The majority of the offensive unit has remained in tact from 2001. Finding ways to utilize the long list of skilled athletes on this side of the ball will be priority one. At the helm is Gino Guidugli at quarterback, the unanimous choice as the 2001 Conf USU Freshman of the Year. He set school and conference records last year in five separate categories. Guidugli was thrust into the starting role last year after the season ending loss to starter Adam Hoover in just the second week of action. Taking over immediately, the promising kid out of Kentucky never looked back. The strength of the offense has to rest in the three returning receivers as Van, Keith, and Olinger rank among the best in school history. The trio combined for over 1,900 yards and 14 touchdowns a year ago, a figure unmatched at UC in over 30 years. LaDaris Vann is the Conf USA leading receiver and is considered the crème of the crop when running with the pigskin after the catch. Tye Keith is the most unheralded of the primary receivers and at 6-3; Jon Olinger is the biggest target and has emerged as quite a deep threat. The running game will once again be centered around senior DeMarco McCleskey, who has led the team in rushing in two of his first three seasons. He is the lone back now. Keep an eye out for one of the most decorated backs in Cincinnati High School football history. The 1998 Ohio Player of the Year and Ohio State transfer, Richard Hall, is about to make his entrance onto the stage. The tight end battle should be a good one as the roster includes three players who add various dimensions to the lineup. A strength of the offense for most of the last decade, the offensive line will be in a transition year as only three starters return from a year ago. Sophomore Kyle Takavitz is a promising young prospect after garnishing conference All-Freshman honors last year. He will be key for protecting against the outside pass rush. Veteran seniors Doolin and Gardner will help steady the group.

Like the offense, the defense returns eight starters as well from what was a generally young and inexperienced squad last fall. The Bearcats should benefit from the youthful experienced gained in 2001. Even though two of the three starters return from the linebacker unit, the lineup is not set in stone as a number of young players will be given the opportunity to display their skills during spring practice and claim a spot. Minter knows that the linebackers need to play better as a group in order for the Bearcats to improve their rushing defense that allowed 176.8 yards per game to rank 75th in the nation a year ago. With three starters and a fourth regular returning, the secondary can be counted on to continue its strong all-around play. But like several other positions on the team, the depth will have to come from a group of generally untested underclassmen. The most veteran unit is the defensive line where the ends Peek and Adams and tackle Billings are expected to make big things happen. Defensive end Antwan Peek is the catalyst, using his 4.54 speed and superior strength to overwhelm opponents. A first team All-Conference USA pick a year ago, Peek holds school records for quarterback sacks in a game (4 vs. Louisiana-Monroe), season (12.5) and career (21).

Special Teams: There is no question as to who will handle the kicking chores as All-American senior Jonathan Ruffin returns to cap a brilliant kicking career. He was a consensus All-American choice and the recipient of the Lou Groza Award as the nation's best kicker after making 26-of-29 field goals in 2000. At the other end of the spectrum is the punting job where three players will compete to replace the big shoes left empty by the departure of three-time all-league choice Adam Wulfeck.

Special thanks to the University of Cincinnati Sports Information Department.