When the UA football team entered spring camp last week, they had many questions regarding which player would come in next fall and help rebuild the Arizona running game that has thrived in the past.

While the Wildcats had a decent ground game last season, they could only muster four touchdowns from their tailbacks. Therefore, the UA coaching staff has channeled its efforts in search of finding a running back that can find the end zone.

The No. 1 choice is junior incumbent Gary Taylor. Taylor had 1,004 net yards last season and was second on the team with 33 receptions. The flip side is that he averaged just 65 yards a game and scored only twice.

"In the spring, I'm focused on improving the big three - getting bigger, stronger, and faster," Taylor said. "It's just a time to get back to the basics."

Along the lines of basics, the addition of offensive coordinator Homer Smith has caused a revamping of the offensive playbook. Something that might also improve production from the running back spot is some shaking up in the playbook.

Last season, Taylor didn't receive as many chances catching the ball out of the backfield, something that a new play selection might rectify.

"We are pretty much starting from scratch this season. I've been here for five years, and with all these new plays, I feel like a freshman," Taylor said. "In the second half of last season, we didn't utilize the pass out of the backfield that much. But this season, I will do whatever the coaches think will best utilize my talents."

Another positive with the new running attack is the experienced offensive line that returns. This is something that has already made an impression on Smith.

"Up to this point, I have been very impressed with the offensive linemen," Smith said. "They have to be commended for their tremendous work ethic."

Aside from Taylor, sophomore Kevin Schmidtke (2.6 yards a carry last season), freshman Scooter Sprotte (5.3 yards a carry) and Notre Dame transfer Leon Blunt should also figure into the tailback spot. The X-factor might be incoming freshman Leon Callen from De La Salle (Pittsburg, Calif.) High School, who gained 2,049 yards and 30 touchdowns his senior season.