ESPN College Football

2008 overall record: 8-5

2008 conference record: 5-2

Returning starters

Top returners

LB Ryan D'Imperio, C Ryan Blaszczyk, WR Tim Brown, RB Joe Martinek, RB Kordell Young, RB Jourdan Brooks, OT Anthony Davis, OT Kevin Haslam, DE George Johnson, CB Devin McCourty, S Joe Lefeged

Key losses

QB Mike Teel, WR Kenny Britt, WR Tiquan Underwood, S Courtney Greene, DE Jamaal Westerman, DT Pete Tverdov, LB Kevin Malast, CB Jason McCourty

2008 statistical leaders (* returners)

Rushing: Kordell Young* (554 yards)
Passing: Mike Teel (3,418 yards)
Receiving: Kenny Britt (1,371 yards)
Tackles: Kevin Malast (101)
Sacks: Jamaal Westerman (6)
Interceptions: Courtney Greene/Jason McCourty (2)

Spring answers

1. Dom does it: OK, so he didn't make everyone forget about Mike Teel. But Dom Natale did enough in the spring to separate himself -- for now -- from the other contenders in the quarterback derby. He'll still have to fend off challengers in the fall, but it's better to make others unseat you than it is to do the unseating.

2. No average Joe: Sophomore Joe Martinek became the main ball carrier almost by default, thanks to injuries to Kordell Young and Jourdan Brooks and Mason Robinson's experiment at receiver. Martinek, who came on strong at the end of last year, showed he could handle the extra load with aplomb. Will that be enough for Greg Schiano to make him the team's feature back? That remains to be seen.

3. Lines are drawn: The Scarlet Knights return their entire offensive line from a year ago, and Schiano was happy with how they progressed this spring. Meanwhile, the defensive line continued to build depth, even before two stud recruits come in this summer. Rutgers needs to fill some holes elsewhere, but being strong in the trenches is a great place for any team to start.

Fall questions

1.Where are the wideouts? Replacing Kenny Britt and Tiquan Underwood was going to be a tough challenge anyway, but the play of their possible successors didn't offer much reason for optimism this spring. Other than veteran Tim Brown, the only real standout at the position was true freshman Mohamed Sanu, who switched over from defensive back late in the spring. Rutgers simply has to find more options in the passing game.

2. Tight squeeze: Schiano said at the conclusion of spring that his incoming tight end recruits should know that the position is wide open this fall. That's how shaky his returnees at the tight end spot were in the spring. Given the problems at receiver and the inexperience at quarterback, having a reliable safety valve at tight end would prove helpful.

3. Savage time? Looming over spring practice was the presence of incoming freshman quarterback Tom Savage, who attended every major drill. The highly-rated recruit will be given a shot to win the quarterback job this summer, which is a tall order for any true freshman. How he fares will be the most-watched issue of fall camp.