per ESPN.com.....
![[Image: 164.gif]](http://espn.go.com/i/ncaa/clubhouses/medium/164.gif)
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
2001 overall record: 2-9
Conference record: 0-7
Returning starters
Offense: 8
Defense: 10
Specialists: 2
2001 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Dennis Thomas (372 yds)
Passing: Ryan Cubit* (1,433 yds)
Receiving: Aaron Martin* (523 yds)
Tackles: Shawn Seabrooks* (99)
Sacks: Gary Brackett* (4)
Interceptions: Tony Berry* and Ben Martin (2 each)
What's new
Greg Schiano is entering just his second season as a head coach, but the hiring of two new assistants has significantly upgraded the experience level on the coaching staff. Defensive line coach Randy Melvin came from the same position with the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots, while running backs coach Darren Rizzi was formerly the head coach at the University of New Haven.
Battling it out
A pair of sophomores from Florida is providing the main competition for the starting spot at tailback. Marcus Jones is the only returning running back with yardage gained a year ago -- a total of 327 yards and one TD. The other candidate is Clarence Pittman, who sat out last season. He came to Rutgers with solid credentials, having rushed for 368 yards and six TD in one high school game. The battle between the two seems to be fairly even going into the fall.
Eye catcher: OL Brian Duffy
Duffy sat out each of his first two college seasons after shoulder surgery and finally made his debut last year, starting 10 games. He is continuing to progress in both the weight room and on the field and showed that improvement in spring drills. Duffy solidifies the right guard position and is expected to be a key part of what should be an improved offensive line this fall.
Budding star: TE L.J. Smith
After being named second-team all-Big East behind Jeremy Shockey last season, Smith (6-4, 252) elected to return for an added year of eligibility. He is one of the best weapons on the Rutgers offense, catching 30 passes for 282 yards and three TDs a year ago. He was also used as a fullback on occasion and had 71 yards rushing against Navy. If the Scarlet Knights can be more productive on offense, Smith could be a candidate for the Mackey Award.
