|
|
|
HEAD
COACH: Joe Paterno
OFFENSIVE KEY LOSSES: Kareem McKenzie-OT,
Imani Bell-OT, Josh Mitchell-OG, Tony Stewart-TE, Rashard Casey-QB,
Mike Cerimele-FB, Kenny Watson-WR, Ryan Primanti-K
DEFENSIVE KEY LOSSES: Justin Kurpeikis-DE, Brandon Steele-ILB,
Eric Sturdifen-OLB, Aaron Gatten-OLB, James Boyd-FS, Titcus Pettigrew-SS,
Bhawoh Jue-CB |
|
Logically,
a team that went 5-7 last year and returns only nine starters surely
can't be given Top 50 consideration. Some Beaver fans still claim
this team deserves even better. There is no reason it can't happen.
If there is to be a Happy Valley turnaround, it must start with
Matt Seneca at QB as Rashard Casey has departed. Seneca is inexperienced
to say the least as Casey took most all of the snaps in 2000. Coaches
seem confident in putting Seneca at the helm, but it's obvious he
won't be able to do it alone. Joining him is running back Eric McCoo,
who has a chance to lead State in rushing for the fourth year in
a row. There is a ton of running backs to choose from, some say
maybe even too many. There's a great deal of experience at receiver,
but they need to produce. Senior Eddie Drummond is the real #1 threat.
He missed too much time this spring due to academic problems and
Johnson emerged as a potential star. Part of the problem last season
was the bruised and battered offensive line which suffered through
a variety of injuries. Now they must deal with the loss of their
top two players in Kareem McKenzie and Imani Bell. The Lions are
not as bad off as they were last fall when they had to replace the
whole D. They lose DE Justin Kurpeikis, but everyone else comes
back up front. The star is junior DT Jimmy Kennedy who is a 330-pound
stuffing machine. In line to join the famous list of linebackers
out of Penn State will be Shamar Finney, who was a big time recruit
for Jopa a few years back. Last season was one big roller coaster
ride. At times PSU looked absolutely horrible, but yet in some games,
managed to turn it on and beat the likes of Rose Bowl bound Purdue.
Coach Paterno will break Bear Bryant's all time win record this
year, and at the same time, the Lions could be in danger of suffering
back-to-back losing seasons for the first time since 1931-32. Who
knows? If anyone asks...Penn State can beat anyone, and anyone can
beat Penn State.
|
PENN
STATE 2001 DEPTH CHART
Returning Starters in Bold
|
OFFENSE
|
QB |
Matt
Seneca-Jr |
Zack
Mills-Fr |
FB |
R.J.
Luke-Jr |
Paul
Jefferson-So |
RB |
Eric
McCoo-Sr |
Larry
Johnson-Jr |
WR |
Eddie
Drummond-Sr |
Tony
Johnson-So |
WR |
Bryant
Johnson-Jr |
Matt
Kranchick-So |
TE |
John
Gilmore-Sr |
Sean
McHugh-So |
OT |
Gus
Felder-Sr |
Chris
McKelvy-So |
OG |
Greg
Ransom-Sr |
Tyler
Lenda-Jr |
C |
Joe
Iorio-Jr |
Eric
Rickenbach-Jr |
OG |
Joe
Hartings-Sr |
Scott
Davis-Fr |
OT |
Matt
Schmitt-Jr |
Nick
Marmo-Fr |
K |
David
Kimball-So |
.. |
|
DEFENSE
|
DE |
Bob
Jones-Sr |
Jeremiah
Davis-Fr |
DT |
Anthony
Adams-Jr |
Tim
Falls-Jr |
DT |
Jimmy
Kennedy-Jr |
Tyler
Valoczki-Jr |
DE |
Michael
Haynes-Jr |
John
Bronson-Fr |
LB |
Gino
Capone-So |
T.C.
Cosby-Fr |
LB |
Shamar
Finney-Sr |
Tim
Johnson-Fr |
LB |
Derek
Wake-So |
Sam
Ruhe-So |
CB |
Bryan
Scott-Jr |
Scott
Sanden-Jr |
CB |
Bruce
Branch-Sr |
Tom
Humphrey-Sr |
SS |
Horace
Dodd-So |
Sam
Crenshaw-Sr |
FS |
Yaacov
Yisrael-So |
Jimi
Mitchell-Fr |
P |
David
Royer-Jr |
.. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
HEAD
COACH: Tommy Tuberville
OFFENSIVE KEY LOSSES: Ronney Daniels-WR,
Reggie Worthy-WR, Colin Sears-OT, Ben Leard-QB, Rudi Johnson-TB, Heath
Evans-FB
DEFENSIVE KEY LOSSES: Roderick Chambers-DT, Alex Lincoln-MLB,
Rob Pate-WLB, Larry Casher-CB, Rodney Crayton-CB |
|
The
one aspect that really stands out when looking at the 2001 Auburn
Tigers is the loss of all the offensive skill positions. When we
say all, we mean all. All five returning offensive starters are
linemen. The NFL took early the likes of Rudi Johnson at tailback,
Heath Evans at fullback, and Ronney Daniels at receiver. The quarterback
position is going to be interesting in finding out who can replace
Ben Leard, as there are four scholarship players fighting for that
starting spot, and none of them seemed to overwhelm in the spring.
The same question might be asked concerning the running backs. Auburn's
returning leading rusher from last season is a wide receiver. As
previously mentioned, there is extreme strength to build the program
around on the offensive line. Kendall Simmons is one of the best
tackles around. The Tigers look to be very quick up front on the
defensive side. Leading tackler Alex Lincoln will be the most missed
from his linebacker spot, but Demarco McNeil is one of the best
SEC run stoppers and should help fill the void. The key to team
success has got to come from the Tigers strength, which is on the
offensive and defensive lines. Enough so that there is time for
the new incumbents at the skill positions to gain some confidence
and experience. But that better come quickly. What a seesaw preseason
outlook Tommy Tuberville presents. The young talent is good enough
to make an outside run at the SEC West conference crown, on the
other side, it is quite possible the Tigers could be looking at
the conference cellar. Only time will tell, and anyone that claims
to know the answer to what 2001 brings, is only speculating at best.
|
AUBURN
2001 DEPTH CHART
Returning Staters in Bold
|
OFFENSE
|
QB |
Daniel
Cobb-Sr |
Jason
Campbell-Fr |
FB |
Brandon
Johnson-So |
Michael
Owens-Jr |
TB |
Ronnie
Brown-Fr |
Casinious
Moore-So |
WR |
Marcel
Willis-Jr |
Allen
Tillman-So |
WR |
Tim
Carter-Sr |
Deandre
Green-So |
TE |
Lorenzo
Diamond-Jr |
Robert
Johnson-So |
OT |
Kendall
Simmons-Sr |
Ryan
Broome-Fr |
OG |
Hart
McGarry-Sr |
Nate
French-Fr |
C |
Ben
Nowland-Jr |
Danny
Lindsey-Fr |
OG |
Mike
Pucillo-Sr |
Monreko
Crittenden-So |
OT |
Mark
Pera-So |
Rick
Trucks-Fr |
K |
Damon
Duval-Jr |
Philip
Yost-Fr |
|
DEFENSE
|
DE |
Javor
Mills-Sr |
Alton
Moore-Sr |
DT |
Demarco
McNeil-So |
Dexter
Murphy-So |
DT |
Spencer
Johnson-So |
Marcus
White-So |
DE |
James
Callier-Sr |
Reggie
Torbor-So |
JLB |
Dontarrious
Thomas-So |
Mayo
Sowell-Fr |
MLB |
Mark
Brown-Jr |
Tavarreus
Pounds-Sr |
WLB |
Roshard
Gilyard-So |
Karlos
Dansby-So |
CB |
Roderick
Hood-Jr |
Junior
Rosegreen-Fr |
CB |
Travaris
Robinson-Jr |
Lamel
Ages-Fr |
ROV |
Rashaud
Walker-So |
Ronaldo
Attimy-Jr |
FS |
Stanford
Simmons-So |
Donnay
Young-Fr |
P |
Damon
Duval-Jr |
Taylor
Mosley-Jr |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
HEAD
COACH: Pat Hill
OFFENSIVE KEY LOSSES: Kevin Jordan-OT,
James Tillman-RB, Ahmad Bhatti-OG
DEFENSIVE KEY LOSSES: Thabiti Lockhart-NT, Orlando Huff-OLB,
Tim Skipper-MLB, Giachino Chiaramonte-OLB, Dante Marsh-CB |
|
The
pride of the Valley (Fresno State) is going to be your leading candidate
for WAC Honors in 2001. A big key to that reasoning starts with
a senior at the helm, as David Carr returns to assume the QB position
once again. A returning captain with a very strong arm and NFL draftability,
Carr will be a preseason favorite for WAC Player Of The Year. He
will have some of the deepest and speediest receivers at his flanks,
as there are three players who have earned either first or second-team
All-WAC honors during their careers while catching passes. All eight
of Fresno State's top receivers, who accounted for a combined 24
touchdowns and nearly 2,800 receiving yards last season, return
for the 2001 season. The running back situation still has to be
of some concern. Even though there seems to be talent, the most
yards rushing last season by any back was only 425 yards. Defensively
the big question mark will be who spells linebacker as all three
spots need filled. But All-American Candidate Alan Harper at tackle
should provide FSU with a major threat up front. At defensive back,
seniors Vernon Fox and Anthony Limbrick are first-team All-WAC selections.
This Bulldog team has enough talent to make some serious noise.
Oregon State makes a visit to the valley as its opener. A Beaver
word to the wise, don't mess around with this team or they will
beat you. The same will apply to anyone on the Bulldog schedule.
|
FRESNO
STATE 2001 DEPTH CHART
Returning Starters in Bold
|
OFFENSE
|
QB |
David
Carr-Sr |
Jeff
Grady-Jr |
FB |
Alec
Greco-So |
Stephen
Spach-Fr |
RB |
Josh
Levi-Jr |
Paris
Gains-Sr |
WR |
Charles
Smith-Jr |
David
Shabaglian-Jr |
WR |
Bernard
Berrian-Jr |
Rodney
Wright-Sr |
TE |
Jeremy
Johnson-So |
Duncan
Reid-Fr |
OT |
Fitu
Tu'ua-So |
Patrick
Fanene-Jr |
OG |
Russell
Harding-Sr |
Patrick
Fanene-Jr |
C |
Keith
McKnight-Jr |
DeJon
Kelly-Jr |
OG |
Rodney
Michael-Jr |
Antonio
Sanchez-So |
OT |
Joe
Schey-Jr |
Antonio
Sanchez-So |
K |
Asen
Asparuhov-Jr |
.. |
|
DEFENSE
|
DE |
Jake
Probst-Sr |
Clarence
Denning-So |
DT |
Alan
Harper-Sr |
Justin
Woltz-So |
NT |
Jason
Stewart-Jr |
Grant
Harrington-Sr |
DE |
Nick
Burley-Jr |
Brian
Morris-So |
OLB |
Maurice
Rodriguez-Sr |
Sam
Williams-Jr |
MLB |
Marc
Dailey-So |
Terrance
Hampton-Sr |
OLB |
Justin
Johnson-Sr |
Jermaine
McDermott-So |
CB |
Devon
Banks-Sr |
Juan
Bautista-So |
CB |
Tierre
Sams-Sr |
Dee
Meza-So |
SS |
Vernon
Fox-Sr |
Anthony
Limbrick-Sr |
FS |
Bryce
McGill-So |
Anthony
Limbrick-Sr |
P |
Jason
Simpson-Jr |
.. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
HEAD
COACH: Tom Amstutz
OFFENSIVE KEY LOSSES: Lyle Green-RB,
Jim Harding-OT, Mel Long-WR, Michael Schaefer-OG
DEFENSIVE KEY LOSSES: DeJuan Goulde-DE, Kevin Rollins-ILB,
Ira Singleton-ROV |
|
The
Rockets went 10-1 last season and didn't receive a bowl bid. Most
every one of their victories was by a comfortable margin, even the
Penn State game in Happy Valley. In steps a new coach for Gary Pinkel.
Replacing him will be a Toledo graduate Tom Amstutz, who has promised
to make things explosive offensively by going to a spread set. Can
the Rockets adjust to the new scheme? For this thing to work, many
of the talented receivers will have to increase their production
over last year. In charge of learning the new scheme will be signal
caller Tavares Bolden at QB, who had modest passing numbers last
year, but only gave up a four interceptions. Bolden has the luxury
of having what a few experts feel is a legit second tier Heisman
contender in Chester Taylor lining up behind him, who gained nearly
1,500 yards rushing in 2000. Eight of UT's top 10 offensive linemen
are back which bodes well. The same system will remain in place
on the defensive side where eight starters and plenty of reserves
are back. Three First Team All-Mac players need replaced, but there
is a deep pool of players on the DL and the defensive backfield
will claim bragging rights as the best of the MAC. There is a grand
chance Toledo could see a duplication of last year's record or even
better. The MAC champion is headed to Mobile for the GMAC Bowl in
2001 and Toledo is the favorite to claim that spot with so many
people back from a 10-1 campaign. The key has to be how well the
offense adapts to the new spread formation. The Rockets get tested
right off the bat against Minnesota and a promising Temple squad.
|
TOLEDO
2001 DEPTH CHART
Returning Starters in Bold
|
OFFENSE
|
QB |
Tavares
Bolden-Sr |
Keon
Frazier-So |
RB |
Chester
Taylor-Sr |
Antwon
McCray-Sr |
WR |
Carl
Ford-Jr |
Corterris
Reese-Fr |
WR |
Donta
Greene-Jr |
Jason
Freeman-So |
WR |
Manny
Johnson-Jr |
Terrance
Hudson-Fr |
TE |
Andrew
Clarke-Fr |
Greg
Grothous-Jr |
OT |
Archie
Godfrey-Jr |
Darric
Randolph-So |
OG |
Matt
Comer-Sr |
Wael
Jarbou-Fr |
C |
Chris
Tuminello-Jr |
Nick
Otterbacher-Sr |
OG |
Noah
Swartz-Jr |
David
Odenthal-So |
OT |
Tim
Dirksen-So |
Erik
Faasen-So |
K |
Todd
France-Sr |
.. |
|
DEFENSE
|
DE |
Leo
Frierson-Sr |
Frank
Ofili-So |
DT |
Jake
McLean-Sr |
Chaz
Williams-So |
DT |
Phil
Gibson-Sr |
Sameer
Hamood-Sr |
DE |
David
Bockmore-Sr |
Didier
Ormejuste-So |
WHIP |
Corey
Morris-Sr |
Sid
Daniels-Sr |
ILB |
Tom
Ward-Jr |
Anthony
Abron-So |
ILB |
David
Gardner-Jr |
Jason
Manson-Sr |
ROV |
Paul
Dye-So |
Dorian
Goulde-So |
CB |
Jehu
Anderson-Jr |
Tony
Miller-Jr |
CB |
Brandon
Hefflin-So |
James
Stanley-Jr |
FS |
Andy
Boyd-Sr |
Demetris
Simms-Jr |
P |
Brandon
Hannum-So |
.. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
HEAD
COACH: John Bunting
OFFENSIVE KEY LOSSES: Louis Marchetti-OT,
Cam Holland-OG, James Wagstaff-OT, Alge Crumpler-TE, Anthon Saunders-FB
DEFENSIVE KEY LOSSES: Ross McAllister-DE, Sedrick Hodge-LB,
Brandon Spoon-LB, David Bomar-DB, Anthony Perkins-DT (injured) |
|
Torbush
is out and John Bunting is in as the coach of the Tar Heels. Most
important will be the return of senior QB Ronald Curry. What is
the deal with this kid? Maybe one of the hottest recruits ever out
of high school, this two-sport star has finally reached his final
season and has yet to live up to the hype. This just may be his
year as UNC fans can only hope. What a set of starting receivers
to throw to in Bosley Allen and Kory Bailey. There may not be a
better starting set anywhere. The team's leading rusher from last
season, Brandon Russell, sat the spring to play baseball. His biggest
concern has to be who is blocking for him next fall as the Tar Heels
must replace some heavy lumber up front, but good reports have come
out of the spring on this unit. The defense starts with yet another
two-sport star and probably is the most decorated player on the
team as young Julius Peppers declined the NFL to play defensive
end once again for UNC. Julius is a unanimous First Team All-American
on almost every list. The linebackers also lost some studs, but
there is a talent remaining. Look for coach's favorite, Quincy Monk,
to take over as one of the leaders of the team. The defensive backs
return all but one starter. This season is going to be interesting.
A new coach, some two-sport stars...there definitely is some talent
on the field. UNC opens with the defending national champs in Norman.
Don't be surprised to see the Tar Heels make a game of this one.
But over the long run, some big questions need answered before the
Heels can make some conference noise. Ronald Curry will play more
of a role in that determination than ever before. His time is now
or never.
|
NORTH
CAROLINA 2001 DEPTH CHART
Returning Starters in Bold
|
OFFENSE
|
QB |
Ronald
Curry-Sr |
Luke
Huard-Jr |
FB |
James
Faison-So |
Madison
Hedgecock-Fr |
TB |
Brandon
Russell-So |
Willie
Parker-So |
WR |
Bosley
Allen-Jr |
Sam
Aiken-Jr |
WR |
Kory
Bailey-Sr |
.. |
TE |
Doug
Brown-Sr |
Zach
Hilton-Jr |
OT |
Greg
Woofter-So |
Willie
McNeil-Fr |
OG |
Jupiter
Wilson-So |
Riko
Feemster-So |
C |
Adam
Metts-Sr |
Isaac
Morford-Jr |
OG |
David
Stevenson-So |
Marcus
Wilson-So |
OT |
Jeb
Terry-So |
Skip
Seagraves-Fr |
K |
Jeff
Reed-Sr |
.. |
|
DEFENSE
|
DE |
Julius
Peppers-Jr |
Isaac
Mooring-So |
DT |
Ryan
Sims-Sr |
Jonas
Seawright-Fr |
DT |
Will
Chapman-Jr |
Eric
Davis-Jr |
DE |
Joey
Evans-Sr |
Jermicus
Banks-Fr |
SLB |
David
Thornton-Sr |
Merceda
Perry-Sr |
MLB |
Robert
Harris-Jr |
Sean
Williams-Sr |
WLB |
Quincy
Monk-Sr |
Clarence
Gaddy-Fr |
CB |
Michael
Waddell-Jr |
Kevin
Knight-Jr |
CB |
Errol
Hood-Sr |
Derrick
Johnson-So |
SS |
Billy-Dee
Greenwood-Sr |
.. |
FS |
Dexter
Reid-So |
DeFonter
Coleman-Jr |
P |
Blake
Ferguson-So |
John
Lafferty-Jr |
|
|
|
|
|
|