Purdue Boilermakers
2000 overall record: 8-4
Conference record: 6-2 (t-1st)
Returning starters
Offense: 5
Defense: 10
Kickers: 2
2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Montrell Lowe* (998 yds)
Passing: Drew Brees (3,668 yds)
Receiving: Vinny Sutherland (1,014 yds)
Tackles: Stuart Schweigert* (85)
Sacks: Akin Ayodele* (9)
Interceptions: Stuart Schweigert* (5)
What's new
The Boilermakers lost four of their five starting offensive linemen from the Rose Bowl (three were drafted), and the one returning starter, Gene Mruczkowski, has switched from guard to center. Fortunately for Purdue, a veteran defense could take up the slack while the new-look offensive line and new quarterback Brandon Hance gain some experience.
Battling it out
Montrell Lowe rushed for almost 1,000 yard last season but is still fighting for his job. Big back Sedrick Brown is a better receiver than Lowe and had a really good spring to close the gap. Both could get competition from new signee Reggie Benton, as well as Joey Harris, who will gain eligibility this fall. Lowe is still listed at No. 1 after the spring.
Eye catcher: CB Antwaun Rogers
The redshirt freshman had an impressive spring to assume the only position vacated from last year's defense. Rogers put on a lot of muscle during his redshirt year and still recently timed out as the fastest player on the team. He had three interceptions in two spring scrimmages.
Budding star: DE Shaun Phillips
As a freshman last year, Phillips was second on team in both sacks (7) and tackles for loss (14). He is a smaller but athletic pass-rushing end who gets around the corner with great quickness. With Akin Ayodele on the other side, Purdue should have one of the more formidable sack tandems in the nation.
Brad Edwards researches college football for ESPN and is a contributor to ESPN.com throughout the year.
