Tait was still young. It was his first year as a starter. Bateman was good too.
Jenkins was good.
Sarkisian was definitely good.
Muirbrook was probably the best player on defense.
At the time, however, I think Mili would have received the most "best player" votes. I can't imagine putting anyone ahead of him.
I know that the schedule got much more difficult in the couple of games after Mili went down, but the offense definitely didn't look the same.
How many All-Americans were on the 1996 team?
Unless I don't recall correctly, Itula Mili was the only one.