Central Florida Golden Knights
2000 overall record: 7-4
Returning starters
Offense: 4
Defense: 6
Kickers: 2

2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Corey Baker* (417 yds)
Passing: Ryan Schneider * (2,334 yds)
Receiving: Tyson Hinshaw (1,089 yds)
Tackles: Tito Rodriguez* (121)
Sacks: Elton Patterson* (10)
Interceptions: Davin Bush (3)

What's new
The tight end has basically been a glorified blocker in the UCF offense the past several years, but this season, two of the Knights' better offensive players are at that position. With the graduation of two of quarterback Ryan Schneider's favorite targets from last season, look for Mario Jackson and Michael Gaines to get many passes thrown their way in 2001.
Battling it out
Leading rusher Corey Baker returns but must fight off stiff competition to retain his starting role. Terrence Williams, who redshirted last year with an ankle injury, had just 369 yards at UCF in '99 but averaged over 200 yards per game in his final junior college season in '98. Redshirt freshman Alex Haynes is the biggest of the three backs and had an impressive spring, showing good speed along with his power. Entering the fall, Williams is listed first on the depth chart, followed by Haynes and Baker.
Eye catcher: WR Thad Ward
Ward moved around between defensive back and receiver in his first two seasons and caught just seven passes in game action. But after an outstanding spring, he now sits atop the depth chart at one receiver position. He has big-play speed and quickness and even saw some action at tailback in the final spring scrimmage, collecting 70 receiving yards and 52 rushing.
Budding star: WR Jimmy Fryzel
He finished second on the team with 606 yards last season -- fairly impressive numbers as a teammate of a 1,000-yard receiver. Fryzel is a very disciplined route runner who is quick off the line of scrimmage and has great body control. He should be the focal point of the passing game this season after the departure of Tyson Hinshaw.

Navy Midshipmen
2000 overall record: 1-10
Returning starters Offense: 4
Defense: 7
Kickers: 1

2000 statistical leaders (* - returners) Rushing: Raheem Lambert* (597 yds)
Passing: Brian Broadwater (858 yds)
Receiving: Brandon Rampini (324 yds)
Tackles: Chris Lepore (109)
Sacks: Eric Severson* (3)
Interceptions: Lepore (5)

What's new
Navy has two new coordinators, including Mark Hudspeth on the offensive side. He will continue to run the option but will try to get the ball in the air much more often (the Midshipmen attempted 43 passes in the spring game). If Brian Madden can successfully return from a knee injury, then this should be a much better season in Annapolis.
Battling it out
The competition at kicker is surprisingly competitive with the return of David Hills, who handled all of the kicking duties last year. He was 9-of-12 on field goals and 17-of-18 on PAT, but he is in a battle with last year's JV kicker, Eric Rolfs. Rolfs has a stronger leg and was more consistent and accurate during the spring. He is actually listed as the No. 1 kicker entering the fall.
Eye catcher: WR Jeff Gaddy
He played in 10 games last season on special teams and as a backup cornerback. He moved to wide receiver in the spring and was very impressive. Gaddy is one of the fastest players on the team and consistently made big plays in practices, including a 65-yard TD catch in a spring scrimmage. He was named the most improved player of the spring by the coaching staff.
Budding star: DE Michael Wagoner
Wagoner played as a defensive tackle last season and made 46 stops, which led all down linemen. He is one of Navy's best athletes and dominated during spring ball in the new 4-3 defensive scheme. The new position should allow him to become much more of an impact performer in 2001.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish
2000 overall record: 9-3
Returning starters
Offense: 10
Defense: 7
Kickers: 2

2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Julius Jones* (657 yds)
Passing: Matt LoVecchio* (980 yds)
Receiving: Joey Getherall (323 yds)
Tackles: Anthony Denman (84)
Sacks: Anthony Weaver* (8)
Interceptions: Ron Israel* (3)

What's new
At this time last year, we were asking whether quarterback Arnaz Battle could lead Notre Dame to a BCS bowl game. Now, the question is whether Battle can make a similar impact as a receiver. Ever since Matt LoVecchio solidified the QB position following Battle's season-ending injury, the coaches have been focusing on other ways to utilize his playmaking talents. He looked promising as a wideout during the spring and could possibly get a chance to return kicks, as well.
Battling it out
LoVecchio is the No. 1 quarterback, but there is still a big battle for the backup spot, which could play an important role as the season progresses. Jared Clark and Carlyle Holiday each received as many snaps as LoVecchio in the spring while coaches tried to evaluate both. Clark is the better passer and Holiday is the better runner, although both have good all-around talent. And as last year proved, the backup is always just one snap away from a chance to be a hero.
Eye catcher: FB Mike McNair
The senior had seen very limited playing time in his first three seasons, which had sometimes been affected by injuries. But this spring, he showed increased production as a blocker and used his good agility to make plays as a ball carrier and receiver. The month was like a magical fulfillment of potential for McNair, who earned the No. 1 spot on the depth chart entering August.
Budding star: CB Vontez Duff
Duff played as a reserve defensive back last year -- making one interception -- and was one of only four true freshmen to see action for the Irish in 2000. After a strong spring, he is now in position to earn a starting role at corner. He has great athleticism, which has not only been evident in his coverage skills, but also in his potential as a kick returner. Duff has the ability to be instant offense when the offense is not on the field.

South Florida Bulls
2000 overall record: 7-4
Returning starters
Offense: 4
Defense: 4
Kickers: 1

2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Rafael Williams (704 yds)
Passing: Marquel Blackwell* (2,016 yds)
Receiving: Scott McCready (517 yds)
Tackles: Kawika Mitchell* (77)
Sacks: Greg Walls* (3)
Interceptions: Anthony Henry (5)

What's new
This will be South Florida's first year as a full-fledged Division I-A team. The program debuted in 1996 and began competing in 1997. It has been nationally ranked in I-AA since '98. The Bulls will join Conference USA in 2003.
Battling it out
Gone is four-year starter Raphael Williams, so the Bulls will have to find a new tailback for the first time in the history of the program. The top candidates are redshirt freshman Clenton Crossley and senior Derrick Rackard. Rackard, who has only 18 carries in his career, is listed first after the spring, but Crossley has great talent and will be difficult to hold off.
Eye catcher: FS J.R. Reed
Reed saw limited action last year as a freshman in a secondary with four senior starters. He was expected to step into a starting role this spring, and he has not disappointed. He has a great work ethic and plays with a lot of intensity. He is a hard hitter for his size and has shown a good grasp of the defensive scheme. Reed has big shoes to fill, replacing NFL draft choice Anthony Henry.
Budding Star: WR DeAndrew Rubin
He had 17 catches last season, despite missing the second half of the year with an ankle injury. Rubin already has seven TD catches in his first season and a half of college football. A fabulous athlete, he runs a 4.42-second 40-yard dash and has averaged 23.4 yards on nine punt returns. Look for him to be a favorite target of quarterback Marquel Blackwell, who was his high school teammate.

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.