Texas Longhorns
2000 overall record: 9-3
Conference record: 7-1 (2nd in South)
Returning starters
Offense: 9
Defense: 8
Kickers: 0
2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Hodges Mitchell (1,118 yds)
Passing: Major Applewhite* (2,164 yds)
Receiving: Roy Williams* (809 yds)
Tackles: D.D. Lewis* and Casey Hampton (78 each)
Sacks: Cory Redding* (6.5)
Interceptions: Greg Brown (4)
What's new
The heart of the defensive line will be new in 2001 after the graduation of three-year starters Casey Hampton and Shaun Rogers - both high NFL draft choices. The duo combined for 107 career tackles for loss, so their effectiveness will not be easily replaced. Marcus Tubbs should take one of the spots, and the other is up for grabs.
Battling it out
Tailback Hodges Mitchell is gone, and five players saw significant snaps at that position during the spring. Victor Ike, who has the most game experience, emerged as the leader but by no means locked up the job. Brett Robin, Sneezy Beltran, Kenny Hayter and Ivan Williams are the others in competition, and all offer very different styles. To make things even more interesting, blue-chip recruit Cedric Benson joins this group in the fall.
Eye catcher: TE Bo Scaife
Scaife gained experience as a true freshman two years ago, and then earned the top spot at tight end with an impressive spring last year. But he tore an ACL during two-a-days and missed all of last season. Apparently, his recovery is complete. Another great spring has him eyeing the starting role once again, and the Longhorns need him in there - he is one of Chris Simms' favorite targets.
Budding star: OT Mike Williams
The 6-6, 340-pound senior has received little attention as the man starting opposite of Leonard Davis, but now it is Williams' turn to shine. He has allowed only one sack in his career as the right tackle and will stay on that side because Simms is left handed.
Brad Edwards researches college football for ESPN and is a contributor to ESPN.com throughout the year.
