Toledo Rockets
2000 overall record: 10-1
Conference record: 6-1 (t-1st in West)
Returning starters
Offense: 8
Defense: 8
Kickers: 2
2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Chester Taylor* (1,470 yds)
Passing: Tavares Bolden* (1,597 yds)
Receiving: Mel Long (587 yds)
Tackles: Andy Boyd* (95)
Sacks: Kevin Rollins (9)
Interceptions: Boyd* and Rollins (3 each)
What's new
The Rockets have a new head coach in their former defensive coordinator Tom Amstutz. He could easily be satisfied with returning most of the stars of an offense that scored 400 points last season, but instead he is changing the offensive scheme. This fall, Toledo will unveil a spread offense with multiple formations and some no-huddle. They will throw a lot more, which will open up the field for Chester Taylor.
Battling it out
There will be four starting spots at receiver in the new offense, and all are still open. Donta' Greene is the only returning starter, but he's not a guarantee to be the go-to guy. Juniors Carl Ford and Manny Johnson are also experienced and join a group of as many as eight contenders for the starting spots. Redshirt freshmen Terrance Hudson and Corterris Reese both made some noise in the spring, and Reese was named the most improved receiver of the spring.
Eye catcher: WR Terrance Hudson
Hudson redshirted last season because the offense was already stacked with talent. At 6-1, he is one of Toledo's bigger receivers and has good speed to go with that size. If he matures quickly, he could be a big weapon in the new and improved offensive attack.
Budding star: FS Andy Boyd
Boyd led the team in tackles and interceptions last year but was overshadowed by the senior leaders on defense. This season should be his turn to put a stamp on the defense. He is a hard worker who has continued to improve his speed and, as a former quarterback, has good instincts for the passing game.
Brad Edwards researches college football for ESPN and is a contributor to ESPN.com throughout the year.
