What's new
John Mackovic is the new leader of the Wildcats in 2001, along with six new assistant coaches. Mackovic has opened up the passing game a little bit to spark an offense that was last in the Pac-10 a year ago in both passing and total offense. There will be no real changes made to the defense, however, as Larry Mac Duff returns to the desert to preserve the double-eagle flex scheme.
Battling it out
The highest profile battle of the spring was at quarterback, where Jason Johnson separated himself from the pack. He was 10-of-14 for 141 yards and a TD in the Spring Game after taking a majority of snaps throughout spring practice. Cliff Watkins will likely be listed second entering the fall, at which time UA fans are hoping more competition will come from true freshman Nic Costa.
Eye catcher: WR Andrae Thurman
Last year's leading receiver, Bobby Wade, missed most of the spring, and Thurman took advantage of his absence with an impressive effort. Thurman led all receivers in the spring game with four catches for 79 yards (including a 19-yard TD) to solidify his position entering the fall.
CB Budding star: CB Michael Jolivette
His five interceptions last season were enough to earn him Freshman all-America honors, but 2001 could be the year for the country to take notice of Jolivette. He is an excellent cover corner with the talent to be one of the best in the nation at his position.
Arizona State Sun Devils 2000 overall record: 6-6 Conference record: 3-5 (t-5th)
2000 statistical leaders (* - returners) Rushing: Tom Pace* (720 yds) Passing: Jef Krohn* (1,751 yds) Receiving: Richard Williams (744 yds) Tackles: Adam Archuleta (127) Sacks: Terrell Suggs* (10) Interceptions: Nijrell Eason (5)
What's new
Dirk Koetter and the new staff bring a wide open offensive style that put Boise State among the national leaders in both yardage and scoring. They will show a wide variety of looks and probably pass the ball more than they will run it. Seven of the first eight plays in spring game were passes. The new defensive scheme will place a third safety in the lineup and put more pressure at the line of scrimmage.
Battling it out
Last year's leading passer, Jeff Krohn, is in a battle for his starting spot at quarterback. Matt Cooper, who played only in mop-up situations in 2000, has made great strides and caught the attention of the new staff. Redshirt freshman Andrew Walter has also looked good. There is no depth chart order for these guys, but Koetter plans on narrowing it to two guys in the first week of fall practice
Eye catcher: FS Ricardo Stewart
The redshirt freshman had played on the scout team as a receiver last year, but was undoubtedly one of the top players on the team during spring, looking like a natural defender. He made big plays in every practice and had a crushing hit in the spring game.
Budding star: DE Terrell Suggs
The 2000 Pac-10 Freshman of the Year has continued to improve and was virtually unblockable in spring drills. Keeping him out of the offensive backfield must be a priority for any ASU opponent, but that's easier said than done. Suggs is similar to former ASU pass rusher Derrick Rodgers with his combination of speed and quickness.
California Golden Bears 2000 overall record: 3-8 Conference record: 2-6 (t-8th) Returning starters Offense: 8 Defense: 8 Kickers: 1
2000 statistical leaders (* - returners) Rushing: Joe Igber* (901) Passing: Kyle Boller* (2,121) Receiving: Geoff McArthur* (336) Tackles: Nnamdi Asomugha* (76) Sacks: Andre Carter (13.5) Interceptions: Jemeel Powell* (4)
What's new
Al Borges, who was offensive coordinator at UCLA the past five years, takes over the play-calling duties at Cal. He wants to establish the run first and pass second, which would be a huge help to quarterback Kyle Boller, who has had way too much placed on his shoulders since playing as a freshman two years ago.
Battling it out
The Bears have some depth at receiver, and several players are fighting it out for the starting jobs. Geoff McArthur and Chase Lyman both started as true freshmen, but it was Derek Swafford who led the team in catches last year. Charon Arnold and Sean Currin are also in the mix, and Currin had a great spring. McArthur and Swafford appear to have a slight edge entering the fall.
Eye catcher: LB Scott Fujita
The former walkon safety is now a 6-5, 250-pound outside linebacker. He started last year and had 13 tackles for loss, but he left a bigger impression with his play in the spring, making plays all over the field.
Budding star: QB Kyle Boller
Boller's development in college has been a rocky process, so the new offense was just one more thing to go through. But he has picked up the system very well, and Borges is impressed with his progress. Fundamentals were a point of emphasis in the spring, and Boller responded by completing 11-of-19 for 154 yards in the spring game. Four starters are back on the offensive-line, which should provide a boost to his performance.
Oregon Ducks 2000 overall record: 10-2 Conference record: 7-1 (t-1st)
What's new
For the first time since Oregon did not field a team during WWII, the Ducks will not play a game against rival Washington. The Pac-10's rotating schedule created this omission, which so aggravated fans that the conference placed the rivalry back on the schedule for 2002.
Battling it out
The wide receiver spot vacated by Marshaun Tucker will be contested between former walkon Jason Willis and Samie Parker. Willis had a strong spring, but the decision will be delayed until fall because Parker was held out of contact while recovering from a shoulder injury sustained in the Holiday Bowl.
Eye catcher: FS Keith Lewis
Lewis was such a presence on special teams as a true freshman last season that one of goals this spring was to get him on the field. He looked good in significant action at free safety and figures to play a lot at one of the safety positions. He proved he can make big plays on defense with a fourth-quarter interception vs. Texas in the Culligan Holiday Bowl.
Budding star: QB Joey Harrington
Marques Tuiasosopo got all of the attention last year, but it was Harrington who led the league in both passing yards and total yards. Harrington won the starting QB job last fall and led the Ducks to a share of the Pac-10 title. His continued improvement suggests that he could be one of the nation's best signal callers in 2001.
Oregon State Beavers 2000 overall record: 11-1 Conference record: 7-1 (t-1st)
2000 statistical leaders (* - returners) Rushing: Ken Simonton* (1,559 yds) Passing: Jonathon Smith* (2,773 yds) Receiving: Chad Johnson (806 yds) Tackles: Darnell Robinson (80) Sacks: LaDairis Jackson (11.5) Interceptions: Jake Cookus* (5)
What's new
Who will Jonathan Smith throw the ball to? None of the players vying for receiver spots caught more than three passes a year ago. The returning receivers caught only eight of the team's 172 completions in 2000. The returning leader in receptions is RB Patrick McCall with six catches.
Battling it out
Jonathan Smith missed the entire spring with a broken bone in his non-throwing hand, which allowed Dennis Erickson to focus on finding a solid backup QB. The frontrunner is senior Nick Stremick, who is the only candidate with playing experience. Redshirt freshmen Ryan Kanekeberg and Adam Rothenfluh showed potential, however, and will remain in contention for the spot when practice resumes in the fall.
Eye catcher: WR Shawn Kintner
The 6-3, 204-pound junior caught 11 passes as a freshman but only two last year. This spring, though, he ran good routes and caught a lot of passes to earn the top spot on the depth chart at split end. He is a solid possession receiver and also has good leadership skills.
Budding star: LB Richard Seigler
Started as a freshman last season and recorded 72 tackles (2nd on the team), as well as three interceptions. He is undersized for a middle linebacker (215 pounds) but makes up for it with great speed and instincts. His aggressiveness provides an emotional spark for the rest of the defense.
Stanford Cardinal 2000 overall record: 5-6 Conference record: 4-4 (4th)
2000 statistical leaders (* - returners) Rushing: Kerry Carter* (729 yds) Passing: Randy Fassani* (1,400 yds) Receiving: DeRonnie Pitts (882 yds) Tackles: Coy Wire* (81) Sacks: Riall Johnson (15) Interceptions: Tank Williams*, Ryan Fernandez*, Brian Taylor* and Aaron Focht (3 each)
What's new
What's not new is a far more encouraging thought for the Cardinal, which return their entire offensive line and offensive backfield. Offense tends to win games in the Pac-10, and the Cardinal will have the firepower to do so if they can find a few receivers.
Battling it out
Only star receiver DeRonnie Pitts is gone, but both wideout spots are up for grabs going into the fall. Ryan Wells started seven games last year and has a good shot at starting again. Luke Powell has great speed and provides a deep threat for the offense, while Jamien McCullum and Caleb Bowman have also proven to be reliable. Interestingly, the only TD catches made in the spring game were both by backup Teyo Johnson, who saw time at wide receiver.
Eye catcher: OT Kwame Harris
Harris played a little bit in 2000 and was the only true freshman to letter for Stanford last year. He will likely be the starter at right tackle after an excellent spring. Both starting tackles return from last season, but one will likely be moved to guard to make room for Harris in the starting lineup.
Budding star: FS Tank Williams
Williams was a 2nd team All-Pac-10 selection last year but has shown the ability to achieve much more this season. He is a very big free safety at 6-3, 225 pounds and has great speed for his size. He is a big hitter, covers a lot of ground and plays well in the spotlight (11 tackles and an interception in The Big Game vs. Cal).
UCLA Bruins 2000 overall record: 6-6 Conference record: 3-5 (t-5th)
What's new
Both coordinators are new. Kelly Skipper is now running the offense, although he shouldn't change much of a scheme that has been pretty successful in recent years. The Bruins should be better at running the ball, however, and the former running backs coach is likely to make that happen. The defense will be called by Phil Snow (from ASU) and will take a more aggressive approach to complement an experienced front seven.
Battling it out
The Bruins have open competition at defensive tackle, where they return a healthy Ken Kocher, who started most of '99 but was limited last season with knee and ankle injuries. Rodney Leisle started all 12 games there as a freshman and was honorable mention All-Pac-10. Also in the running is Anthony Fletcher, who started seven games last year. The team appears to be in good shape with any combination of these three.
Eye catcher: G Eyoseph Efseaff
After a great spring, the redshirt freshman is the frontrunner at left guard entering the fall. He is agile at 6-3, 285 and has good strength. Efseaff has proven to be a fast learner and is an intense competitor.
Budding star: CB Ricky Manning
The junior has started 22 straight games for the Bruins and earned first team All-Pac-10 honors from the coaches last season. In addition to possessing great coverage skills, Manning is an excellent tackler for a corner and an all-around athlete. He also returns punts for the Bruins and even plays minor league baseball in the summer.
USC Trojans 2000 overall record: 5-7 Conference record: 2-6 (t-8th)
2000 statistical leaders (* - returners) Rushing: Sultan McCullough* (1,163 yds) Passing: Carson Palmer* (2,914 yds) Receiving: Kareem Kelly* (796 yds) Tackles: Zeke Moreno (103) Sacks: Ennis Davis (6) Interceptions: Troy Polamalu*, DeShaen Hill* and Chris Cash* (2 each)
What's new
New head coach Pete Carroll also brings in seven new assistants -- including offensive coordinator Norm Chow. Even with eight returning starters, the offense is sure to look different with a new spread formation. Defensively, USC will switch to an attacking style with a 4-3 base. If nothing else, the Trojans should at least be fun to watch this fall.
Battling it out
With Faaesea Mailo sliding over to guard, USC will need to find two new starters at offensive tackle. Only Jacob Rogers, who missed spring drills after off-season shoulder surgery, has much experience at the position. Redshirt freshman Joe McGuire has good physical ability but was inconsistent in the spring. Eric Torres and Norm Katnik are also strong contenders.
Eye catcher: RB Malaefou MacKenzie
Though he is not likely to unseat Sultan McCullough, the senior has earned more playing time with his performance in Chow's offense thus far. He is a very versatile back and will have the opportunity to showcase his receiving and blocking skills, as well as his talents as a ball carrier.
Budding star: DE Lonnie Ford
Carroll might have been more impressed with Ford than any other player on the roster during spring drills, which is significant coming from a former NFL defensive coordinator. Ford seems to have found his niche with this defensive scheme, in which he is allowed more freedom to attack the backfield. He was a factor in every spring scrimmage and looks like an honors candidate heading into the fall.
Washington Huskies 2000 overall record: 11-1 Conference record: 7-1 (t-1st)
2000 statistical leaders (* - returners) Rushing: Rich Alexis* (738 yds) Passing: Marques Tuiasosopo (2,146 yds) Receiving: Todd Elstrom* (683 yds) Tackles: Hakim Akbar and Derrell Daniels (97 each) Sacks: Larry Tripplett* (6.5) Interceptions: Omare Lowe* and Akbar (2 each)
What's new
There will be a lot of new faces on the offensive line, which lost four of five starters plus its top two reserves. That group was the heart of the Pac-10's top rushing attack last season (212 ypg). The 2001 O-line will certainly be young, with five redshirt freshmen on the post-spring two-deep.
Battling it out
No school has consistently replaced star quarterbacks better than Washington. Sophomore Cody Pickett came out of the spring as the leader to replace Marques Tuiasosopo, but he has competition. Pickett completed just one pass in the regular season but had two on a crucial drive in the Rose Bowl. He is being challenged by transfer Taylor Barton, who played for Neuheisel at Colorado and then went to the City College of San Francisco.
Eye catcher: WR Paul Arnold
The former running back was sidelined the last half of 2000 with back problems and was moved to flanker in the spring. He showed great hands and obviously has great running skills after the catch. Arnold capped off an impressive month with five receptions for 108 yards and a TD in the spring game.
Budding star: DT Marcus Roberson
Playing in the shadow of Larry Tripplett, Roberson had an outstanding second half of last season. The powerful, blue-collar type lineman quietly recorded six sacks in 2000 and was a disruptive force in the offensive backfield. With he and Tripplett inside, it will be very difficult to run on the Huskies this year.
Washington State Cougars 2000 overall record: 4-7 Conference record: 2-6 (t-8th)
What's new
There is a new Price on the Cougar coaching staff. Eric Price, an assistant the last three seasons, took a job with the New York Jets in the offseason, while Aaron Price, who once kicked at WSU, joins his father's staff as the quarterbacks and kickers coach.
Battling it out
The right cornerback position is the only one vacated on the WSU defense, and it appears to be a two-man race this fall. Erik Coleman, who was a backup safety last year as a true freshman, has recently gotten some attention at the spot and played well. Redshirt freshman Jason David, however, was named an MVP of the spring game by Price and takes a lot of momentum into the summer.
Eye catcher: K Adam Holiday
The junior college transfer enrolled in January and walked on as a kickoff specialist - a position that the Cougars sorely lacked production from a year ago. He was extremely impressive, consistently booting balls into the endzone. Holiday is not expected to kick field goals, although he could probably take a shot from long range if the situation required it.
Budding star: CB Marcus Trufant
Trufant started some of his freshman year and all of last year and has developed into a solid cover corner. He excels in man-to-man assignments and broke up 16 passes last season, in addition to his three interceptions and 53 tackles. He has a chance to be one of the best in the conference at his position after earning honorable mention recognition in 2000.
Arizona Wildcats
Arizona State Sun Devils
California Golden Bears
Oregon Ducks
Oregon State Beavers
Stanford Cardinal
UCLA Bruins
USC Trojans
Washington Huskies
Washington State Cougars