ESPN College Football

I know, I know, Clemson overload today, but coach Dabo Swinney had a teleconference this morning to preview spring practices, which begin on Wednesday in Death Valley. Here are a few quick highlights from the call:

• Swinney said the main point of emphasis this spring will be the offensive and defensive lines, where the Tigers have to replace a total of six starters. The goal is to find a two-deep up front. He said offensive lineman Brandon Thomas has been like an MVP this offseason and has embraced a leadership role. “He has been great this offseason,” Swinney said. “He has really stepped up in a role he wasn’t necessarily in last year, and we need that.” Thomas can play tackle or guard effectively, and gives the Tigers some options up front. Swinney said Tyler Shatley, a former defensive tackle, looks “totally different” on the offensive side of the ball. “He goes from being an OK athlete to a really, really good athlete.” Shatley will start off at right guard.
• The only two injured players out this spring are linebacker Tony Steward and safety Rashard Hall. Steward, who tore his ACL in October, was denied a medical redshirt, Swinney said. “That’s the rule and that’s the way it is,” Swinney said. Steward will be a true sophomore.
• The punter situation is a question going into spring. Spencer Benton will go in as the starter. Swinney said the staff will experiment with a few things on special teams this spring.
• Clemson’s staff took a trip to Nevada this offseason to study the pistol offense, but Swinney said the Tigers were in the pistol some last spring and fall. The staff just wanted to learn a little more about it. As for how much of it will be incorporated this year, Swinney said he’s not going to give out a blueprint. “We’re going to do what we did last year, hopefully a little bit better.”
• Swinney said running back Mike Bellamy is “hanging in there” and will practice with the team while trying to improve himself on and off the field. Swinney said Bellamy has gained some weight and gotten stronger. The goal for this summer is about 180 pounds, well over the 160 he came in at.

Our offseason spotlight series continues today with Clemson. A reminder: This series features individual players, position groups and coaches who really need to have big offseasons — starting this spring.

Spotlight: Offensive line.

2011 summary: The senior-laden group comprised of Phillip Price, Brandon Thomas, Dalton Freeman, Antoine McClain and Landon Walker fared remarkably well with a new offensive line coach, a new offensive coordinator, a first-year starting quarterback, and a new system. The Tigers paved the way for the nation’s No. 24 scoring offense at 33.57 points per game. They were integral in blocking for a 1,000-yard rusher (Andre Ellington), 1,000-yard receiver (Sammy Watkins) and 3,000-yard passer (Tajh Boyd).

The skinny: You can argue the defensive line needs an equally big offseason, but consider this: At this time in 2008, coming off of the 2007 season, Clemson ranked in the top 25 and had James Davis, C.J. Spiller, Cullen Harper and Aaron Kelly — all of whom were returning from fantastic seasons. The Tigers were a top-10 preseason pick, but had to replace four starters on the offensive line. Clemson finished 7-6 and midway through the season, Tommy Bowden was fired. Even with all of those outstanding skill position players returning, Clemson couldn’t get it done up front, and it was a major factor in the team’s implosion that year. This spring, the Tigers have to replace three starters up front, as Freeman and Thompson are the only two returning starters. The staff moved Tyler Shatley from defensive tackle to offensive guard. He’s a 6-foot-3, 295-pound redshirt junior who is a quick athlete and could play a role in 2012.

More in this series:

• Boston College

MIAMI -- Clemson left tackle Phillip Price is out of the game with a knee injury and won't return, according to an announcement here in the press box. Price is a redshirt senior. Brandon Thomas, a redshirt sophomore, is his backup.

One more day until takeoff for Charlotte!

• Uncertainty is the only certainty right now for Clemson offensive lineman Brandon Thomas, who is preparing to fill in for injured starter Phillip Price, whose status is still in question.
• If Georgia Tech offers a scholarship, this Atlanta-based running back will accept it.
• A second player, running back D.J. Adams, has decided to leave Maryland's program.
• The awards are just beginning for BC linebacker Luke Kuechly.
• Can Clemson get back to being a linebacker factory?
• Former Miami receiver Aldarius Johnson has hired an agent and is working toward a second chance at playing again.
• Florida State kick returner Karlos Williams will probably miss the bowl game with a broken wrist.
• Logan Thomas is turning into a heckuva quarterback -- especially for a tight end.
• FSU and Miami need to worry -- Urban Meyer is back on the recruiting trail.
• Virginia Tech offensive lineman Blake DeChristopher has a lumberjack's beard and a prankster's personality.

CLEMSON, S.C. - A few quick lineup changes for you:

For Florida State, freshman Nick O'Leary will start in place of senior Beau Reliford at tight end, noseguard Anthony McCloud got the start of Jacobbi McDaniel, and Mike Harris will start at corner instead of Greg Reid. I am told receivers Kenny Shaw and Bert Reed are still game-time decisions. I expect an announcement here in the press box shortly before kickoff. Both are out on the field right now, dressed and running practice routes.

Truth? It would be stunning to me if Shaw -- after the viscious double helmet-to-helmet hit he took last week from Oklahoma -- played in this game and starting quarterback EJ Manuel didn't, but hey, I'm not a doctor and FSU has already confirmed that backup quarterback Clint Trickett will start. Manuel didn't even warm up. His receivers at least look like they're ready.

For Clemson, Brandon Thomas will start at left guard instead of Mason Cloy, and running back Andre Ellington (hamstring) is cleared and back in the starting lineup.

As early as three hours before the game, traffic into Death Valley was slower than a crawl, and the tailgating scene was in full force long before then. There have been a few sightings of Florida State fans, but this is Clemson's home and the Garnet and Gold is hard to find. Most of the fans are still outside the stadium at this point, but the Hill is starting to fill up.

This is one of the toughest venues in the ACC. We'll find out soon enough if Trickett is ready for it.

For the first time in conference history, the ACC is hosting four ranked teams. That alone is enough to keep you busy this weekend. But you're going to need more than four TVs. We've got the South's oldest rivalry in Chapel Hill, and somebody has to get a win in Chestnut Hill. There's plenty to watch. Here are a few that top my list, in no particular order:

1. Florida State’s secondary against Oklahoma’s receivers. Ryan Broyles and Kenny Stills make one of the best wide receiver duos in the country. The Seminoles’ secondary also has been billed as one of the best. They were out of position in this game at times last year, though, and got beat. Will this year be a more favorable matchup for FSU?

2. FSU’s running game and offensive line. Florida State won its first two games convincingly, but if there were any areas that showed some need for improvement, it was up front and in the running game. The offensive line needs to do a better job of sustaining its blocks, and the running backs need to work harder to create their own yards.

3. Miami quarterback Jacory Harris. All eyes will be on Harris as he makes his first start since a forgettable performance in the Sun Bowl last year. Harris threw four interceptions against Ohio State last year, but first-year coach Al Golden is confident enough in him to name him the starter ahead of Stephen Morris.

4. Turnovers in Chapel Hill. UNC turned the ball over five times last week, and Virginia had five turnovers – all interceptions – the last time these two teams met. UNC’s secondary is still looking for its first interception of the season, and UVA quarterback Michael Rocco threw one in last year’s meeting.

5. Virginia Tech’s punters. There’s a competition still going on. Scott Demler won the starting job this summer, but has punted 10 times for an average of 35.1 yards, with a long of 44. Danny Coale is still an option, and coach Frank Beamer said they could give true freshman Michael Branthover a look.

6. NC State’s defense. South Alabama is in a transitional phase to FCS status, and will become full members in 2013. You would think that even with a few injuries, the Wolfpack could show some improvement. NC State has allowed an average of 422 yards of total offense, and 27. 5 points per game.

7. Maryland’s pass defense. West Virginia has yet to really find a replacement for Noel Devine and the running game has struggled, leaving too much depending on the arm of Geno Smith. Fortunately for West Virginia, he’s good enough to get it done. Smith has completed over 66 percent of his passes and will challenge Maryland’s secondary.

8. Defense in Death Valley. There hasn’t been much of it for either Clemson or Auburn, so somebody will have to show improvement. Clemson ranks No. 90 in the nation in total defense, and Auburn is 111th. Both teams are allowing over 200 yards rushing per game.

9. Clemson’s offensive line: The Tigers allowed four sacks against Wofford, and failed to pick up a fourth-and-1. The pass protection has to improve, and earlier this week, Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said left guard David Smith struggled, and fans could see more of Mason Cloy and Brandon Thomas at the guard positions.

10. BC’s secondary vs. the ‘Killer V’s’: The Eagles’ depleted secondary could have its work cut out for it against Donovan Varner and Conner Vernon. BC learned this week that cornerback C.J. Jones will miss the rest of the season with a knee injury. Jones is the third player in what was projected to be BC’s starting secondary who won’t be in the lineup for various reasons.

Clemson starting left guard David Smith will undergo arthroscopic shoulder surgery today and will miss Clemson’s game against Auburn on Saturday, the school announced. Smith suffered the injury at practice on Tuesday.

Smith had started the first two games and has 16 career starts. Mason Cloy will start in his place. Cloy is a veteran with 19 career starts entering Saturday’s game.

Smith’s injury adds even more concern to an offensive line that coach Dabo Swinney has not been entirely pleased with. The Tigers allowed four sacks in their win over Wofford, and failed to get a critical fourth-and-1. On Swinney’s Sunday teleconference, he publicly called out Smith’s poor play, and said that fans could see more of Cloy and Brandon Thomas at the guard positions.

Ironically, Smith was injured in the closing moments of last year’s overtime loss to Auburn when he suffered a high-ankle sprain and missed the next two games.

Clemson returns four starting offensive linemen this year, but the one replacement looms large as left tackle Chris Hairston had 23 career starts.

His replacement this spring? A former walk-on tight end.

Phillip Price, a fifth-year senior, came to Clemson as a tight end and has been on scholarship for three seasons, but he’s always been a role player. He wasn’t moved to the offensive line until last season, and enters this fall with a résumé that includes a total of 123 snaps over 29 games and one start.

“He was kind of a role guy for us, a short-yardage goal-line guy,” coach Dabo Swinney said. “We just felt like if he could pick up the weight, he could be a good tackle. He made the move last year, and really transitioned all last season and got some playing time and learned what to do.”

Price is up to 300 pounds but hasn’t lost his athleticism. Swinney said Price came into the spring with the mindset that he wasn’t going to let anybody beat him out, and he didn’t. Price earned the team’s most improved award this spring.

“Brandon Thomas is a guy that we had high expectations of, who’s backing him up right now, but he did not have as good a spring as we needed him to have," Swinney said. "He's a very talented young player but has not decided to be great yet. I'm very proud of Phillip and how he competed and really became a consistent player this spring. Hopefully that will carry over into the fall and he can fill that void that Chris Hairston left."

Clemson underachieved this year.

With a veteran offensive line, a veteran quarterback and two talented running backs (albeit one who was injured in the second half of the season), it had appeared the Tigers had enough pieces in place this year to at least make a respectable run at defending their 2009 Atlantic Division title. They certainly had the defense for it. Now, as the Tigers begin their bowl practices and start playing for the future, reasons for concern still remain.

Clemson fans aren't patient, and 2011 might fit them about as comfortably as an itchy Christmas sweater. Here are three reasons for concern heading into the offseason:

• Bye, bye, Bowers. The best player on the team, defensive end Da'Quan Bowers, is expected to leave early for the NFL draft. Four other projected starters on defense -- DeAndre McDaniel, Marcus Gilchrist, Byron Maxwell and Jarvis Jenkins -- will have to be replaced.
• The Tigers will have a new starting quarterback in Tajh Boyd. Regardless of how talented he is, there is always a learning curve for first-year starters. Everyone on that team admitted as much this past summer when Kyle Parker announced he was coming back.
• Left tackle Chris Hairston will be missed. He's the leader of the offensive line, and a three-year starter up front is hard to replace. Brandon Thomas will be a sophomore protecting the blind side of a first-year starting quarterback. Yikes.

Here are highlights from Thursday's practices, as provided by the sports information directors:

CLEMSON

Practices are getting more and more physical at Clemson. After two days of working in helmets and shorts, the Tigers added shoulder pads to their uniform on Thursday for an early evening practice. On Saturday the team will be in full pads for the first time.

The Tigers got through the workout in good health as no injuries were reported. There were a few players who pulled up with cramps late in the practice due to the humid weather conditions, but fewer players had the problem than the previous night.

Swinney says: “We had another good day," coach Dabo Swinney said. "We are getting more and more physical as we work our way to the first day in pads on Saturday. There are some mistakes out there, but we have had a good tempo on both sides of the ball and that is good to see. I loved the spirit we have shown so far.”

On the wide receivers: “I know that is the big question on offense, but I am not concerned. It is very close in terms of the competition for playing time. They have all had great moments so far. You want a highly competitive situation and that is what it has been.

“Xavier Dye and Terrence Ashe have had the most experience among the returning guys, but they have been mostly backups. I hope to have several guys involved at that position.”

On the offensive line: “I feel good about the first six, the question is who will be seven, eight and nine [players on the second team]. Matt Sanders has been around and has played well. Phillip Price has looked good and is now up to 298 pounds. We also look for Brandon Thomas to make progress. Kalon Davis has made a big change physically since he came here in January. I think he is going to be a terrific player.”

Schedule: The Tigers return to the practice fields on Friday and Saturday evening and will take Sunday off. The first two-a-day session is Monday. All practices are closed to the public. Fan Appreciation Day is Sunday, Aug. 22.

FLORIDA STATE

First-year coach Jimbo Fisher was greeted by photographers chronicling the historic moment as he crossed under the arched entrance to the Al Dunlap Practice Fields -- the first time since August 1976 that the Seminoles began a preseason with a new head coach.

“It was a good moment, but you had to put it behind you and go coach,” said Fisher.

In all, 103 Seminoles took the field in 90-degree heat, under cloudless skies for the session that ran just over two hours.

“Everyone was excited,” said senior quarterback Christian Ponder, who lined up alongside nine returning starters on offense. “Everyone’s ready to start the year off. There was a little anxiety in the beginning and it was a little warm, but guys pushed, worked hard and were excited. Finally the season has started. … It’s going to be a long camp but we’re going to do a lot of work to get better.”

Highlights: Ponder connected on a couple perfectly thrown deep balls to sophomore wide receiver Rodney Smith during 7-on-7 drills. Freshman wide receivers Christian Green and Kenny Shaw and junior Bert Reed, and freshman tight end Will Tye, all left impressions with catches in traffic. Ochuko Jenije, sophomore cornerback Greg Reid and junior safety Terrance Parks came up with hustling pass break-ups, while freshman safety Chad Abram collected an interception.

Comebacks: Offensive tackles Antwane Greenlee and safety Avis Commack returned to action on the field after recovering from significant injuries.

Schedule: The Seminoles will practice again Friday at 6 p.m.

WAKE FOREST

The Demon Deacons practiced for more than two-and-a-half hours at the Doc Martin Football Practice Complex on Thursday night. The Deacons ran through a number of standard blocking and passing drills with a good dose of emphasis on the fundamentals.

“What I was impressed with was the enthusiasm of the players and, especially, the enthusiasm of the coaching staff,” said coach Jim Grobe. “You can tell that Coach [Ethan] Reeve and his [strength and conditioning] staff did a tremendous job of getting the guys in shape.”

On the defense: “What we’ve got more than anything is an enthusiastic group that is excited about playing defense,” said Grobe. “We have better overall team speed on defense. There’s some young guys but it’s a pretty physical unit, they like to mix it up. They like to get 11 guys around the football. They do all the things that coaches enjoy seeing on defense. I think if the group will come together and not give up big plays, and be more aggressive in taking the ball away from people. But this can be a pretty good defensive football team.”

On offensive guard Joe Looney: “He’s the most enthusiastic guy on the football team,” said Grobe. “He’s an Aaron Curry-type at offensive guard, as far as his attitude. As far as a guy who plays as well as Curry, I can’t tell you that. But he’s a guy who bounces to practice, likes to practice, loves to play on Saturday, lives for football and is liked by everybody on the team. He’s one of our favorite guys because he’s just such a good person. One of the main reasons he got on the field right away (as a freshman) is because of his enthusiasm. He’s just so pumped up all the time. It doesn’t matter where you see him, if you see him at breakfast at 6:30 in the morning or you’ve finished up a late night practice, he’s bouncing around. He’s enjoying life.”

Schedule: Wake Forest will practice in shells again on Friday at 7:30 p.m. The Deacons will practice at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday afternoon.