Syracuse Orangemen
2000 overall record: 6-5
Conference record: 4-3 (t-3rd)
Returning starters
Offense: 8
Defense: 6
Kickers: 1
2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Dee Brown (1,031 yds)
Passing: Troy Nunes* (1,366 yds)
Receiving: Pat Woodcock (453 yds)
Tackles: Clifton Smith* (108)
Sacks: Dwight Freeney* (13)
Interceptions: Will Allen (2)
What's new
Brian Stewart is the new defensive backs coach for the Orangemen. What's not new is that there is a new DBs coach. Stewart is the fourth different person in six seasons to coach the Syracuse defensive backs.
Battling it out
Troy Nunes and R.J. Anderson split starting duties at quarterback last year and are still fairly even coming out of the spring. Nunes entered spring drills as the No. 1 QB, but Anderson held his own. Both had a solid spring game, although Nunes left the game with a minor injury.
Eye catcher: OLB Maurice Minter
Minter was a wide receiver for a few years before moving to safety last year and then to linebacker. After an impressive spring, he is now listed first on the depth chart at the position which was held by Morlon Greenwood the last four seasons.
Budding star: MLB Clifton Smith
Started each of his first two seasons and has continued to improve. He led the team in tackles last year and is still getting bigger and stronger. Smith will be a candidate for many awards in 2001.
Brad Edwards researches college football for ESPN and is a contributor to ESPN.com throughout the year.
