San Jose State Spartans
2000 overall record: 7-5
Conference record: 5-3 (4th)
Returning starters
Offense: 9
Defense: 4
Kickers: 2
2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Deonce Whitaker* (1,577 yds)
Passing: Marcus Arroyo* (2,344 yds)
Receiving: Rashied Davis* (785 yds)
Tackles: Josh Parry (122)
Sacks: Marshall Blount (6)
Interceptions: Three players with 3 each
What's new
Fitz Hill had been an assistant at Arkansas for the last 11 years but now leads the Spartans in his first job as a head coach. After looking back at last year's team, he decided to focus on discipline and reducing mistakes during spring workouts. He will also give Deonce Whitaker a new look by switching to a two-back set and getting him more involved in pass routes.
Battling it out
Only end Brandon Miles returns as a starter on the line, and he looks like a good bet to get one of the starting spots there. But as many as nine players could be in the running for those other positions this fall. Kevin Michaelis, Larry Dawson and Tim Mathewson all looked promising in the spring, while transfer David Bridgewater was moved across the ball in the final week of drills to add depth there.
Eye catcher: WR Charles Pauley
Pauley enrolled in January and immediately impressed the coaches. He is a smaller receiver but runs good routes with the ability to make people miss and gain yards after the catch. He will be fighting for a starting spot in the fall, but will certainly get plenty of snaps even if he doesn't win the job.
Budding star: CB Alex Wallace
He joined the team last August, transferring so late that he did not even make the media guide. It didn't take him long to get noticed on the field, though. Wallace won the starting corner spot and had a terrific season that included three interceptions and nine pass breakups. He was also a star on special teams, blocking three kicks and returning punts on occasion. He averaged 40 yards per interception return and 17 per punt return while earning second-team All-WAC honors.
Brad Edwards researches college football for ESPN and is a contributor to ESPN.com throughout the year.
