Huskies at a glance

2001 schedule Sept. 1 at Virginia Tech Sept. 8 vs. E. Washington Sept. 15 at Temple Sept. 22 vs. Buffalo Sept. 29 at Rutgers Oct. 6 vs. E. Michigan Oct. 13 at South Florida Oct. 27 vs. Ball St. Nov. 3 at Cincinnati Nov. 10 vs. Utah St. Nov. 17 at Middle Tenn. St. 2000 results (3-8) at E. Michigan L 32-25 Colgate W 37-7 at Buffalo W 24-21 Northeastern L 35-27 at Louisville L 41-22 at Boston College L 55-3 at Akron W 38-35 South Florida L 21-13 Middle Tenn. St. L 66-10 Rhode Island L 26-21 at Ball St. L 29-0

Tracey was able to participate in some passing drills during the spring and figures to be under center when the Huskies open the season at Virginia Tech on Sept. 1. Taber Small returns at tailback, where several youngsters on the roster also have potential, most notably sophomore Evan Benson.

At WR, the Huskies need a breakthrough year from physically talented junior wideout Wes Timko (6-3, 195 pounds, 4.49 speed). Last year, he totaled just 18 receptions, and he's yet to produce a receiving TD at UConn. With Tracey's ability at QB, that should change this season if Timko is able to show the necessary improvement. At TE, senior Rashad Drayton has proven to be a decent target.

Defensively, the Huskies should be quicker overall, with a few position changes also in the works. Jamal Lundy, who was the Huskies' leading tackler last season from his FS spot, has been shifted to OLB. Uyi Osunde is making the move from OLB to more of a rush-end position. Junior DT Greg Smoot has been a standout performer since his initial campaign, and in the secondary, UConn is counting on the return from the injury list of talented CB Roy Hopkins to provide a major upgrade at that spot. Hopkins went down with a knee injury during the season opener last year but participated in spring practice.

QUESTIONABLE AREAS
With Tracey coming off the injury, the offensive line (which lost three starters to graduation) has to be up to the task. The wideouts must also perform at a higher level overall. While there's more quickness on defense, Lundy and Osunde will be adapting to position changes, and proven veteran depth is again a major problem. This is the case on both sides of the ball.

Last year UConn started seven freshmen, and 12 overall saw action. This season, expect 10 to 12 freshmen to work their way onto the field, although I'm told that head coach Randy Edsall and his staff are hopeful that they can begin the process of redshirting some of the younger players.

Overview: Edsall had the Huskies competitive in every game except the 55-3 loss at Boston College before QB Tracey went down with the injury. They hung in for the most part against Louisville and came away with a satisfying road victory at Akron. To improve on the three-win season of a year ago, Tracey must remain at full strength the entire way and WR Timko must step up as the No. 1 option. Also, the offensive line has to show significant improvement; even though the O-line will have three new starters, the talent level is definitely improving. Plus, a big year from Drayton at TE would provide a nice boost.