Kansas State Wildcats
2000 overall record: 11-3
Conference record: 6-2 (t-1st in North; Big 12 runner-up)
Returning starters
Offense: 6
Defense: 3
Kickers: 2
2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Josh Scobey* (718 yds)
Passing: Jonathan Beasley (2,636 yds)
Receiving: Quincy Morgan (1,166 yds)
Tackles: Monty Beisel (102)
Sacks: Chris Johnson (11)
Interceptions: Jerametrius Butler (6)
What's new
For the first time in five years the Wildcats have uncertainty at placekicker and no legitimate honors candidate at the position. Martin Gramatica was first-team all-conference in '97 and '98. Jamie Rheem earned those same honors in '99 and 2000.
Battling it out
Last year's backup, Ell Roberson, and JC transfer Marc Dunn are competing for the right to succeed Beasley as the starting QB. Both had solid performances in the Spring Game, and Roberson maintains the lead entering the fall.
Also, several players are in the running to replace both defensive ends from a year ago. The leaders are Melvin Williams and Andrew Shull.
Eye catcher: WR Brandon Clark
The 6-3, 220-pound senior had a solid spring that was capped off by a stellar Spring Game (7 catches, 161 yards and one TD). Clark has seen limited action thus far in his career and has only six career receptions, but he is now the likely replacement for Quincy Morgan.
Budding star: LB Terry Pierce
Pierce started toward the end of last year and recorded 39 tackles on his way to earning Freshman All-America honors. He continued to improve throughout the spring and seems ready for an impressive 2001 season. Pierce had 10 tackles in the Spring Game.
Brad Edwards researches college football for ESPN and is a contributor to ESPN.com throughout the year.
