ESPN College Football

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

Spotlight: Running backs

2011 summary: Heading into the season, the Hokies had to replace two standout running backs who left school early for the NFL in Ryan Williams and Darren Evans. It didn’t take long for the program’s next star to emerge. The Hokies were led by ACC Player of the Year David Wilson, who was No. 8 in the country in rushing with 122.07 yards per game. He finished the season with 1,709 yards and nine rushing touchdowns. He and backup Josh Oglesby carried the nation’s No. 28 rushing offense. Wilson was held without a rushing touchdown and under 100 yards in two of the games that mattered most, though — the ACC championship loss to Clemson and the Sugar Bowl loss to Michigan.

The skinny: Wilson’s decision to leave early for the NFL wasn’t a surprise, but it was a big hit to the position group’s depth and experience. True freshman J.C. Coleman, an early enrollee, and redshirt freshman Michael Holmes will be the top two options this spring after Tony Gregory had surgery on his knee. Gregory was the No. 3 running back on the depth chart and would have been a top candidate for the No. 1 spot. The staff really likes Holmes, though, and has recruited well at the position. Three more true freshmen will join the team in the fall, and there are a few walk-ons, but the truth is, this is a wide open competition that begins this spring with Coleman and Holmes in the lead.

• More in this series

Last week we looked at how the quarterbacks stacked up in the ACC. This week, we’ll take a closer look at the running backs. Again, the position rankings by team put heavy weight on the depth of the position -– hence the team ranking, not individual. Just because Virginia Tech has one of the best running backs in the ACC doesn’t mean that collectively, as a group, Virginia Tech is the best team in the league at the position. Florida State? Loaded. Wake Forest? Not. These are based on the best combination of talent, experience and depth.

Here’s a look at how each team ranks in the position:

1. Florida State: Chris Thompson, Ty Jones and Jermaine Thomas combined for 1,862 yards, 6.1 yards per carry, and 17 touchdowns last year. Thompson had 1,000 yards combined from both rushing and receiving last year, and Thomas enters his senior season with 1,084 career yards -- the second most of any active ACC runner, behind only Montel Harris (3,600).

2. Boston College: Montel Harris could break a 33-year-old ACC rushing record this fall, and his backup, Andre Williams, is a bigger back who has proven more than capable of shouldering the load himself. Together they’re one of the best one-two combos in the league.

3. Miami: The transfer of Storm Johnson hurt, but Lamar Miller should be one of the best in the ACC, and Mike James was ahead of Johnson on the depth chart. The Canes also have Darion Hall, Maurice Hagens and incoming freshman Kevin Grooms.

4. Clemson: Andre Ellington will be the leader of the pack, but true freshman Mike Bellamy could also make an immediate impact, and the group runs deep with Roderick McDowell, D.J. Howard and Demont Buice.

5. Virginia Tech: Had Ryan Williams and Darren Evans returned, this would have been one of the premier groups of running backs in the country. Instead, it will be the David Wilson show (and Josh Oglesby). Not that the Hokies will have any problem with that.

6. Maryland: Davin Meggett and D.J. Adams are a talented duo, but depth should be a concern. Meggett posted a team-high 720 rushing yards in 2010, while Adams had a freshman school-record 11 rushing touchdowns.

7. NC State: The Wolfpack are in a much better position at running back than they were a year ago, when nobody with starting experience returned. Mustafa Greene, James Washington and Brandon Barnes should make NC State’s running game a bigger factor this fall.

8. Georgia Tech: Coach Paul Johnson isn’t concerned about his B-back position because it’s one of the deepest on the team. There isn’t one superstar like in recent years, but Richard Watson, Charles Perkins and Preston Lyons will work together to keep the Jackets one of the top rushing teams in the country.

9. North Carolina: The Tar Heels have to replace three tailbacks who accounted for 96 percent of their rushing last year. Ryan Houston is back for his sixth season of eligibility, but he is the only one who has seen significant playing time. Giovani Bernard, Hunter Furr and Travis Riley help the depth.

10. Wake Forest: Josh Harris could crack the 1,000-yard mark if he stays healthy, and Brandon Pendergrass is a capable backup. There are three true freshmen at the position, and it’s one area coach Jim Grobe can’t afford any injuries.

11. Virginia: Perry Jones and Kevin Parks are talented, but the Cavaliers will miss the production of Keith Payne, who accounted for 14 of the team’s 17 rushing touchdowns. Jones started all but one game last year, but only scored one touchdown.

12. Duke: The Blue Devils’ running game is starting to show progress, but last year it still ranked 104th in the country. Depth isn’t a problem, as Desmond Scott, Josh Snead and Juwan Thompson should help make it a more productive group this year.

Stay tuned for the top 10 ACC running backs for 2011 ...

Don't forget your mamas this weekend ...

Chris in Atlanta, Ga., writes: Seriously. You ranked Duke ahead of Georgia Tech. I know we lost a lot of starters from last year and last year we weren't that great. But under Duke??? Come on. We have Paul Johnson as our Coach.

HD: Yep. And Duke has David Cutcliffe, an equally good coach with a better quarterback right now.

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Andrew in Hokie Nation writes: I was watching the college football preview of Virginia Tech and they were talking pretty highly of them, even mentioning the chance at even a national championship run. While I understand that it is not probably going to happen there is a chance. What I don't understand is why people think Florida State is so much better. I agree they're good, but 20 spots better? I don't think so. Can you try and explain why?

HD: Nope. But I can give my take on why not.

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Rob in Chicago, Ill., writes: What happened to the pro prospects of DeAndre McDaniel, Safety from Clemson? Two years ago, he was highly touted a a leader of the team. Now, nothing.

HD: I was shocked, Rob, that he went undrafted. I voted for him as an All-America candidate two years ago. I don't think he had a bad season at all. Still one of the best players in the league. But he thinks his stock dropped because of a fractured wrist that will require surgery.

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Scott in Avon, N.C., writes: After hearing an interview that Renner gave to reporters after Carolina's Spring game I am wondering if you think UNC has the best 0-line in the ACC? I saw a video you did that gave UNC the nod in the ACC Coastal Division for the bet d-line and o-line. With Ryan Houston back and all those great wide outs and this steller o-line and d-line why isn't UNC top 25 in preseason polls?

HD: Yes, I think the Heels could have the best offensive line in the ACC. As for the Tar Heels' exclusion from most Top-25 lists, I would think that because many look on paper and see they lost 10 starters from last year's team, including a record-setting quarterback and nine players who were drafted. All four starters in the secondary have to be replaced, and I'm not sure some fans realize how much the departed tight ends had contributed. So, there's plenty of questions yet to be answered and lots to prove in Chapel Hill, but I think the Tar Heels will be the first team to sneak into the Top 25 from the ACC.

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R Dotson in Hampton, Va., writes: So I guess my questions is this, what is Darren Evens going to do since he has left VT and entered in the draft and wasn't selected?I know a lot of players don't get drafted but get asked to tryout for these teams, but with how the NFL is in lockout status what happens to players like the Darren Evens around the league that left early to enter the draft?

HD: Unfortunately, there's nothing they CAN do but wait and work out until the labor issue is resolved.

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Rob in San Diego, Calif., writes: HD, Alex Wujciak undrafted? Are we serious? Does on field performance mean nothing to NFL Scouts and draft experts? All he does is make tackles. I think this is a major slight. Your thoughts?

HD: No, but I do think the draft is more about potential than it is about past production. This snub doesn't surprise me as much as some others.

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Matt in Greensboro, N.C., writes: Heather,NC State's recruiting class this past season has been called a "mediocre class" by several publications. Obviously NC State got some immediate help in the kicking game, with a new scholarship punter and kicker. Out of the other incoming true freshman, who do you foresee may get some early P.T. at NC State during the 2011 season?Also, who do you think stands to be the new "go-to" receiver for Mike Glennon now that he has taken over the reins at the QB position at NC State?

HD: Tom O'Brien has said that he hasn't found that "go-to" receiver yet, so it remains a question heading into summer camp. My guess, though, would be T.J. Graham, who had 25 catches last year. As for the recruiting class, you have to start with the punter, place-kicker and snappers, who are all in this class. Beyond that, your guess is as good as mine. But one of the best players coming in happens to be a receiver.

2010 overall record: 11-3

2010 conference record: 8-0

Returning starters

Offense: 6, defense: 6, kicker/punter: 0

Top returners

SE Danny Coale, FL Jarrett Boykin, RT Blake DeChristopher, DT Antoine Hopkins, LB Bruce Taylor, CB Jayron Hosley, FS Eddie Whitley

Key losses

QB Tyrod Taylor, RB Darren Evans, RB Ryan Williams, C Beau Warren, TE Andre Smith, DT John Graves, CB Rashad Carmichael, ROV Davon Morgan, PK Chris Hazley

2010 statistical leaders (* returners)

Rushing: Evans (854 yards)

Passing: Tyrod Taylor (2,743 yds)

Receiving: Boykin* (847 yds)

Tackles: Bruce Taylor (91)

Sacks: Steven Friday (8.5)

Interceptions: Hosley* (9)

Spring answers

1. A new Fab Four: Virginia Tech’s defensive line is oozing with talent and potential -- the kind that can resurrect the Hokies’ defense to the standard Bud Foster and fans are used to. All four projected starters are underclassmen, and redshirt sophomores J.R. Collins and James Gayle had a phenomenal spring. Derrick Hopkins couldn’t be blocked, and he, Collins and Gayle took their games to another level this spring.

2. Logan Thomas is ready. The first-year starting quarterback erased any lingering doubts about his ability to take over the offense and replace the winningest quarterback in school history. He’ll have some growing pains, but he’s got veteran receivers, four senior offensive linemen in front of him and an exceptional running back who can catch the ball out of the backfield in David Wilson.

3. Linebacker Tariq Edwards has replaced Lyndell Gibson. Edwards could have a breakout season, thanks in part to Gibson’s decision to transfer prior to spring practices. Foster has compared Edwards to Xavier Adibi as far as his size and speed. The redshirt sophomore is about 6-foot-2, runs well and is athletic.

Fall questions

1. Who’s the No. 2 QB? It’s still unsettled, as coach Frank Beamer praised redshirt freshman Mark Leal this spring, and Ricardo Young will increase the competition this summer when he returns from a foot injury he suffered during one of the scrimmages that caused him to miss the rest of the spring. Ju-Ju Clayton was the front-runner for the job entering the spring, but it could turn into a three-player battle this summer.

2. Defensive depth. The staff is excited about its starting lineup, but the lack of experience behind it remains a concern, particularly at linebacker where injuries depleted the group, and in the secondary, where Detrick Bonner and Theron Norman haven’t played a collegiate snap yet.

3. Kicking game. Will Danny Coale really be the Hokies’ starting receiver AND punter? He will if none of the other candidates beat him out for the job this summer. If Coale wins the job -- and it’s a very real possibility -- the logistics also remain a question. Will he warm up with the punters or run routes as a receiver? Will he run routes in his punting shoe? Beamer would prefer if Scott Demler and Ethan Keyserling win the job so it’s not an issue, but Beamer will go with the senior who has game experience if he’s the best choice. Cody Journell enters the summer as the No. 1 place-kicker, but it’s not a lock.

As the NFL lockout still continues, the professional careers of several former ACC players remain in limbo. Any players hoping to extend their playing days as undrafted free agents must wait until the NFL's labor issues are resolved. There is significant, proven talent on this list -- names I've typed countless times for their accomplishments in the ACC -- but don't forget that the NFL is based more on potential than it is on past production. I searched all of these players' names in ESPN.com's NFL player database, and North Carolina's Kendric Burney and Clemson's DeAndre McDaniel received the highest grades (over 60, which is considered fourth-round equivalent). Most of them were graded in the 30s, which means they are considered a borderline draft prospect. Regardless of where they wind up in the future, their contributions in the past certainly won't be forgotten.

These are the players who were invited to the combine but not drafted, according to the NFL's draft tracker:

• Daniel Aiken LS 6'4" 244 Virginia
• Damien Berry RB 5'10" 211 Miami
• Kendric Burney DB 5'9" 186 North Carolina
• Mario Butler DB 6'0" 182 Georgia Tech
• Graig Cooper RB 5'10" 205 Miami
• Shaun Draughn RB 5'11" 213 North Carolina
• Darren Evans RB 6'0" 227 Virginia Tech
• John Graves DT 6'3" 286 Virginia Tech
• Richard Lapham OL 6'8" 315 Boston College
• DeAndre McDaniel SS 6'0" 217 Clemson
• Adrian Moten LB 6'2" 228 Maryland
• Zack Pianalto TE 6'3" 256 North Carolina
• Owen Spencer WR 6'2" 195 N.C. State
• Jerrard Tarrant FS 6'0" 204 Georgia Tech
• Deunta Williams CB 6'2" 205 North Carolina
• Marshall Williams WR 6'1" 188 Wake Forest

Have some spice with your links today ...

• If there's one thing NC State fans should take comfort in, it's that coach Tom O'Brien must really, truly believe Mike Glennon is a special quarterback.
• The departure of Russell Wilson was inevitable.
• Former Georgia Tech b-back Anthony Allen said that when it came down to it, NFL officials "couldn't get over the fact" he played in the triple option.
• Despite the significant amount of NFL talent returning in the ACC, there's not an obvious candidate for Offensive Player of the Year.
• Eight players drafted. Seven wins. What's up, Miami?
• The NFL lockout suddenly matters because it now has a face: former Virginia Tech running back Darren Evans.
• A great piece by Dave Hyde, but be careful, it's a heartbreaker.

Winter conditioning -- check.
Signing day -- check.
Spring football -- check.
NFL draft -- check.

No offseason in the blogosphere -- check ...

• Russell Wilson says he would have stayed if he would have been given an equal chance to compete for the starting job. Hmm. And suddenly this is an uncomfortable situation and not-so pleasant parting of ways.
• Virginia Tech quarterback Tyrod Taylor is talking big for a little rookie.
• Kyle Tucker is right -- it was hard to watch Darren Evans go undrafted knowing his situation and his personality.
• Former FSU quarterback Christian Ponder is another one ready to prove some doubters wrong.
• The most decorated offensive lineman in ACC history was chosen in the second round.
• It was a lean draft year for Georgia Tech.
• But it was a strong draft overall for the ACC.
• Former Boston College linebacker Mark Herzlich isn't done yet.
• Miami had to wait for most of its draft news, but it finished with a flurry.
• Taylor is still a quarterback, thanks to the Ravens.
• There have been a lot of changes in College Park, but the ability of quarterback Danny O'Brien to make plays has remained constant.
• Clemson's offensive line has been a weak link, but that seemed to change this spring.
• The NCAA investigation is still hovering over North Carolina.
• Former Maryland hoopster Cliff Tucker is adjusting to life -- and nagging injuries -- as a football player.

BLACKSBURG, Va. -- In an effort to learn more about his players, Virginia Tech running backs coach Shane Beamer had each of them fill out a general form about where they’re from, their family, academics, and their hobbies and interests.

David Wilson filled out the latter with “acrobatics.”

“That was a first,” Beamer said with a laugh.

“Oh lord,” quarterback Logan Thomas said with a laugh when asked about Wilson. “He just has so much energy he doesn’t have a clue what to do with it.”

Beamer does.

Wilson, who claims to have once done as many as 20 back-flips in a row, runs a 4.29 in the 40-yard dash and is an integral member of Virginia Tech’s track team, will now get a chance to showcase his athleticism as the Hokies’ primary ball carrier. Following the early departures of record-setting running backs Darren Evans and Ryan Williams to the NFL, there are 10 fullbacks and running backs remaining on the roster, and only three of them -- Wilson, Josh Oglesby and Tony Gregory -- were recruited as scholarship players.

“I’ve heard of one player at a position leaving school early,” Shane Beamer said, “but in all my years, I’ve never heard of losing two guys like that with Darren and Ryan.

“It’s a concern,” Beamer said. “… For Oglesby and some of these fullbacks, it’s a heck of an opportunity for them. We’re going to have to cross-train some of the guys. Some of the fullbacks will have to know tailback and things like that. This spring is a concern and it’s major concern when you get into fall and we start playing games.”

Unless, of course, Wilson capitalizes on his potential and the depth behind him develops. He and Beamer watched a lot of film together of last season.

“As good as he was, and as electric as he was, I think there’s a lot of things that he can do better,” Beamer said. “We’ve talked about that.”

Going into this season, Wilson said he just wants the staff to know they have a “sturdy” running back.

“I definitely want to be the guy on the team where, if we’re in a tough situation, the coaches feel comfortable with having me on the field and know that I’m going to come through with a play,” he said.

Wilson has already made a name for himself with his game-changing plays as a kick returner, but this offseason he’s working on becoming a more complete back. Last season he was third on the team in rushing with 619 yards on 113 carries (5.5 yards per carry). He scored five rushing touchdowns, four receiving and two on kickoffs.

Not a bad start, but he knows the expectations are much higher this year.

“There’s only three scholarship running backs in there, and with me being the third-string last year, I’m definitely expected to be the man this year,” Wilson said. “I’m definitely ready. Since I put down my high school pads and picked up college ones I’ve been expected to have a strong role in college football. Now my opportunity is here. I have to take advantage of it.”

Today is going to be a fun day for former Boston College linebacker Mark Herzlich, who is ready to show NFL scouts that the cancer is behind him, and a pro career in front of him.

Former FSU quarterback Christian Ponder decided to throw at the combine, and it's a good thing he did -- he wowed 'em.

Several former ACC players were among the top-five performers at their respective positions in drills this past weekend at the NFL combine, including former UNC receiver Greg Little, who was the top receiver in the bench press (27). Former Miami offensive lineman Orlando Franklin was No. 5 in top 10-yard splits (1.72) and was timed at 5.20 (official) in the 40. ESPN's Scouts Inc. said Franklin was "clearly playing out of position at left tackle" at Miami:

At 6-5 and 316 pounds, he showed just average quickness during drills but did display good short-area lateral agility. He also looked balanced throughout and did a nice job staying low out of his stance during pulling drills. Franklin was clearly playing out of position at left tackle during the college season, but he has the strength and short-area capabilities to be a reliable starter on the inside at the next level.

Former UNC tight end Zack Pianalto finished third in the 3-cone drills (6.85), and former Virginia Tech running back Darren Evans was No.5 in the bench press (26). Former Maryland running back Da'Rel Scott ran the fastest 40 time of any of the running backs.

A few more notes:

• Virginia Tech's Tyrod Taylor was the shortest quarterback at the combine (6-0 3/4), and Florida State's Christian Ponder was tied for third at 6-foot-2. Former Maryland quarterback Josh Portis, who transferred to California (Pa.), was the lightest quarterback at 211 pounds. Georgia Tech running back Anthony Allen was the second-tallest at his position (6-0 3/4).
• Former Clemson offensive lineman Chris Hairston was tied for second with the most bench press reps by an offensive lineman (33).
• ESPN's John Clayton wasn't impressed with the running backs' speed in this class, including Ryan Williams, who was clocked at 4.55 and 4.59 (unofficial) in the 40-yard dash.
• While his former teammates had good days, UNC defensive end Robert Quinn "did not quite live up to expectations from a body-type standpoint," according to ESPN's Scouts Inc. His lower body was described as "a bit lean and knock-kneed." Ouch.
• Boston College OT Anthony Castonzo had an "adequate 10-yard split (1.79 unofficial) while showing good flexibility and quick feet with his lateral slides."

The official list for the NFL combine has been released. A total of 48 players from the ACC have been invited to audition for the NFL from February 23 – March 1. When categorized by school, it's somewhat of a reality check to see how many of the best players in the conference are moving on, and which programs will take the biggest hit. It's impossible not to wonder how good North Carolina could have been had all of the following players remained eligible. The Tar Heels will send the most players to the combine with 11.

Here are the players who will represent the ACC:

BOSTON COLLEGE (3)

• Anthony Castonzo
• Rich Lapham
• Mark Herzlich

CLEMSON (7)

• Da'Quan Bowers
• Marcus Gilchrist
• Chris Hairston
• Jamie Harper
• Jarvis Jenkins
• Byron Maxwell
• DeAndre McDaniel

FLORIDA STATE (3)

• Rodney Hudson
• Christian Ponder
• Markus White

GEORGIA TECH (3)

• Anthony Allen
• Mario Butler
• Jerrard Tarrant

MARYLAND (3)

• Torrey Smith
• Adrian Moten
• Da'Rel Scott

MIAMI (9)

• Allen Bailey
• Damien Berry
• Matt Bosher
• Orlando Franklin
• Graig Cooper
• Leonard Hankerson
• Brandon Harris
• Colin McCarthy
• DeMarcus Van Dyke

NORTH CAROLINA (11)

• Marvin Austin
• Kendric Burney
• Bruce Carter
• Greg Little
• Shaun Draughn
• Robert Quinn
• Da'Norris Searcy
• Quan Sturdivant
• Johnny White
• Deunta Williams
• T.J. Yates

NC STATE (2)

• Nate Irving
• Owen Spencer

VIRGINIA (2)

• Danny Aiken
• Ras-I Dowling

VIRGINIA TECH (5)

• Rashad Carmichael
• Darren Evans
• John Graves
• Tyrod Taylor
• Ryan Williams

There are plenty of reasons for concern at Virginia Tech, starting with a new quarterback and the early departures of Ryan Williams and Darren Evans to the NFL.

But will the changes on offense keep the Hokies from their eighth straight season of at least 10 wins? It's the longest active streak in the country, as Texas' 10-win streak came to an end in 2010. USC's streak of seven straight from 2002-08 is not included because of vacated wins.

The Hokies stand alone, and they'll do it again in 2011 -- with a new quarterback.

The biggest reason for the vote of confidence is the manageable nonconference schedule. The Hokies should go 4-0 against nonconference opponents App State, ECU, Marshall and Arkansas State. Projected wins over Duke, Virginia and Wake Forest leave the Hokies looking for three more to keep the streak alive. Georgia Tech, Miami, North Carolina, Boston College, Clemson and a bowl opponent will provide ample opportunities to do so.

The second reason they'll keep the streak alive is the staff's stability and proven ability to reload. No team in the ACC has won as consistently as Virginia Tech since the Hokies joined the league. Considering the turnover throughout the rest of the league -- particularly in the Coastal Division -- there's no reason to expect that to change in 2011.

This morning we looked at the main recruiting needs for the Atlantic Division. Here are the priorities for each team in the Coastal Division:

DUKE

Offensive line: The Blue Devils will have to replace one starter in center Bryan Morgan, and it’s still a relatively young group, but with several redshirt sophomores on the roster, the staff wants to load up two grades behind them to fully stock the position for the future.

Defensive line: This has always been Duke’s deficiency, which means it will always be a priority to catch up and build depth. The Blue Devils will have to replace two starters in Wesley Oglesby and Patrick Egboh. Noseguard Charlie Hatcher will be a redshirt senior.

Cornerback: Duke only loses one starter, cornerback Chris Rwabukamba, but it’s another position that has been weak and needs better athletes.

GEORGIA TECH

Offensive line: The early departure of Nick Claytor to the NFL didn’t help the depth, but there were still several young players who gained valuable experience and others who redshirted to help the depth. While no true freshman is likely to make an immediate impact, the staff is still looking to build the numbers up front.

Linebacker/defensive line: The Jackets need to find more athletes who are suited for Al Groh’s 3-4 scheme. Fast athletes who are versatile enough to play a hybrid role, with the ability to move in space, will be a priority in this class.

MIAMI

Quarterback: With Jacory Harris being a senior, A.J. Highsmith moving to defense, and Spencer Whipple struggling in what little time he has played, the position needs a boost. It didn’t help that Teddy Bridgewater reneged on his commitment.

Linebacker: This is a position former coach Randy Shannon had put an emphasis on building, and there are young players and depth, but it was also a veteran group in the 2010 two-deep, with mainly juniors and seniors.

Wide receiver: The upperclassmen did all of the work in 2010, with Leonard Hankerson leading the way. Travis Benjamin, Aldarius Johnson and Laron Byrd will all be seniors. An influx of young talent is needed.

Defensive end: The staff is looking to improve the depth here, get stronger up front, and build upon the success from 2010. Marcus Robinson, Adewale Ojomo, and Micanor Regis will all be seniors.

NORTH CAROLINA

Tailback: Injuries depleted this group in 2010, and Anthony Elzy, Johnny White and Shaun Draughn were both seniors. Ryan Houston was able to redshirt and will return as a fifth-year senior, but the Tar Heels need more dependable runners and a foundation for the future.

Defensive line: The Tar Heels have to prepare for some departures, especially on the interior, where all four players on the two-deep roster in 2010 were juniors.

Secondary: UNC will have to replace three starters in the secondary this spring, and three backups this year were juniors. Because of the NCAA investigation, this is a group in which backups had to develop quickly, so there are some experienced younger players, but the group still needs to reload.

Tight end: The loss of Zach Pianalto and his backup, Ed Barham, leaves the position thin.

VIRGINIA

Offensive line: With starting right guard B.J. Cabbell gone, starting center Anthony Mihota a senior, and starting left guard Austin Pasztor a senior, the staff has to prepare for some departures. Morgan Moses and Oday Aboushi are talented young players, but the rotation needs more of them.

Defensive line: End Zane Parr’s decision to leave early for the NFL draft hurt the position’s depth, and the Cavs will also have to replace John-Kevin Dolce at tackle. Three other players in the two-deep will be rising seniors, and with Virginia switching back to a 4-3 defense under Mike London, the Cavs have to rebuild up front.

Secondary: Cornerback is of particular concern, as Chase Minnifield will be a senior, and starter Mike Parker will graduate.

VIRGINIA TECH

Running back: The early departures of Ryan Williams and Darren Evans to the NFL left David Wilson as the only tailback with any significant experience. Overall, the Hokies have four tailbacks on their current roster.

Defensive line: The Hokies will have to replace redshirt senior starters Steven Friday and John Graves, and starting left end Chris Drager will be a redshirt senior this year.

Wide receiver/tight end: Starters Jarrett Boykin and Danny Coale will be seniors, and tight end Andre Smith will graduate.

Secondary: Half the players on the two-deep roster against Stanford were either juniors or seniors, and the Hokies will have to replace rover Davon Morgan and cornerback Rashad Carmichael.

ESPN's Todd McShay has former Clemson defensive end Da'Quan Bowers listed as the top pick in this year's NFL draft, going to the Carolina Panthers in his latest Mock Draft. You have to be an Insider subscriber to see the full content, but I'll let you in on a little secret: McShay has two other ACC players going in the first round: BC's Anthony Castonzo and North Carolina's Robert Quinn. Mel Kiper has Bowers at No. 2 on his latest Big Board behind Auburn's Nick Fairley. He also had Castonzo and Quinn listed.

Bruce Feldman listed his early entry winners and losers, and it was no surprise to find Virginia Tech ranked among his losers. With the departure of Ryan Williams and Darren Evans, the Hokies' backfield will obviously be much thinner this year.

Maybe I'm the one who's a little off. I've got plenty of friends, family, colleagues -- and readers -- who can vouch for that. But ...

This has been a curious offseason in the ACC:

• Two coaches with winning records, clean programs and bowl-bound players were fired. North Carolina's Butch Davis, who is still tangled up in an NCAA investigation that derailed the season for at least half his starting lineup, continues to coach.
• Maryland AD Kevin Anderson made a "business decision" to fire the ACC's Coach of the Year and replaced him with the Big East Coach of the Year.
• Clemson coach Dabo Swinney fired his young offensive coordinator and hired one with one year of collegiate experience. He fired a running backs coach and replaced him with a former receivers coach who has never coached running backs.
• Miami coach Al Golden hired an offensive coordinator -- Seattle Seahawks quarterbacks coach Jedd Fisch -- with the same amount of collegiate experience as Clemson's new coordinator, and even most NFL experts don't know a thing about him. (And P.S., that one season Fisch was Minnesota's offensive coordinator? The Gophers ranked No. 111 in rushing offense, No. 109 in total offense, and No. 100 in scoring offense).
• Wait, Miami hired Temple's coach?
• Boston College has a chance to inject some life into its offense, but instead it is more likely to promote somebody from within as its offensive coordinator.
• Three players -- Georgia Tech offensive tackle Nick Claytor, safety Jerrard Tarrant, and Clemson running back Jamie Harper have all decided to leave school early to enter the NFL draft. If you're not a first-round pick, stay in school -- unless you're Darren Evans and have a wife and kid, or some other special circumstance. If any of those guys do, I apologize because I'm not aware of it.

Am I the only one really scratching my head over these moves? Now, I could be wrong and all of these decisions and hires might raise the ACC to unprecedented heights. Two new head coaches, four new offensive coordinators -- maybe they'll be just the spark the conference needs to push it into national relevance. Maybe all of those unheralded NFL hopefuls will go on to have long, lucrative professional careers and donate to my kid's college fund.

Right now, though? One word comes to mind: Gamble.

Virginia Tech tailback Ryan Williams, who had two years of eligibility remaining, will enter the 2011 NFL draft, the school announced on Sunday. Williams declined to have a news conference, and coach Frank Beamer was at the annual coaches' convention and unavailable for comment.

“It came down to what I felt like was the best decision for me,” Williams said in a prepared statement. “When they say you have the potential to be a first rounder, that’s something that’s hard to pass up. This has been my dream since I was six, and I’ve never wanted to do anything else. This is an opportunity to help out my family and especially my brother."

Even though Williams has the potential to be taken in the first round, he might also go in the second. That's why this decision came as a bit of a surprise to me. Because he was injured this year, and because he conceded several times that he would've liked more carries and thought he could do more if given the chance, I thought he'd return to boost his stock with one more healthy season. These guys know what's best for them, though.

On Thursday, leading rusher Darren Evans also announced he would enter the NFL draft. Losing both backs, and quarterback Tyrod Taylor, will mean a significant rebuilding year on offense for the Hokies. Even with David Wilson returning -- and many will tell you he's got the most potential of the three -- there will be a learning curve. You're talking about a backfield that was held to just 66 yards rushing in the Discover Orange Bowl with all of its talent.

It's got a long way to go without it.