ACC: Demaryius THomas
Former ACC WRs represent in NFL playoffs
January, 25, 2012
Jan 25
5:00
PM ET
By
Heather Dinich | ESPN.com
This has been a terrific postseason for former ACC receivers in the NFL playoffs. According to the ACC office, six of the top eight receivers in the playoffs came from the ACC, and they have accounted for 19 of 39 touchdown passes caught, and nine of the 15 100-yard receiving games.
Here's a more in-depth breakdown for you from the ACC office:
Here's a more in-depth breakdown for you from the ACC office:
Through the NFL’s first 10 playoff games, receivers who have played collegiately at current ACC schools have accounted for 48.7 percent of all of the passing touchdowns thrown, 34 percent of the passing yardage and 25.5 percent of the pass completions.
In all, 15 former ACC players have totaled 113 catches for 1,899 yards and 19 touchdowns in the 10 NFL playoff games to date. They have averaged an eye-opening 16.8 yards per catch. By comparison, the non-ACC receivers in those games averaged just 11.2 yards per catch.
Of the top eight receivers in terms of yardage in the NFL playoffs, six are from current ACC schools including the top two in Hakeem Nicks (North Carolina) of the New York Giants with 335 yards and a 18.6 per-catch average and Demaryius Thomas (Georgia Tech) of Denver with 297 yards and a 29.7 per-catch average. They are followed by Vernon Davis (Maryland) of San Francisco (292), Marques Colston, who played collegiately at Hofstra, of New Orleans (256) and Victor Cruz of the New York Giants (242), who played collegiately at Massachusetts. But the next four are ACC products in Calvin Johnson (Georgia Tech) of Detroit (211); Andre Johnson (Miami) of Houston (201); Anquan Boldin (Florida State) of Baltimore (174) and Jimmy Graham (Miami) of New Orleans (158).
Nicks will be playing in next Sunday’s Super Bowl.
Nine of the 15 100-yard performances by NFL receivers in the playoffs have been from receivers from ACC schools. ACC receivers turned in the only 200-yard receiving efforts in the playoffs, when Georgia Tech’s Calvin Johnson had 12 catches for 211 yards for Detroit against New Orleans and Georgia Tech’s Demaryius Thomas had 204 yards on only four catches versus Pittsburgh. Hakeem Nicks and Vernon Davis are the only receivers in the playoffs to have topped the 100-yard mark twice.
LSU or Bama? Flip a coin, really. I'm going with Bama.
- Improvement on the defensive line will be one of Clemson's critical needs this offseason.
- Of course, former Georgia Tech receiver Demaryius Thomas had to have a breakout game against my Steelers. Good for him. Pittsburgh didn't deserve that one.
- Miami commit and receiver Angelo Jean-Louis left an impression on former NFL coach Steve Mariucci.
- Miami recruiting has been on a hot streak lately.
- The commitment of Deon Bush is an important one for several reasons.
- You win some, you lose some in recruiting.
- UNC fullback Devon Ramsay has been granted another year of eligibility.
- The top moment of this season for FSU? Beating the rivals, of course.
- Former Virginia quarterback Michael Strauss will now be playing for Richmond.
- The ACC still continues to produce some of the best NFL players.
I understand where former Georgia Tech center Sean Bedford is coming from, I really do.
And I sympathize with the Yellow Jackets' fans and players who "lost" their 2009 ACC title over what amounted to $312. The entire saga could have been handled better by both the NCAA and Georgia Tech.
But the bottom line is this: screw up, pay up.
How many times have we heard the coachspeak that football is a team sport? From the top down, Georgia Tech screwed up -- as a team. The administration went against the NCAA's wishes the moment athletic director Dan Radakovich informed coach Paul Johnson of the NCAA's intent to interview Morgan Burnett. The staff and administration took a major risk when they decided to play an athlete who was later deemed ineligible. And former receiver Demaryius Thomas, who accepted $312 worth of clothing, made the poor decision that started it all. Regardless of how small or questionable the initial transgression was, other mistakes followed, and what began as a secondary violation snowballed into one, long, 20-month investigation that ended with a major violation.
And even after all of that, Georgia Tech got off easy: No loss of scholarships or postseason ban, the two sanctions that hurt programs most on the field and in recruiting.
Yet instead of accepting the penalties and moving on, Georgia Tech has taken the Bedford approach -- win as a team, lose as individuals.
And I sympathize with the Yellow Jackets' fans and players who "lost" their 2009 ACC title over what amounted to $312. The entire saga could have been handled better by both the NCAA and Georgia Tech.
But the bottom line is this: screw up, pay up.
How many times have we heard the coachspeak that football is a team sport? From the top down, Georgia Tech screwed up -- as a team. The administration went against the NCAA's wishes the moment athletic director Dan Radakovich informed coach Paul Johnson of the NCAA's intent to interview Morgan Burnett. The staff and administration took a major risk when they decided to play an athlete who was later deemed ineligible. And former receiver Demaryius Thomas, who accepted $312 worth of clothing, made the poor decision that started it all. Regardless of how small or questionable the initial transgression was, other mistakes followed, and what began as a secondary violation snowballed into one, long, 20-month investigation that ended with a major violation.
And even after all of that, Georgia Tech got off easy: No loss of scholarships or postseason ban, the two sanctions that hurt programs most on the field and in recruiting.
Yet instead of accepting the penalties and moving on, Georgia Tech has taken the Bedford approach -- win as a team, lose as individuals.
ACC team position rankings: receivers
June, 23, 2011
6/23/11
10:30
AM ET
By
Heather Dinich | ESPN.com
You asked, I answered. Readers (particularly @AsylumGodfather) were calling for more position rankings, so the receivers are up next. This could be the strongest position group in the conference, and one of the more difficult to rank, so I looked back on a few stats to help me separate them, including how some of these guys did against their best competition (i.e. Danny Coale versus FSU, wow). Here’s the final verdict of which teams in the ACC have the best combination of depth and talent:
1. Virginia Tech: With Jarrett Boykin and Coale returning, the Hokies’ passing game has a chance to flourish this fall. Boykin, Coale and Dyrell Roberts were the team’s top three receivers last year for the second straight season, combining for 113 catches, 1,882 yards and 11 touchdowns. Add to that Marcus Davis, D.J. Coles, E.L. Smiling -- it’s a bottomless cup of depth and talent.
2. Duke: Conner Vernon has 128 catches in his first two collegiate seasons and Donovan Varner ranked fourth in the ACC in pass receptions (60) and seventh in yardage (736). Their combined 274 receptions are the most of any active duo in the ACC. They are the top two returning leaders in catches per game, and Vernon is the ACC’s returning leader in receiving yards per game. The Blue Devils also have sophomore Brandon Braxton (14 catches), who could make a name for himself as the third option this year.
3. Florida State: Every Seminole who caught a pass last season returns. Bert Reed, Taiwan Easterling and Rodney Smith return with a combined 50 career starts. Reed ranks second among all returning ACC receivers with 141 career receptions. Willie Haulstead had 38 catches last season, Smith had 31, and there’s plenty of rising talent like Christian Green.
4. North Carolina: Like Florida State, North Carolina returns all of its receivers, including two who redshirted last season. Dwight Jones, who had 946 yards and 62 receptions, leads the group, but Erik Highsmith (25 catches, 348 yards and three touchdowns) must be accounted for as well. Defenses also can’t forget about Jheranie Boyd, who is a deep threat.
5. Miami: The Canes will miss the production of Leonard Hankerson, but they don’t have to if one or two of the other players show more consistency. Travis Benjamin has big-play capabilities and averaged 17.3 yards on his 43 catches last season. There is no shortage of other options with LaRon Byrd, Aldarius Johnson, Tommy Streeter, Allen Hurns and Kendal Thompkins. Which one will rise to the occasion?
6. Clemson: It was the DeAndre Hopkins show last season, and he should again highlight the Tigers’ passing game. As a true freshman, Hopkins had 52 catches, the most by a first-year player in school history. Jaron Brown returns with 10 career starts, and the Tigers also have Marquan Jones (21 catches) and Bryce McNeal (19).
7. Maryland: The Terps have to replace their top two receivers from a year ago in Torrey Smith and Adrian Cannon, and no clear frontrunners emerged this spring. Quintin McCree leads all returners with 16 catches, followed by Kevin Dorsey (15), Ronnie Tyler (13), Kerry Boykins (10), and Tony Logan.
8. Boston College: True freshman Bobby Swigert led the Eagles last year with 39 catches and four touchdowns in five starts. The Eagles are hoping to get a significant boost from the return of Colin Larmond Jr., who missed all of last season with a knee injury, but the young group should be better regardless because of the experience gained last season.
9. Virginia: The Cavaliers will miss Dontrelle Inman, who averaged 16 yards per catch on 51 receptions, but returning starter Kris Burd finished fifth in the ACC last season in pass receptions (58). The group will also get a boost from the return of Tim Smith, who missed almost all of last season with an injury, and Matt Snyder (30 catches) and Ray Keys (three catches).
10. NC State: NC State has to replace its top two receivers from a year ago, and T.J. Graham is the team’s leading returning receiver with 25 catches. Steven Howard, Jay Smith and Quintin Payton all have experience, and redshirt freshman Bryan Underwood, Tobias Palmer and Everett Proctor have also been competing for playing time.
11. Wake Forest: Chris Givens (35 catches, 13.7 average), Michael Campanaro (10 catches) and Danny Dembry are the lead candidates to start, but the Deacs are missing a spark like Kenny Moore (2007) and D.J. Boldin (2008) provided. There were too many dropped passes in the spring game, so this group has some work to do in summer camp.
12. Georgia Tech: Yes, Georgia Tech throws the ball, just not often enough or efficiently enough to be anywhere but last place on this list. Stephen Hill led the Jackets last year with 15 catches for 291 yards and three touchdowns. He should show progress this fall now that there’s no pressure on him to be the next Demaryius Thomas. If he doesn’t show more consistency, the Jackets could turn to Daniel McKayhan, Tyler Melton or Jeremy Moore.
1. Virginia Tech: With Jarrett Boykin and Coale returning, the Hokies’ passing game has a chance to flourish this fall. Boykin, Coale and Dyrell Roberts were the team’s top three receivers last year for the second straight season, combining for 113 catches, 1,882 yards and 11 touchdowns. Add to that Marcus Davis, D.J. Coles, E.L. Smiling -- it’s a bottomless cup of depth and talent.
2. Duke: Conner Vernon has 128 catches in his first two collegiate seasons and Donovan Varner ranked fourth in the ACC in pass receptions (60) and seventh in yardage (736). Their combined 274 receptions are the most of any active duo in the ACC. They are the top two returning leaders in catches per game, and Vernon is the ACC’s returning leader in receiving yards per game. The Blue Devils also have sophomore Brandon Braxton (14 catches), who could make a name for himself as the third option this year.
3. Florida State: Every Seminole who caught a pass last season returns. Bert Reed, Taiwan Easterling and Rodney Smith return with a combined 50 career starts. Reed ranks second among all returning ACC receivers with 141 career receptions. Willie Haulstead had 38 catches last season, Smith had 31, and there’s plenty of rising talent like Christian Green.
4. North Carolina: Like Florida State, North Carolina returns all of its receivers, including two who redshirted last season. Dwight Jones, who had 946 yards and 62 receptions, leads the group, but Erik Highsmith (25 catches, 348 yards and three touchdowns) must be accounted for as well. Defenses also can’t forget about Jheranie Boyd, who is a deep threat.
5. Miami: The Canes will miss the production of Leonard Hankerson, but they don’t have to if one or two of the other players show more consistency. Travis Benjamin has big-play capabilities and averaged 17.3 yards on his 43 catches last season. There is no shortage of other options with LaRon Byrd, Aldarius Johnson, Tommy Streeter, Allen Hurns and Kendal Thompkins. Which one will rise to the occasion?
6. Clemson: It was the DeAndre Hopkins show last season, and he should again highlight the Tigers’ passing game. As a true freshman, Hopkins had 52 catches, the most by a first-year player in school history. Jaron Brown returns with 10 career starts, and the Tigers also have Marquan Jones (21 catches) and Bryce McNeal (19).
7. Maryland: The Terps have to replace their top two receivers from a year ago in Torrey Smith and Adrian Cannon, and no clear frontrunners emerged this spring. Quintin McCree leads all returners with 16 catches, followed by Kevin Dorsey (15), Ronnie Tyler (13), Kerry Boykins (10), and Tony Logan.
8. Boston College: True freshman Bobby Swigert led the Eagles last year with 39 catches and four touchdowns in five starts. The Eagles are hoping to get a significant boost from the return of Colin Larmond Jr., who missed all of last season with a knee injury, but the young group should be better regardless because of the experience gained last season.
9. Virginia: The Cavaliers will miss Dontrelle Inman, who averaged 16 yards per catch on 51 receptions, but returning starter Kris Burd finished fifth in the ACC last season in pass receptions (58). The group will also get a boost from the return of Tim Smith, who missed almost all of last season with an injury, and Matt Snyder (30 catches) and Ray Keys (three catches).
10. NC State: NC State has to replace its top two receivers from a year ago, and T.J. Graham is the team’s leading returning receiver with 25 catches. Steven Howard, Jay Smith and Quintin Payton all have experience, and redshirt freshman Bryan Underwood, Tobias Palmer and Everett Proctor have also been competing for playing time.
11. Wake Forest: Chris Givens (35 catches, 13.7 average), Michael Campanaro (10 catches) and Danny Dembry are the lead candidates to start, but the Deacs are missing a spark like Kenny Moore (2007) and D.J. Boldin (2008) provided. There were too many dropped passes in the spring game, so this group has some work to do in summer camp.
12. Georgia Tech: Yes, Georgia Tech throws the ball, just not often enough or efficiently enough to be anywhere but last place on this list. Stephen Hill led the Jackets last year with 15 catches for 291 yards and three touchdowns. He should show progress this fall now that there’s no pressure on him to be the next Demaryius Thomas. If he doesn’t show more consistency, the Jackets could turn to Daniel McKayhan, Tyler Melton or Jeremy Moore.
Wanted: Dependable Georgia Tech ... WRs?
November, 2, 2010
11/02/10
9:00
AM ET
By
Heather Dinich | ESPN.com
Georgia Tech enters Thursday night’s game at Virginia Tech with the nation’s No. 1 rushing offense.
There literally is nobody in the country better at running the ball right now -- which is why it’s all the more bizarre that in Paul Johnson’s run-based option offense, the lack of a dependable receiver has been one of the Jackets’ most glaring weaknesses.
While Georgia Tech tops the FBS in rushing, only one team -- Army -- has fared worse in the passing game out of 120 ranked teams.
“I know that in the passing game we’ve had a lot of chances we haven’t taken advantage of this year,” said A-back Roddy Jones. “We’ve had too many dropped passes. It’s just one of those things you just have to concentrate on and get better because those are catches guys make in practice all the time. We just have to do it on Saturdays. I think a lot of our problems would be alleviated just by catching the ball.”
It’s not the lack of attempts that’s bothersome to Johnson, it’s the lack of production with the ones they have had. The Yellow Jackets have completed just 38 percent of their pass attempts this year. They’re averaging 84.7 yards per game. There’s plenty of blame to spread around, as the receivers have had “several” drops, the pass protection hasn’t always been good, and quarterback Joshua Nesbitt hasn’t always been on target.
“We need to be more efficient in the passing game, for sure,” said Johnson. “It’s just like any offense. I’m sure that teams that throw want to be more efficient in the running game. I don’t think we have to be balanced -- I’m not under any illusions that’s the case.”
He’s right.
Georgia Tech beat Virginia Tech last year and completed just one pass in the 28-23 win. Last year, though, receiver Demaryius Thomas was around to catch that lone 51-yard pass that set up a touchdown.
In 2008, Georgia Tech beat rival Georgia, 45-42, and only threw one complete pass. But again, Thomas was on the receiving end, this time for a 19-yard gain.
Thomas, one of four juniors who left for the NFL last year, might be missed the most.
“Anytime you lose the first receiver taken in the draft, that’s a huge loss,” Johnson said. “But I thought that we had guys that would be more consistent and step up. And I think we still might. I haven’t given up on them yet.”
The player who faced the highest expectations entering this season was sophomore Stephen Hill, who leads the team with two touchdown receptions and 12 receptions. He’s averaging 13.8 yards per catch, but many outside the program had hoped he would be the program’s next elite receiver. The comparisons to Thomas, though, proved too much too soon.
“You’re comparing a kid who probably should’ve been redshirted if we could have, and we’re throwing him out there and all of a sudden he gets compared to the first receiver taken in the draft,” Johnson said. “There’s a lot of guys who are going to fall short of that comparison.”
Regardless of whether it’s Hill or a group effort, though, the passing game must improve if the Jackets are going to defend their ACC title.
“When we get in a situation where we’re having some success in the run, teams start bringing their DBs up a little faster -- especially when we’re on the perimeter -- trying to stop the pitch,” said Jones. “So when those guys start coming hard, we’ve got to be able to do play-action to kind of back them off a little bit.”
Aside from Hill’s 12 catches, nobody else on the roster has more than seven receptions this year. Jones said it doesn’t have to all be on Hill.
“It can definitely be by committee, especially with the play-action passes,” Jones said. “We have a very capable receiving corps and a group of A-backs who are talented as well. As long as every pass is completed, it doesn’t matter who it goes to.”
After all, it only takes one to win a game.
There literally is nobody in the country better at running the ball right now -- which is why it’s all the more bizarre that in Paul Johnson’s run-based option offense, the lack of a dependable receiver has been one of the Jackets’ most glaring weaknesses.
While Georgia Tech tops the FBS in rushing, only one team -- Army -- has fared worse in the passing game out of 120 ranked teams.
“I know that in the passing game we’ve had a lot of chances we haven’t taken advantage of this year,” said A-back Roddy Jones. “We’ve had too many dropped passes. It’s just one of those things you just have to concentrate on and get better because those are catches guys make in practice all the time. We just have to do it on Saturdays. I think a lot of our problems would be alleviated just by catching the ball.”
[+] Enlarge
Dale Zanine/US PresswireDemaryius Thomas led Georgia Tech with 46 receptions for 1,154 yards and eight touchdowns in 2009. Through eight games, Stephen Hill leads the team in those categories with 12 catches for 165 yards and two TDs.
Dale Zanine/US PresswireDemaryius Thomas led Georgia Tech with 46 receptions for 1,154 yards and eight touchdowns in 2009. Through eight games, Stephen Hill leads the team in those categories with 12 catches for 165 yards and two TDs.“We need to be more efficient in the passing game, for sure,” said Johnson. “It’s just like any offense. I’m sure that teams that throw want to be more efficient in the running game. I don’t think we have to be balanced -- I’m not under any illusions that’s the case.”
He’s right.
Georgia Tech beat Virginia Tech last year and completed just one pass in the 28-23 win. Last year, though, receiver Demaryius Thomas was around to catch that lone 51-yard pass that set up a touchdown.
In 2008, Georgia Tech beat rival Georgia, 45-42, and only threw one complete pass. But again, Thomas was on the receiving end, this time for a 19-yard gain.
Thomas, one of four juniors who left for the NFL last year, might be missed the most.
“Anytime you lose the first receiver taken in the draft, that’s a huge loss,” Johnson said. “But I thought that we had guys that would be more consistent and step up. And I think we still might. I haven’t given up on them yet.”
The player who faced the highest expectations entering this season was sophomore Stephen Hill, who leads the team with two touchdown receptions and 12 receptions. He’s averaging 13.8 yards per catch, but many outside the program had hoped he would be the program’s next elite receiver. The comparisons to Thomas, though, proved too much too soon.
“You’re comparing a kid who probably should’ve been redshirted if we could have, and we’re throwing him out there and all of a sudden he gets compared to the first receiver taken in the draft,” Johnson said. “There’s a lot of guys who are going to fall short of that comparison.”
Regardless of whether it’s Hill or a group effort, though, the passing game must improve if the Jackets are going to defend their ACC title.
“When we get in a situation where we’re having some success in the run, teams start bringing their DBs up a little faster -- especially when we’re on the perimeter -- trying to stop the pitch,” said Jones. “So when those guys start coming hard, we’ve got to be able to do play-action to kind of back them off a little bit.”
Aside from Hill’s 12 catches, nobody else on the roster has more than seven receptions this year. Jones said it doesn’t have to all be on Hill.
“It can definitely be by committee, especially with the play-action passes,” Jones said. “We have a very capable receiving corps and a group of A-backs who are talented as well. As long as every pass is completed, it doesn’t matter who it goes to.”
After all, it only takes one to win a game.
Georgia Tech's Stephen Hill his own man
August, 26, 2010
8/26/10
9:00
AM ET
By
Heather Dinich | ESPN.com
As talented as he might be, don’t confuse Georgia Tech wide receiver Stephen Hill for Demaryius “Bay-Bay” Thomas, the Jackets’ former wide receiver who was taken in the first round of the NFL draft.
“I’m not Bay Bay,” he said. “I’m not big like him. I’m a little bit faster than him. I just want to make a name for myself.”
There’s a very good possibility he’ll do that this fall.
At 6-foot-4, 211 pounds, Hill has rare speed for a player his size, and he said he has put a lot of work into improving this offseason so he can be Georgia Tech’s next elite receiver. Hill played in all 13 games last year with one start, but he only had six catches for 137 yards and a touchdown. The Jackets will need some help compensating for the loss of Thomas, who accounted for 46 catches, 1,154 yards and eight touchdowns last fall.
Thomas’ success in the run-based spread option offense has only encouraged Hill.
“It really caught my attention a lot just seeing the things he did the year before,” Hill said. “That’s what really pulled me towards coming to Georgia Tech, because Coach Johnson knows how to put the ball in the playmakers’ hands. Bay Bay was that playmaker. … I actually thought to myself, I know I can do it. I have to get better, get stronger, get faster, get bigger, I’m just ready for the season.”
Hill came to Georgia Tech ranked the No. 92 receiver in the country by ESPN Recruiting, and he was one of the top long jumpers in the country at Miller Grove High School in Georgia. As a senior, he broke the state long jump record with 25 feet, 8 ¾ inches -- a jump that would have won the 2009 ACC outdoor championship by 2.75 inches and would have tied for ninth at the most recent Olympic games.
He showed outstanding potential as a rookie at Georgia Tech last year, and is poised for a breakout season. Hill said everyone on staff from his strength coach to Johnson has been encouraging him and warning him not to get caught up in the preseason expectations.
“My mental approach, last year I was playing off height,” he said. “Now it’s more business. I’m trying to make it to the next level. I’m reading coverages different. I’m trying to stay in the film room as much as I can and see what’s going on.”
“You have to be a follower before you can be a leader,” he said. “Bay Bay showed me a lot and talked to me about a lot of different things before he left.”
Including how to make a name for yourself in a run-based offense.
“I’m not Bay Bay,” he said. “I’m not big like him. I’m a little bit faster than him. I just want to make a name for myself.”
There’s a very good possibility he’ll do that this fall.
[+] Enlarge
AP Photo/Rogelio V. SolisStephen Hill (5) may follow Demaryius Thomas as the next great Georgia Tech receiver.
AP Photo/Rogelio V. SolisStephen Hill (5) may follow Demaryius Thomas as the next great Georgia Tech receiver.Thomas’ success in the run-based spread option offense has only encouraged Hill.
“It really caught my attention a lot just seeing the things he did the year before,” Hill said. “That’s what really pulled me towards coming to Georgia Tech, because Coach Johnson knows how to put the ball in the playmakers’ hands. Bay Bay was that playmaker. … I actually thought to myself, I know I can do it. I have to get better, get stronger, get faster, get bigger, I’m just ready for the season.”
Hill came to Georgia Tech ranked the No. 92 receiver in the country by ESPN Recruiting, and he was one of the top long jumpers in the country at Miller Grove High School in Georgia. As a senior, he broke the state long jump record with 25 feet, 8 ¾ inches -- a jump that would have won the 2009 ACC outdoor championship by 2.75 inches and would have tied for ninth at the most recent Olympic games.
He showed outstanding potential as a rookie at Georgia Tech last year, and is poised for a breakout season. Hill said everyone on staff from his strength coach to Johnson has been encouraging him and warning him not to get caught up in the preseason expectations.
“My mental approach, last year I was playing off height,” he said. “Now it’s more business. I’m trying to make it to the next level. I’m reading coverages different. I’m trying to stay in the film room as much as I can and see what’s going on.”
“You have to be a follower before you can be a leader,” he said. “Bay Bay showed me a lot and talked to me about a lot of different things before he left.”
Including how to make a name for yourself in a run-based offense.
Schedule: Practice starts at 3:30 p.m. All practices are closed to the public.
What’s new: First-year defensive coordinator Al Groh is switching the Jackets from a 4-3 to a 3-4. Groh has constantly been in the film room this offseason helping players understand what he wants from them, as there have been some position changes.
Sidelined: No starters are expected to miss summer camp.
Key battle: Defensive tackle. Because of the scheme change, two players with starting experience at defensive tackle are now battling for one spot. Logan Walls and Ben Anderson, a senior who missed all of spring ball with an injury, are the front-runners, but T.J. Barnes also has a lot of experience and potential.
New on the scene: Georgia Tech welcomes three new assistant coaches: Former Navy assistant Joe Speed/linebackers, Andy McCollum, defensive line/recruiting coordinator, and Lamar Owens, who was promoted from grad assistant to A-backs.
Breaking out: Sophomore wide receiver Stephen Hill. He has the potential to be the Jackets’ next elite receiver, following in the footsteps of Demaryius Thomas. Hill averaged 22.8 yards per catch last year, but had only six receptions. (If you ask the players, they chose freshman linebacker Brandon Watts as the player most likely to surprise people this year.)
Don’t forget about: Roddy Jones. The two players who carry the ball the most are quarterback Joshua Nesbitt and Anthony Allen, but A-backs like Jones will also get their time to shine. There is a lot of depth at the position, though, and it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle.
All eyes on: Nesbitt. He rushed for more than 1,000 yards and passed for more than 1,000 last year. As a senior, he has mastered this offense and is the heart of it. He’s invaluable to the team’s chances of defending the ACC title.
Quotable: “I think Anthony can be a good player. We’ve also got some other guys at that position -- Lucas Cox, Richard Watson, Preston Lyons. I think Anthony is a very good player. I hope our production doesn’t drop off at that position and I don’t think it will.” -- coach Paul Johnson.
More opening camps:
What’s new: First-year defensive coordinator Al Groh is switching the Jackets from a 4-3 to a 3-4. Groh has constantly been in the film room this offseason helping players understand what he wants from them, as there have been some position changes.
Sidelined: No starters are expected to miss summer camp.
Key battle: Defensive tackle. Because of the scheme change, two players with starting experience at defensive tackle are now battling for one spot. Logan Walls and Ben Anderson, a senior who missed all of spring ball with an injury, are the front-runners, but T.J. Barnes also has a lot of experience and potential.
New on the scene: Georgia Tech welcomes three new assistant coaches: Former Navy assistant Joe Speed/linebackers, Andy McCollum, defensive line/recruiting coordinator, and Lamar Owens, who was promoted from grad assistant to A-backs.
Breaking out: Sophomore wide receiver Stephen Hill. He has the potential to be the Jackets’ next elite receiver, following in the footsteps of Demaryius Thomas. Hill averaged 22.8 yards per catch last year, but had only six receptions. (If you ask the players, they chose freshman linebacker Brandon Watts as the player most likely to surprise people this year.)
Don’t forget about: Roddy Jones. The two players who carry the ball the most are quarterback Joshua Nesbitt and Anthony Allen, but A-backs like Jones will also get their time to shine. There is a lot of depth at the position, though, and it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle.
All eyes on: Nesbitt. He rushed for more than 1,000 yards and passed for more than 1,000 last year. As a senior, he has mastered this offense and is the heart of it. He’s invaluable to the team’s chances of defending the ACC title.
Quotable: “I think Anthony can be a good player. We’ve also got some other guys at that position -- Lucas Cox, Richard Watson, Preston Lyons. I think Anthony is a very good player. I hope our production doesn’t drop off at that position and I don’t think it will.” -- coach Paul Johnson.
More opening camps:
Good news: It's not Monday!
- Former Georgia Tech wide receiver Demaryius Thomas confused some Denver fans with his tweets. Sad.
- Thanks to Jessica in Coral Gables for this link on her speedy Canes.
- Clemson quarterback Kyle Parker talked to Fox Sports South about his indecision.
- Offensive lineman Brandon Shell has Clemson and Miami among his top five college choices.
- FSU quarterback Christian Ponder will head to the Manning Passing Academy next month.
GEORGIA TECH
2009 overall record: 11-3
2009 conference record: 7-1, ACC champions
Returning starters
Offense: 7, defense 8: punter/kicker: 2
Top returners
QB Josh Nesbitt, RB Anthony Allen, RB Roddy Jones, C Sean Bedford, WR Tyler Melton, WR Stephen Hill, LB Brad Jefferson, CB Mario Butler, S Dominique Reese, PK Scott Blair
Key losses
WR Demaryius Thomas, RB Jonathan Dwyer, OG Cord Howard, DE Derrick Morgan, LB Sedric Griffin, S Morgan Burnett
2009 statistical leaders (* returners)
Rushing: Dwyer (1,395 yards)
Passing: Nesbitt* (1,701 yards)
Receiving: Thomas (1,154 yards)
Tackles: Jefferson* (95)
Sacks: Morgan (12.5)
Interceptions: Burnett (4)
Spring answers
1. Who’s No. 2. Tevin Washington earned the No. 2 quarterback job behind Josh Nesbitt, who was out this spring recovering from minor ankle surgery. Washington ran for three touchdowns and threw for another in the Jackets’ spring game. He made the most of Jaybo Shaw's transfer to Georgia Southern and beat David Sims and Jordan Luallen for the job.
2. Receiver by committee. Yes, Stephen Hill has the chance to be the program’s next elite receiver, but there were signs the passing game will have some more help this fall. Look for the Jackets to make an effort to throw more to the A-backs, or slot backs, this year.
3. Finding homes on defense. Georgia Tech won’t solve all of its defensive problems in one spring, but the transition to Al Groh’s 3-4 defense helped a few players who were in between positions find a spot. Anthony Egbuniwe, who was a defensive end last year, is now an outside linebacker. And Anthony Barnes, who was a nomad last year, seems to have found a home at the other outside linebacker spot. Jason Peters, who has bounced between defensive tackle and end, showed significant improvement at end this spring.
Fall questions
1. How much better can the defense be? Overall, the transition under Groh remains a question. Specifically, the biggest concern on the line is the nose tackle position. T.J. Barnes played there in the spring, and Ben Anderson missed all of spring recovering from a knee injury he suffered late last season. When Anderson comes back in August, he’ll compete with Barnes for that job. There were too many runs up the middle during the spring game to stop a team like Virginia Tech or Miami.
2. Nesbitt’s health. The ankle injury was minor -- he could have participated this spring had he wanted to -- but Nesbitt’s health will be a concern this year. There is still a big difference between Nesbitt and Washington, and Nesbitt has to stay healthy if the Jackets are going to defend their ACC crown.
3. Unsettled offensive line. There are a lot of new players working their way into the rotation, and competition will continue. Georgia Tech lost three starters, including the transfer of guard Joseph Gilbert. The second team was composed entirely of freshmen in the Jackets’ spring game.
2009 overall record: 11-3
2009 conference record: 7-1, ACC champions
Returning starters
Offense: 7, defense 8: punter/kicker: 2
Top returners
QB Josh Nesbitt, RB Anthony Allen, RB Roddy Jones, C Sean Bedford, WR Tyler Melton, WR Stephen Hill, LB Brad Jefferson, CB Mario Butler, S Dominique Reese, PK Scott Blair
Key losses
WR Demaryius Thomas, RB Jonathan Dwyer, OG Cord Howard, DE Derrick Morgan, LB Sedric Griffin, S Morgan Burnett
2009 statistical leaders (* returners)
Rushing: Dwyer (1,395 yards)
Passing: Nesbitt* (1,701 yards)
Receiving: Thomas (1,154 yards)
Tackles: Jefferson* (95)
Sacks: Morgan (12.5)
Interceptions: Burnett (4)
Spring answers
1. Who’s No. 2. Tevin Washington earned the No. 2 quarterback job behind Josh Nesbitt, who was out this spring recovering from minor ankle surgery. Washington ran for three touchdowns and threw for another in the Jackets’ spring game. He made the most of Jaybo Shaw's transfer to Georgia Southern and beat David Sims and Jordan Luallen for the job.
2. Receiver by committee. Yes, Stephen Hill has the chance to be the program’s next elite receiver, but there were signs the passing game will have some more help this fall. Look for the Jackets to make an effort to throw more to the A-backs, or slot backs, this year.
3. Finding homes on defense. Georgia Tech won’t solve all of its defensive problems in one spring, but the transition to Al Groh’s 3-4 defense helped a few players who were in between positions find a spot. Anthony Egbuniwe, who was a defensive end last year, is now an outside linebacker. And Anthony Barnes, who was a nomad last year, seems to have found a home at the other outside linebacker spot. Jason Peters, who has bounced between defensive tackle and end, showed significant improvement at end this spring.
Fall questions
1. How much better can the defense be? Overall, the transition under Groh remains a question. Specifically, the biggest concern on the line is the nose tackle position. T.J. Barnes played there in the spring, and Ben Anderson missed all of spring recovering from a knee injury he suffered late last season. When Anderson comes back in August, he’ll compete with Barnes for that job. There were too many runs up the middle during the spring game to stop a team like Virginia Tech or Miami.
2. Nesbitt’s health. The ankle injury was minor -- he could have participated this spring had he wanted to -- but Nesbitt’s health will be a concern this year. There is still a big difference between Nesbitt and Washington, and Nesbitt has to stay healthy if the Jackets are going to defend their ACC crown.
3. Unsettled offensive line. There are a lot of new players working their way into the rotation, and competition will continue. Georgia Tech lost three starters, including the transfer of guard Joseph Gilbert. The second team was composed entirely of freshmen in the Jackets’ spring game.
Remember, the only dumb questions are the ones that aren't asked ...
Bob in Arlington, Va., writes: Hey Heather- did I see you in Atlantic City this past weekend?
HD: Haven't been there in a few months, but when I go, you can find me at Nero's with my parents and their comp points. Don't forget Mother's Day, BTW.
Daniel in Atlanta writes: Heather,Do you think Dwyer's draft stock was affected by the, um... 'interesting' headline on ESPN about his 'testing positive' at the combine or do you think he went so late because of something else? Or did he go when he should have gone?
HD: Daniel it seems as if even the NFL scouts were divided on how highly Dwyer should have gone, and I doubt much of it had to do with any headlines. Everyone in the NFL knew Dwyer was taking approved prescription medication. He really did get some mixed reviews, though. I think the Steelers got a great deal and I expected Dwyer to be gone by the third round. He'll get his chance to prove his doubters wrong as the No. 2 guy and a short-yardage back.
Mark in College Park, Md., writes: What did you see out of the terps during their spring game? I need some good news after a 2 and 10 season.
HD: So does Ralph Friedgen. Overall, he liked what he saw. I think the most important thing was the progress of the offensive line, which Friedgen said "vastly improved." They've got enough running backs, and with a more mobile quarterback and the play of WR Torrey Smith, the Terps should be able to do some things on offense this year. Maryland fans should be encouraged by the spring practices.
Nathan in Roanoke, Va., writes: People still seem to be concerned with Defensive Depth for VT this year. I follow recruiting big time and keep up with player stats. People seem to forget that Nick Dew is coming in the fall and Zack McCray as well each will be playing positions that lack depth. What do you think the chances will be of them contributing from day 1?
HD: Did you mean Nick Acree, a defensive tackle, and not Nick Dew, an OLB? There is help on the way up front, but considering how demanding coordinator Bud Foster and defensive line coach Charley Wiles are, it's going to be difficult for a true freshman to come in in August, learn the system and be ready to play. The coaches like John Graves and Kwamaine Battle as the two defensive tackles with Antoine Hopkins as a backup. They're still looking for a fourth defensive tackle. At defensive end, former tight end Chris Drager and Steven Friday had good springs, but again, they're still looking for depth. That could be J.R. Collins or James Gayle.
Matt in Orlando writes: Have you heard about the white unis and helmets FSU is planning on wearing at the Oklahoma game? Why can't we learn not to mess with the traditional colors? (For an example, look up our recent record for when we wear "special" unis).
HD:I checked with FSU's sports information department, and there is no truth to the notion that the ‘Noles will be wearing a white helmet at Oklahoma. The equipment manager had one made up at the coaching staff’s request for recruits to see a wide variety of uniform options FSU can mix and match. They dressed up for mannequins in the locker room in different garb. One recruit took a picture and posted it on a website, leading to an instant rumor. Jimbo Fisher wants to stick with tradition (gold helmets), but he wouldn't be opposed to using the Nike unis worn against Maryland last season on a rare occasion.
Matt in Atlanta writes: With Jordan Luallen unlikely to get any play-time in the next year at least, is there any chance he moves to wide reciever? He's got the build and we need more tall guys out there catching balls.
HD: Doubtful, Matt. Luallen will enter the fall battling David Sims for the No. 3 quarterback job. You're right, though, his odds of any significant playing time are slim. He'll have to make large strides in August to pass Tevin Washington as the No. 2 QB. And even though the Jackets will be without Demaryius Thomas, they've still got five or six skilled receivers to turn to.
Horace from the 757 writes: HD,How about the Steelers snagging three Hokies! Taco Thompson could be a nice sub for the NT position with his girth. Jason Worilds will have a tough time cracking the rotation with Harrison, Woodley, and Timmons in front of him. Demetrius Taylor most likely won't break the practice squad ranks, but still getting paid! I like Dwyer's chances of catching on with the guaranteed run based offense for the first 6 games.
HD: Here we go Steelers, here we go ...
Eric in Tallahassee writes: Any notable ACC player go undrafted that you felt should of? Overall how do you think the ACC did in the draft this year?
HD: One player I would've liked to see get a shot as a free agent was Wake quarterback Riley Skinner. I thought somebody would have given him a chance, and that he deserved one.
Bob in Arlington, Va., writes: Hey Heather- did I see you in Atlantic City this past weekend?
HD: Haven't been there in a few months, but when I go, you can find me at Nero's with my parents and their comp points. Don't forget Mother's Day, BTW.
Daniel in Atlanta writes: Heather,Do you think Dwyer's draft stock was affected by the, um... 'interesting' headline on ESPN about his 'testing positive' at the combine or do you think he went so late because of something else? Or did he go when he should have gone?
HD: Daniel it seems as if even the NFL scouts were divided on how highly Dwyer should have gone, and I doubt much of it had to do with any headlines. Everyone in the NFL knew Dwyer was taking approved prescription medication. He really did get some mixed reviews, though. I think the Steelers got a great deal and I expected Dwyer to be gone by the third round. He'll get his chance to prove his doubters wrong as the No. 2 guy and a short-yardage back.
Mark in College Park, Md., writes: What did you see out of the terps during their spring game? I need some good news after a 2 and 10 season.
HD: So does Ralph Friedgen. Overall, he liked what he saw. I think the most important thing was the progress of the offensive line, which Friedgen said "vastly improved." They've got enough running backs, and with a more mobile quarterback and the play of WR Torrey Smith, the Terps should be able to do some things on offense this year. Maryland fans should be encouraged by the spring practices.
Nathan in Roanoke, Va., writes: People still seem to be concerned with Defensive Depth for VT this year. I follow recruiting big time and keep up with player stats. People seem to forget that Nick Dew is coming in the fall and Zack McCray as well each will be playing positions that lack depth. What do you think the chances will be of them contributing from day 1?
HD: Did you mean Nick Acree, a defensive tackle, and not Nick Dew, an OLB? There is help on the way up front, but considering how demanding coordinator Bud Foster and defensive line coach Charley Wiles are, it's going to be difficult for a true freshman to come in in August, learn the system and be ready to play. The coaches like John Graves and Kwamaine Battle as the two defensive tackles with Antoine Hopkins as a backup. They're still looking for a fourth defensive tackle. At defensive end, former tight end Chris Drager and Steven Friday had good springs, but again, they're still looking for depth. That could be J.R. Collins or James Gayle.
Matt in Orlando writes: Have you heard about the white unis and helmets FSU is planning on wearing at the Oklahoma game? Why can't we learn not to mess with the traditional colors? (For an example, look up our recent record for when we wear "special" unis).
HD:I checked with FSU's sports information department, and there is no truth to the notion that the ‘Noles will be wearing a white helmet at Oklahoma. The equipment manager had one made up at the coaching staff’s request for recruits to see a wide variety of uniform options FSU can mix and match. They dressed up for mannequins in the locker room in different garb. One recruit took a picture and posted it on a website, leading to an instant rumor. Jimbo Fisher wants to stick with tradition (gold helmets), but he wouldn't be opposed to using the Nike unis worn against Maryland last season on a rare occasion.
Matt in Atlanta writes: With Jordan Luallen unlikely to get any play-time in the next year at least, is there any chance he moves to wide reciever? He's got the build and we need more tall guys out there catching balls.
HD: Doubtful, Matt. Luallen will enter the fall battling David Sims for the No. 3 quarterback job. You're right, though, his odds of any significant playing time are slim. He'll have to make large strides in August to pass Tevin Washington as the No. 2 QB. And even though the Jackets will be without Demaryius Thomas, they've still got five or six skilled receivers to turn to.
Horace from the 757 writes: HD,How about the Steelers snagging three Hokies! Taco Thompson could be a nice sub for the NT position with his girth. Jason Worilds will have a tough time cracking the rotation with Harrison, Woodley, and Timmons in front of him. Demetrius Taylor most likely won't break the practice squad ranks, but still getting paid! I like Dwyer's chances of catching on with the guaranteed run based offense for the first 6 games.
HD: Here we go Steelers, here we go ...
Eric in Tallahassee writes: Any notable ACC player go undrafted that you felt should of? Overall how do you think the ACC did in the draft this year?
HD: One player I would've liked to see get a shot as a free agent was Wake quarterback Riley Skinner. I thought somebody would have given him a chance, and that he deserved one.
If you've got the need to read ...
- You've probably heard -- four NC State football players are facing misdemeanor charges after police found some drug paraphernalia in their apartment this past weekend.
- There were plenty of excuses for former wide receiver Demaryius Thomas to let his life get off track. Instead, he's going to be a millionaire.
- Former Virginia Tech offensive lineman Ed Wang made history when he was selected in the fifth round of the NFL draft.
- Former Georgia Tech offensive lineman Cord Howard has been reunited with his former coach, Chan Gailey of the Buffalo Bills.
- Maryland has recruited a "manimal" at offensive tackle.
- As BC's quarterback competition continues through the summer, don't count outMike Marscovetra.
- Good news for FSU fans: the defense is getting better.
- Former FSU tight end Caz Piurowski is hoping for a shotwith the Bucs.
Spring games and the NFL draft made for a busy weekend in the ACC ...
- Full disclosure: I'm from Pennsylvania. Born on the Western side. That makes me a Steelers fan. Welcome to the club, Jonathan Dwyer. The surprising news, though, was how long Dwyer had to wait to get there.
- Former Maryland offensive tackle Bruce Campbell also went later than many expected, falling to the fourth round.
- It took until the final day for a trio of Miami players to hear their names called -- not that Jason Fox minded.
- Former Wake Forest offensive lineman Chris DeGeare was surprised he wound up with Minnesota.
- There are a few remaining concerns for the Carolina schools heading into the summer.
- Virginia Tech and FSU have been deemed the ACC's early front-runners by at least one media outlet already.
- Here are seven storylines worth watching in the conference this year.
- Former FSU safety Myron Rolle convinced the Tennessee Titans he was worthy of a pick, even if it didn't come until the sixth round.
- FSU coach Jimbo Fisher answered a few of the media's questions on this week's ACC teleconference.
- Michael Vick received a mostly warm welcome back to Virginia Tech this past weekend.
- Former Georgia Tech receiver Demaryius Thomas' success has inspired Stephen Hill to aim for the same.
While Virginia Tech is still unsettled at its backup quarterback position, Coastal Division opponent Georgia Tech found an answer there this spring.
Sophomore quarterback Tevin Washington accounted for four touchdowns to lead the White past the Gold, 27-7, in Georgia Tech's spring game on Saturday. The game was cut short because of severe weather, but not before Washington completed 6 of 7 passes for 122 yards, including a perfect 70-yard touchdown pass to Stephen Hill that gave the White team a 21-7 lead. Hill finished with three receptions for 105 yards -- a good sign for a team trying to replace one of the country's top receivers in Demaryius Thomas.
Washington and redshirt freshmen Jordan Luallen and David Sims competed this spring to back up Josh Nesbitt, who sat out the practices after having minor surgery on his ankle.
Anthony Allen rushed 15 times for 91 yards. Washington rushed 10 times for 35 yards and three touchdowns, and produced 157 yards of total offense.
Sophomore quarterback Tevin Washington accounted for four touchdowns to lead the White past the Gold, 27-7, in Georgia Tech's spring game on Saturday. The game was cut short because of severe weather, but not before Washington completed 6 of 7 passes for 122 yards, including a perfect 70-yard touchdown pass to Stephen Hill that gave the White team a 21-7 lead. Hill finished with three receptions for 105 yards -- a good sign for a team trying to replace one of the country's top receivers in Demaryius Thomas.
Washington and redshirt freshmen Jordan Luallen and David Sims competed this spring to back up Josh Nesbitt, who sat out the practices after having minor surgery on his ankle.
Anthony Allen rushed 15 times for 91 yards. Washington rushed 10 times for 35 yards and three touchdowns, and produced 157 yards of total offense.
Good morning, ACC fans, hope you guys had a good NFL draft weekend. The ACC put together a good wrap-up of this past weekend's draft activity for the conference. The ACC ranked third this year among conferences with 31 players chosen. The SEC led with 49, followed by the Big Ten (34). The Big 12 had 30, the Pac-10 29, the Big East 18 and the Mountain West 13.
Here are a few notes to tie it all together for you:
Here are a few notes to tie it all together for you:
- For the sixth straight year, the ACC had more than 30 players selected.
- Since 2005, the ACC and the SEC are the only two leagues in the nation to have had 30 players selected in each of the past six years.
- Atlantic Division champion Clemson (C.J. Spiller, Jacoby Ford, Ricky Sapp, Crezdon Butler, Kavell Connor) and Coastal Division runner-up Virginia Tech (Jason Worilds, Kam Chancellor, Ed Wang, Brent Bowden, Cody Grimm) led all ACC schools each with five players chosen in the draft.
- ACC champion Georgia Tech (Derrick Morgan, Demaryius Thomas, Morgan Burnett, Jonathan Dwyer) and Miami (Jimmy Graham, Darryl Sharpton, Jason Fox, Dedrick Epps) were next, each with four players chosen.
- The ACC maintained its streak of having at least one top-10 selection in each of the past five years. Since 2006, the ACC is the only conference in the country to have had a top-10 selection in each year.
- In all, 18 NFL teams selected players from the ACC.
There wasn't much surprise Thursday night when former Clemson running back C.J. Spiller was the ACC's top overall NFL draft pick, as he was chosen ninth overall by the Buffalo Bills. Most analysts agree he was the best running back in this draft class.
Georgia Tech's Derrick Morgan was chosen No. 16 by the Tennessee Titans, and former Jackets receiver Demaryius Thomas followed soon after with the No. 22 overall pick to Denver. The Jackets were one of eight schools to have more than one player chosen in the first round. It was also the first time since 1979 that the school had two players selected in the first round.
And finally, just like FSU coach Jimbo Fisher had predicted, former cornerback Patrick Robinson snuck into the first round with the 32nd pick to the New Orleans Saints. He was the program's first first-round draft pick since 2007.
ESPN's Todd McShay listed Morgan's move to Tennessee as one of his top five "Best marriages of need and value." Former Georgia Tech B-back Jonathan Dwyer and safety Morgan Burnett are both still waiting, but that's not a surprise, according to ESPN's Mel Kiper and McShay, both who left those players off of their final first-round mock drafts.
Two main points stand out from these picks:
Georgia Tech's Derrick Morgan was chosen No. 16 by the Tennessee Titans, and former Jackets receiver Demaryius Thomas followed soon after with the No. 22 overall pick to Denver. The Jackets were one of eight schools to have more than one player chosen in the first round. It was also the first time since 1979 that the school had two players selected in the first round.
And finally, just like FSU coach Jimbo Fisher had predicted, former cornerback Patrick Robinson snuck into the first round with the 32nd pick to the New Orleans Saints. He was the program's first first-round draft pick since 2007.
ESPN's Todd McShay listed Morgan's move to Tennessee as one of his top five "Best marriages of need and value." Former Georgia Tech B-back Jonathan Dwyer and safety Morgan Burnett are both still waiting, but that's not a surprise, according to ESPN's Mel Kiper and McShay, both who left those players off of their final first-round mock drafts.
Two main points stand out from these picks:
- Message to Georgia Tech recruits: Yes, you can be a first-round draft pick at receiver in Paul Johnson's run-based offense -- if you're good enough.
- Any doubts about Spiller's ability should finally be erased. He's had his critics his entire career, but the vote of confidence from the NFL in his abilities should confirm what Spiller proved in 2009 -- he's one of the best players in the country.
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.
