Ohio Bobcats
2000 overall record: 7-4
Conference record: 5-3 (t-3rd in East)
Returning starters
Offense: 9
Defense: 8
Kickers: 2
2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Dontrell Jackson* (864 yds)
Passing: Dontrell Jackson* (881 yds)
Receiving: Raynald Ray* (308 yds)
Tackles: Tom Weilbacher* (92)
Sacks: Matt Weikert* (5.5)
Interceptions: Bop White* (3)
What's new
Brian Knorr was promoted from defensive coordinator to head coach and hired a new staff. He will not, however, change from the Multiple I option attack the Bobcats have been using. The team's personnel is geared toward that offense, not to mention that Knorr was a quarterback at Air Force under Fisher DeBerry.
Battling it out
Jamel Patterson and Chad Brinker were the top tailbacks last year, and both return for 2001. Brinker missed all of spring practice after shoulder surgery, but they are listed together as the starter. Patterson is a smaller, slashing back, while Brinker is a power runner. They complement each other very well and will both see plenty of action.
Eye catcher: FB Ray Huston
After taking a redshirt season to get bigger and stronger, the freshman caught everyone's attention this spring with his running and blocking. The coaches have decided to give him a chance to compete for the starting job this fall, and he is currently listed with last year's starter, Joe Sherrill, as the No. 1 fullback.
Budding star: OLB Matt Weikert
After missing half of 1999 with a knee injury, Weikert earned a starting spot at the end of last season. Despite not starting several games, he still led the team with 16 tackles for loss and also had five sacks. He is sometimes overshadowed by vocal leader Tom Weilbacher, but Weikert uses his athleticism to make a living in opposing backfields.
Brad Edwards researches college football for ESPN and is a contributor to ESPN.com throughout the year.
