Even the top teams have issues. (Insider: College Football).

Washington State is TSN's darling for 2002. Go ahead and grab a thumb-and-index finger full of the Cougs' cheek. There's a lot to adore about this team, which has top 10 potential Foremost, there's quarterback Jason Gesser, he of the $2,500, 25-foot Heisman-touting banner hanging from a 100-foot grain elevator in Dusty, Wash.

Washington State will feature some of the nation's best line play, and receiver Mike Bush and cornerback Marcus Trufant are among the best at their positions. But the Cougars have a few blemishes to clear up in training camp.

Coach Mike Price must replace all three linebackers and find a running back. Even more important is finding two new safeties. Last year's starters, Lament Thompson and Billy Newman, were the vanguards of a strong secondary. Each had a knack for finding the ball in coverage, and the duo had few peers in run support.

Into their vast void steps strong safety Virgil Williams and free safety Erik Coleman. Each is a decent athlete with adequate speed, but instincts are an issue. Thompson and Newman were great leaders who had excellent field awareness and always seemed to be in the right place.

How Washington State's secondary progresses is one of many compelling training camp storylines among the nation's top teams this summer.

Florida State. Defensive ends Kevin Emanuel and Alonzo Jackson are under pressure to improve on a low 2001 sack total. Playing with consistent intensity is an issue for both. Too often, they get engulfed in blocks and struggle to fight off opposing linemen. Complicating matters: Neither is particularly athletic.

Defensive tackle Darnell Dockett also must turn up the heat. He didn't have a sack last year, a year after recording seven. Without a good rush, a secondary that is breaking in two safeties could struggle. Plus, corner Malcolm Tatum filtered in coverage last year, so a stout rush would alleviate concerns about his shutdown skills.