ESPN College Football

Every team has reason for hope, and of course, every team has some questions that are reasons for concern. We’ll start a series today taking a look at the high and low facing each program, starting with Boston College.

Biggest reason for hope: The hire of offensive coordinator Kevin Rogers.

It might have been the best offseason hire in the ACC, as it should help the Eagles where they needed it most -- at quarterback. Boston College has struggled to find a dependable quarterback, but Chase Rettig showed a lot of promise as a true freshman last year. Rettig should flourish under Rogers' guidance and show significant improvement in his second season as a starter. Not only is Rogers well-respected among his ACC peers, but he’s also got plenty of talent returning to work with. The Eagles return their leading rusher, passer and receiver from a year ago. They enter the fall confident in every starting position on offense, and 10 of the 13 receivers who caught a pass last season return.

Biggest reason for concern: Inexperience up front.

Both the offensive line and defensive line could be liabilities if young players don’t mature quickly. Three starters have to be replaced on the offensive line, including mainstay Anthony Castonzo, who had a league-high 54 starts. The No. 2 offensive line is comprised entirely of redshirt freshmen, and the defensive line will have a new look without Damik Scafe and Brad Newman. While both sides will introduce new full-time starters, there is significant experience returning. Getting the young backups caught up quickly and confident in taking meaningful reps will be the biggest challenge.

It's time to take a look at which players in the ACC made a splash this spring and showed potential of having a breakout season in 2011. I'm following Big East blogger Brian Bennett's lead in defining exactly what a "breakout player" is: Players who haven't seen the field yet but showed they could be major contributors this fall; players who have seen limited time but could earn significantly bigger roles this season; and players who have started but could blossom into stars.

We'll go in alphabetical order, looking at one player on offense and one on defense, starting with the Eagles:

Colin Larmond Jr., WR: He was expected to be the Eagles' go-to receiver in 2010, but never got a chance because he tore his ACL two weeks before the season began. He was limited to running, lifting and watching this spring, but expects to be fully cleared to return to the starting lineup this fall. He redshirted last season, but in 2009 led BC receivers in average yards per catch (20.6) and had four of BC’s five longest receptions of the year. He finished 2009 second on the team in receptions (29), yards (596), touchdowns (5) and average per game (45.8).

Kaleb Ramsey DT: He led BC's defensive linemen with 39 tackles last year and also had 7.5 tackles for a loss and 2.5 sacks. He played in 11 games last year and started 10 games, but with Damik Scafe gone, Ramsey proved to coach Frank Spaziani this spring that he is ready to assume the leadership role up front.

2010 overall record: 7-6

2010 conference record: 4-4

Returning starters

Offense: 7, defense: 7, punter/kicker: 2

Top returners

LB Luke Kuechly, P Ryan Quigley, CB Donnie Fletcher, QB Chase Rettig, TB Montel Harris, WR Bobby Swigert, WR Ifeanyi Momah, TE Chris Pantale, DE Max Holloway, DT Kaleb Ramsey

Key losses

LT Anthony Castonzo, LB Mark Herzlich, DT Damik Scafe, RG Thomas Claiborne, RT Rich Lapham, CB DeLeon Gause

2010 statistical leaders (* returners)

Rushing: Harris* (1,243 yards)

Passing: Rettig* (1,238 yds)

Receiving: Swigert* (504 yds)

Tackles: Kuechly* (183)

Sacks: Holloway* (4)

Interceptions: Fletcher* (5)

Spring answers

1. Starting offensive line has been rebuilt. Mark Spinney returns at center, the projected starting guards are Nathan Richman and Ian White, who started three games as a freshman, and the tackles are Emmett Cleary and John Wetzel. It’s a veteran group of starters, which is important considering the losses of three starters, including Castonzo, who had a league-high 54 starts and is a likely first-round draft pick.

2. The offensive depth and experience has improved. The Eagles return their leading rusher, passer and receiver from a year ago. They enter the fall set at every starting position on offense, and 10 of the 13 receivers who caught a pass last year return. Coach Frank Spaziani said everyone got better this spring, including Rettig, who was forced to play as a true freshman last year.

3. Two spring enrollees could contribute immediately. Four-star cornerback Al Louis-Jean really turned some heads this spring as a backup to Fletcher, and was ranked the No. 9 cornerback in the nation in his recruiting class by ESPN Recruiting. True freshman Mehdi Abdesmad also had a good spring and could see playing time at defensive end behind Holloway.

Fall questions

1. How much better is Rettig in the new system? There’s no doubt that Rettig will be better in his second season as a starter, but how will the sophomore adjust to the new scheme under first-year coordinator Kevin Rogers? Spaziani has said that the offense won’t look dramatically different, but there is new terminology involved and there will be some wrinkles.

2. Will the Eagles develop depth up front? The No. 2 offensive line is comprised entirely of redshirt freshmen: i.e. no experience. The defensive line will be young, and so will its backups. This summer will be critical for getting the linemen more reps and finding rotations the staff is comfortable with.

3. What is this team’s offensive identity? This spring wasn’t a good indicator of what BC’s offense will look like, as star tailback Montel Harris was held out of the scrimmages for precautionary reasons, and his backup, Andre Williams, was nursing a shoulder injury. The Eagles also hope to get receiver Colin Larmond Jr. back this summer from a knee injury he sustained before last season, and BC will be under the direction of a new offensive coordinator.

It’s time to reload in the ACC. Here’s a look at the position needs for each team in the Atlantic Division for the 2011 signing class:

BOSTON COLLEGE

Offensive linemen: Six players on the final two-deep roster for 2010 were either juniors or seniors, and the Eagles will have to find replacements for Anthony Castonzo, Rich Lapham and Thomas Claiborne. There were two juniors at center in 2011, and the recruiting overall at this position hasn’t been as strong in recent years.

Defensive linemen: The Eagles have been thin at the position to begin with since the departures of Ron Brace and B.J. Raji. The interior line should be a priority, as tackle Damik Scafe will graduate, and Kaleb Ramsey will be a senior. Defensive end Brad Newman will also graduate.

CLEMSON

Defensive line: The early departure of defensive end Da’Quan Bowers and the loss of Jarvis Jenkins makes this group a priority. Seven of the eight players up front on the final two-deep roster were either juniors or seniors.

Quarterback: Prior to the early enrollees, Clemson only had one scholarship quarterback on the roster -- projected starter Tajh Boyd. The depth needs to be rebuilt after the loss of starter Kyle Parker and transfer of backup Willy Korn.

Running back: The early departure of Jamie Harper to the NFL left a hole in the Tigers’ lineup. It’s not completely empty, as Andre Ellington remains the best back on the roster and Roderick McDowell was a redshirt freshman backup to Harper.

FLORIDA STATE

Offensive lineman – The departures of Rodney Hudson and Ryan McMahon will leave gaping holes up front, and A.J. Ganguzza and Antwane Greenlee aren’t expected to return. Overall, the staff is looking for bigger, better players. With the exception of right guard, this was a veteran group.

Running back: Despite the current depth, the coaching staff still wanted to sign about three more running backs in this class.

Wide receiver: This would be the third priority for the staff. Bert Reed and Taiwan Easterling will both be seniors, but the team has lacked some dynamic playmakers at the position.

Linebacker: The Noles lost two starters from last year’s Atlantic Division championship team, and there are several young players on the rise like Jeff Luc and Telvin Smith, but the staff wants more numbers at the position.

Safety: The Noles need an upgrade at this position.

Defensive line: This is a matter of mostly building depth and size and continuing to get better.

MARYLAND

Kicker/ Punter: Nick Ferrara has the ability to do both, but he also struggled at both in 2010. Travis Baltz was a four-year starter at punter who has to be replaced. The kicking game should be a top priority in this class, and a concern if Ferrara doesn’t become more consistent.

Wide receiver: The early departure of standout Torrey Smith to the NFL leaves quarterback Danny O'Brien without a favorite target. Seven of the nine receivers listed on the most current depth chart for 2010 were either juniors or seniors.

Running back: The Terps have to replace starter Da’Rel Scott, and Davin Meggett will be a senior. There is some talent behind Meggett in D.J. Adams, but the position could use more depth.

Secondary: Six of the top 10 players in the secondary were either juniors or seniors in 2010, including safety Antwine Perez, who will graduate. Kenny Tate and Cameron Chism will both be seniors, and the corner position is the biggest need.

Defensive end: Defensive coordinator Don Brown would like to bring in at least one player who can really bring some speed off the edge.

NC STATE

Kickers: The Wolfpack lost their starting punter and place-kicker, easily making kickers the biggest need in this recruiting class.

Defensive linemen: With the exception of sophomore Brian Slay, the entire 2010 line was comprised of juniors and seniors. The Pack have to replace two starters, and two returning starters, Jeff Rieskamp and J.R. Sweezy, will be seniors.

Linebackers: This was another veteran group for NC State, with five of the six players on the two-deep either juniors or seniors. Nate Irving’s graduation will be a big hit and Audie Cole will be a senior.

Quarterback: If Russell Wilson leaves early, the position will be even thinner, but backup Mike Glennon will be a junior, so the staff needs to build more depth.

WAKE FOREST

Offensive linemen: The Deacs will have four redshirt juniors returning up front, and have to replace redshirt senior center Russell Nenon. The staff is looking to increase the depth and talent up front.

Linebackers: The position hasn’t been the same since the 2008 class (Aaron Curry and Stanley Arnoux). They were both drafted and two of the fastest players the program has ever seen. The staff needs to bring in more talent and speed here.

It's a good thing Boston College isn't opening the season against Notre Dame, because the Eagles aren't ready for that level of competition right now -- not with the amount of injuries that have been piling up.

The latest was receiver Colin Larmond Jr., who suffered an injury to his "lower leg" in Sunday's scrimmage, according to the Boston Globe. His return date is uncertain, but BC needs him healthy if it's going to compensate for the graduation of Rich Gunnell.

Larmond Jr. led BC receivers in average yards per catch (20.6) last season and had four of the Eagles' five longest receptions. He was second on the team in receptions (29), yards (596), touchdowns (5) and average per game (45.8).

Billy Flutie is slated as the other starting receiver, and he had five catches last season (two were touchdowns). Flutie was not available for the weekend scrimmage, according to the Boston Herald. Ryan Lindsey, Larmond Jr.'s backup, has one career catch. Ifeanyi Momah is the only other experienced receiver on the roster, and the coaching staff was planning on using him on the defensive line, too. That might not be such a good idea now.

Then again, the defensive line could really use some help as ends Alex Albright and Max Holloway didn't play in the scrimmage, either, and Damik Scafe is out with a back injury. Linebacker Mark Herzlich is still out with a broken foot.

If BC doesn't find some healthy, dependable receivers soon, count on opponents loading the box this fall to stop Montel Harris and dare the Eagles to throw. Harris is good, but as BC learned last season, he can't do it by himself.

Boston College defensive lineman Kaleb Ramsey, who was expected to see significant time in the rotation at left tackle, is still at home in Pittsburgh and has not reported for camp, which begins today, according to a school spokesman. Ramsey's status with the team is undetermined, and his absence is for personal reasons.

Also missing from the start of camp will be senior left tackle Damik Scafe, who is listed as day-to-day with back problems. Scafe started 10 games last year and led the Eagles' defensive linemen with 21 solo tackles. These two absences are a significant hit to a defensive line that already must replace two starters from 2009 in Austin Giles and Jim Ramella.

Sophomore Bryan Murray is listed as the starting left tackle on a depth chart just released minutes ago, and Conor O'Neal is listed as the starting right tackle. Murray played in five games last year and had four tackles. O'Neal, a sophomore, played in eight games last year as a true freshman.

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

BOSTON COLLEGE

OUT FOR SEASON

LB Mark Herzlich (illness)

FOR NC STATE GAME

WR Ifeanyi Momah (knee) – OUT

TE Jordon McMichael (hip) – DOUBTFUL

LB Will Thompson (shoulder) – DOUBTFUL

FB James McCluskey (Achilles) – QUESTIONABLE

FS Okechukwu Okoroha (leg) – PROBABLE

DT Austin Giles (back) – PROBABLE

CB Roderick Rollins (Leg) – PROBABLE

DE Alex Albright (ankle) – PROBABLE

DT Damik Scafe (neck/shoulder) – PROBABLE

CLEMSON

I don't have an injury report, but I do have the following lineup changes:

After practice Thursday coach Dabo Swinney announced that Dalton Freeman would start at center. Scotty Cooper will miss the game while still recovering from a concussion suffered at Maryland. Daniel Andrews will move up to second-team strongside linebacker behind Kevin Alexander.

GEORGIA TECH

Out

Kevin Cone, r-Jr., WR (ankle)

Robert Hall, r-Jr., DE (knee)

Questionable

Anthony Egbuniwe, Jr., DE (illness)

Cooper Taylor, So., S (undisclosed)

Out For Season

Kyle Jackson, r-So., LB (foot)

MARYLAND

Out for season:

Tyler Bowen (foot)

Nolan Carroll (leg)

Out:

Travis Baltz (ankle)

Masengo Kabongo (leg)

Da’Rel Scott (wrist)

Questionable:

Bruce Campbell (leg)

Demetrius Hartsfield (hand)

MIAMI

Probable

RB Lee Chambers – Lower Extremity

RB Graig Cooper – Lower Extremity

Doubtful

OL Joel Figueroa – Lower Extremity

Out

FB Patrick Hill – Lower Extremity

DL Josh Holmes – Lower Extremity

WR Aldarius Johnson – Upper Extremity

DL Eric Moncur – Lower Extremity

DB JoJo Nicolas – Upper Extremity

DB Randy Phillips – Upper Extremity

Surgery and Out for the Season

DL Dyron Dye – Lower Extremity

DL Marcus Forston – Lower Extremity

LB Jordan Futch – Lower Extremity

TE Richard Gordon – Upper Extremity

LB Shayon Green – Lower Extremity

DE Gavin Hardin – Upper Extremity

DB Ryan Hill – Upper Extremity

DE Adewale Ojomo – Jaw

NC STATE

OUT FOR SEASON

Mario Carter, TE - knee

Ryan Cheek, LB - hip

Denzelle Good, OL - shoulder

Nate Irving, LB - leg

Colby Jackson, FB - knee

Everett Proctor, QB - shoulder

Javon Walker, S - knee

OUT

Jeff Rieskamp, DE – hip

Jesse Riley, DB - knee

VIRGINIA

Out

Javaris Brown (ankle)

Doubtful

Mikell Simpson (neck)

Questionable

none

Probable

Landon Bradley (knee)

BJ Cabbell (ankle)

Patch Duda (flu)

Mike Parker (knee)

Zane Parr (ankle)

Brandon Woods (foot)

VIRGINIA TECH

Out for Season

Darren Evans (ACL)

Probable

Marcus Davis (ankle)

Mark Muncey (knee)

Sergio Render (pec strain)

Eddie Whitley (ankle)

Ryan Williams (illness)

Out

Brandon Dillard (ankle)

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

Here are the injury reports for Saturday's games. Virginia has a bye week:

BOSTON COLLEGE

FB James McCluskey (Achilles) – OUT

WR Ifeanyi Momah (knee) – OUT

LB Will Thompson (shoulder) – DOUBTFUL

LB Mike McLaughlin (Achilles) – PROBABLE

DT Damik Scafe (Neck/Shoulder) – PROBABLE

CLEMSON

Questionable

Chris Hairston, OT, knee

DUKE

WR Conner Vernon (ankle) -- Probable

WR Johnny Williams (ankle) -- Probable

RB Jay Hollingsworth (ankle) -- Doubtful

DT Vince Oghobaase (leg) -- Doubtful

RB Re'quan Boyette (leg) -- OUT

RB Kyle Griswould (leg) -- OUT

CB Randez James (hand) -- OUT

OG Mitchell Lederman (leg) -- OUT

S Anthony Young-Wiseman (knee) -- OUT FOR SEASON

FLORIDA STATE

Out: FB Danny Gard (knee), OT Antwane Greenlee (knee), LB Aaron Gresham (knee), DT Justin Mincey (knee), OT John Prior (knee), LB Vince Williams (back).

Doubtful: DT Moses McCray (elbow)

Questionable: DT Demonte McAllister (knee)

GEORGIA TECH

Out

Robert Hall, r-Jr., DE (knee)

Kyle Jackson, r-So., LB (foot)

Doubtful

Cooper Taylor, So., S (undisclosed)

Questionable

Jonathan Dwyer, So, RB (shoulder)

Dominique Reese, Jr., Wolf (undisclosed)

Jaybo Shaw, So., QB (broken collarbone)

Probable

Tyler Melton, So., WR (knee)

MARYLAND

Out for season:

Nolan Carroll (leg)

Out:

Louis Berman (leg)

Caleb Porzel (leg)

Joe Vellano (foot)

Probable:

Bruce Campbell (foot)

Jamari McCollough (foot)

MIAMI

Questionable

WR Aldarius Johnson - Lower Extremity

Doubtful

RB Lee Chambers – Lower Extremity

DL Dyron Dye - Lower Extremity

OL Corey White - Lower Extremity

Out

DT Marcus Forston – Lower Extremity

TE Richard Gordon – Upper Extremity

DE Adewale Ojomo – Jaw

DL Andrew Smith – Upper Extremity

Surgery and Out for Season

DE Gavin Hardin – Upper Extremity

LB Shayon Green – Lower Extremity

NC STATE

OUT FOR SEASON

Mario Carter, TE - knee

Denzelle Good, OL - shoulder

Nate Irving, LB - leg

Colby Jackson, FB - knee

Everett Proctor, QB - shoulder

OUT

Ryan Cheek, OL - hip

Jeff Rieskamp, DE - hip

Rashard Smith, CB - ankle

Owen Spencer, WR - concussion

Javon Walker, S - knee

NORTH CAROLINA

Out (Season)

Carl Gaskins OL Knee

Matt Merletti S Knee

Out (Game)

Lowell Dyer C Shoulder

Zack Pianalto TE Foot

Ryan Taylor TE Knee

Doubtful

Linwan Euwall LB Ankle

LeCount Fantroy CB Thigh

Questionable

Joshua Adams WR Shoulder

Jonathan Cooper OL Ankle

VIRGINIA TECH

Collin Carroll (ankle) - probable

John Graves (ankle) - probable

Stephan Virgil (knee) - probable

Eddie Whitley (pectoral) - probable

Jason Worilds (back spasms) - probable

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

It's Friday. Miami looked very good. Now let's see how the Hokies perform ...

• Virginia Tech is preparing for Nebraska's defensive front, which returns three starters.
• Miami's intent was to go after Jonathan Dwyer and they did, knocking him out of the game early with a shoulder injury. Dwyer said he should be fine for the game against UNC.
• Maryland is still trying to sell its new suites in the upgraded Tyser Tower, but wine, wins and the wavering economy are making it difficult.
• Boston College's defense will get its first real test on Saturday, but they'll have to do it without starter Damik Scafe. That doesn't change the fact the Eagles will have to contend with the Tigers' speed.
• And the swine flu continues to make its way down Tobacco Road, now infecting NC State.
• Virginia quarterback Jameel Seweel doesn't have to look over his shoulder anymore, but that security comes at the expense of injured teammate Vic Hall.
• Wake Forest didn't quit on wide receiver Chris Givens, despite two torn ACLs in high school, and Givens is repaying them now.
• Clemson receiver Xavier Dye is ready to "go out and work harder and compete." Not transfer.
• What's wrong with FSU's running game? Not even Caz Piurowski has the answer.

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

The weekly injury reports have all come in (some come in much later than others, which is why I wait until Friday mornings to do this). If you don't see 'em, they weren't sent. Maryland will miss Bruce Campbell again, Duke has a handful of key players who could miss the game at Kansas, including Vince Oghobaasse, Virginia is likely to be without Vic Hall, and Boston College will be without defensive tackle Damik Scafe. Not good news for any of those teams. It looks like UNC might -- might -- get Jonathan Cooper back on the offensive line. That would be a huge help.

Here are the full reports:

BOSTON COLLEGE

FB James McCluskey (Achilles) – OUT

LB Will Thompson (shoulder) – DOUBTFUL

WR Ifeanyi Momah (knee) – DOUBTFUL

LB Mike McLaughlin (Achilles) – DOUBTFUL

DT Damik Scafe (Neck/Shoulder) – DOUBTFUL

CLEMSON

Out for the Season

J.K. Jay, OT, back

Probable

Michael Palmer, TE, hip

DUKE

RB Re'quan Boyette (ankle) -- Probable

TE Danny Parker (ankle) -- Probable

RB Jay Hollingsworth (ankle) -- Questionable

DT Vince Oghobaase (leg) -- Questionable

WR Conner Vernon (ankle) -- Doubtful

RB Kyle Griswould (leg) -- OUT

CB Randez James (hand) -- OUT

S Anthony Young-Wiseman (knee) -- OUT FOR SEASON

FLORIDA STATE

OUT

OT Antwane Greenlee (knee)

LB Aaron Gresham (knee)

DT Demonte McAllister (knee)

DT Justin Mincey (knee)

OT John Prior (knee)

LB Vince Williams (back)

QUESTIONABLE

RV Korey Mangum (shoulder)

MARYLAND

Out for season:

Nolan Carroll (leg)

Out:

Louis Berman (leg)

Bruce Campbell (foot)

Jamari McCollough (foot)

Caleb Porzel (leg)

Joe Vellano (foot)

Probable:

Tony Logan (shoulder)

NORTH CAROLINA

Out (Season)

Carl Gaskins OL Knee

Matt Merletti S Knee

Out (Game)

Lowell Dyer C Shoulder

Dwight Jones WR Knee

Zack Pianalto TE Foot

Ryan Taylor TE Knee

Doubtful

Linwan Euwell LB Ankle

LeCount Fantroy CB Thigh

Questionable

Jonathan Cooper OG Ankle

Devon Ramsay RB Thigh

NC STATE

OUT FOR SEASON

Mario Carter, TE - knee

Denzelle Good, OL - shoulder

Nate Irving, LB - leg

Colby Jackson, FB - knee

Everett Proctor, QB - shoulder

OUT

Jamelle Eugene, HB - knee

Clem Johnson, S - thigh

Jeff Rieskamp, DE - hip

Jay Smith, WR - flu

Jake Vermiglio, OT - lower leg

Javon Walker, DB - knee

Julian Williams, OG/OT - flu

Johnson will be replaced by either Brandan Bishop or Justin Byers; Williams will be replaced by Andrew Wallace.

VIRGINIA

Out

Bobby Smith (knee)

Doubtful

Vic Hall (hip)

Questionable

Mikell Simpson (leg)

Probable

Denzel Burrell (hip)

BJ Cabbell (ankle)

Nate Collins (knee)

Matt Conrath (spine)

Chris Cook (hip)

John-Kevin Dolce (foot)

Ausar Walcott (knee)

VIRGINIA TECH

Greg Boone (SC joint sprain) - probable

Stephan Virgil (knee) - questionable

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

It can't get much worse for BC's muddled mess of a quarterback situation. Just when it seemed like 25-year-old David Shinskie was edging his way into the top spot, he broke his rib in Sunday's scrimmage.

The best news for the BC quarterbacks is that they're off today.

Tomorrow is the Eagles' last two-a-day session and Shinksie is doubtful for it. When he returns is questionable, but with that kind of injury a lot of it has to do with how much pain he can tolerate. And no, it's not Frank Spaziani's fault that Shinskie got hurt, even though some coaches don't allow their quarterbacks to be hit in the preseason. (I'm told Shinskie got absolutely drilled by defensive tackle Damik Scafe, which does bode well for the new interior line, if you're looking for a silver lining here.) Shinskie wanted to get hit. He hasn't been hit since he was in high school.

So who's the new No. 1? Who knows? Who's No. 2? No. 3? Not even Spaz is ready to make that call.

All four quarterbacks played in Sunday's scrimmage, and redshirt freshman Justin Tuggle went 8-for-16 for 84 yards. Junior Codi Boek completed 6-for-12 for 74 yards while freshmen Michael Marscovetra and Shinskie both had three completions.

The bottom line is this: BC has gone through three of four scrimmages, and there's no clear depth chart. At this point, it's time to look to the quarterback who will make the fewest mistakes, and odds are that's the approach Spaziani takes.

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

Last Friday night, Boston College linebacker Mark Herzlich and defensive end Jim Ramella hit the town for a teammate's birthday. It seemed like a typical weekend in Chestnut Hill, and that's exactly how Herzlich -- who was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma -- is trying to keep it.

"Going out and talking to him, you wouldn't know that he has cancer, you really wouldn't," said Ramella. "He's totally normal about it. He doesn't mope around and feel sorry for himself. He'll have a good time. From what I've heard, everything is going well with his treatments."

That doesn't mean Herzlich -- and others like him with rare diseases -- don't need your support. This afternoon is a good chance to show it, as the Boston College chapter of Uplifting Athletes will host its inaugural event, the "Lift For Life," at 6 p.m. Fans are encouraged to attend this strength and conditioning competition to show their support. At least 60 football players are expected to participate, including Montel Harris, Wes Davis, Matt Tennant, Rich Gunnell and incoming freshmen. Donations can be made online at www.upliftingathletes.org.

"That will be a great event," Ramella said. "Each player has an online site to raise money and I think we're close to $10,000. And then the event is pretty much like a strong-man competition. There will be about six or eight different events people can come and watch. It's really good for us because it's a way to help our Mark. What else can we do? It's good to do it for him."

Herzlich hopes to be able to attend.

"It's humbling for me to learn that not only are my teammates supporting me, but that my situation has inspired them to do something that will help a lot of people facing similar challenges," Herzlich said in a prepared statement. "I'm looking forward to seeing everyone at Lift For Life and personally thanking them."

Uplifting Athletes chapters are run by current football players on college campuses across the country, including Colgate University, Maryland, Ohio State and Penn State -- each benefiting a rare disease relevant to their team.

Current Eagles responsible for planning their chapter's Lift For Life event include Ryan Lindsey, James McCluskey, Damik Scafe, Billy Flutie, Thomas Claiborne, Wes Davis, Mark Spinney, Marcellus Bowman and Darius Bagan. That's exactly the kind of leadership this team needs right now, so congrats to those players who took the initiative to get this event going.

Boston College coach Frank Spaziani said he hopes Herzlich will continue to be an encouraging presence throughout the season.

"Whatever his doctors and his medical situation will allow, and his physical status will allow, we want him around as much as possible," Spaziani said. "I know he wants to be around."

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

1. Clemson -- The Tigers return three starters up front, and first-year defensive coordinator Kevin Steele's pressure defense is the perfect fit for guys like Da'Quan Bowers and Ricky Sapp. Sapp was having a good season last year before he tore his ACL at Virginia and missed the rest of the season. Defensive end Kevin Alexander is a returning starter who had 34 tackles last year, and nose guard Jarvis Jenkins tied Sapp for the team lead with 10 tackles for loss. Opposing quarterbacks won't have time to think against this bunch.

2. Miami -- Anyone watching the Virginia Tech game last year saw what this group is capable of, and of the nine linemen who started at least one game for Miami last year, seven are back. Allen Bailey has moved from end to tackle, but he sometimes played there in third-down situations. He led the team with five sacks. Marcus Robinson is a solid pass rusher, Marcus Forston could also be an impact and Eric Moncur is entering his sixth season and if he plays like he did in 2007 (11.5 tackles for loss) could really give this line a boost.

3. Virginia Tech -- Depth is the only question mark here, as Jason Worilds, John Graves, Cordarrow Thompson and Nekos Brown are more than capable of continuing Bud Foster's tradition of nationally ranked defenses. Nobody is questioning Worilds' toughness, that's for sure, and Graves and Thompson both started every game last year. They're still looking for another defensive end, though, and will keep an eye on what Chris Drager adds to the position after moving from tight end.

4. North Carolina -- Not only do all four starters return, but the depth is the best it's been in recent years. Last year, defensive end Robert Quinn became a starter in the second game of the season, and defensive tackle Cam Thomas had one of his his best season at UNC. Marvin Austin and E.J. Wilson played well, and should be even better this year. Reserves Quinton Coples and Michael McAdoo had solid rookie seasons and will push Wilson and Quinn for playing time this year. Aleric Mullins and Tydreke Powell are interchangeable with Austin and Thomas as starters at tackle.

5. Florida State -- The end position is reason for concern, as the Noles have to replace both Everette Brown and Neefy Moffett, who were first and second, respectively, on the team in sacks. Markus White will be tasked with filling the shoes of Brown, but he had a good transition season from junior college last year to build off of. Kevin McNeil, who had four sacks last year, is the favorite to replace Moffett. The interior should be solid with the return of Budd Thacker, Kendrick Stewart, Moses McCray and Justin Mincey.

6. NC State -- Defensive tackle Alan-Michael Cash and end Willie Young have combined for 46 starts and should be two of the best linemen in the conference. The other two players penciled in as starters -- Shea McKeen and Leroy Burgess -- were both junior college transfers who earned starting time last year. Backup tackles will be a concern, but Markus Kuhn could wind up playing a bit of both until the staff decides where he can help the most.

7. Wake Forest -- Tackles John Russell and Boo Robinson will highlight a defense that recently bid farewell to some of the best seniors to come through the program. It should be one of the Deacs' most experienced groups in recent years, which is important considering the new faces behind them at linebacker. Defensive end Kyle Wilbur showed a lot of promise as a redshirt freshman with three sacks in only seven starts, and Tristan Dorty played in 10 games as a redshirt defensive end last year.

8. Virginia -- It's one of the few units on this team that didn't get a complete makeover, as seven of the top eight linemen return. Sophomore Matt Conrath, who had 35 tackles and four sacks last year, returns at end. There's a lot of experience next to him at nose tackle, where senior Nate Collins and sophomore Nick Jenkins split time last season. Collins' 35 tackles are the top among the returning linemen, while Jenkins finished with 25. Junior John-Kevin Dolce proved himself in the pass rush package with five sacks among his nine total tackles last year.

9. Boston College -- Replacing tackles B.J. Raji and Ron Brace is obviously one of the biggest concerns for this team, but they've got several options. Damik Scafe, Nick Rossi and Brendan Deska were each second-stringers at the tackle position and are the early favorites to replace the NFL draft picks. The Eagles also signed a pair of defensive tackles in the offseason, including highly touted recruit Dillon Quinn, who could make an immediate impact. Austin Giles replaced the injured Alex Albright last year for 12 starts, and Jim Ramella started all 14 games at the other end position.

10. Georgia Tech -- The Yellow Jackets have to replace three of four starters up front, and until they prove they found dependable replacements, they're going to be stuck down here. The lone returning starter is junior end Derrick Morgan, and there's no doubt about his capabilities, but the Jackets will sorely miss the three starters who combined for 100 career starts and 100 tackles for loss. Ben Anderson, Robert Hall and T.J. Barnes are all candidates to start.

11. Duke -- The Blue Devils took a step forward last year and should improve again with the return of tackle Vince Oghobaase and end Ayanga Okpokwuruk, who started five games and had 6.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. They combined for 9.5 sacks last year. Oghobaase ranks second in the ACC in both career tackles for loss (29.0) and quarterback sacks (11.5). They'll need new starters at nose guard and right end.

12. Maryland -- The Terps have to fill a void left by Jeremy Navarre and Trey Covington, and so far it looks like that will be up to Derek Drummond, Dion Armstrong, Travis Ivey and Jared Harrell, though Armstrong was dealing with some academic issues. The arrival of De'Onte Arnett, Zachariah Kerr, and Cody Blue this past spring should help with the depth.

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

Boston College Eagles 2008 overall record: 9-5 2008 conference record: 5-3, Atlantic Division co-champions Returning starters Offense: Offense: 7, defense: 7, punter/kicker: 2 Top returners LB Mark Herzlich, LE Alex Albright, LB Mike McLaughlin, FS Wes Davis, WR Rich Gunnell, LT Anthony Castonzo, C Matt Tennant, TB Montel Harris Key losses Coach Jeff Jagodzinski, LB Brian Toal, SS Paul Anderson, WR Brandon Robinson DT B.J. Raji, DT Ron Brace 2008 statistical leaders (* returners) Rushing: Montel Harris* (900 yards) Passing: Chris Crane (1,721 yards) Receiving: Brandon Robinson (646 yards) Tackles: Mark Herzlich* (110) Sacks: B.J. Raji (8) Interceptions: Herzlich* and Paul Anderson (6) Spring answers 2009 Schedule Sept. 5 Northeastern Sept. 12 Kent State Sept. 19 at Clemson Sept. 26 Wake Forest Oct. 3 Florida State Oct. 10 at Virginia Tech Oct. 17 NC State Oct. 24 at Notre Dame Oct. 31 Central Michigan Nov. 14 at Virginia Nov. 21 North Carolina Nov. 28 at Maryland 1. Improved offensive line. It's better than it was this time a year ago, and part of that can be attributed to the fact four starters return. Also, Anthony Castonzo had a great spring after moving from right to left tackle last fall. He was the first true freshman to start on the BC line in a decade, and is starting to live up to the hype. 2. More consistency on special teams. The staff feels good about punter Ryan Quigley, who is going to be a sophomore. By the time he's a junior or senior, Quigley could be one of the best in the league. Senior Steve Aponavicious was a little more consistent and they'll need him to be. He scored the only points of the spring game. 3. Secure secondary. The staff was very pleased with the play of safeties, namely Marcellus Bowman and Wes Davis. The secondary could be the strength of the defense, as four players return with starting experience. Davis started at free safety while Bowman backed up Paul Anderson and earned a pair of starts when Davis went down with an injury. Fall questions 1. Quarterback, quarterback, quarterback. Last year, the question was how the Eagles would look without Matt Ryan. This year, it's how they'll look, period. Dominique Davis, Justin Tuggle and Codi Boek will continue to compete this summer. Also competing for time will be true freshman Michael Marscovetra who will join the team in the fall. 2. Achilles' Heel. Will Mike McLaughlin and fullback James McCluskey be able to come back from Achilles injuries? Both were starters last year and both missed all of spring practices. How quickly their return and how gingerly they play this summer could be an issue. McCluskey was already recovering from a broken leg he suffered against Notre Dame last year. 3. Big holes up front. Can the Eagles find replacements for two NFL draft picks on the defensive line? Jim Ramella, who started every game at end last year, and Damik Scafe impressed the coaching staff this spring. Scafe, a backup last year, is the key. He has to play well, and it's the perfect opportunity for him to make a name for himself.

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

Boston College is still looking for a starting quarterback, and Maryland, Virginia and Wake Forest are both looking for backups. Here are a few more reports from scrimmages and spring games from sports information directors around the ACC this past weekend:

BOSTON COLLEGE

The Eagles held their second scrimmage of the spring on Friday, and sophomore quarterback Dominique Davis completed 9 of 20 passes for 123 yards and two touchdowns. Redshirt freshman quarterback Justin Tuggle completed 1 of 4 passes for 17 yards. Sophomore quarterback Codi Boek completed 7 of 9 passes for 128 yards and two touchdowns.

The ball was spread around between the wide receivers, with a total of eight players catching passes. Redshirt freshman Clyde Lee led all receivers with four catches for 72 yards and one touchdown. Junior Billy Flutie had a 40-yard touchdown catch from Davis, finishing the day with three catches for 57 yards. Senior Rich Gunnell caught three passes for 23 yards and one touchdown, while senior Justin Jarvis had a 22-yard touchdown reception.

Sophomore running back Montel Harris had 13 carries for 67 yards. Sophomore running back Josh Haden ran for 60 yards on 17 carries.

A few younger Eagles got an opportunity to showcase themselves on defense. Redshirt freshman linebacker Alexander DiSanzo led the team with seven tackles. Redshirt freshman defensive end Max Halloway had a great day all around with three tackles, one fumble recovery, one sack, and a blocked extra point. Sophomore defensive end Dan Williams totaled five tackles for the day. Junior defensive tackle Damik Scafe and senior Brendan Deska each recorded sacks.

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