Tulsa Golden Hurricanes
2000 overall record: 5-7
Conference record: 4-4 (5th)
Returning starters
Offense: 7
Defense: 8
Kickers: 2
2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Ken Bohanon* (802 yds)
Passing: Josh Blankenship* (2,507 yds)
Receiving: Donald Shoals* (1,195 yds)
Tackles: Ashon Farley (115)
Sacks: Drew McLaughlin* (2.5)
Interceptions: C.J. Scott (5)
What's new
There was much anticipation entering last season with new head coach Keith Burns, but this season, the feeling is more of excitement. The five victories last year were the most at Tulsa since 1991, and with many starters returning from that team, a winning season is a real possibility.
Battling it out
The receiver position opposite of Donald Shoals needs to be filled, and that person could see a lot of single coverage. Darrell Wimberly and Montiese Culton are the top candidates. Wimberly played as a true freshman and had only 10 catches, but he did get a lot of snaps. His experience and courage across the middle have him listed at No. 1 after the spring. Culton redshirted last season and has great speed, but he needs to work on his consistency as a pass catcher. If he can master that, he could be a big-play receiver in the near future.
Eye catcher: DT Justin Dixon
He played in 10 games at defensive end last year, then was moved to tackle this spring because of a lack of depth in the interior line. Dixon is undersized for his position but has great quickness and toughness. He spent a lot of time in the offensive backfield during the spring and is listed at No. 1 entering the ball.
Budding star: LB Michael Dulaney
The transfer from Oklahoma seems to be a big-time player and should draw immediate attention in his first year in the conference. He is a run stopper and a big hitter and plays with intensity on every play. He looks like he could be a dominating presence on the inside for Tulsa and gives them a much-needed difference maker in the middle of the defense.
Brad Edwards researches college football for ESPN and is a contributor to ESPN.com throughout the year.
