ESPN.com - Miami still the beast of the Big East

ESPN.com: College Football

Wednesday, May 1, 2002
Updated: May 31, 12:11 PM ET
Miami still the beast of the Big East

By Brad Edwards
Special to ESPN.com

Miami had five players taken in the first round of the NFL Draft and 11 taken over the seven rounds (both records) -- arguably, the most talent ever to depart from a college football program after one season. Even still, the question remains: Can anyone in the Big East beat the Hurricanes?

Boston College Eagles

2001 overall record: 8-4
Conference record: 4-3

Returning starters
Offense: 8
Defense: 8
Specialists: 2

2001 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: William Green (1,559 yds)
Passing: Brian St. Pierre* (2,016 yds)
Receiving: Dedrick Dewalt (539 yds)
Tackles: Vinny Ciurciu* (87)
Sacks: Sean Guthrie (9)
Interceptions: Lenny Walls (3)

What's new
The monkey is finally off the back of BC football players, who snapped a 21-game losing streak against ranked opponents with a Music City Bowl win over Georgia. That victory, along with the near upset of national champion Miami, has left no doubt that this program is a threat to beat anyone in the country. That confidence remains, despite the early departure of All-America running back William Green.

Battling it out
The battle to take the tailback spot is a good one that will continue into the fall. The frontrunner is Derrick Knight, who gained 78 strong yards against Miami in place of Green last season. He is being challenged by bruiser Brandon Brokaw (6-foot-2, 240 pounds), who saw limited time as a true freshman, and by Penn State transfer Horace Dodd. No one is likely to fill the shoes of Green by himself, but the Eagles seem to have a solid committee of tailbacks.

Eye catcher: DE Mathias Kiwanuka
Kiwanuka possesses good size (6-6, 230) and should continue to improve as he adds more weight to his frame. He drew attention on the practice field while redshirting last year and was very impressive in spring scrimmages. He will certainly see plenty of playing time this fall and should contend for a starting spot.

Budding star: DT Doug Goodwin
As a sophomore, Goodwin was one of the leaders on the BC defense with 50 tackles, 12 for loss and four sacks. He also sacked Georgia QB David Greene on the final play of the bowl game to prevent a game-winning pass attempt. Goodwin is a very intelligent football player whose motor is always running. He also has good football genes, as his father, Doug, was a running back in the NFL.

Miami Hurricanes

2001 overall record: 12-0
Conference record: 7-0

Returning starters
Offense: 4
Defense: 6
Specialists: 2

2001 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Clinton Portis (1,200 yds)
Passing: Ken Dorsey* (2,652 yds)
Receiving: Andre Johnson* (682 yds)
Tackles: Jonathan Vilma* (73)
Sacks: William Joseph* (10)
Interceptions: Ed Reed (9)

What's new


	University of Miami new head coach Larry Coker walks off the field before the begining of the 2001 Miami Hurricanes spring game Saturday, April 7, 2001 in Miami.

The secondary will definitely have a new look after last year's four starters were all drafted and nickel back Markese Fitzgerald signed a free agent NFL contract. None of the returning players has ever made a start, but there is plenty of talent in the group. Maurice Sikes and James Scott have previously seen a decent amount of game time, and redshirt freshman Kelly Jennings was one of the pleasant surprises of spring drills.

Battling it out
The strong side linebacker position was tragically vacated when starter Chris Campbell was killed in a February car accident. Howard Clark is likely to fill the spot, as he did in the Rose Bowl when Campbell was injured. But Clark sat out spring drills after ankle surgery, which gave Jarrell Weaver and redshirt freshman Rocky McIntosh a chance to showcase their talents and earn a closer look this fall.

Eye catcher: WR Roscoe Parrish
The redshirt freshman is a gifted athlete who developed into a better football player during his first year in the program. His speed and quickness have drawn comparisons to Santana Moss and make him a threat as both a receiver and kick returner. He had two catches for 57 yards in the spring game, leaving fans anxious to see what might be awaiting in the coming season.

Budding star: TE Kellen Winslow II
The son of the NFL Hall of Famer signed with Miami as a receiver last year but continued to grow and was moved to tight end during his true freshman season. He saw game action at both positions and caught only two passes, but his talent was obvious in a restricted role. Winslow (6-5, 230) might be limited as a blocker until he can put on a little more size, but his work ethic should help him follow in the footsteps of recent tight ends Bubba Franks and Jeremy Shockey.

Pittsburgh Panthers

2001 overall record: 7-5
Conference record: 4-3

Returning starters
Offense: 8
Defense: 7
Specialists: 1

2001 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Raymond Kirkley* (645 yds)
Passing: David Priestley (2,128 yds)
Receiving: R.J. English (760 yds)
Tackles: Ramon Walker (120)
Sacks: Bryan Knight (8.5)
Interceptions: Mark Ponko (2)

What's new
The passing game will certainly have a new look, as the Panthers will be replacing their quarterback and top two receivers from a year ago. None of the candidates at QB has ever started a college game. Lamar Slade is the most experienced of the receivers with seven starts and 434 career receiving yards.

Battling it out
Raymond Kirkley performed well at tailback as a true freshman last year but missed all of this spring while recovering from wrist surgery. A lot of the work then went to Alabama transfer Brandon Miree, who made a great impression and is now listed as a co-starter with Kirkley. The competition will begin when Kirkley returns this fall, but both should see plenty of game action.

Eye catcher: FB Dustin Picciotti
Picciotti was a heralded recruit who had a problem with concussions over his first two seasons at Pittsburgh and redshirted last year because of it. Many weren't sure if he would return to the field, but he came back with a vengeance this spring and was anything but tentative as a blocker and a runner. If he remains healthy, Picciotti will provide a major boost to the team's rushing attack.

Budding star: CB Torrie Cox
Cox enters his senior season off perhaps the best game of his career in the Tangerine Bowl. In that game versus N.C. State, he broke up two passes, made a game-clinching interception and averaged 26 yards per kickoff return. Cox came to Pittsburgh as a running back and made the switch to DB during the 2000 season. He has played only one full year on defense, so expect his improvement to continue.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights

2001 overall record: 2-9
Conference record: 0-7

Returning starters
Offense: 8
Defense: 10
Specialists: 2

2001 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Dennis Thomas (372 yds)
Passing: Ryan Cubit* (1,433 yds)
Receiving: Aaron Martin* (523 yds)
Tackles: Shawn Seabrooks* (99)
Sacks: Gary Brackett* (4)
Interceptions: Tony Berry* and Ben Martin (2 each)

What's new
Greg Schiano is entering just his second season as a head coach, but the hiring of two new assistants has significantly upgraded the experience level on the coaching staff. Defensive line coach Randy Melvin came from the same position with the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots, while running backs coach Darren Rizzi was formerly the head coach at the University of New Haven.

Battling it out
A pair of sophomores from Florida is providing the main competition for the starting spot at tailback. Marcus Jones is the only returning running back with yardage gained a year ago -- a total of 327 yards and one TD. The other candidate is Clarence Pittman, who sat out last season. He came to Rutgers with solid credentials, having rushed for 368 yards and six TD in one high school game. The battle between the two seems to be fairly even going into the fall.

Eye catcher: OL Brian Duffy
Duffy sat out each of his first two college seasons after shoulder surgery and finally made his debut last year, starting 10 games. He is continuing to progress in both the weight room and on the field and showed that improvement in spring drills. Duffy solidifies the right guard position and is expected to be a key part of what should be an improved offensive line this fall.

Budding star: TE L.J. Smith
After being named second-team all-Big East behind Jeremy Shockey last season, Smith (6-4, 252) elected to return for an added year of eligibility. He is one of the best weapons on the Rutgers offense, catching 30 passes for 282 yards and three TDs a year ago. He was also used as a fullback on occasion and had 71 yards rushing against Navy. If the Scarlet Knights can be more productive on offense, Smith could be a candidate for the Mackey Award.

Syracuse Orangemen

2001 overall record: 10-3
Conference record: 6-1

Returning starters
Offense: 2
Defense: 6
Specialists: 2

2001 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: James Mungro (1,170 yds)
Passing: R.J. Anderson* (1,123 yds)
Receiving: Johnnie Morant* (409 yds)
Tackles: Quentin Harris (124)
Sacks: Dwight Freeney (17.5)
Interceptions: Quentin Harris and Latroy Oliver* (4 each)

What's new


	Paul Pasqualoni isn't about to get fired from Syracuse.

When only two starters return on offense, it is generally safe to assume it may take a few games for the unit to get in sync. Blocking may be of specific concern early on, as the Orangemen lost four starting linemen in addition to their tight end and fullback. Only center Nick Romeo returns on the line, and the candidates for the other four spots have a total of two career starts between them.

Battling it out
It goes without saying that there are some huge shoes to fill at the right defensive end position formerly held by Dwight Freeney. Julian Pollard and Ryan LaCasse are vying for that opportunity. Pollard (6-5, 250) is more of a prototypical end and one of only two true freshmen to see action for Syracuse last year. He actually attended the same high school as Freeney in Bloomfield, Conn. LaCasse is more of a speed rusher like Freeney -- a bit undersized for an end (6-3, 233) -- but was one of the top 100-meter sprinters in New England while in high school.

Eye catcher: FB Chris Davis
Kyle Johnson has been synonymous with fullback at Syracuse for most of the last six years, but it is now time to pass the baton to Davis. He saw some action behind Johnson last season and proved to be a good runner in short-yardage situations with three TD rushes. This spring, he has shown that he is also a devastating blocker and has given all indications that he can be a solid performer this fall.

Budding star: LB Jameel Dumas
Dumas holds down the fort at strong side linebacker despite weighing just 210 pounds. He has excellent speed for his position and far surpasses his size with his ability to hit. Last season, he tied for fourth on the team with 63 tackles, including four for loss. And with the presence of Clifton Smith in the middle of the field, Dumas should continue to put up such big totals in 2002.

Temple Owls

2001 overall record: 4-7
Conference record: 2-5

Returning starters
Offense: 10
Defense: 7
Specialists: 2

2001 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Tanardo Sharps* (771 yds)
Passing: Mike McGann* (934 yds)
Receiving: Sean Dillard* (747 yds)
Tackles: Chonn Lacey (84)
Sacks: Dan Klecko* (6.5)
Interceptions: Chonn Lacey (4)

What's new
The Owls will be running their fourth different offense in five seasons under Bobby Wallace and hope this one will stick. Wallace brought in coordinator David Brock from Hofstra to install the spread, no-huddle attack that has been the focus of spring practice. There is plenty of experience to work with, as well. The only starter not returning for the Owls' offense is the fullback -- a position that does not exist in this new scheme.

Battling it out
Philadelphia native Mike McGann started seven games at quarterback as a true freshman last season but didn't play the final two because of a sprained thumb. He is now in competition with Mike Frost, who played in eight games and started three in 2000 before redshirting last year. They are both well-suited for the new scheme, and the starting spot will go to the one who grasps it the best in August.

Eye catcher: WR Terrence Stubbs
Stubbs suffered a preseason leg injury and missed all of last year after having his 2000 season limited by a broken jaw. But he is now back to full speed and looked great in spring practice. Sean Dillard returns as the top option for the Owls in the passing game, but Stubbs should see plenty of action in the spread offense.

Budding star: DT Rob Sack
Often overshadowed on the defensive interior by unanimous all-Big East linemate Dan Klecko, Sack was a major contributor for Temple a year ago. He earned the starting job early last season and finished with 48 tackles (25 solo), four tackles for loss and eight quarterback hurries. The Owls lost four different players who started at defensive end last season, so a lot of is expected from both Sack and Klecko on the defensive front.

Virginia Tech Hokies

2001 overall record: 8-4
Conference record: 4-3

Returning starters
Offense: 6
Defense: 5
Specialists: 2

2001 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Kevin Jones* (957 yds)
Passing: Grant Noel* (1,826 yds)
Receiving: Andre Davis (623 yds)
Tackles: Ben Taylor (121)
Sacks: Ben Taylor and Jim Davis* (4.5 each)
Interceptions: Willie Pile* (4)

What's new
The 2002 schedule will be unusual, to say the least. Like instate rival Virginia, the Hokies will have a 13-game regular season for the first time in school history. Despite the high number of games, they also have three open dates. It all starts on Aug. 25, which is Tech's earliest opener ever, and the final game is not until Dec. 7, which is the latest date the school has ever ended the regular season. The Hokies will also play on four different days of the week -- twice on Sunday, twice on Thursday, once on Wednesday and, of course, the traditional Saturday games. To top it off, they have a record eight home games, which will now feature an endzone expansion to Lane Stadium that increases capacity by 11,000 seats to 65,115.

Battling it out
Andre Davis and Emmett Johnson have departed at wide receiver, and the battle for the starting spots at split end and flanker is wide open. Shawn Witten started last year before breaking his leg against Pittsburgh and has a good chance to earn back his position if he returns to full speed. Ernest Wilford also has some experience with eight catches and one TD last season. Two other primary contenders are Justin Hamilton (6-3), who redshirted as a running back last season, and Chris Clifton (6-4), who redshirted as a QB. Both are tall and talented athletes.

Eye catcher: DB DeAngelo Hall
Hall played in every game and started once as a true freshman, making 42 tackles and three interceptions. He came into the spring competing with Garnell Wilds at the field corner (wide side) spot and was a standout performer. Hall (6-0) has good size for a corner and enough athleticism to possibly double as a punt returner.

Budding star: OL Jake Grove
Grove struggled through back problems as a redshirt freshman, but was healthy last year and became the team's best offensive lineman, starting every game at guard. He was moved to center before spring practice and finished the drills by being voted the most valuable offensive player. He is also one of the strongest Hokies and should be the undisputed leader of the O-line this season.

NOTE: Starting QB Grant Noel tore the ACL in his left knee during the final week of spring practice. For now, Noel is not having surgery and will begin rehab in a couple of weeks. He will attempt to play this fall using a brace. But just because he's not having surgery now, doesn't mean it won't be scheduled at a later date. If Noel can't go this fall, the starting QB will be sophomore Bryan Randall.

West Virginia Mountaineers

2001 overall record: 3-8
Conference record: 1-6

Returning starters
Offense: 6
Defense: 8
Specialists: 1

2001 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Avon Cobourne* (1,298 yds)
Passing: Brad Lewis (1,339 yds)
Receiving: A.J. Nastasi* (334 yds)
Tackles: Kyle Kayden (159)
Sacks: James Davis* (8)
Interceptions: Richard Bryant (4)

What's new
The Mountaineers are making a much-needed defensive overhaul with a change in scheme and coordinators. Todd Graham and Jeff Casteel are now co-coordinators and have installed a "3-3 stack" formation that uses three linemen, three linebackers and three safeties along with two corners. They expect this will provide better pursuit to the ball and help in stopping the run -- an area in which WVU was second-worst in the conference last year (213 ypg allowed).

Battling it out
Jahmile Addae started two games last year and was expected to take over the free safety position, but he is getting a serious challenge from Lawrence Audena, who did not play in his first two seasons at WVU. Audena looked very good in the spring, started the spring game and now has his sights set on a starting role this fall.

Eye catcher: QB Rasheed Marshall
Marshall backed up Brad Lewis last year, but missed a lot of the season with a broken wrist on his throwing arm. He has fully recovered, however, and showed good arm strength and touch this spring to go with his great mobility. Marshall has solidified himself as the starter entering the fall.

Budding star: WR Miquelle Henderson
Henderson saw some playing time as a true freshman last year but caught only four passes with one touchdown. Spring practice showed that he has come a long way since then. Henderson is a physical receiver who can make plays down the field and has already become a favorite target of Marshall. He had nine catches for 99 yards and a TD in the spring game.

Brad Edwards researches college football for ESPN and is a contributor to ESPN.com throughout the year.