1.   Along with returning starters Kris Clack and Chico Vazquez, the Longhorns are expected to be a strong contender for a NCAA Tournament berth next season.

2.   An attacking defense, once a liability, has seven returning starters.

3.   Among the eight returning starters on defense, tackle Cornelius Griffith is an All-America candidate.

4.   As one of eight returning defensive starters, Hovan will be the strong man at the point of attack from his nose guard spot.

5.   As the only returning starter, Sowell would probably have become captain of the team next year, they said.

6.   As the lone returning starter, senior free safety Samir Al-Amin is the designated old man of the group.

7.   Abdul-Jabbar, who played at UCLA and is now with the Miami Dolphins, was the returning starter.

8.   Al Leiter, Rick Reed and Glendon Rusch are the returning starters.

9.   Bush, who started last year at free safety, has been working mostly as the backup strong safety behind returning starter William White.

10.   Buoyed by the outstanding play of the one returning starter, Darrin Smith, the linebackers have responded to the challenge.