Defensively, the Gophers are hoping to pick up in 2003 where they left off at the Music City Bowl. Defensive coordinator Greg Hudson loses cornerback Michael Lehan to graduation, but sees a majority of his defense return with another year of experience.

Coach Mason believes with another year under their belt this defense could be much improved for the 2003 campaign.

"Youth was the term that was used most often last year in association with our defense, and while we will still be a young defense, we will also be more experienced. We were able to add additional size through our strength and conditioning program last fall and winter and we are looking forward to seeing an improved defense this year," Mason said.

DEFENSIVE LINE
The defensive line is completely intact from last season with veterans Dan Kwapinski, Paul Nixon, Darrell Reid and Mark Losli leading the way.

Kwapinski is a solid run stopper at tackle and provides continuity to the line after missing only one start during the past two seasons. Reid made huge strides last year at nose tackle, leading all defensive lineman in tackles with 43 and tying linemate Paul Nixon for the team lead in tackles-for-loss with eight. Nixon was a key component on the line last year at defensive end and showed he had big-play potential by recording a career-high three sacks at Ohio State. Sophomore Mark Losli earned a starting spot at defensive end four weeks into the season and displayed a knack for getting to the quarterback by accumulating six sacks.

Another player who will be fighting for a starting spot is sophomore Anthony Montgomery. The 6-5, 315-pound Montgomery forced opposing offenses to think twice before running his direction. He is very athletic for his size and made significant strides toward the end of the season. Sophomore Scott Stephenson has also had a tremendous offseason after finishing strong with an increased role at the end of last season. Stephenson lettered as a true freshman, starting twice. Another up-and-comer for the Gophers upfront is redshirt freshman Eric Clark, who impressed the coaching staff during the spring with his explosiveness.

Maurice Buchanan (6-3, 240), Junior Eugene (6-1, 225), Sam Logan (6-2, 240), Keith Lipka (6-3, 255) and Eric Stenzel (6-4, 265) will also contribute to the Gophers' cause upfront.

LINEBACKER
The position of highest competition may reside at linebacker, where several veteran players will be competing against each other. Heading the group is senior Ben West. West started every game at middle linebacker last season, finishing second on the team in tackles with 103, including seven tackles-for-loss. West, a preseason All-Big Ten selection by Lindy's, is solid against the run and is a sure tackler.

Sophomores Terrance Campbell and Kyle McKenzie didn't enter last season in the starting lineup, but they made enough of an impression to end the season there. Campbell gradually improved throughout 2002 at weak-side linebacker and although he doesn't have tremendous size, he more than makes up for it with his speed. He is good in pursuit and tallied seven tackles-for-loss in 2002. McKenzie displayed his athleticism when he took over as a starter the last two games. He has great lateral movement and showed the ability to cut off running lanes and close quickly in coverage.

Junior Dominique Sims moved from safety to linebacker prior to the Music City Bowl last season and he opened eyes with his play in the spring. He figures to play a role in the success of the Gophers' defense in 2003 and is listed as the starter at "will" linebacker heading into camp.

Junior college transfer Brian Smith will also contribute to the linebacking corps in his first season at Minnesota. Smith was a first-team All-Mission Conference selection at El Camino Junior College, leading the conference in tackles the past two seasons. Also providing depth at linebacker is junior Bobby Grandas (6-2, 220), and redshirt freshmen Chris Holden (5-11, 225), Stephon Hopkins (6-0, 225), Pat McCarthy (6-0, 240), and Mario Reese (6-2, 220).

SECONDARY
Eli Ward has become the leader of the secondary after finishing first on the team in tackles last season with 116. An honorable mention All-Big Ten selection in 2002, Ward has terrific instincts and is always around the ball. He intercepted two passes against Louisiana-Lafayette last season and had four games with at least 10 tackles, including a 22-tackle performance at Wisconsin. Ward, a preseason first-team All-Big Ten selection by The Sporting News, has followed in the footsteps of other talented safeties to play at Minnesota under Glen Mason (Tyrone Carter, New York Jets and Jack Brewer, Minnesota Vikings).

Senior Justin Isom has moved from safety to cornerback after finishing third on the team in tackles last season, starting every game at strong safety. Isom had team highs in passes defensed with eight and interceptions with three in 2002.

Junior Ukee Dozier, sophomore Ken Williams and redshirt freshman Trumaine Banks will also apply pressure on opposing receivers at cornerback. Dozier is a two-year starter who has great stop-and-start speed and helped Minnesota finish first in the Big Ten in passing defense (178.6 ypg). Williams filled in for an injured Lehan midway through the season and did an admirable job against some of the conference's best wideouts, including Biletnikoff Award winner Charles Rogers. Williams has good technique and excels at preventing yards after the catch. Banks had a very good spring and could be an immediate impact player with the Gophers. He will compete for a starting spot at cornerback after improving his technique during his redshirt season.

Justin Fraley will take over at strong safety after making the switch from linebacker last season. Fraley finished seventh on the team with 42 tackles. He is very athletic and has adjusted well to the position change. Mike Wojciechowski earned his second letter last season in the secondary and will work at cornerback after playing primarily in nickel situations in 2002. Junior Johnathan Richmond and sophomores John Pawielski and Quentin White will also figure into the mix in the defensive backfield.

Defensively, the Gophers are hoping to pick up in 2003 where they left off at the Music City Bowl. Defensive coordinator Greg Hudson loses cornerback Michael Lehan to graduation, but sees a majority of his defense return with another year of experience.

Coach Mason believes with another year under their belt this defense could be much improved for the 2003 campaign.

"Youth was the term that was used most often last year in association with our defense, and while we will still be a young defense, we will also be more experienced. We were able to add additional size through our strength and conditioning program last fall and winter and we are looking forward to seeing an improved defense this year," Mason said.

DEFENSIVE LINE
The defensive line is completely intact from last season with veterans Dan Kwapinski, Paul Nixon, Darrell Reid and Mark Losli leading the way.

Kwapinski is a solid run stopper at tackle and provides continuity to the line after missing only one start during the past two seasons. Reid made huge strides last year at nose tackle, leading all defensive lineman in tackles with 43 and tying linemate Paul Nixon for the team lead in tackles-for-loss with eight. Nixon was a key component on the line last year at defensive end and showed he had big-play potential by recording a career-high three sacks at Ohio State. Sophomore Mark Losli earned a starting spot at defensive end four weeks into the season and displayed a knack for getting to the quarterback by accumulating six sacks.

Another player who will be fighting for a starting spot is sophomore Anthony Montgomery. The 6-5, 315-pound Montgomery forced opposing offenses to think twice before running his direction. He is very athletic for his size and made significant strides toward the end of the season. Sophomore Scott Stephenson has also had a tremendous offseason after finishing strong with an increased role at the end of last season. Stephenson lettered as a true freshman, starting twice. Another up-and-comer for the Gophers upfront is redshirt freshman Eric Clark, who impressed the coaching staff during the spring with his explosiveness.

Maurice Buchanan (6-3, 240), Junior Eugene (6-1, 225), Sam Logan (6-2, 240), Keith Lipka (6-3, 255) and Eric Stenzel (6-4, 265) will also contribute to the Gophers' cause upfront.

LINEBACKER
The position of highest competition may reside at linebacker, where several veteran players will be competing against each other. Heading the group is senior Ben West. West started every game at middle linebacker last season, finishing second on the team in tackles with 103, including seven tackles-for-loss. West, a preseason All-Big Ten selection by Lindy's, is solid against the run and is a sure tackler.

Sophomores Terrance Campbell and Kyle McKenzie didn't enter last season in the starting lineup, but they made enough of an impression to end the season there. Campbell gradually improved throughout 2002 at weak-side linebacker and although he doesn't have tremendous size, he more than makes up for it with his speed. He is good in pursuit and tallied seven tackles-for-loss in 2002. McKenzie displayed his athleticism when he took over as a starter the last two games. He has great lateral movement and showed the ability to cut off running lanes and close quickly in coverage.

Junior Dominique Sims moved from safety to linebacker prior to the Music City Bowl last season and he opened eyes with his play in the spring. He figures to play a role in the success of the Gophers' defense in 2003 and is listed as the starter at "will" linebacker heading into camp.

Junior college transfer Brian Smith will also contribute to the linebacking corps in his first season at Minnesota. Smith was a first-team All-Mission Conference selection at El Camino Junior College, leading the conference in tackles the past two seasons. Also providing depth at linebacker is junior Bobby Grandas (6-2, 220), and redshirt freshmen Chris Holden (5-11, 225), Stephon Hopkins (6-0, 225), Pat McCarthy (6-0, 240), and Mario Reese (6-2, 220).

SECONDARY
Eli Ward has become the leader of the secondary after finishing first on the team in tackles last season with 116. An honorable mention All-Big Ten selection in 2002, Ward has terrific instincts and is always around the ball. He intercepted two passes against Louisiana-Lafayette last season and had four games with at least 10 tackles, including a 22-tackle performance at Wisconsin. Ward, a preseason first-team All-Big Ten selection by The Sporting News, has followed in the footsteps of other talented safeties to play at Minnesota under Glen Mason (Tyrone Carter, New York Jets and Jack Brewer, Minnesota Vikings).

Senior Justin Isom has moved from safety to cornerback after finishing third on the team in tackles last season, starting every game at strong safety. Isom had team highs in passes defensed with eight and interceptions with three in 2002.

Junior Ukee Dozier, sophomore Ken Williams and redshirt freshman Trumaine Banks will also apply pressure on opposing receivers at cornerback. Dozier is a two-year starter who has great stop-and-start speed and helped Minnesota finish first in the Big Ten in passing defense (178.6 ypg). Williams filled in for an injured Lehan midway through the season and did an admirable job against some of the conference's best wideouts, including Biletnikoff Award winner Charles Rogers. Williams has good technique and excels at preventing yards after the catch. Banks had a very good spring and could be an immediate impact player with the Gophers. He will compete for a starting spot at cornerback after improving his technique during his redshirt season.

Justin Fraley will take over at strong safety after making the switch from linebacker last season. Fraley finished seventh on the team with 42 tackles. He is very athletic and has adjusted well to the position change. Mike Wojciechowski earned his second letter last season in the secondary and will work at cornerback after playing primarily in nickel situations in 2002. Junior Johnathan Richmond and sophomores John Pawielski and Quentin White will also figure into the mix in the defensive backfield.