Northwestern Wildcats
2000 overall record: 8-4
Conference record: 6-2 (t-1st)
Returning starters
Offense: 10
Defense: 6
Kickers: 1
2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Damien Anderson* (2,063 yds)
Passing: Zak Kustok* (2,389 yds)
Receiving: Sam Simmons* (498 yds)
Tackles: Billy Silva* (124)
Sacks: Dwayne Missouri (9)
Interceptions: Harold Blackmon (5)
What's new
Mike Dunbar joins the staff as tight ends, H-backs coach and special teams coordinator -- the first time Randy Walker has used a special teams coordinator at Northwestern. The Wildcats weren't awful in the kicking game last year but need to focus on it as another area in which they can gain a competitive advantage.
Battling it out
Florida transfer David Wasielewski is competing for the starting job at both punter and kicker. He battles incumbent J.J. Standring for the punting position and squares off with Brian Huffman for field goal duties. The Wildcats also have a three-way competition to replace NFL draft choice Harold Blackmon at cornerback. Raheem Covington, Sean Wieber and Marvin Brown are all getting consideration, and the race is too close to call after spring drills.
Eye catcher: QB Tony Strauss
Though he might not be a threat to Zak Kustok's starting job, Stauss turned some heads with his play in spring practice and could give Northwestern solid insurance at QB in 2001. Stauss completed 9-of-12 passes with two TD in one intrasquad scrimmage and was even handed the reins of the first-team offense for part of the second half in the spring game.
Budding star: QB Zak Kustok
He might not be the most dynamic player on his own offense, but Kustok has a chance to be the best quarterback in the Big Ten in 2001. With the departure of both Drew Brees and Drew Henson from the conference, Kustok might not be as overlooked as he was a year ago. His decision making and timely passing have paved the way for the success of RB Damien Anderson and the productivity of the Big Ten's top offense.
Brad Edwards researches college football for ESPN and is a contributor to ESPN.com throughout the year.
