Big East Conference Official Release

Two key weapons from 2001 - quarterback David Priestley and wideout Antonio Bryant - are gone, but eight returning starters lead the way on offense. Junior quarterback Rod Rutherford is one of two candidates at signal-caller. He completed 19-of-59 passes for 262 yards and one touchdown in a limited role. He also added a rushing component, posting 255 yards with six scores. Sophomore Pat Hoderny could also earn the start. High school standouts Tyler Palko and Luke Getsy will compete when arriving in the fall.

The backfield figures to be a key offensive strength. Sophomore Raymond Kirkley was eighth in the BIG EAST in rushing with 645 yards and three touchdowns. The total is fifth among returning league backs. Sophomore Marcus Furman had 5.8 yards per rush in ‘01. Junior Lousaka Polite boasts two years of starting experience at fullback. Sophomore fullback Dustin Picciotti returns after redshirting last year due to a concussion. Junior tailback Brandon Miree, a transfer from Alabama, is eligible for this season.

Senior Lamar Slade has the most experience of the wide receivers. He had 27 catches for 226 yards and one touchdown as a reserve last year. Junior Yogi Roth had 291 receiving yards on 11 receptions. Sophomore Roosevelt Bynes has the Panthers excited after showing flashes a season ago. Redshirt freshman Joe Stephens may also be considered a target. True freshman Larry Fitzgerald and junior college transfer Princell Brockenbrough should also press for time. Junior tight end Kris Wilson is back after finishing fourth on the team with 19 receptions for 272 yards (14.3-yard average).

The entire offensive line is intact to play again in 2002. Senior Chad Reed is the starting center. He has been contributing since his freshman campaign. Guards Bryan Anderson and Dan LaCarte will play again. Anderson boasts 34 career starts, while LaCarte showed promise in just his first year on the line. Sophomore tackle Rob Petitti was named Freshman All-America by The Sporting News and Football News in 2001. Junior Matt Morgan has two years of starting time at the other tackle spot. Numerous backups will provide solid depth.

Big East Conference Official Release

The Panther strength on defense will be at linebacker, as all three starters are back. Leading the way is senior standout Gerald Hayes. A two-time All-BIG EAST selection, he has logged over 200 tackles the last two seasons, with back-to-back 100-stop efforts. Junior Lewis Moore was fourth on the team in tackles with 67 and earned Defensive MVP honors in the bowl game. Senior Brian Beinecke is the other returning starter. During shared time last year, he amassed 48 tackles and two sacks. Sophomore Malcolm Postell moves over from running back to join sophomore Mike Jemison and redshirt freshmen Joe Dipre, J.J. Horne and Monroe Weekley in providing depth.

Harris has 10 lettermen back on the defensive front. Seniors Brian Guzek and Ryan Smith shared starting duties last season. Guzek had 48 tackles, including 11 for loss. Smith fought through a shoulder injury to post 33 stops and three sacks. Junior defensive end Claude Harriott is the leading candidate to replace All-BIG EAST First Team choice Bryan Knight. At tackle, sophomore Tyre Young started the final seven games a year ago. Junior defensive tackle Darrell McMurray is a leader for the other starting nod. Sophomores Dan Stephens and Troy Banner and redshirt freshmen Vince Crochunis and Jake Holthaus will compete for time.

The secondary took a hit when junior all-conference safety Ramon Walker departed for the NFL. Five lettermen - including four with starting experience - return at cornerback. Senior Torrie Cox had 48 tackles (37 solo) and 11 pass break-ups in 2001. Junior Shawntae Spencer led the BIG EAST with 18 passes defended, tying a school-record set by senior teammate Shawn Robinson two years ago. Robinson and junior William Ferguson will push hard for game action. Senior safeties Gary Urschler and junior Corey Humphries both saw solid playing time behind Walker the last couple of years. Sophomore Tyrone Gilliard and redshirt freshmen Darren McCray and Tez Morris are also available.