ESPN College Football

At this time last year, Virginia’s quarterbacks were involved in one of the better offseason competitions in the ACC. This spring, it’s a different story, as Michael Rocco has asserted himself as the leader of the offense and is looking to build upon a strong debut in 2011. Last year Rocco completed 61.4 percent of his passes for 1,485 yards, with just four interceptions, nine touchdowns and a 141.00 pass efficiency rating. I spoke with Rocco recently about his outlook on 2012. Here are the highlights of our conversation:

What’s the next step for you? What can you build on and get better at next season?

Michael Rocco: My first priority really has been lifting and being a leader in the offseason, just getting down what I need to work on through film. I’ve been doing that the past couple of weeks. And then really just going out and working on that in my spare time with other quarterbacks and receivers, just making sure I’m a leader during our offseason workouts.

How much more enjoyable has this offseason been because there haven’t been questions about who’s going to be Virginia’s quarterback and the uncertainty of the position and your role in it?

MR: I think it’s just more enjoyable that I’m going to be the leader I knew I could be this whole time and people are looking to me for leadership and accountability. Last year I was trying to develop my leadership and this year, I am a leader now. I need to watch my step and make sure I’m leading through example.

What was the most important lesson you learned from last season?

MR: Really that it’s a team game, and that I have to rely on my playmakers to make plays for me, and I can’t get it all done alone from the quarterback position. I have great players around me. I just have to do my part in leading the offense and good things will happen. Our offense really got better towards the end of the year and throughout the year.

How big of a deal is it from your perspective that coach [Bill] Lazor ended the speculation about him going to the NFL and he’ll be your coordinator again this year?

MR: It’s huge, especially having a coordinator for three years in a row now. This offense is really taking off, and I know I have become a way better quarterback, just from being under his tutelage, and making sure that I’m using all of his information. I meet with him weekly, and just knowing that he’s here and having him for another year in this offense is really something special.

As a group, where do you guys think you made the most progress offensively last year?

MR: I know we ran the ball respectively for most of our games, and in just another year in the offense, we knew that we were going to excel and get better and I believe our offensive line took a huge step forward this past year. The running backs did a great job of running through those holes they opened up. This next year we’re really looking to take our passing game to get to the level of the running game we had this past year.

Are you going to be able to do that without Mr. [Kris] Burd?

MR: It’s going to be tough. He is a really good receiver, but we have good receivers coming back, and we have a good recruiting class of receivers coming in. It’s exciting to work with our receivers right now in the offseason and I look forward to the guys coming in this summer to see who can play right away. It’s going to take a little time to progress, but it’s going to be a great experience and we’re ready for it.

You guys totally jumped the gun on expectations last year by getting to a bowl game and contending for the Coastal Division title. What do you think are realistic expectations for Virginia fans for you guys for this season?

MR: Our expectations on ourselves are really all that matters, and I know all of our guys are expecting us to improve upon last year. Our record was 8-5 last year. That’s not all we look at is our record, but improving as players and teammates, and we know we have the players and the playmakers to do something special next year, even though we lost a lot. We have the guys in place, the recruits in place to take this program to the next level. I know I’m working as hard as I can to be the leader I need to be this offseason and I know other leaders on the team are, too. We’re expecting a lot out of this season and not looking to skip a beat.

There had been some speculation regarding the future of Virginia offensive coordinator Bill Lazor with the program, but Lazor squashed the notion of him leaving for the NFL with the following statement:

"Like coach [Mike] London, I too have had a number of inquires about my future at Virginia and I am excited to let everyone know I am still a Cavalier and will be a part of coach London’s staff for the upcoming season.

I appreciate coach London recently allowing me the chance to discuss a unique opportunity with an NFL team. I think all of us on his staff appreciate the comments he made the other day about professional growth and development. He truly cares about the people that work with him.

In my two years in Charlottesville I have grown to appreciate coach London, the University and the things he is doing with our football program. We are all very privileged to work at such a fine University and to coach a really outstanding group of young men. Yes we’ve made some progress, but he have even higher goals we want to achieve and I’m excited that I will be here to be a part of that ongoing process."

It had been reported that Lazor interviewed for the same position with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Whether or not he was actually offered the position or knew Tampa Bay was going in a different direction is irrelevant at this point. What should matter to Virginia fans is that Lazor is good, he's made a difference and he'll be back -- at least for 2012.

Virginia coach Mike London has issued a statement on the speculation surrounding offensive coordinator Bill Lazor's future, and confirmed that his offensive coordinator has met with an NFL team about a job opportunity. FOXSports.com reported on Tuesday that Lazor is a candidate for the same position with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Here's what London had to say about it:

"I have received a number of inquiries regarding the status of Bill Lazor on our staff. Bill recently met with a NFL team regarding an opening on its staff. Considering his background in the NFL and the outstanding job he has done as our offensive coordinator, that does not surprise me.

I’m a firm believer in the continuity of the overall staff and I think the combination of quality assistant coaches and support staff have contributed to our success thus far. At the same time, opportunities present themselves that I feel are important for our staff to investigate and possibly pursue for their personal development and to allow them to meet their personal goals."

This would be a big loss for the Hoos, especially as they prepare for spring practice and build off of the momentum from 2011, but so far, there's nothing concrete. If and when there is, you can find it here.

Anybody else wanna join the Big East?

• Can it be required by law that Clemson and South Carolina play each other every year?
• Officials at both schools say they'd rather handle it themselves.
• Former Georgia Tech receiver Stephen Hill will have to impress at the NFL combine in order to make his decision worth it.
• Four former Hokies could also improve their draft stock at the combine.
• Is Virginia offensive coordinator Bill Lazor heading to the NFL after just two seasons?
• Can't get enough of Nevin Shapiro? You can watch more on Miami's infamous fan tonight.
• FSU coach Jimbo Fisher says the Noles are now able to compete with the elite teams in the country.
• SI.com grades Larry Fedora's first recruiting class at UNC.

It happens when you least expect it.

Just ask Virginia Tech.

Can the ACC get through Week 1 without an embarrassing loss? Will JMU strike again?

Here are the top three games on upset watch for Week 1 in the ACC:

1. William & Mary at Virginia: The last time these teams met, in 2009, William & Mary won, 26-14. UVA was 4-8 last year. William & Mary was 8-4. The Tribe is led by former UNC backup quarterback Michael Paulus, who played in six games last season. Virginia is introducing rookie quarterback Michael Rocco. The Tribe ranked seventh in the FCS in passing offense last year and No. 19 in scoring offense at 48 points per game. UVA's offense was much improved under Bill Lazor and averaged 38 points per game.

2. Appalachian State at Virginia Tech: This is the fourth straight season that the Hokies have played a past FCS national champion, but these programs haven't met since 1982. App State quarterback DeAndre Presley is one of four players in FCS history to pass for 2,000 or more yards and rush for 1,000 or more in the same season.

3. James Madison at North Carolina: Mickey Matthews is entering his 12th season at JMU, and interim head coach Everett Withers will be coaching his first game as a head coach. Despite its upset of Virginia Tech last season, JMU didn't exactly thrive in the CAA, finishing with a 3-5 league record and 6-5 overall. The offense was one of the worst in the FCS, and shouldn't present too many problems for the UNC defense. The JMU defense, though, was one of the best in the FCS.

Lotta links ...

• Sorry I missed this one yesterday, guys. Great read on Virginia tight end Colter Phillips and how his family is coping with the death of his father a year later.
• Virginia's real work is about to begin, including finding a quarterback.
• UVA offensive coordinator Bill Lazor hasn't offered up any clues as to who that might be. Maybe that's because he doesn't have any yet.
• Jim Grobe cracks me up. He said Joe Looney looks like he combs his hair with a grenade.
• North Carolina fans aren't quite sure how they feel about the state of their football program, according to one poll.
• David Glenn spoke with Frank Beamer recently about a variety of topics.
• The quarterback competition is heating up at Georgia Tech.
• Maryland running back Davin Meggett says this is his team, not Randy Edsall's. Don't look now, but the Terps have a leader.
• Jimbo Fisher has been pleased with his team's attitude.
• BC defensive coordinator Bill McGovern is ready for another defensive challenge.
• BC linebacker Kevin Pierre-Louis will help make that challenge a little bit easier.
• Virginia Tech held its first mini-scrimmage, but no starters were on the field.
• Clemson freshman Bashaud Breeland is making a push for some playing time.
• Miami linebacker Jordan Futch is tired of being No. 2.
• Congrats to the NC State players who started the chapter of Uplifting Athletes. It's a great cause, and would be perfect for Florida State right now to help the cause of Ethan Fisher.
• Maryland's Kenny Tate has moved from safety to linebacker, but who will take over in the Terps' secondary?
• Some news and notes from Day 4 of Miami's camp.

The series highlighting one assistant coach from each program whose position group will steal the spotlight this fall continues today with the Cavaliers.

Coach: Bill Lazor

Position: Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks

Experience: Lazor is entering his second season with the Cavaliers. He came to Virginia after seven seasons in the NFL, most recently as the quarterbacks coach in 2008 and 2009 with the Seattle Seahawks.

With the Seahawks, Lazor coached Pro Bowler Matt Hasselback for two seasons. Prior to his stint in Seattle, Lazor spent four seasons with the Washington Redskins. During the 2006 and 2007 seasons, Lazor was the quarterbacks coach for Joe Gibbs. In his first two seasons in Washington, Lazor was an offensive assistant. He got his NFL start in 2003 under Dan Reeves as the Atlanta Falcons' offensive quality control coach.

Lazor's last collegiate stop was as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Buffalo in 2001 and 2002, just after the Bulls rejoined the FBS ranks in 1999. Prior to his days heading the Bulls' offense, Lazor spent seven seasons at his alma mater, Cornell.

Of note: He’s an Ivy Leaguer. Lazor graduated from Cornell in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science degree in human development and family studies. Lazor was a three-year starting quarterback and graduated with 26 passing and total offensive school records. He was team captain in 1993 and Cornell’s MVP as a senior. He played in the 1994 Epson Ivy Bowl in Tokyo, Japan.

His challenge: Find a quarterback and make him a winner. Virginia enters summer camp still looking for a successor to Marc Verica, and there are four candidates to choose from. Michael Rocco and Ross Metheny are the only two who have played in games and have a combined 42 passing attempts. Michael Strauss was redshirted last year, and David Watford is a true freshman who showed some promise this spring but also made the expected freshmen mistakes. None of them have separated themselves, and there’s one thing Lazor can’t help them with -- leadership. Cornerback Chase Minnifield called the quarterbacks out at ACC media days and said he wanted to see more leadership from them. Mike London wants to see better decision-making. Virginia fans just want to see a starter. It’s Lazor’s job to coach ‘em up.

More in this series

Heather Dinich talks with Virginia offensive coordinator Bill Lazor.

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. -- When spring practices first began at Virginia, there were four quarterbacks splitting the reps fairly evenly. When spring practices ended on Saturday, Ross Metheny still didn’t know where he stood on Mike London’s depth chart.

He’s not the only one.

“I’ve been trying to get a beat on the rotation,” he said with a laugh, “but we just go in when coach tells us to go in. We just do what we’re told to do.”

Virginia’s biggest question this year remains unanswered, as none of the quarterbacks separated themselves this spring enough to earn the starting job. Metheny and Michael Rocco are the only two on the roster who have any game experience (a combined 42 pass attempts, four touchdowns and three interceptions). Michael Strauss and true freshman David Watford will also continue to push for the starting job. London said it’s possible the competition could extend into the season, but that he wasn’t discouraged by the lack of separation this spring.

“To me, the competition of all of those guys has raised all of their levels,” London said. “Obviously young David Watford is dropping the ball and doing things like that, but that’s part of his growth and development, understanding that when you’re down in the red zone, make sure you get the snap more than anything else. He’ll learn those things. The other three guys, all of them are working at it to make sure no one separates themselves from each other.”

Despite the lack of official practices between now and summer camp, London said the rest of the offseason will be critical to how the depth chart shakes out because he wants to see who takes the lead role when it comes to training, watching film and organizing the voluntary seven-on-seven workouts.

Part of the problem in the evaluation of the quarterbacks was injuries that sidelined six wide receivers for all or part of the spring, including returning starters Kris Burd and Tim Smith, and team captain Matt Snyder. With walk-ons filling some of the spots, the timing was often thrown off.

“It’s hard to evaluate your quarterbacks throwing that out-route when he’s supposed to go one-thousand one, one-thousand two, and let it go, and the receiver might not be as fast,” London said. “… With that being said, throw to the open guy, regardless. Be in the right gaps, be in the right position.”

Offensive coordinator Bill Lazor said it helped the staff evaluate the tight ends and running backs instead because they were more involved in the passing game because of the low numbers at receiver.

“We have two rules for the receivers -- be where you’re supposed to be when you’re supposed to be there and never fool the quarterback,” Lazor said. “Obviously they have a lot of things they have to know, but those are the overriding rules, and when the guy isn’t out there practicing, it’s hard. The first day he comes out, it’s hard to judge depth when you’re running full speed, it’s hard to be in the right spot. There will be some makeup time when all those guys come back.”

Once the season starts, there’s not a lot of time for auditions. Virginia will face former North Carolina backup quarterback Mike Paulus and William & Mary in the season opener before back-to-back road trips at Indiana and North Carolina.

“You may not know until the first or second game,” London said, “but right now, all of them know that wherever their game is, they need to improve upon it, and they’ve got to be doing it right now with a sense of urgency.”

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – The McCue Center is a happier place under first-year Virginia coach Mike London – or so I’m told.

It’s not like I haven’t covered Virginia football before.

But today, I felt like I was introduced to the program for the first time. That’s because all of the coaches’ office doors were open following their morning staff meeting -- including London’s.

Sit down, defensive coordinator Jim Reid said, before asking about my family and talking about his. Offensive coordinator Bill Lazor and running backs coach Mike Faragalli stopped their conversation in the offensive meeting room for a quick chat, and recruiting guru Chip West was caught red-handed working with some classic 80s music on in his office. Former standout defensive back Anthony Poindexter leaned back in his office chair, and with an aw-shucks smile deflected the sports information director’s introduction of being the staff “legend.”

Granted, there is less pressure in mid-June and most staffs are a little more relaxed, but possibly the biggest change to Virginia football since London was hired has been the atmosphere. That’s a direct result of London’s gregarious, genuine personality, which is contagious. It’s reflected in the assistants he hired, who are also down-to-earth, approachable people. And it’s visible in the players, who have been urged by this staff to become more involved in their community and try harder in the classroom.

Don’t mistake these “nice guys” for FCS pushovers, though. More than one of London’s ACC opponents have told me, unprompted, that London is the “real deal.” He and his staff want to win in the ACC just as much as Butch Davis and Randy Shannon do. They know it has to be done with blocking and tackling, not handshakes and hugs. But they also realize the importance of relationships – with each other, with the players, within the state high schools, the fan base and the media.

It might not happen as quickly as Virginia fans would like, but this program can win with London. He and his staff have already lured in 14 commitments for the class of 2011, including one ESPN 150 prospect. Eleven of those players are either from Maryland, D.C. or Virginia.

In order to win, you have to have the players. But in order to get the players, you have to win them over with your personality and philosophies.

London is certainly capable of doing both.

Here's a breakdown of three issues facing each program heading into the spring:

BOSTON COLLEGE

Spring practice starts: March 18

Spring game: April 24

What to watch:

• How linebacker Mark Herzlich progresses. Herzlich, who was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma cancer last May, has been going through winter conditioning with his teammates, and he plans on participating in spring drills. How quickly he regains his form will be worth watching, as he and sophomore Luke Kuechly could give the Eagles one of the most formidable linebacking corps.

• The quarterback battle. After one season, Dave Shinskie has the most experience on the roster, but he’ll get some competition from Josh Bordner and Chase Rettig, two early enrollees. There were times last season when Shinskie looked like the future of the position and there were others when he looked like any other freshman.

• Defensive linemen. For the second straight year, BC is looking for some stability up front. The Eagles have to replace left tackle Austin Giles and defensive end Jim Ramella. They return Kaleb Ramsey, Giles’ backup, and Brad Newman, Ramella’s reserve, but some young faces are likely to be seen in the rotation.

CLEMSON

Spring practice starts: March 7

Spring game: April 10

What to watch:

• Life without C.J. Spiller officially begins. The backs behind him had a pretty good year, so there’s no need for full panic mode. Jamie Harper and Andre Ellington actually combined for a higher yards per carry average (6.1 to 5.6 yards). Clemson will also be looking to replace Spiller’s lost kickoff return yardage. The Tigers had a 13-yard advantage in average starting field position, as their start was their own 37-yard line compared to opponents’ 24-yard line. Ellington is a candidate in the return game.

• Kyle Parker’s batting average. No, really. How well Parker does this spring with the baseball team will help determine whether he remains Clemson’s quarterback or turns to the MLB draft. He didn’t have a great 2009 season, but he was still the fastest player to 25 home runs in school history. It remains to be seen this spring if he’ll become a high enough draft choice to give up college football.

• Secondary shuffling. It seems like eons ago since Crezdon Butler and Chris Chancellor weren’t the Tigers’ starting corners, as Butler started 40 straight games and Chancellor started 42. Butler finished his career second in school history in interception return yards. Now it’s time for a new duo. Will Marcus Gilchrist move to corner, which he’s capable of doing? Might Rashard Hall move to safety with DeAndre McDaniel?

DUKE

Spring practice starts: Feb. 14

Spring game: March 27

What to watch:

• Quarterback competition. Somebody has to take over for the graduated Thaddeus Lewis, but his backup – Sean Renfree – will miss the spring with a torn ACL. Redshirt freshman Sean Schroeder should be heavily in the mix to be the starter, pending Renfree’s recovery.

• Defensive line makeover. It’s wide open. Charlie Hatcher is entrenched at nose guard, but it’s really anyone’s game. The staff might move redshirt senior Wesley Oglesby, who played the majority of his career at defensive end, inside. Other options are defensive tackle Sydney Sarmiento, a redshirt freshman, and Curtis Hazelton, who played sparingly last season.

• Johnny Williams’ move from wide receiver to cornerback. He had 31 catches in 2009 – the fourth-best on the team. Now they need his help in the defensive backfield. Duke will lose starter Leon Wright and his 10 career interceptions, and the pass defense, which allowed 215.75 yards per game, could use a boost.

FLORIDA STATE

Spring practice starts: March 16

Spring game: April 10

What to watch:

• Christian Ponder’s return from shoulder surgery. Ponder is expected to practice this spring, though it could be on a limited basis, at least early. He’s ahead of schedule, but the coaches won’t subject him to any risks now. Yes, E.J. Manuel is talented and played well at the end of the season, but make no mistake – Ponder is FSU’s starter and a potential Heisman Trophy candidate.

• The defense under first-year coordinator Mark Stoops. His secondary, in particular, will be interesting to watch, as will how quickly he can help the front seven generate a pass rush and plug the middle. Stoops has been a secondary coach, and the Noles lost three starters there. The fourth, Ochuko Jenije, could be pushed to retain his job.

• New faces, new opportunities. In addition to the fab freshmen who are coming in, FSU has a handful of unfamiliar players already on the roster who played sparingly or not at all. We'll see how they fit in this spring. RS-So DT Anthony McCloud and RS-So RB Debrale Smiley are both junior college transfers and former teammates. Physically, freshman linebacker Jeff Luc is already a man, but how quickly can he mature on the field? Two young wide receivers worth watching are Rodney Smith and Willie Haulstead.

GEORGIA TECH

Spring practice starts: March 29

Spring game: April 24

What to watch:

• The defensive transformation. The Jackets will switch from the 4-3 to the 3-4 under first-year coordinator Al Groh. In addition to learning the new scheme, the staff has to figure out who goes where. Linebackers might play defensive end and vice versa, safeties might play outside linebacker. It’s anyone’s guess as to how this team lines up in the spring.

• The replacements. From Georgia Tech’s coaching staff to the new faces who will be tasked with filling in for the Fab Four -- Jonathan Dwyer, Derrick Morgan, Morgan Burnett and Demaryius Thomas -- the Jackets will need some “Hello My Name Is” tags this spring.

• The offensive line. Three offensive linemen redshirted who could start, and Georgia Tech might need them to, especially if guard Joseph Gilbert decides to transfer to pursue his MBA. The Jackets lose two starters on the offensive line, and Gilbert, who graduates this spring, would be a third if he leaves. Center Sean Bedford and tackle Austin Barrick return as seniors.

MARYLAND

Spring practice starts: March 23

Spring game: April 24

What to watch:

• The quarterback competition. Chris Turner has graduated, leaving Jamarr Robinson the top option going into the spring, but he has limited experience. The staff liked what he did when Turner was injured, but Danny O’Brien, Miami (Ohio) transfer Clay Belton and C.J. Brown will all be given an opportunity. Look for O’Brien to start the spring at No. 2 on the depth chart.

• Cornerback: Cameron Chism is the only returning starter in the secondary, but right now the staff has fewer concerns about the safeties. Maryland will have to find some bodies at corner, and Dexter McDougle, who redshirted as a true freshman last year, is one option. Michael Carter and Trenton Hughes, who was the third corner last year, are also among a handful of candidates.

• The offensive line. Losing Bruce Campbell to the NFL hurt, but the Terps also lost starter Phil Costa. Justin Gilbert, a redshirt sophomore, could inherit Campbell’s job. And there’s always Mr. Versatility -- Paul Pinegar. He has helped the Terps at both tackle spots and left guard, and this spring he’ll likely be given a shot at center.

MIAMI

Spring practice starts: Feb. 23

Spring game: March 27 (tentative)

What to watch:

• Tight end/offensive line: Jimmy Graham is gone, and the Canes don’t return any tight ends with any experience other than Richard Gordon, who was injured the majority of last season. Miami signed four tight ends in this recruiting class, but none of them were early enrollees. Miami has to replace three starters up front, including both tackles and the center.

• How the two young quarterbacks perform: The health of Jacory Harris was precious last year, as he had nobody behind him with any experience after the transfers of Taylor Cook and Cannon Smith. The depth has improved a bit with A.J. Highsmith, who played sparingly last year, and Stephen Morris, one of the early enrollees.

• Upgrade on the d-line? Progress up front began with the hire of Rick Petri as defensive line coach, and it’s up to Petri to help the Canes become better pass rushers. Miami will depend upon its two mainstays -- Allen Bailey and Josh Holmes. The right end position was a group effort last year, and Miami has to replace Joe Joseph and Eric Moncur.

NORTH CAROLINA

Spring practice starts: March 15

Spring game: April 10

What to watch:

• Quarterback T.J. Yates. It’s his job to lose, and the coaching staff still has confidence in him, but Bryn Renner is waiting in the wings, and Braden Hanson will also be given an opportunity. The staff is looking for the offense to improve its passing efficiency and cut down on turnovers.

• The offensive line. It was a patchwork effort in 2009, thanks to injuries and inexperience, and will be a major key in how much UNC improves offensively this year. The Heels have to replace two starters, and Jonathan Cooper is likely to move from guard to center, and right guard Alan Pelc will miss spring drills while recovering from shoulder surgery.

• Defensive line tweaks. There aren’t many questions on a defense that should be one of the best in the country, but somebody has to replace Cam Thomas and defensive end E.J. Wilson. Tydreke Powell is the frontrunner to take over at defensive tackle and Quinton Coples at defensive end. Both were backups last year at their respective positions.

NC STATE

Spring practice starts: March 9

Spring game: April 17

What to watch:

• Backup quarterback Mike Glennon. Russell Wilson is the starter, but he’s going to be playing baseball all spring. Keep an eye on his backup to see if Glennon can make it any more of a competition in Wilson’s absence.

• Chris Ward at punter. No, it’s not usually, the highlight of the spring, but in this case, it’s necessary. Ward is it -- he’s their only option right now, and it’s a position the Pack struggled with last year. Ward was expected to be the starter last season, but he was inconsistent. He’s definitely got the talent to be the guy.

• The recovery of linebacker Nate Irving. After being severely injured in a one-car crash last summer, Irving is hopeful he can go through spring drills. He has been lifting with the team and running with the sports medicine staff, but it’s still uncertain how limited his contact will be.

VIRGINIA

Spring practice starts: March 15

Spring game: April 10

What to watch:

• Quarterback competition. Marc Verica is the only one with any experience, and first-year offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Bill Lazor hasn’t been in Charlottesville long enough to evaluate any of the candidates. That’s what the spring is for, and true freshman Michael Strauss is the lone incoming quarterback on campus, so he’ll have a head start on the playbook. Of the four quarterbacks Virginia signed in this year’s class, Strauss is the only one listed as a true quarterback. The Cavs also have Ross Metheny, who redshirted last year, and Riko Smalls, who redshirted in ‘08 and was No. 2 on the depth chart when Verica was out with a concussion.

• Coaching transition. First-year coach Mike London has hired almost an entirely new staff, and they’ll bring changes in philosophy and scheme. London has said he wants to get the defense back to the traditional 4-3, and revert to the tradition of featuring the tight ends, offensive linemen and running backs.

• Running back. The Cavs will have the help up front, but they need to replace their four leading rushers in Mikell Simpson, Rashawn Jackson, Vic Hall and Jameel Sewell. The staff will look at true freshman Kevin Parks, but also have Torrey Mack and Dominique Wallace, who had just seemed to be coming on at Southern Miss when he was injured and missed the rest of the season.

VIRGINIA TECH

Spring practice starts: March 31

Spring game: April 24

What to watch:

• Revamped defensive line. The Hokies have to replace three of four starters up front. The only defensive ends with significant playing time are Chris Drager, who the staff wanted to move back to tight end, and Steven Friday. Redshirt freshmen will be given a chance – Duan Perez-Means, Tyrel Wilson, James Gayle and J.R. Collins – but they’ve never played. Isaiah Hamlette is the only other end who’s played and that was a skinny minute. At defensive tackle, Antoine Hopkins will be the frontrunner to replace Cordarrow Thompson.

• Darren Evans’ comeback. Evans, the team’s leading rusher in 2008, is working his way back from a season-ending ACL injury, and one of the biggest questions in Blacksburg is how the staff will divide the carries in such a talented backfield that includes Ryan Williams. With two returning 1,000-yard rushers, will David Wilson decide to redshirt? The spring will help him in that decision.

• The evolution of Tyrod Taylor. He’s going to be a senior, and with so many questions on defense heading into the season, the offense will be leading the way. This should be a breakout year for Taylor, who by now should have mastered the offense and should consistently be a passing threat to compliment his running abilities.

WAKE FOREST

Spring practice starts: March 16

Spring game: April 17

What to watch:

• The quarterback competition. It’s the most glaring hole the Deacs have to fill this spring, as they’re tasked with replacing the winningest quarterback in school history, Riley Skinner, and his backup, Ryan McManus. Redshirt sophomores Ted Stachitas and Skylar Jones, and sophomore Brendan Cross, will compete with rookie Tanner Price for the top spot.

• Offensive line. The Deacs will take a huge hit here, as seven players in the two-deep depth chart were redshirt seniors, including all four tackles. Three starters have to be replaced.

• The interior defensive line. Nose guard Boo Robinson and John Russell have graduated, and Russell’s backup, Michael Lockett, was also a redshirt senior. The Deacs are in good shape at the ends, but will need some help inside.

Is signing day this week or something?

• Before you get too excited about the hype surrounding your favorite recruit this season, remember how much Clemson fans adored Willy Korn.
• FSU has lost a top prospect to South Florida, as defensive back Terrence Mitchell has decommitted.
• Duke's goal in this recruiting class is the same as last year -- to get faster and more athletic. It's a start.
• NC State coach Tom O'Brien has gotten the best of UNC coach Butch Davis on the field, but when it comes to in-state recruiting, they're about even.
• Quarterback recruit Mike Rocco switched gears from Louisville to Virginia, where his uncle, Danny, had coaching ties to Al Groh.
• New Virginia offensive coordinator Bill Lazor came highly recommended.
• Miami's former stars now in the NFL reunited in Sunday's Pro Bowl.
• Clemson quarterback Kyle Parker's father, Carl, told the Post and Courier that football has stunted his son's growth in baseball.

Bill Lazor, Virginia’s new offensive coordinator, will be the first to admit he’s got some catching up to do. He started studying the Cavaliers’ roster and personnel packets in his hotel room on Thursday night, and continued to research team on Friday morning, where he found a media guide and more reference material on his desk.

It’s been a while since Lazor, who spent the past seven seasons in the NFL, has had to call plays or recruit players -- two things that will now be primary responsibilities.

“One thing I know is that I have some studying to do in the recruiting book,” Lazor (pronounced laser) said. “We used to take pride in who could get it done faster when I worked at Cornell, who could get the test done faster, but it’s been a little bit. I’ve got to study if I want to catch up to these guys, but I’ll do that.

“As far as the play-calling, the way I look at it, it’s something I enjoyed doing and thought I was good at when I did it, and I can’t imagine having a better seven years of study behind people who do it very, very well,” he said. “I’ll be very disappointed in myself if I don’t bring as many of those lessons I’ve learned from some of the greatest minds in football with me. I feel very confident it’s going to be fun again.”

Lazor said his offense will be “an extension of what coach (Mike) London believes in.” More specifically, he said he wants to be an explosive, physical offense that a pro-style attack from both under center and in the shotgun.

“But really the specifics of that will match the strength of the players that are here and going to be playing for us in that first game,” Lazor said.

The last time Lazor coached in college, he was offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Buffalo in 2001 and 2002. He’ll also coach the quarterbacks at Virginia -- one of the many positions in question heading into 2010.

The one thing Lazor was sure of on his first day at work?

“I won’t learn all I need to know before spring,” he said. “In my mind, it’s just a constant process.”

And that’s exactly what Virginia fans should expect this fall -- an ongoing project.

Don't forget to watch the Senior Bowl on Saturday -- it could be a big audition for former Miami tight end Jimmy Graham.

• Being a native of Pennsylvania I'm probably biased, but recruits out of Wilson High near Reading are usually pretty good. Meet Maryland commitment Tyler Smith.
• Then again, any bruising running back named Mustafa doesn't sound like a guy to mess with either. Score another one for NC State.
• Mike London got one step closer to sorting out his staff when hehired Bill Lazor as his offensive coordinator. He needs just one more hire to complete his staff.
• Thanks to NC State, David Akinniyi is one of the fortunate players who will continue to play football after his previous school, Northeastern, cut the program.
• Florida State has already put together an outstanding recruiting class, yet somehow, within the next few days, it could get even better.

Former Seattle Seahawks assistant Bill Lazor has been hired as Virginia's offensive coordinator, the school announced Thursday. Lazor is the eighth assistant to join coach Mike London's staff, and comes to Virginia after seven seasons in the NFL, most recently as the quarterbacks coach the past two years with the Seahawks.

"Bill brings a wealth of football knowledge and influence working for three NFL Hall of Fame head coaches," London said in a prepared statement. "Like all the other coaches on staff, he is of high character and integrity. Bill was an accomplished college quarterback as a player and has been a college coordinator and recruiter for an academic institution of high standing, which makes him a good fit with the staff who will represent the University of Virginia in a positive manner."

Lazor's last collegiate stop was as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Buffalo in 2001 and 2002, just after the Bulls rejoined the FBS ranks in 1999. Prior to his days heading the Bulls' offense, Lazor spent seven seasons at his alma mater, Cornell. He started as a part-time assistant in 1994 and progressed to the passing game coordinator, recruiting coordinator and quarterbacks coach in 1999 and 2000.