Oklahoma Sooners
2000 overall record: 13-0
Conference record: 8-0 (1st in South; Big 12 Champ)
Returning starters
Offense: 8
Defense: 8
Kickers: 2
2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Quentin Griffin* (783 yds)
Passing: Josh Heupel (3,392 yds)
Receiving: Antwone Savage* (598 yds)
Tackles: Rocky Calmus* (125)
Sacks: Torrance Marshall (5)
Interceptions: J.T. Thatcher (8)
What's new
Oklahoma football is back. For the first time since the late 80s, interest in the program is at a fanatical level. Demand for tickets is way up, so they will soon begin construction on a new east side upper deck. Capacity of Memorial Stadium should be about 80,000 for the 2002 season.
Battling it out
Although 8 starters return on offense, the battery needs to be replaced. Heupel's successor will be Nate Hybl (last year's backup) or Jason White. They are listed as co-starters in the QB derby after spring drills. The battle to be the Sooners' new center is a three-man race between Josh Smith, Josh Tucker and Howard Duncan. Smith appears to be the frontrunner at this point.
Eye catcher: RB Jerad Estus
Estus practiced with the team last year but was not eligible to play as a partial qualifier. Now that he's ready to go, the Sooners will have a new dimension offensively. Estus combines good size and speed and had an impressive spring. In six scrimmages, he was the team's leading rusher and leading receiver.
Buddin star: LB Teddy Lehman
He saw limited time last year behind Torrance Marshall, but Lehman has shown the type of ability that draws comparisons to Rocky Calmus. They will start alongside each other in 2001, giving OU another formidable linebacking corps.
Brad Edwards researches college football for ESPN and is a contributor to ESPN.com throughout the year.
