Texas A&M Aggies
2000 overall record: 7-5
Conference record: 5-3 (3rd in South)
Returning starters
Offense: 6
Defense: 5
Kickers: 1
2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Richard Whitaker* (455 yds)
Passing: Mark Farris* (2,551 yds)
Receiving: Robert Ferguson (885 yds)
Tackles: Brian Gamble* (110)
Sacks: Ty Warren* (5)
Interceptions: Sammy Davis* and Terrence Kiel* (4 each)
What's new
R.C. Slocum brought in three new offensive coaches, including Dino Babers from Arizona as the offensive coordinator. Last season, the Aggies accomplished their goal of improving the passing game but did so at the expense of the running game. Babers wants to get a better balance because, after all, A&M football without a rushing attack is not A&M football.
Battling it out
Richard Whitaker was the team's leading rusher last year, but that certainly doesn't make him the default starter this season. Redshirt freshman Keith Joseph was very impressive in the spring and has given Whitaker plenty of work to do to hold on to the slight lead he holds at this position.
Eye catcher: RB Keith Joseph
Joseph (6-2, 224) is bigger and more powerful than Whitaker and is a much different type of weapon. The Houston native was named by the defensive coaches as the scout team player of the year last season. He is a tough inside runner who can be very effective between the tackles.
Budding star: C Seth McKinney
The senior has continued to improve with each season and has now started 38 straight games at center. At 6-3, 302, McKinney is a powerful blocker, but he has been overshadowed in the Big 12 by Nebraska's Dominic Raiola for the last two years. McKinney will now have the chance to assert himself as the conference's best center.
Brad Edwards researches college football for ESPN and is a contributor to ESPN.com throughout the year.
