New Mexico State Aggies
2000 overall record: 3-8
Returning starters
Offense: 6
Defense: 5
Kickers: 1
2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Chris Barnes (1,131 yds)
Passing: K.C. Enzminger* (1,454 yds)
Receiving: P.J. Winston* (553 yds)
Tackles: D'Wayne Taylor* (87)
Sacks: Joe Olivo* (6)
Interceptions: Jascon Willis (3)
What's new
This year, the Aggies will play 12 games in a year for the first time in school history. The extra game comes at Louisville in the opener of the college season on August 23. The change from the Big West to the Sun Belt will also increase their number of conference games from five to six.
Battling it out
The graduation of Matt Hancock, who had started 44 straight games at center, opens the door for a new starter. The top two candidates, however, are both learning the position. Chadd Kahlsdorf played in four games as a backup at guard and tackle last year, while Andy Dale also appeared as a reserve in nine games. Dale got a majority of reps with the first team after Kahlsdorf was injured early in spring, but the battle will be decided in the fall when both are healthy.
Eye catcher: QB Buck Pierce
The redshirt freshman took most of the snaps with the first team during the spring after K.C. Enzminger was injured. Pierce had a 50-yard TD run in the first spring scrimmage and then rushed and threw for a TD in the spring game. His pass tied the game in the final seconds. Even if Enzminger is healthy this fall, Pierce could see some time as the backup.
Budding star: G Tony Wragge
Wragge came to NMSU after being invited to walk on at Nebraska. He has started for the last two years, in which the Aggies have led the Big West in rushing both times. At 318 pounds, he is a powerful anchor for the offensive line and a senior leader for this year's group.
Brad Edwards researches college football for ESPN and is a contributor to ESPN.com throughout the year.
