Wildcats at a glance

2001 schedule Aug. 30 at San Diego St. Sept. 8 vs Idaho Sept. 22 vs UNLV Sept. 29 vs Washington St. Oct. 6 vs Oregon Oct. 13 at Oregon St. Oct. 20 at Washington Oct. 27 vs USC Nov. 3 at California Nov. 10 vs Stanford Nov. 23 at Arizona St. 2000 results (5-6, 3-5 Pac-10) at Utah W 17-3 Ohio St. L 27-17 San Diego St. W 17-3 at Stanford W 27-3 at USC W 31-15 Washington St. W 53-47 at Oregon L 14-10 UCLA L 27-24 at Washington L 35-32 Oregon St. L 33-9 Arizona St. L 30-17

OFFENSE
Now, in steps John Mackovic and his multiple, diversified offense. Experienced at both the college level and the NFL, the creative and enthusiastic Mackovic will attempt to jump-start a Wildcat offense that scored less than 20 points in six games last year and was in the Pac-10 cellar when it came to total yards per game on offense.

In order for significant improvement to be shown, the new signal-caller has to be up to the task. Stepping in to run Mackovic's creative offense will be inexperienced fourth-year junior Jason Johnson, a pro-style QB who possesses an adequate arm along with just enough mobility to escape when things break down up front. If Johnson isn't the answer, true freshman Nic Costa could become a part of the equation. Although only 5-foot-11, the athletic lefty combines above-average arm strength with outstanding wheels. As a running threat, he's considered to be very exciting to watch.

Mackovic is high on sophomore RB Clarence Farmer and figures to also design special plays for super blue-chip junior wideout Bobby Wade. He'll also work as the Wildcats' primary punt/kickoff returner. Since the tight end is a key part of Mackovic's offensive scheme, look for junior James Hugo to have a major impact this season. He's a big, physical 6-5, 250-pounder with the ability to stretch things down the middle and also adjust to haul in the poorly thrown ball.

Remember, in Mackovic's offense there are plays designed specifically to feature the the tight end, meaning Hugo will be a vital part of the equation. By the way, it will also be interesting to monitor the progress of highly regarded freshmen such as tailbacks Mike Bell and Gainus Scott along with speedy, talented wideout Robert Spells.

The offensive line is led into battle by senior center Steven Grace, who figures to be one of the elite players at his position in the country. Two of the Wildcats' other top-flight linemen, LT Makoa Freitas (foot) and RT Darren Safranek (shoulder) did not participate in spring practice due to injury. They'll be ready to go in the fall, though, with Freitas a definite all-Pac-10 candidate.

junior-collegeDEFENSE
The major headliners who will provide outstanding play on what should be a tenacious Wildcats' defensive unit are DT Keoni Fraser, MLB Lance Briggs, and the experienced deep patrol, featuring CB Michael Jolivette along with quality safeties Brandon Nash and Jarvie Worcester.

Fraser is one of the top DTs in the Pac-10, Briggs has few peers at MLB, and Nash combines toughness with smarts, carrying a 3.1 grade-point average. He's one of the primary defensive leaders. Worcester has proven to be a real hitter in the deep patrol and, like Nash, brings a great deal of intelligence to the position. Worcester carries a 3.5 GPA.

Other key names to remember on defense are the versatile Eli Wnek and former junior-college transfer Ray Wells. Wnek, who operated at fullback last year, has been shifted back to his customary DE spot where he'll be asked to provide a consistent pass rush off the edge. He's coming off an excellent spring. Wells, who sat out last year, was a standout performer in the spring at OLB.

SPECIAL TEAMS
Mackovic feels great about the placekicking situation. Junior Sean Keel combines a strong leg with the necessary consistency. In the spring, even though the Wildcats were trying out new snappers and holders, he still connected on 81 percent of his field-goal attempts. With kickoffs not one of Keel's strengths, the 'Cats will be hoping someone emerges to fill that role during fall practice. Senior Chris Palic handles the punting duties, although he'll be challenged by youngster Ramey Peru.