com throughout the year.
