Army Black Knights
2000 overall record: 1-10
Conference record: 1-6 (9th)

Returning starters
Offense: 8
Defense: 5
Kickers: 1

2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Michael Wallace (1,157 yds)
Passing: Joe Gerena (779 yds)
Receiving: Omari Thompson* (451 yds)
Tackles: Brian Zickefoose* (128)
Sacks: Zickefoose* (3)
Interceptions: Zickefoose* (3)

What's new
The offensive line is being rebuilt, with only one starter returning at the same position from a year ago. Left tackle Paul Henderson (a second-team C-USA selection) is the lone returner at his spot, while fellow starter Dustin Plumadore moves from guard to center. Overall, though, the line is more athletic and better suited to pull and pass protect.
Battling it out
A pair of seniors with differing styles are competing for the quarterback job. Chad Jenkins, who started at the beginning of last year before rolling an ankle, is more of a scrambler, while drop-back passer Curtis Zervic has also gained attention. Jenkins had the better spring and has the lead entering the fall.
Eye catcher: RB Marcellus Chapman
The sophomore did not appear in a varsity game last season but turned some heads with several long runs during spring scrimmages. Chapman is a small, quick runner and will challenge Josh Holden for the starting job.
Budding star: OLB Ben Woodruff
After starting his career as a quarterback, Woodruff played in all 11 games at free safety last year and recorded 23 tackles. This spring, he was moved to linebacker, where he impressed with his athleticism and coverage skills. He is listed as a starter entering fall workouts.

Cincinnati Bearcats
2000 overall record: 7-5
Conference record: 5-2 (t-2nd)

Returning starters
Offense: 5
Defense: 5
Kickers: 2

2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Ray Jackson* (808 yds)
Passing: Deontey Kenner (1,717 yds)
Receiving: Antonio Chatman (609 yds)
Tackles: Troy Evans (107)
Sacks: Antwan Peek* (8.5)
Interceptions: Anthony Thomas* and DeJuan Gossett (3 each)

What's new
Rick Minter brought in six new assistant coaches, including two new coordinators. Dave Baldwin is the offensive coordinator but shouldn't change much of what the Bearcats have been doing. A.J. Christoff takes over the defense, which will try to put more pressure at the line and employ more man coverage in the secondary. The idea is to take advantage of an experienced defensive line and ask those players to make more plays.
Battling it out
At quarterback, Arizona State transfer John Leonard played well enough to grab the lead from last year's backup, Adam Hoover, but the race is far from over. To make matters more interesting, a star prep QB could be in the mix come August. Gino Guidugli was the successor to Jared Lorenzen in high school and threw for more than 4,000 yards with 51 TD as a high school senior last year.
Eye catcher: DE Andre Frazier
Frazier walked on to the team last year from a high school that is across the street from UC. As a very undersized true freshman, he earned defensive scout team player of the year honors. Already with great quickness, he has put on some good size and strength since the end of last season. He made five tackles and a sack in the spring game and has earned the starting spot at defensive end entering the fall.
Budding star: DE Antwan Peek
Peek was recruited as a wide receiver, played defensive back in his freshman season, moved to linebacker the next year, and last August was switched to defensive end just before the start of the season. Despite his inexperience at the position, his raw athleticism was good enough for 8.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss. Peek has added another 10 pounds of muscle and really benefited from the change of scheme. He seems destined for an even stronger season in 2001.

East Carolina Pirates
2000 overall record: 8-4
Conference record: 5-2 (t-2nd)

Returning starters
Offense: 6
Defense: 9
Kickers: 1

2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Leonard Henry* (711 yds)
Passing: David Garrard* (2,332 yds)
Receiving: Marcellus Harris (496 yds)
Tackles: Pernell Griffin* (87)
Sacks: Devone Claybrooks (5)
Interceptions: John Williamson* (2)

What's new
There are five Division I-A football teams in North Carolina, and the battle for bragging rights will have a significant development this season. Over the last 10 years, the best records in the state belong to UNC and ECU, but those squads haven't played since 1981. That will change when the Pirates travel to Chapel Hill on Oct. 6. Battling it out
After losing a senior starter from last season, three players are now in the mix at tight end. Seth Yates and Corey Floyd both have experience after playing as backups last year, but Ben Thomas, who played mostly special teams, has gotten some attention. The race is too close to call after spring drills, though none of the candidates is consistently performing at a high level. If nobody shows significant improvement before September, this will be an area of concern for the Pirates.
Eye catcher: WR Derrick Collier
Collier transfered to ECU and played in 11 games last year with no starts. He had only seven receptions in the regular season but caught a 44-yd TD pass in the bowl game. He has since emerged as a deep threat and was a favorite target of QB David Garrard during the spring. Collier is listed as the starter at split end entering the fall.
Budding star: HB Terrance Copper
As a freshman last year, he played in all 12 games, making 11 catches for 199 yards. With the departure of Keith Stokes, however, Copper will be the starter at H-back and punt returns in 2001. He combines great speed with good size and athleticism and, teaming with Collier on the other side, gives ECU plenty of big-play potential.

Houston Cougars
2000 overall record: 3-8
Conference record: 2-5 (t-7th)

Returning starters
Offense: 8
Defense: 6
Kickers: 0

2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Joffrey Reynolds* (534 yds)
Passing: Jason McKinley (2,696 yds)
Receiving: Brian Robinson* (890 yds)
Tackles: Wayne Rogers (134)
Sacks: Rogers (10)
Interceptions: Hanik Milligan* (5)

What's new
Jason McKinley had started the last 41games at quarterback for Houston, but the Cougars must now find a new signal caller. The only experienced returner missed spring drills with an injury, so snaps were shared between a walkon and a converted DB. The quarterback race is wide open entering the fall between as many as six candidates.
Battling it out
The position battle at running back is in much better shape, but the stakes are high because the Cougars typically use a one-back set. Last year's leading rusher, Joffrey Reynolds, is in competition with Leif Penn, who ended the season as the starter. Also very much in the mix is Chris Robertson, a transfer from Texas. All are fairly big backs (over 200 pounds), and all are good receivers. The three are currently bracketed together as No. 1 back.
Eye catcher: TE Kyle Brown
Originally a linebacker, Brown converted to tight end in the middle of last season but saw very little action and played mostly on special teams. With more work at the position this spring, he has shown enough progress to earn significant playing time as the backup and should get plenty of action in two tight end sets. Brown is a well-rounded athlete who is a threat as a receiver.
Budding star: FS Hanik Milligan
Milligan earned the starting free safety role last August after coming in as a junior college transfer. He has good size for a safety and covers a lot of ground as well (led the team with five interceptions). His continued improvement in the spring was capped off with an eight tackle performance in the spring game. He will start alongside his brother Hamin, who plays the other safety spot.

Louisville Cardinals
2000 overall record: 9-3
Conference record: 6-1 (1st)

Returning starters
Offense: 8
Defense: 6
Kickers: 2

2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Tony Stallings* (829 yds)
Passing: Dave Ragone* (2,621 yds)
Receiving: Deion Branch* (1,016 yds)
Tackles: Rashad Harris (105)
Sacks: Michael Josiah* (13)
Interceptions: Anthony Floyd* (10)

What's new
After the graduation of both starting defensive tackles, the interior defensive line will be brand new with very little experience. The possible replacements were inconsistent in spring drills, making this an area of concern entering the fall. Depth on the defensive line will be further affected by Chad Lee's move from end to linebacker.
Battling it out
Competition is strong at center, where a couple of experienced linemen are vying for the starting job. Last year's backup, Ariel Rodriguez, looked good in the spring and takes a slight lead into fall workouts. Senior Michael Bowers started nine games at tackle last year, but is hanging tough in the race while he learns his new position.
Eye catcher: WR Damien Dorsey
Dorsey had only 11 catches last season while backing up Division I-A's career receptions leader, Arnold Jackson. But after a stellar spring, he looks ready to take that spot in the starting lineup and put up big numbers in the Cardinals' three-receiver sets. He has speed, quickness and the ability to stretch the field for opposing defenses.
Budding star: WR Deion Branch
With more than 1,000 receiving yards and first team All-Conference USA recognition, last year was a fruitful one for the Louisville junior. But in the shadow of Jackson's career accomplishments, Branch received very little attention on the national level. That could change with another big season in 2001. He is the favorite target of returning QB Dave Ragone, and the ball should continue to come his way.

Memphis Tigers
2000 overall record: 4-7
Conference record: 2-5 (t-7th)

Returning starters
Offense: 8
Defense: 7
Kickers: 1

2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Sugar Sanders* (646 yds)
Passing: Scott Scherer* (857 yds)
Receiving: Bunkie Perkins* (314 yds)
Tackles: Kamal Shakir (119)
Sacks: Andre Arnold* (13)
Interceptions: Glenn Sumter* (5)

What's new
Tommy West takes over as the Tigers' head coach, and the former defensive coordinator will make an immediate change on the other side of the ball. He scrapped the power-I formation and brought in Randy Fichtner from Arkansas State to install a spread offense. West prefers to stay balanced out of this look but has the scheme in place to throw the ball a lot when necessary.
Battling it out
The biggest question is who will throw the passes in the new offense. Memphis used three different starters at QB last year, and all three return. Travis Anglin, who began the 2000 season at No. 1, has a slight lead in this year's race because of his scrambling ability. Neil Suber, Scott Scherer and redshirt freshman Danny Wimprine also had their moments in the spring, but nobody separated himself from the field.
Eye catcher: DT Eric Taylor
Taylor played in only four games as a true freshman, making seven tackles. But after a solid spring, he established himself as the top candidate to fill one of the holes in the interior defensive line. He has proven to be a good run stopper and an on-field leader for a young defensive line.
Budding star: WR Darren Garcia
After coming to the team as a walk-on last fall, he began as a scout team receiver before working his way onto the field near the end of the season. Garcia caught his first pass in the 10th game and had two kickoff returns in the finale. In the spring, he was dominant at times. He has speed, size and courage across the middle and could be a big weapon in the new spread offense.

Southern Miss Golden Eagles
2000 overall record: 8-4
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.

TCU Horned Frogs
2000 overall record: 10-2
Conference record: 6-1 (t-1st in WAC)

Returning starters
Offense: 4
Defense: 5
Kickers: 1

2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: LaDainian Tomlinson (2,158 yds)
Passing: Casey Printers* (1,584 yds)
Receiving: Tim Maiden (348 yds)
Tackles: Chad Bayer* (107)
Sacks: Aaron Schobel (6.5)
Interceptions: Tyrone Sanders* (3)

What's new
Gary Patterson takes over for his first full season as the head coach of the Horned Frogs, although he did coach in the Mobile Alabama Bowl last season. The former defensive coordinator, however, has no need to change much of what has been so successful over the last three seasons -- especially on the defensive side. Offensively, the departure of LaDainian Tomlinson and the return of QB Casey Printers might inspire a more balanced attack in 2001.
Battling it out
There is a three-man battle to replace Tomlinson at running back, and the candidates are all very similar to each other (all under 200 pounds). The leader seems to be Ricky Madison, who probably has the most big-play ability among the bunch. Andrew Hayes-Stokes, however, averaged almost five yards per carry as a backup last year, and Corey Connally seems to have the same talent, only with less experience.
Eye catcher: LB LaMarcus McDonald
McDonald had 33 tackles last year, playing mostly on special teams. In one short stint on defense vs. Hawaii, however, he made six tackles in only 10 plays of action. He performed with equal intensity in the spring and should have earned himself a spot in the rotation for the two linebacker spots this fall.
Budding star: WR LaTarence Dunbar
The speedster led the nation in kickoff return average last season (33.7 yards), which included two touchdowns. And although he started only five games at receiver, he also had a 74-yard TD catch. Without Tomlinson, Dunbar is probably the best playmaker on the TCU offense and should get a lot more touches this year. He will certainly benefit from a more balanced offensive gameplan.

Tulane Green Wave
2000 overall record: 6-5
Conference record: 3-4 (t-5th)

Returning starters
Offense: 5
Defense: 5
Kickers: 2

2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Mewelde Moore* (890 yds)
Passing: Patrick Ramsey* (2,833 yds)
Receiving: Adrian Burnette (1,035 yds)
Tackles: Jerry Phillips (106)
Sacks: Floyd Dorsey* and Noel Ellis (5 each)
Interceptions: Lynaris Elpheage* (3)

What's new
Tulane will have an offensive coordinator for the first time under Chris Scelfo, but don't expect it to make much of a change in the offense. The coordinator is Frank Scelfo, Chris' older brother and the Green Wave's quarterbacks coach the last two years.
Battling it out
Quentin Brown started the first six games at free safety last year before being replaced by Adrian Mitchell. Both are back this season, and Mitchell is the team's leading returning tackler despite starting only five games. Brown made a resurgence in spring practice, however, and holds a slight lead as he tries to regain his spot this fall. Regardless, both should see plenty of playing time in nickel situations.
Eye catcher: CB Jeff Sanchez
Sanchez began last season as the starting running back before a severe ankle sprain caused him to miss five games. Mewelde Moore played so well in his absence that Sanchez requested a position switch this spring. He demonstrated great natural talent while learning to play corner this spring and should be a part of the Wave's DB rotation in the fall.
Budding star: WR Roydell Williams
After an impressive set of August practices last year, Williams played behind a pair of seniors and was unable to put up the big numbers that some thought he would. He continued to impress in spring drills, however, and seems ready for a breakout season. He should be a prime target in the passing attack along with Terrell Harris.

UAB Blazers
2000 overall record: 7-4
Conference record: 3-4 (t-5th)

Returning starters
Offense: 6
Defense: 10
Kickers: 2

2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Jegil Dugger* (852 yds)
Passing: Jeff Aaron* (1,135 yds)
Receiving: Willie Quinnie* (308)
Tackles: Adrian Singleton* (85)
Sacks: Bryan Thomas* (10)
Interceptions: 4 returning players with 3 each
What's new
The Blazers will break out a new offensive scheme in 2001 after struggling considerably on that side of the ball last season. They will use a one-back set with a predominantly no-huddle attack to take advantage of their veteran group of receivers. With a very strong defense, 20 points should be enough to win most games.
Battling it out
The tight end spot is up-for grabs after the departure of two experienced seniors. The three sophomores in contention all have the physical tools but just need snaps. Converted quarterback Jeff Tippetts appears to have a slight lead over Cory Nix and Shane Pearson, but all three were running with the first team at some point in the spring. It should be a spirited competition in August.
Eye catcher: OT Wilbert Hamilton
As a true freshman last season, Hamilton was talented and mature enough to work his way into the rotation on a very good defensive line. He was moved to offense this spring because there is still so much depth on defense, and Hamilton was too good to not have on the field more often. He showed good athleticism to hold the corner as a blocker and should be the starting left tackle this fall.
Budding star: DE Bryan Thomas
Thomas did not qualify academically as an incoming freshman but performed well enough in the classroom to earn his fourth year back, and the Blazers are thrilled that he decided to take it. He has started the last two seasons and earned second team All-Conference USA honors last year. He is an athletic pass rusher who posted 10 sacks, forced three fumbles and even blocked three kicks in 2000.