Temple Owls
2000 overall record: 4-7
Conference record: 1-6 (7th)
Returning starters
Offense: 10
Defense: 10
Kickers: 2
2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Tanardo Sharps* (1,038 yds)
Passing: Devin Scott* (1,456 yds)
Receiving: Greg Muckerson* (487 yds)
Tackles: LeVar Talley (135)
Sacks: Russell Newman* (5.5)
Interceptions: Terra Leftwich* (4)
What's new
By all indications on the field, the Temple football program is on the rise. But earlier this year, the presidents of the other seven Big East schools voted to remove the Owls from the conference for failure to meet preestablished standards -- most notably in the area of attendance. The decision states that this season will be the last for Temple as a Big East member, but university officials are committed to using the rest of this year to prove that the stance should be reconsidered. Stay tuned.
Battling it out
One of the Owls' strongest positions is fullback, where Jason McKie and Harold Jackson are competing for the starting job. Both are good receivers and both run well, in addition to the prerequisite blocking skills. McKie was listed No. 1 at the start of spring practice, but the two are now bracketed in a dead heat entering the fall.
Eye catcher: TE Kelly Nead
Nead enrolled in January after transferring from an Idaho junior college. He began the spring as the third team tight end and is now listed as starter. At 6-4, 240 pounds, he has a good combination of blocking and pass-catching skills. With further development in the program, he could be a standout player.
Budding star: OLB Chonn Lacey
Lacey is an extremely versatile player who is all over the field. Last season, he had 11 tackles behind the line of scrimmage and also made three interceptions. He is a hard hitter with good coverage skills and excellent speed. He is such a good athlete that he was used to return punts on many occasions a year ago. This spring, he played some at receiver and is expected to also see action there in the fall.
Brad Edwards researches college football for ESPN and is a contributor to ESPN.com throughout the year.
