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OFFENSIVE KEYS: Quarterback Steven Jyles and wide receiver Mack Vincent could become one of the more entertaining tandems in the South this season. As a true freshman, Jyles appeared in every game -- the last nine as a starter -- and was at the controls for all three of UL-Monroe's victories. He was second in the Sun Belt in passing yardage and total offense, and he threw 17 touchdowns with only nine interceptions.Vincent earned first team All-Sun Belt accolades by leading the league with 1,198 receiving yards and 6.6 receptions per game. Vincent, however, is not the only weapon in the arsenal as Drouzon Quillen and Floyd Smith return after catching more than 30 passes apiece. With four starters returning, the line had the luxury of concentrating on fundamentals and polishing technique this spring. Josh Wade and Bruce Hampton return at the tackle positions. Center Hayden Wadsworth started all 12 games and is regarded as an exceptional talent. Guard Shane Luna is the most improved pass blocker. The only question mark offensively is in the backfield, where the Indians must find a replacement for 1,000-yard rusher Bryant Jacobs. Krishun Williams is the only candidate with experience. DEFENSIVE KEYS: The Indians allowed 434 yards per game last year, so starting jobs on defense are wide open. On the line, there are several respectable pass rushers in ends John Thompson and Maynard Johnny. Corey Conde returns at nose tackle after leading the team in sacks.Last year, the Indians thought they would have the Sun Belt's best pair of linebackers in Maurice Sonnier and John Winchester. But Sonnier, the Sun Belt's preseason Defensive Player of the Year, missed most of the season with a broken ankle, and Winchester missed the first four games with a torn ACL. They never appeared on the field at the same time. In their absence, LeKeith Robinson, Josh Alexander and L.B. Jeter all logged significant playing time and all three return. Robinson led the team with 11 tackles for a loss. Five players who started at least one game return to the secondary. Free safety Chris Harris, second-team All-Sun Belt, led the team in tackles and will be a starter for the third consecutive season. A.J. Bocard is one of several talented strong safeties. SPECIAL TEAMS: Tyler Kuecker returns at kicker, but he will have to improve on last year's 4-of-10 field-goal performance. Kuecker and Nick Bascle will contend for the punting job.FINAL ANALYSIS: Louisiana-Monroe has to feel fortunate to be able to land an experienced and talented coach like Weatherbie at such an odd time. Weatherbie inherits a team with some big-time talent, but not nearly enough to reverse the Indians' losing trend. Getting this team in the upper half of the Sun Belt will be a major accomplishment for Weatherbie in his first season.• Click here for complete index of 2003 team previews
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