ACC: Dave Philistin
- Jamie Cumbie, DL, Clemson
- Ryan Sims, DT, North Carolina
- Kennedy Tinsley, FB, North Carolina
- Dave Philistin, LB, Maryland
- Jonathan Lewis, DT, Virginia Tech
Because of the NFL's lockout, none of the undrafted rookies can sign with NFL teams. The UFL could be their only chance to get on the field this year, but that doesn't mean they'll sign a contract. If they do, those players are bound to the UFL, even if the NFL lockout ends.
Maryland's Wujciak tackles new role as leader
Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich
With former players like E.J. Henderson and D'Qwell Jackson, Maryland has quietly developed some of the ACC's elite middle linebackers during coach Ralph Friedgen's tenure, and Alex Wujciak could be the next in line now that he's finally fully recovered from a torn left ACL that sidelined him the entire 2007 season.
Wujciak, a junior, started all 13 games at middle linebacker last year and then missed the spring because he had his knee scoped to clean out some lingering scar tissue. With the loss of four linebackers and a new defensive coordinator, the Terps will look to Wujciak for more than just tackles this fall.
"I'm feeling really good," said Wujciak, who finished second in the ACC with 133 tackles last year. "It's not really a problem right now. It should be 100 percent by summer camp."
The loss of Dave Philistin, Moise Fokou, Chase Bullock and Rick Costa means the Terps have to replace experience that totaled 144 games, including 54 starts. With Wujciak and Ben Pooler out this spring, Adrian Moten was the only returning linebacker who had played in a game at that position. The two-deep featured three freshmen, junior Drew Gloster, who moved from tight end, and Hakeem Sule, who had been limited to special teams. Moten has played in 23 career games, but didn't get his first start until the Humanitarian Bowl. With the abundance of inexperience at linebacker, much will fall on Wujciak's shoulders.
"I think we need to find one or two who can help us," Wujciak said. "It's funny, because I was a young guy for a while, and now me and Moten have to take on a little more responsibility."
Wujciak brings a blue-collar work ethic from his home state of New Jersey, and said his goal this year is to make more momentum-swinging plays for his team. He's been a tackling machine -- he's the fifth-leading returning tackler in the country -- but he wants to get his hand on the ball more and disrupt the passing lanes. He had two pass breakups last year, one fumble recovery and one blocked kick. He's very strong and athletic and has the potential to make those game-changing plays.
"Last year being my first year, the first few games were fast," he said. "Hopefully heading into this year the game will start to slow down for me so can make more plays."
Wujciak said the team has welcomed first-year coordinator Don Brown's attacking defense.
"A lot of guys are eager to see how well we perform during games," he said. "Our offense has seen enough of it."
Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich
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Former Terps, Blue Devils sign as free agents
Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich
Six former Terps agreed to free-agent contracts Monday, according to the school.
Those who have either signed or are expected to sign deals in the coming days, include:
• LB Chase Bullock -- Arizona Cardinals
• OL Scott Burley -- Washington Redskins
• DL Jeremy Navarre -- Jacksonville Jaguars
• LB Dave Philistin -- Seattle Seahawks
• OL Edwin Williams -- Washington Redskins
• WR Isaiah Williams -- Baltimore Ravens
In addition, DL Dean Muhtadi and OL Dane Randolph earned free-agent tryouts with the Green Bay Packers, according to the school.
At Duke, seniors Cameron Goldberg and Eron Riley each agreed to free-agent contracts with NFL teams on Sunday evening. Goldberg, a three-year starter at left tackle for the Blue Devils, reached a deal with the Kansas City Chiefs. Riley, a two-time second team All-ACC performer at Duke, agreed to a contract with the Baltimore Ravens.
Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich
The Terps rebounded from their disappointing finish in the regular season with an impressive win over Nevada in the Roady's Humanitarian Bowl, and a bowl win never hurts recruiting.
The Terps' main focus was to stock up on linebackers, especially with the departure of Rick Costa, Moise Fokou and Dave Philistin. Maryland will have to replace three seniors on its offensive line, and that was the staff's second priority. The Terps are still shopping in that department, but have a good start with three commitments in Pete DeSouza (Hyattsville, Md.), Bennett Fulper (Gretna, Va.) and Ryan Schlieper (Wexford, Pa.).
With backup quarterback Josh Portis transferring and Jordan Steffy graduating, the Terps also had to fill a void there. Chris Turner is a veteran with a winning record, but his backup, Jamarr Robinson, is a redshirt freshman who hasn't thrown a pass yet. Maryland is expecting two commitments at the position in C.J. Brown (Cranberry, Pa.), and Danny O'Brien (Kernersville, N.C.).
The Terps are always looking for defensive linemen and defensive backs. Kevin Barnes is the biggest name in the defensive backfield who will have to be replaced. The defensive line will also lose a lot of depth in Jeremy Navarre, Mack Frost, Dean Muhtadi, and Olugbemi Otulaja. De'Onte Arnett, a highly regarded defensive end from Forestville, Md., is an early entry who might contribute immediately.
Maryland will need a kicker to replace Obi Egekeze, and they've got a commitment from Nick Ferrara of St. Anthony's in New York.
The most glaring departure on offense was star receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey, who decided to leave early for the NFL draft, but the Terps have several talented, young receivers who emerged this season. That position will be more of a focus for the class of 2010.
Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich
Here's a look at what's going on in the league today:
For what is considered by many to be a "lower-tier bowl," officials at the Papajohns.com Bowl couldn't be more pleased with this year's matchup. NC State tight end Anthony Hill has lost a lot of playing time because of injuries during his career, but he never lost an ounce of leadership.
Miami coach Randy Shannon has enough on his mind to keep him awake at night, among them the undecided future of quarterback Robert Marve.
Nebraska's offense has some concerns about Clemson's defense, and it should.
Maryland linebacker Dave Philistin says the Boise field is "a really Smurfy blue," but he's cool with that. There's a story behind that field, you know.
Here is a good recap of Florida State's season.
Maryland's defense faces stiff challenge with interim coordinator
Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich
In early December, Maryland linebacker Dave Philistin was one of the few players who got a phone call from his position coach, former defensive coordinator Chris Cosh, informing Philistin of his decision to take a job at Kansas State.
What Philistin didn't realize after he hung up the phone was that Cosh wouldn't coach the Terps in the Roady's Humanitarian Bowl. Cosh left so abruptly that not even his interim replacement, assistant Al Seamonson, got a chance to talk to him about it.
"It's huge," Philistin said. "What surprised me was the timing of it. I thought he was going to do the bowl game and then afterwards part ways. It's pretty devastating. You don't know what to think when you go to work the next day, but everything happens for a reason.
"What you lose is a sense of guidance almost. This guy has been my mentor for the past two seasons as an inside linebacker. It's like where do I go now? Especially for a bowl game. Coach Cosh, he knows his stuff. He preps us well as far as the game plan and all that."
Of all the opponents Maryland needs to be at its sharpest on defense for this season, Nevada would be at the top of the list. The Wolf Pack boast a 2,000-yard passer, 1,000-yard rusher and 1,000-yard receiver. Oh, and the quarterback rushed for more than 1,000 yards, too.
"It's crazy," Philistin said. "I haven't heard anything about them except when I watch film, but the way they play, you would think you hear more about them."
The Wolf Pack have quietly put together one of the most productive offenses in the country, as Nevada is No. 2 in the nation in rushing offense, fifth in total offense, and 12th in scoring offense. They're among the best at earning first downs and controlling the clock.
"They put up a lot of yards," Navarre said. "They're a big-play offense. A lot of plays we watched the quarterback was going for 60 yards and the running back was going for 60 yards. The quarterback, he's 6-6, he's not real heavy but he runs real fast. He's got real long legs. He's not going to juke you or anything, but once he gets in stride he's gone."
Nevada quarterback Colin Kaepernick threw for 2,479 yards with 19 touchdown and five interceptions during the regular season. The sophomore also rushed for 1,115 yards with 16 rushing touchdowns, ranking 12th in the nation in total offense (299.5 ypg).
The Terps will also have to worry about sophomore running back Vai Taua, who had 1,420 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns on 213 carries. He ranks ninth in the nation in rushing. Senior wide receiver Marko Mitchell is Kaepernick's favorite target, having recorded 56 receptions for 1,011 yards and nine touchdowns during the regular season.
Still, it was only good enough to finish in a tie for second place in the Western Athletic Conference.
Maryland's defense isn't bad -- they've only allowed more than 30 points twice this season -- but it was as inconsistent as the entire team.
ACC's lunchtime links: Maryland names interim defensive coordinator
Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich
Finally, somebody at Maryland said what many in and around the program had been thinking for a while now: Outside linebackers coach Al Seamonson would've made a good choice for defensive coordinator the first time around. Seamonson will take over for Chris Cosh on an interim basis.
"He's the perfect man for the job," linebacker Dave Philistin told the Washington Times. "He's going to come out and show what he does in the bowl game. I really feel the respect he gets from the players and the other coaches [is significant]. It's not my move, but if Coach Friedgen asked what I thought of Coach Seamonson as defensive coordinator, I would have said he should have been defensive coordinator quite a long time ago."
ACC fans might find this article interesting, as it's further proof just how good former BC quarterback Matt Ryan is, and how much the Eagles lost at that position.
FSU kicker Graham Gano went from thinking he might not play at all this season to a Lou Groza award finalist. We'll find out on Thursday if he won it.
Here are some more ACC postseason awards to ponder, courtesy of the Columbia State.
Wake Forest linebacker Aaron Curry went from being a no-name recruit to the nation's top linebacker.
Lunchtime links: FSU communication improvement
Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich
Florida State has had problems covering Miami's tight ends in the past, and after a few blown assignments against Colorado's tight ends, the Seminoles' safeties and weakside linebackers are working to improve their communication.
Coincidentally, there was a huge story in today's Miami Herald about Hurricanes tight end Dedrick Epps' ability to make big plays. Fortunately for Miami, he caught the game-winning touchdown against FSU last year. Unfortunately for Miami, it was their last win of 2007.
UNC quarterback Cam Sexton has been "hurt, benched, promoted and demoted," and he's hoping his story can inspire somebody.
Maryland linebacker Dave Philistin has taken his game to a whole other level -- with an altitude machine.
Despite a few lingering connections to his old program, NC State coach Tom O'Brien said there's a different feel to the Boston College game this year.
Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich
1. Virginia: Senior captain Clint Sintim started all 37 games in his career and was third on the team with 77 tackles last season. His nine sacks last year were the most of any linebacker in the nation. Inside linebacker Jon Copper is UVA's active leader in tackles with 200, and Antonio Appleby is third on that list with 155.
2. Wake Forest: All three returning starters are back, including strongside linebacker Aaron Curry, a two-time defensive player of the week who had three interception returns for touchdowns and led the nation in interception return yards with 256. He also led the team with 13.5 tackles for a loss. Middle linebacker Stanley Arnoux also returns, along with weakside linebacker Chantz McClinic, who had 42 tackles.
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| Ned Dishman/Getty Images | |
| Senior linebacker Brian Toal, who has 180 career tackles despite missing last season, is healthy again for Boston College. |
3. Boston College: The Eagles lost two key starters, but senior Brian Toal's shoulder is healed and he has 180 career tackles despite missing last season with a medical redshirt. His primary competition at weakside linebacker will come from senior Robert Francois, who finished last season with 39 total tackles. Junior Mark Herzlich, who started all 14 games last year and finished second in total tackles with 97 should anchor this unit. Junior Mike McLaughlin started three games at middle linebacker last season when Jo-Lonn Dunbar was injured and is the heir apparent there.
4. Maryland: This could be one of the Terps' deeper positions, even with the loss of Erin Henderson to the NFL. Seniors Dave Philistin and Moise Fokou each started all 13 games last season, and Adrian Moten, who played all three positions as a freshman, tied for the team lead in sacks (5.5) and had 50 tackles even though he didn't start a game. Philistin ranked fourth in the ACC with 9.5 tackles per game.
5. Florida State: These guys have talent, it's just a matter of when it will all come together. Geno Hayes is gone, and so is Marcus Ball, who was expected to fill in for Hayes but was booted off the team. Still, the Seminoles' leading tackler is back. Underrated middle linebacker Derek Nicholson made 99 stops last year and was the only linebacker to start all 13 games. Strongside linebacker Dekoda Watson started every game but the bowl game because of the academic scandal and will miss the first three, leaving the job to sophomore Kendall Smith. The 'Noles are also excited about freshman Nigel Bradham.
6. Miami: The Hurricanes lost their leading tackler in Tavares Gooden, a third-round NFL draft pick by the Ravens, but are still better off than the way they ended last season -- with three healthy linebackers. Senior Glenn Cook is back after missing last season with a foot injury, and the freshmen -- Arthur Brown and Sean Spence -- didn't waste any time impressing the staff while Coin McCarthy was out this spring. Darryl Sharpton and Spencer Adkins are possible starters in the middle.
7. Virginia Tech: The Hokies will obviously miss Vince Hall and Xavier Adibi, but middle linebacker Brett Warren played well last year when Hall got hurt and earned the confidence of defensive coordinator Bud Foster. Purnell Sturdivant is No. 1 heading into the fall, but should be challenged by veteran Jonas Houseright and redshirt freshman Hunter Ovens. Redshirt junior Cam Martin started 13 of 14 games last season at weakside after being moved from free safety and finished fifth on the team with 78 tackles and was third in sacks with 4.5.
8. Duke: Senior Michael Tauiliili is the top active player in the league in terms of career tackles, and finished last season with 108. He also had four sacks and three interceptions. Vincent Rey led the Blue Devils with 111 tackles. The third slot will be between Marcus Jones and Adam Banks. There's not a lot of depth here, but there's talent.
9. Clemson: This is the least experienced unit on the Tigers' defense. Josh Miller is the only senior in the group and is competing for the starting middle linebacker job. Tommy Bowden was impressed with freshman Stanley Hunter this spring, but Brandon Maye had the top spring among the newcomers and is listed as first team in the middle entering the fall. Junior Kavell Connor is the top option at weakside linebacker and had a career high 15 tackles in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl. He had 46 stops for the year, tops among linebackers on the spring depth chart. Sophomore Scotty Cooper also started the Chick-fil-A Bowl at strongside linebacker. He had 33 stops for the season in 183 plays on defense.
10. North Carolina: The Tar Heels have to replace leading tackler Durell Mapp, but return sophomore Bruce Carter and sophomore Quan Sturdivant. Carter played in all 12 games and started seven. He made 18 of his 25 tackles in the final five games. Sturdivant's experience is similar, having played in all 12 games, but started just five. He finished the season with 47 tackles, but also added an interception and a blocked punt. Senior Mark Paschal played in all 12 games and started four at middle linebacker, and Chase Rice was still recovering this spring from a torn tendon in his left ankle. He was the starter in 2007, but got hurt in the season opener and missed the rest of the season.
11. NC State: There's not a lot of experience, as the top candidates have combined for five starts and only four guys have played in a collegiate game. Nate Irving is the lead candidate at weakside linebacker, having started four games. Ray Michel started one game in the middle, and strongside should be wide open. Robbie Leonard, a converted walk-on defensive back, is the starter heading into summer camp. He played in eight games as a strong safety and has seen most of his action on special teams the past two seasons. Thomas Barnes got valuable experience as a backup middle linebacker last season, playing the last 10 games and scoring a touchdown on a fumble recovery in only his third career play from scrimmage.
12. Georgia Tech: Two of the three stars from last year -- Philip Wheeler and Gary Guyton -- are now on NFL rosters. Junior Shane Bowen started nine games last season, but sophomore Anthony Barnes has the most potential and started three. Two young rookies, sophomore Brad Jefferson and redshirt freshman Kyle Jackson, are good enough that Bowen may lose his starting job.
Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich
The Terps are next in line for a breakdown of the remaining position battles to be fought during summer camp. Here's a look at the spots still open in College Park:
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| Brian A. Westerholt/Getty Images | |
| Jordan Steffy (above) is competing with Chris Turner to be the Terrapins' No. 1 quarterback. |
Quarterback: Chris Turner or Jordan Steffy. It seems like every season it's a mystery in College Park, even when there's a starter back. Turner successfully took over the offense when Steffy got hurt, but Steffy was impressive this spring.
Right guard: Jack Griffin or Phil Costa. There's only one spot open on the line, and these two guys are after it. Costa started one game here when Andrew Crummey got hurt , and then started the last six games for an injured Jaimie Thomas at left guard. Griffin eventually took over at right guard for Crummey.
Weakside linebacker: Dave Philistin or Chase Bullock. While Philistin was out this spring with an injury, Bullock was impressive, but Philistin started all 13 games and was fourth in the ACC in tackles last year (9.5 per game).
Strongside linebacker: Adrian Moten or Moise Fokou. Fokou was third on the team in tackles, but missed all of spring ball with an injury. Moten played all three linebacker positions last year because of injuries and tied for the team lead in sacks (5.5) and had 50 tackles without starting a game.
Safety: Antwine Perez or Terrell Skinner. There are high hopes for Perez, who sat out last season after transferring from USC. He was second on the depth chart behind Skinner at free safety, but most of Skinner's experience was on special teams.
Cornerback: Kevin Barnes, Anthony Wiseman and Nolan Carroll. Odds are Wiseman and Carroll end up in a competition for the spot opposite Barnes, who had a team-high four interceptions and was tied for fifth in the league in passes defended last season. Barnes is the only returning starter in the secondary.
Check back tomorrow for Miami.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Heather Dinich
Dinich covered ACC and Big Ten football for five seasons before joining ESPN.com in November 2007. She's an Indiana grad but somehow her favorite day of the week is Saturday.
