 |
|
| Wednesday, May 9 QB Printers helps ease loss of Tomlinson By Brad Edwards Special to ESPN.com |
||||||
|
Conference record: 6-1 (t-1st in WAC) Returning starters Offense: 4 Defense: 5 Kickers: 1 2000 statistical leaders (* - returners) Rushing: LaDainian Tomlinson (2,158 yds) Passing: Casey Printers* (1,584 yds) Receiving: Tim Maiden (348 yds) Tackles: Chad Bayer* (107) Sacks: Aaron Schobel (6.5) Interceptions: Tyrone Sanders* (3) What's new Gary Patterson takes over for his first full season as the head coach of the Horned Frogs, although he did coach in the Mobile Alabama Bowl last season. The former defensive coordinator, however, has no need to change much of what has been so successful over the last three seasons -- especially on the defensive side. Offensively, the departure of LaDainian Tomlinson and the return of QB Casey Printers might inspire a more balanced attack in 2001. Battling it out There is a three-man battle to replace Tomlinson at running back, and the candidates are all very similar to each other (all under 200 pounds). The leader seems to be Ricky Madison, who probably has the most big-play ability among the bunch. Andrew Hayes-Stokes, however, averaged almost five yards per carry as a backup last year, and Corey Connally seems to have the same talent, only with less experience. Eye catcher: LB LaMarcus McDonald McDonald had 33 tackles last year, playing mostly on special teams. In one short stint on defense vs. Hawaii, however, he made six tackles in only 10 plays of action. He performed with equal intensity in the spring and should have earned himself a spot in the rotation for the two linebacker spots this fall. Budding star: WR LaTarence Dunbar The speedster led the nation in kickoff return average last season (33.7 yards), which included two touchdowns. And although he started only five games at receiver, he also had a 74-yard TD catch. Without Tomlinson, Dunbar is probably the best playmaker on the TCU offense and should get a lot more touches this year. He will certainly benefit from a more balanced offensive gameplan. Brad Edwards researches college football for ESPN and is a contributor to ESPN.com throughout the year. |
|
|||||
