Arkansas Razorbacks
2000 overall record: 6-6
Conference record: 3-5 (t-5th in West)
Returning starters
Offense: 7
Defense: 8
Kickers: 1
2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Fred Talley* (768 yds)
Passing: Robby Hampton* (1,548 yds)
Receiving: Boo Williams (739 yds)
Tackles: Ken Hamlin* (104)
Sacks: 6 players with 2 each
Interceptions: D'Andre Berry*, Hamlin*, Corey Harris* and Eddie Jackson* (2 each)
What's new
Razorback Stadium is newly expanded to 72,000 seats for this season -- a whopping increase of 22,000 -- which is a testament to the excitement Houston Nutt has brought back to the program. To cap it off, Arkansas will be playing five games in Fayetteville for first time since 1933.
Battling it out
Cedric Cobbs is one of the top running backs in the SEC, but even he is facing competition in a backfield that returns two other players who recorded at least one 100-yard rushing game in 2000. Fred Talley and Brandon Holmes filled in for Cobbs after his season-ending injury and played well enough to earn more playing time this year. Holmes (6-2, 218) can also play as a fullback, allowing the possibility to get two of these backs on the field at once.
Eye catcher: WR Sam Breeden
Breeden transferred in as a sophomore last year and had just two catches during the season. He turned out to be one of the surprises of the spring after making several big receptions and moving up the depth chart at receiver. Nutt called him the most improved player during spring drills. He is big (6-4, 226) with very good speed for his size.
Budding star: FS Ken Hamlin
The hard-hitting safety started all 12 games last season and led the team in tackles as a redshirt freshman, becoming the first freshman and only the second DB to ever lead Arkansas in tackles. Hamlin received freshman all-America honors for his efforts and should be one of the top safeties in the SEC this season.
Brad Edwards researches college football for ESPN and is a contributor to ESPN.com throughout the year.
