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2008 conference record: 4-4, T-2nd East Division

Returning starters

4, defense: 7, punter/kicker 1

Top returners

QB Arkleon Hall, RB Curtis Steele, WR Carlos Singleton, OG Dominik Riley, LB Greg Jackson, LB Jeremy Longstreet, DB Alton Starr, CB Deante' Lamar, DB D.A. Griffin, K Matt Reagan

Key losses

WR Earnest Williams, DL Clinton McDonald, OL Cody Stubblefield, OL Michael Denning, C Philip Beliles, OL Brandon Pearce

2008 statistical leaders (* returners)

Rushing: Curtis Steele* (1,223 yards)
Passing: Arkelon Hall* (2,275 yards)
Receiving: Carlos Singleton* (791 yards)
Tackles: Alton Starr* (90)
Sacks: Clinton McDonald (7.0)
Interceptions: Michael Grandberry (2)

Spring answers

1. Speed kills: The one thing coach Tommy West wanted to do this spring was get faster, and his defense showed that speed during the spring game with 19 tackles for loss and holding the offense to fewer than 300 yards. West said speed, especially on defense, was something that hurt the Tigers last season.

2. Transforming transfers: The Tigers had nine transfers from BCS schools in their camp this spring and eight are eligible to play in the fall. They've added some much needed depth and some have even asserted themselves in starting roles, especially on defense, which needed the most help.

3. Furr-tuitous pickup: Redshirt freshman defensive back DeRon Furr, a transfer from Auburn, might have been the most impressive player on the field this spring. He was the spring game's defensive MVP after notching seven tackles, two for loss, two pass break-ups and an interception returned 54 yards for a touchdown. Furr will be a welcome addition to a secondary that allowed 200 yards per game last season.

Fall questions

1. O-line still in question: The Tigers lost four players off an offensive line that allowed just 16 sacks and helped running back Curtis Steele to a 1,000-yard season in his first year. West said he needs more emotion out of his new offensive line players if the Tigers are going to compete on offense.

2. Rucker living up to his potential: West questioned the focus and desire of wide receiver Marcus Rucker this spring because he was hoping the redshirt freshman would be a complimentary threat to Carlos Singleton. Rucker showed flashes of it in the spring game, but West said Rucker needs to get in the weight room if he's going to be a true threat in C-USA.

3. Cutting the fat: Senior quarterback Arkelon Hall, who started for the Tigers last year and is the starter heading out of spring camp this year, said he wants to lose some weight before the start of the season so that he can move better in the pocket. Hall is currently 225 and he wants to play at 215. Hall should have a nice season if some of his young receiver can come around by the fall.