Do we need to expose the Red Raider strength? Alright, Kliff Kingsbury at quarterback is set to surpass the 11,000-yard career mark and smash every Tech passing record in the book. His final season is here. How well his maturity has evolved since his first start will go a long way to proving if the team from Lubbock can dispel the just above .500 record thesis that fans have been subscribing to throughout the nation. His interception to touchdown ratios have decreased and his grip of the complex offensive schemes have seemed to become more natural. At 6-4, Kingsbury is a hot topic and a sure candidate for Heisman consideration. His career numbers are astronomical. Last year's combo leading rusher and receiver, Ricky Williams, has departed leaving a nice sized black hole. Who is going to fill that void? Look for receiver/running back Wes Welker to possibly assume that responsibility. He was the team's number two rusher last fall. But if you are looking for blinding quickness, California JUCO All-American Johnnie Mack has saddled up for the Raiders in 2002 and Taurean Henderson adds even more speed. Foy Munlin has developed into a secure blocker from his fullback location. The names at receiver tend to matter little with numerous people catching the pigskin in this set. Just the same, the position reeks with experience as the returning personnel have over 230 catches carrying over from last fall. There is no standout in this group, but more of a star by numbers exists. The offensive line has never really been considered a strength, but 2002 should offer a little more as several candidates are up for All-Big XII honors led by right guard Rex Richards, who has 29 career starts, and Toby Cecil. These two are some of the best in the conference.

The fact that eight to nine starters return on this side of the ball should equate into a vast improvement for a defense that actually had some fairly descent outputs in 2001. Much of the numbers last year for Tech were not too overly impressive, but still managed to rank around the middle of the pack in most conference defensive statistics. The pass rush should be excellent with all four starters returning to a line that managed to finish with 35 sacks, good enough for third on the league list. Although the pass rush seemed to excel, the run defense has been soft. Where's the beef might be a better question and depth needs developed up front to keep the legs fresh. Defensive end Aaron Hunt was fourth on the team in 2001 with 85 tackles. Senior middle linebacker Lawrence Flugence is the Red Raiders best all around player outside of Kingsbury, amassing 307 career tackles with speed to cover sideline to sideline. He is one of the nation's premier middlemen on a long list. The pass coverage was also fairly stable last fall and returns three starters. Two senior corners are in the fold, allotting precious experience to a key position. The loss of Kevin Curtis at free safety will be a big area of need. The kicking game is solid as both punter and kicker return from a much-improved 2001 campaign. Clinton Greathouse pooched 21 punts inside the 20 last year and will be a nice package addition to the defense.