An improvement from last season's lone conference victory might not seem like much to ask but new faces at key positions on both sides of the ball have the Terrapins continuing the rebuilding mode that has characterized the past decade. While the ACC continues to develop its national stature, the school that once dominated it has struggled to keep pace.

What's less certain is who will hand him the ball. Last year's starter Ken Mastrole chose to transfer to I-AA Rhode Island after losing his job at the end of the season. That means either Randall Jones, who mopped up in the final four games last year, or redshirt freshman Calvin McCall will start. Jones is an option threat, and a guy who can make plays, but has yet to show his ability as a passer. McCall has a good arm and size (6-3, 190), but no experience. Both may play, but look for Jones to start the season.

The receiving corps is an experienced one, led by senior speedster Jermaine Arrington, whose 23 catches was tops on the team in '98. Junior wideout Moisez Cruz will face a suspension related to an off-campus fight. The severity of it will be determined by a pending trial. The fact that four starters return to the line gives this young group a chance to pull together. Senior tackle Brad Messina (6-5, 288) is the class of the unit. He and guard Jamie Wu started all 11 games last year.

Sophomore Aaron Thompson started 11 games at outside linebacker last year. His 87 tackles included nine for a loss. Marlon Moore's performance as a backup a year ago, and as an impact player this spring, has likely sealed the weakside linebacker position. Contending for the strongside position in place of Barton are transfer Kevin Bishop, and returning sophomores Monte Graves and Reggie Lewis.

The line will look to Delbert Cowsette, who has set his sights on an all-ACC first team honors and a 100-tackle total. The senior defensive tackle is one of three returning starters and has made 22 consecutive starts. With last season's sacks leader Peter Timmins back for his senior year, the Terrapins might be able to keep teams honest up front.

The secondary, an area of improvement in '98, should continue to get better. The return of Lewis Sanders, the team's fastest player, helps that cause. After missing last season recovering from shoulder surgery, Sanders will switch from free safety to corner this year. Shawn Forte will be back to start at free safety, while former JC transfer Renard Cox is the likely choice opposite Sanders at corner.