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With nine returning all-conference performers, including six on defense, North Texas is well-stocked. The road to New Orleans goes through Denton for the third consecutive year. OFFENSIVE KEYS: There's no denying North Texas was sluggish offensively a year ago. But while the Mean Green were last in the Sun Belt in total offense, they were far from inept. North Texas boasted two of the top seven rushers in the league, including fleet-footed Patrick Cobbs. Now entering his junior season, Cobbs becomes the feature back, replacing Kevin Galbreath.In Ja'Mel Branch, North Texas has a viable option through the air. His numbers were nearly identical to leading receiver George Marshall, but Branch is more versatile and is a threat rushing or returning kicks. Anchoring the offensive line is right guard Nick Zuniga, a three-time all-conference honoree. Starting center Andy Brewster also returns, but the Mean Green must replace three other starters, including two all-conference selections. Quarterback Andrew Smith was forced into the lineup as a true freshman when starter Scott Hall was injured in the season opener against Texas. Smith started the next 12 games, but finished last in the league in pass efficiency. Hall returned for spring practice and re-established himself as the No. 1 quarterback. DEFENSIVE KEYS: North Texas welcomes back eight starters from the Sun Belt's stingiest defense. Six of those returnees were named all-conference, including tackle Brandon Kennedy, the league's 2002 Player of the Year. He was second in the nation with 25 tackles for a loss and led the Sun Belt with 10 sacks.Kennedy rehabbed an injured knee this spring and will be ready to go in the fall. Second-team All-Sun Belt end Adrian Awasom also missed spring practice while playing with the North Texas basketball team. First team all-conference linebackers Cody Spencer and Taylor Casey return to the fray. Spencer earned his accolades even though he missed five games with an injured elbow. Casey led the team and was second in the league in total tackles. All-Sun Belt selections Jonas Buckles and Craig Jones return as safeties. Buckles leads all returning Sun Belt players in career interceptions. Jones has started every game since coming to North Texas. Jeremy Pearl and Walter Priestley will start on the corners after dividing time at one position last year. SPECIAL TEAMS: Punter Brad Kadlubar is back after his 42.2-yard average and league-leading 21 kicks inside the 20 earned him second team all-conference honors. Nick Bazaldua was inconsistent as a freshman place-kicker, but was steady enough to make 3-of-5 from beyond 40 yards.FINAL ANALYSIS: In 2001, North Texas won the Sun Belt, but lost to Colorado State in the New Orleans Bowl. Last year, the Mean Green returned to the Big Easy with a winning record and defeated Cincinnati.The goals this year are the same: win the conference and the bowl game. This is a dangerous team once again. The lineup is loaded with upperclassmen who want to go out as winners, and youngsters ready to prove they are worthy of carrying on the tradition. • Click here for complete index of 2003 team previews
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