UCLA Bruins
2000 overall record: 6-6
Conference record: 3-5 (t-5th)
Returning starters
Offense: 7
Defense: 8
Kickers: 2
2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: DeShaun Foster* (1,037 yds)
Passing: Cory Paus* (2,154 yds)
Receiving: Freddie Mitchell (1,494 yds)
Tackles: Robert Thomas* (88)
Sacks: Marcus Reese* (4)
Interceptions: Ricky Manning* (4)
What's new
Both coordinators are new. Kelly Skipper is now running the offense, although he shouldn't change much of a scheme that has been pretty successful in recent years. The Bruins should be better at running the ball, however, and the former running backs coach is likely to make that happen. The defense will be called by Phil Snow (from ASU) and will take a more aggressive approach to complement an experienced front seven.
Battling it out
The Bruins have open competition at defensive tackle, where they return a healthy Ken Kocher, who started most of '99 but was limited last season with knee and ankle injuries. Rodney Leisle started all 12 games there as a freshman and was honorable mention All-Pac-10. Also in the running is Anthony Fletcher, who started seven games last year. The team appears to be in good shape with any combination of these three.
Eye catcher: G Eyoseph Efseaff
After a great spring, the redshirt freshman is the frontrunner at left guard entering the fall. He is agile at 6-3, 285 and has good strength. Efseaff has proven to be a fast learner and is an intense competitor.
Budding star: CB Ricky Manning
The junior has started 22 straight games for the Bruins and earned first team All-Pac-10 honors from the coaches last season. In addition to possessing great coverage skills, Manning is an excellent tackler for a corner and an all-around athlete. He also returns punts for the Bruins and even plays minor league baseball in the summer.
Brad Edwards researches college football for ESPN and is a contributor to ESPN.com throughout the year.
