Tennessee Volunteers
2000 overall record: 8-4
Conference record: 5-3 (t-2nd in East)
Returning starters
Offense: 8
Defense: 8
Kickers: 1
2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Travis Henry (1,314 yds)
Passing: Casey Clausen* (1,473 yds)
Receiving: Cedrick Wilson (681 yds)
Tackles: Anthony Sessions and Eric Westmoreland (83 each)
Sacks: John Henderson* (12)
Interceptions: Steven Marsh (2)
What's new
For the first time since 1995, Tennessee does not have an off-week before playing Florida. As usual, the game will be the third of the season for the Vols, but this year, they will play Syracuse on Sept. 1 and visit Arkansas on Sept. 8 before traveling to The Swamp for the 15th. Florida plays Louisiana-Monroe the previous week.
Battling it out
Andre Lott moved back to corner after playing safety last season, but the other corner spot still needs to be filled. Teddy Gaines is listed as the leader coming out of the spring, but last year's nickel back, Jabari Greer, has put up a good fight so far. Willie Miles is listed as the backup to Lott after having offseason wrist surgery, but he could also get into the mix come fall.
Eye catcher: TE Jason Witten
Witten will probably not be the starter because he is not as strong of a blocker as John Finlayson, but he showed in the spring that he can more than hold his own and established himself as a solid pass-catcher. He finished strong with three catches in the spring game and certainly earned himself more playing time this season.
Budding star: DE Will Overstreet
Despite playing with knee and back injuries most of last season, Overstreet was still a presence with 43 tackles and 4.5 sacks. He is one of the emotional leaders of the Tennessee defense, and if he is healthy, he can be one of the nation's best defensive ends. Teaming with John Henderson, he gives the Vols an almost unblockable tandem on the defensive line.
Brad Edwards researches college football for ESPN and is a contributor to ESPN.com throughout the year.
