2008 OUTLOOK: When UCF's defense improved midway through the 2007 season it led the Knights to the C-USA title. The defense will have to provide the foundation for a team with questions to answer throughout the offense.

SCOUTING THE OFFENSE
It's tough enough replacing tailback Kevin Smith, the nation's leading rusher in 2007, but the Knights also need a new quarterback and three starting offensive linemen and the receivers have a lot to prove. LT Pat Brown gives the Knights a cornerstone to build on.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE
The Knights return nine starters, including an experienced secondary that has been together for the past two seasons and a group of talented young linebackers who made significant progress late last season. DE Bruce Miller is one of C-USA's best pass rushers.

SCOUTING THE SPECIAL TEAMS
At kicker, sophomore transfer Jordan Dodds and sophomore Kyle Iketani are still competing for the starting job. CB Joe Burnett is a dangerous punt returner but Blake Clingan is a solid punter.

ROSTER REPORT

--The leading candidate to replace Kevin Smith at tailback, junior Phillip Smith, left spring practice in the second week with an unspecified leg injury and did not return. He is expected to miss significant time this summer.

--Sophomore WR A.J. Guyton suffered an ACL injury in the spring and is expected to redshirt this season.

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