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| Wednesday, May 9 Nix, Woods form powerful RB tandem By Brad Edwards Special to ESPN.com |
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Conference record: 4-3 (4th) Returning starters Offense: 9 Defense: 4 Kickers: 2 2000 statistical leaders (* - returners) Rushing: Dawayne Woods* (631 yds) Passing: Jeff Kelly* (2,381 yds) Receiving: Shawn Mills (713 yds) Tackles: Chad Williams* (114) Sacks: Cedric Scott (12) Interceptions: Leo Barnes (5) What's new Former defensive backs coach Tyrone Nix will now work with the middle linebackers and, more importantly, becomes the team's defensive coordinator. Outside of a few possible wrinkles, he should continue the same scheme as Dave Wommack, who left for Arkansas. Nix will inherit a talented but inexperienced defense. Battling it out Derrick Nix (brother of Tyrone) rushed for more than 1,000 yards in his freshman and sophomore seasons, but a sprained ankle and a kidney infection limited him after the fourth game of last year. Dawayne Woods went on to be the team's leading rusher and is now in a battle with Nix for the starting job. The Eagles want more production out of the running game, so both are likely to see considerable action. Nix had 100 yards on 19 carries in the spring game, while Woods carried 16 times for 87 yards. The post-spring depth chart has them listed together as the starter. Eye catcher: FS Corey Hosey A backup wide receiver last year, Hosey moved to defense in the spring and was named the team's most improved defensive player. He is now No. 2 on the depth chart entering the fall and has a chance to get a lot of playing time in an inexperienced secondary, even if he does not win the starting job. Budding star: S Chad Williams Williams started every game at free safety last year, which is more of a run support position in the Golden Eagles' scheme. He earned second-team all-Conference USA honors while leading the team in tackles (114) with eight sacks and forced four fumbles. He moved to rover this spring and will be called on to cover more ground in pass defense. Brad Edwards researches college football for ESPN and is a contributor to ESPN.com throughout the year. |
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