Ohio State Buckeyes
2000 overall record: 8-4
Conference record: 5-3 (4th)
Returning starters
Offense: 6
Defense: 6
Kickers: 1
2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Derek Combs (888 yds)
Passing: Steve Bellisari* (2,319 yds)
Receiving: Ken-Yon Rambo (794 yds)
Tackles: Mike Doss* (94)
Sacks: Brent Johnson (9)
Interceptions: David Mitchell (5)
What's new
It's always tough to succeed on the heels of success, but at least for now, new head coach Jim Tressel has the full support of the Buckeye family. He has emphasized hard work and teamwork, which might have been somewhat lacking in recent seasons on a roster full of top-level talent. Offensively, he used a wide range of looks in the spring to see what his personnel could do. In the fall, we will see what he found.
Battling it out
The tailback race is tight between senior Jonathan Wells and sophomore Sammy Maldonado. Wells has the advantage in game experience, having started three times last year. Both are powerful runners with enough speed to get outside, and both showed significant improvement in the spring.
Eye catcher: DE Will Smith
The previous coaching staff had high hopes for Smith, and now the new staff knows why. After seeing action as a true freshman, he had an impressive spring and is likely to take over the right defensive end spot. He has a good size and strength and is very quick on his feet.
Budding star: OT Adrien Clarke
Clarke broke into the starting lineup in the third game of his redshirt freshman season last year and was the Buckeyes' starting left tackle the rest of the way. Now that Tyson Walter is back from his season-ending injury, Clarke might move to the right side, but he will definitely have a place in the starting lineup. He is an excellent pass blocker with his good agility and great size (6-4, 340).
Brad Edwards researches college football for ESPN and is a contributor to ESPN.com throughout the year.
