Utah State Aggies
2000 record: 5-6
Returning starters
Offense: 8
Defense: 7
Kickers: 1
2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Emmett White* (1,322 yds)
Passing: Jose Fuentes* (2,709 yds)
Receiving: Aaron Jones (1,159 yds)
Tackles: Brent Passey (119)
Sacks: Three players with 4 each
Interceptions: Four players with 2 each
What's new
Utah State will not be playing in a conference for the first time since 1977. The result is a lot of travel. The Aggies will play games in all four time zones and cover 15,408 miles of distance.
Battling it out
Only one player with significant starting experience returns to a lineup with four receiver spots. Chris Stallworth started six games last year with 26 catches and is a pretty good bet to start again. Marshall Sanders is also likely to play a lot after starting four games a season ago and catching 13 balls. The other two spots are being contested by as many as six players. Likely candidates are David Fiefia, who also plays running back, and JC transfer Gary Coleman, who enrolled in January.
Eye catcher: C Ed Powell
He saw action in several games as a backup last year and moved to the top of the depth chart with the graduation of Junior Pututau. Powell might have exceeded expectations with his performance in the spring, showing great athleticism at the position. It doesn't look like the Aggies will miss a beat at that position and might even have upgraded.
Budding star: DE Nick Onaindia
Onaindia played in only three games last year before missing the rest of the season with a shoulder injury. He had 11 tackles vs. Arizona State prior to being sidelined. He is a high-intensity, full-speed player with good pass-rushing speed. His presence on the field will be a difference-making element for the defense.
Brad Edwards researches college football for ESPN and is a contributor to ESPN.com throughout the year.
