ACC: Donald Bowens
- Robert in Greensboro, N.C., wonders if Jacoby Ford will run the fastest time in the 40-yard dash at the NFL combine.
- Bob in Charleston, S.C., liked this piece on Clemson's defensive strategy.
- Christian in Chapel Hill found some shiny new silver helmets the Tar Heels might unveil.
- Former NC State wide receiver Donald Bowens is considering a transfer to South Florida.
- Might Georgia Tech be without its top two quarterbacks this spring?
- Patrick Stevens reviews the Terps' class of 2005, a class offensive coordinator James Franklin helped lure in.
- Spencer Whipple isn't your ordinary scout team quarterback, thanks to a love for football that runs in the family.
- FSU quarterback Christian Ponder has had to give up his honey-fried chicken in exchange for a few veggies, thanks to Jimbo Fisher's new emphasis on nutrition. I'd never last.
- It was a no-brainer for Rick Petri to come back to Miami. Just ask his wife.
Coach Tom O'Brien also said today that punter Jeff Ruiz, cornerback DeAndre Morgan and receiver Donald Bowens will graduate and move on and won't be with the program anymore.
I think I actually have them all this week ...
BOSTON COLLEGE
Questionable
DE Alex Albright (ankle)
Doubtful
OT Rich Lapham (shoulder)
LB Mike McLaughlin (leg)
Out
WR Ifeanyi Momah (knee)
RB Rolandan Finch (illness)
CLEMSON
Out for Season
J.K. Jay, OT, back
Probable
Scotty Cooper, LB, Concussion
Doubtful
Michael Palmer, TE, Concussion
Out
Kantrell Brown, S, Concussion
DUKE
RB Re'quan Boyette (knee) -- Questionable
CB Lee Butler (leg) -- Doubtful
LB Abraham Kromah (leg) -- OUT
WR Tyree Watkins (leg) -- OUT
RB Kyle Griswould (leg) -- OUT FOR SEASON
S Anthony Young-Wiseman (knee) -- OUT FOR SEASON
FLORIDA STATE
Out for the season
44 LB Maurice Harris (neck)
81 TE Caz Piurowski (knee)
Out
28 CB Dionte Allen (thumb)
76 OT Garrett Faircloth (hip)
70 OT Antwane Greenlee (knee)
51 LB Aaron Gresham (knee)
97 DT Demonte McAllister (knee)
74 OT John Prior (knee)
72 DT Budd Thacker (knee)
11 LB Vince Williams (back)
Questionable
27 CB Xavier Rhodes (thumb)
21 CB Patrick Robinson (ankle)
Probable
9 WR Richard Goodman (groin)
26 RV Korey Mangum (shoulder)
94 DT Justin Mincey (knee)
36 LB Dekoda Watson (groin)
GEORGIA TECH
Out
Kevin Cone, r-Jr., WR (ankle)
Robert Hall, r-Jr., DE (knee)
Cooper Taylor, So., S (undisclosed)
Questionable
Julian Burnett, Fr., LB (knee)
Out For Season
Kyle Jackson, r-So., LB (foot)
MIAMI
Probable
OL Joel Figueroa – Upper Extremity
K Matt Bosher - Illness
Out
DB Ray-Ray Armstrong – Lower Extremity
FB Patrick Hill – Lower Extremity
RB Javarris James – Lower Extremity
DL Eric Moncur – Lower Extremity
DB JoJo Nicolas – Lower Extremity
LB Sean Spence – Lower Extremity
Surgery and Out for the Season
DL Dyron Dye – Lower Extremity
DL Marcus Forston – Lower Extremity
LB Jordan Futch – Lower Extremity
TE Richard Gordon – Upper Extremity
LB Shayon Green – Lower Extremity
DE Gavin Hardin – Upper Extremity
DB Ryan Hill – Upper Extremity
DE Adewale Ojomo – Jaw
NC STATE
OUT FOR SEASON
Mario Carter, TE - knee
Ryan Cheek, LB - hip
Denzelle Good, OL - shoulder
Nate Irving, LB - leg
Colby Jackson, FB - knee
Everett Proctor, QB – shoulder
Jeff Rieskamp, DE – sports hernia
Rashard Smith, CB - knee
Javon Walker, S – knee
James Washington, HB - knee
OUT
T.J. Graham, WR/RET – leg
Ray Michel, LB - ankle
Jesse Riley, DB - knee
Dwayne Maddox will start at middle linebacker in place of Michel; Clem Johnson, Jamelle Eugene and Donald Bowens will return punts/kicks.
VIRGINIA
Out
Aaron Clark (knee)
Matt Conrath (ankle)
Probable
Oday Aboushi (knee)
Landon Bradey (knee)
Darren Childs (leg)
Nate Collins (leg)
Cam Johnson (knee)
Corey Mosley (shoulder)
Brandon Woods (shoulder)
WAKE FOREST
Out for Season
WR Terence Davis (knee)
Questionable
DE Kyle Wilber
Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich
There are some notable names that will/could be missing this weekend, including Bobby Rome, Lowell Dyer, Greg Boone, Stephan Virgil, Bruce Campbell, Jameel Sewell, Jamelle Eugene, Vic Hall and Jake Vermiglio. Here are the full reports that came in throughout the league from each school's sports information department:
BOSTON COLLEGE
- LB Will Thompson (shoulder) -- OUT
- LB Mike McLaughlin (Achilles) -- OUT
- FB James McCluskey (Achilles) -- OUT
- WR Ifeanyi Momah (knee) -- OUT
- DT Kaleb Ramsey (ankle) -- PROBABLE
- RB Kyle Griswould (leg) -- OUT
- CB Randez James (hand) -- OUT
- S Anthony Young--Wiseman (knee) -- OUT FOR SEASON
OUT
- OT Antwane Greenlee (knee)
- DT Justin Mincey (knee)
- OT John Prior (knee)
- LB Vince Williams (back)
Out
- Louis Berman (leg)
- Bruce Campbell (foot)
- Jamari McCollough (foot)
- Caleb Porzel (leg)
- Joe Vellano (foot)
- Tony Logan (shoulder)
OUT FOR SEASON
- Mario Carter, TE -- knee
- Denzelle Good, OL -- shoulder
- Nate Irving, LB -- leg
- Colby Jackson, FB -- knee
- Everett Proctor, QB -- shoulder
- Donald Bowens, WR – knee
- Ryan Cheek, LB -- hip
- Wayne Crawford, C -- foot
- Jamelle Eugene, HB -- knee
- DeAndre Morgan, CB – ankle
- Jeff Rieskamp, DE -- hip
- Jake Vermiglio, OT – lower leg
- Javon Walker, S -- knee
UNC
Out (Season)
- Carl Gaskins OL -- Knee
- Matt Merletti S -- Knee
- Dwight Jones WR -- Knee
- Ryan Taylor TE -- Knee
- Jonathan Cooper OG -- Ankle
- Lowell Dyer C -- Shoulder
- Jordan Nix DT -- Illness
- Bobby Rome FB -- Illness
- Terry Shankle DB -- Illness
Out
- Mike Parker (hand)
- Bobby Smith (knee)
- Vic Hall (hip)
- Dontrelle Inman (hand)
- Lamar Milstead (ankle)
- Bill Schautz (knee)
- Nate Collins (shoulder)
- Patch Duda (shoulder)
- Nick Jenkins (leg)
- Jameel Sewell (wrist)
- Matt Snyder (shoulder)
- Joe Torchia (shoulder)
- Greg Boone (SC joint sprain) -- doubtful
- Stephan Virgil (knee) -- doubtful
Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich
As summer camps get underway, there are almost always a few players missing, whether it's for academic reasons, suspensions, injuries, etc. I checked in with each school's sports information department for an attendance check on who will be missing this summer at each school. Overall, almost everyone seems to be in good shape, but there will be some key players out you already knew about. NC State appears to be missing the most as far as guys who have or would have been key contributors.
Here are the results:
BOSTON COLLEGE: Linebacker Mark Herzlich is out, along with linebacker Mike McLaughlin and fullback James McCluskey, both with Achilles.
CLEMSON: All present.
DUKE: Defensive tackle Kinney Rucker -- out due to injury.
FLORIDA STATE: Offensive lineman Aubrey Phillips transferred (rather loudly) to Auburn, outside linebacker C.J. Mizell won't be around and Willie Downs is headed to junior college. I'm told grades get posted next week, so this list could change.
GEORGIA TECH: Sophomore linebacker Kyle Jackson (foot injury)
MARYLAND: Two signees are heading to prep school: Lorne Goree and David Mackall.
MIAMI: All present.
NORTH CAROLINA: Prep school: Justin Dixon, D.J. Bunn, Johnnie Farms, J.R. Rhodes. Junior college: Ray-Ray Davis. Released from letter of intent: Angelo Hadley (arrested), Prizell Brown (junior college transfer, academics). Pending: Donavan Tate.
NC STATE: Jimmaul Simmons has left the team and school. Injured players who reported but will not compete in fall camp: Donald Bowens, Ryan Cheek, Nate Irving, Colby Jackson, Javon Walker.
VIRGINIA: Kevin Crawford (NT) and Rod Wheeler (TE) are no longer enrolled. OT Morgan Moses will enroll in prep school this fall.
VIRGINIA TECH: Kenny Lewis, Jr. is the only one who's still slowed by injury (Achilles) and will miss at least the first part of camp, if not more.
WAKE FOREST: All present.
NC State's receivers looking for improvement in 2009
Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich
NC State receiver Jarvis Williams said he is still motivated by coach Tom O'Brien's postgame speech following the Wolfpack's loss to Rutgers in the Papajohns.com Bowl.
 | |
| William Perlmanthe/US Presswire | |
| Owen Spencer snagged 31 passes for a team-high 691 yards in 2008. |
"He made a real good statement to focus on after the bowl game," Williams said, "That we got a taste of a real hard loss and we should never be used to losing. Losing games is over and out of our system. And we're going to turn this program around to a winning program."
They've certainly got the quarterback to do it.
But if NC State is going to start strong this fall and make a legitimate run at the Atlantic Division, the passing game is going to have to include more than Russell Wilson's feet. NC State's receivers are working hard this summer to make that happen, but with Donald Bowens not expected to return from last year's season-ending back injury until September or October, the bulk of the workload again falls on 2008 starters Williams and Owen Spencer. They're both redshirt juniors who became full-time starters last year and have the potential for breakout seasons.
"We'll be much better because Russell wasn't named the starting quarterback until right before the first game," said Spencer, who caught 31 passes for a team-high 691 yards and five touchdowns. "We'll have another year under our belts. It will strengthen our corps."
It's not like NC State's receivers weren't factors last year -- the Wolfpack were No. 3 in the ACC in passing offense with 206 yards per game, and Wilson was the ACC's first-team quarterback and rookie of the year. But none of them had started a game until last fall. And Spencer and Williams were working with five different quarterbacks a year ago. Now, the chemistry should be better, and they should be better at their pre-snap reads and understanding defenses.
At 6-foot-4, Williams is the Pack's tallest receiver, and it helps him with jump balls and intimidating smaller cornerbacks. He takes advantage of his old skills as a high school post player, but said he wants to be more aggressive and explosive this fall. He caught 26 passes for 432 yards and four touchdowns in 2008.
"I can do way better than that," he said. "We had a slow start with the season. It was a little up and down with the passing game. We didn't open it up until the end of the season. I expect for us to start off with the passing game strong from the beginning. That's where our downfall has been my whole career here, having a slow start and then working our way up, grinding for wins. That's why we changed our whole mindset this year. Start off fast, finish strong and get wins early."
Wilson's strength last year was his ability to scramble and use his feet to get out of trouble. His first instinct was to run, but O'Brien has said he's now looking for Wilson to work his way through his progressions before pulling the ball down. Wilson hasn't been around on seven on sevens, but he's in touch with his teammates.
"I tell him what's going on with the football team, and how the passing is going with Mike Glennon," Williams said. "Mike Glennon is holding his ground right now, he's doing a good job. Both of them have strong arms. Glennon, when you look at him, he resembles Matt Ryan a lot. His mechanics are familiar with Matt Ryan. He's coming along, he's a good athlete."
 | |
| Andrew Synowiez/US PRESSWIRE | |
| At 6 foot 4, Jarvis Williams is a potent red zone threat. |
NC State's receivers are expecting to be catching balls from both quarterbacks this fall.
Catching them, though, is the key. Spencer said he is looking to be more consistent and not drop as many balls. If he does, he could be a big-play threat in the ACC. Spencer caught three passes of over 50 yards last fall. Of the team's 55 pass plays of 20 yards or more, Spencer was at the receiving end of 15 of them. He finished the season ranked seventh in the ACC in receiving yards per game with 53.2.
Spencer's average of 22.3 yards per catch set a Wolfpack single-season record and was the best among the ACC receiving yards leaders.
"Based on last season I think I can put up some big-time numbers this season," Spencer said. "That comes with preparation and focus and things like that. Whatever I put into it is going to show on the field."
Spencer said the Wolfpack have their "swagger back," and a lot of it can be attributed to the progress the offense made last year.
"We haven't really had our identity as a whole team," Spencer said. "We've had pretty good defenses in recent years, but offensively kind of went down the hole a little bit. Now I think we're becoming solid. We have a lot of returning starters on our team and a lot of proven players. Once you have that on your side, it raises a lot of eyebrows. Coming off our last four games of the regular season last year, that showed a lot of people we have a pretty good team once we get healthy. We're on the rise now. If we continue to stay healthy, we will play great ball."
Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich
With the NFL departures announced, and signing day officially over, it's time for a re-ranking heading into spring football. Keep in mind things change during spring practice -- some players get hurt, some win position battles, but here's the first early peek at how the ACC might fare in 2009:
1. Virginia Tech -- The ACC and Orange Bowl champs return 16 starters, and there are high expectations for an offensive backfield that will contain shifty quarterback Tyrod Taylor, and tailbacks Darren Evans and Ryan Williams. If the defense maintains its tradition without Victor "Macho" Harris, the Hokies could be a top 10 team.
2. Florida State -- The defense took some hits -- the most notable being the loss of defensive end Everette Brown -- but should have enough experience to compensate for it. The offensive line should be one of the best in the conference and give returning quarterback Christian Ponder and tailback Jermaine Thomas plenty of help. The question is the depth at receiver after the loss of Preston Parker, Greg Carr, and probably Corey Surrency. FSU also loses Lou Groza award winner Graham Gano.
3. Georgia Tech -- Overall, this team will be experienced and deeper -- it will return every starter at the skill positions -- but the Yellow Jackets must reload on the defensive front and improve on the offensive line. There will be three new starters on the defensive line, and Tech lost two senior starters on the offensive line. There are 25 players on the roster, though, who have at least one career start.
4. Miami -- Coach Randy Shannon brought in yet another outstanding recruiting class, and playing so many true freshmen in 2008 should help this season. There shouldn't be any quarterback drama this season, and Jacory Harris should only improve under first-year coordinator Mark Whipple. Defensive coordinator is still a question mark, though.
5. North Carolina -- Never count out a Butch Davis-coached team, but the Tar Heels will be a question mark until a new batch of receivers proves otherwise. Brooks Foster, Brandon Tate and Hakeem Nicks accounted for 114 receptions in 2008, and all three have left for the NFL. Safety Trimane Goddard is arguably the biggest loss on defense.
6. NC State -- If the Pack stay healthy -- something they haven't been able to do for the past two seasons -- NC State could be the sleeper in the Atlantic Division. It has to replace tight end Anthony Hill and running back Andre Brown, though, and 2007 leading receiver Donald Bowens will miss spring practice because of knee surgery.
7. Clemson -- Speedy playmakers C.J. Spiller and Jacoby Ford are back, but they'll be under the direction of a new quarterback and a new offensive coordinator. Let's see how the Tigers do without any expectations for a change.
8. Maryland -- The Terps graduated 30 seniors and junior receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey left for the NFL. One of the biggest question marks is how they'll fare up front after the graduation of three starting offensive linemen, including All-ACC center Edwin Williams. The defense, which loses four starters from its front seven, will be led by first-year coordinator Don Brown.
9. Wake Forest -- The good news for the Deacs is the offensive line should better, and they return veteran quarterback Riley Skinner. The bad news is they'll sorely miss some of the best defensive players the program has had in recent years, along with kicker Sam Swank.
10. Virginia -- If quarterback Jameel Sewell makes a smooth transition back into the lineup and quickly learns the new offense, the Cavs could surprise some people this season. They'll have to replace all three starters at linebacker, though, and will miss starting receivers Kevin Ogletree and Maurice Covington, as well as leading rusher Cedric Peerman.
11. Boston College -- Consider this a rebuilding year for the Eagles. The loss of defensive tackles B.J. Raji and Ron Brace will have an effect up front. With a new staff, a small recruiting class and a young starting quarterback, the only direction for BC to head is up.
12. Duke -- The Blue Devils have arguably one of the league's top quarterbacks in Thaddeus Lewis, but he won't have Eron Riley to throw it to this season. Duke also loses ACC-leading tackler Michael Tauiliili at linebacker. Still, the Blue Devils should take another step forward in their second season under David Cutcliffe.
Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich
Justin in Fredericksburg writes: Do you think with Virginia's strong recruiting class along with the addition of Gregg Brandon as offensive coordinator; that the Cavaliers could be a legitimate contender to win the ACC championship this year?
Heather Dinich: Virginia had a solid recruiting class, and Al Groh seemed convinced he might have some sleepers in it, but I think the thing that will make the Cavs a contender in the ACC this season is the return of quarterback Jameel Sewell. The ACC really doesn't have an outstanding quarterback, and Sewell is just as good as any of them. If he gets in and learns the new offense, I don't see any reason why they shouldn't be in the mix.
Steven in Wheaton, Ill., writes: Hi Heather: Is Wake's depth at line getting better next season, with all starters returning and is Chris DeGeare who sat out last year for academic reasons coming back? I realize Wake's 09 class doesn't get any attention, but looking at the size of the kids they're all 6'2, 6/4, etc. and would seemingly become huge once their red-shirting and lifting, etc. Thoughts on Grobe's continuing strategy for recruiting under the radar kids? Thanks. Steven
Heather Dinich: DeGeare is coming back and that's huge. The offensive line missed him immensely. He's probably an NFL prospect. But yes, you're exactly right about Grobe's recruiting philosophy. It's no secret Wake is what they call a "developmental program," and that the staff doesn't necessarily want some of the highly touted recruits, and a lot of that goes back to character, not stars. So we'll see how this class pans out in about three years.
Roger writes: hey heather i am a big BC fan and i am wondering how bad the coaching change really hurt this class and how you think coach Spaziani will do going forward? thanks rog.
Heather Dinich: It hurt, but it could've been a lot worse. They only lost one recruit who was waivering. Once Frank Spaziani solidifies his staff and they start working on the 2010 class as a group, the Eagles will be OK.
Will in Blacksburg writes: How do you think the Hokies are going to handle all the tailback talent they have with Daivd Wilson coming in, Ryan Williams the #3 RB recruited last year, and incumbent Darren Evans, plus the other running backs they have now and recruited this year?
Heather Dinich: With a smile? Seriously, it's a good problem to have, especially considering the whole reason they took the redshirt off of Tyrod Taylor last season was to get another playmaker back there. I think Williams and Evans will make a nice one-two punch.
Someone in Raleigh writes: Tom O'brien announced today that Donald Bowens underwent knee surgery. O'brien won't release any information. Do you know of anything or could you find out?
Heather Dinich: O'Brien hasn't released anything after the surgery, but I don't think Bowens will be back in time for spring practice.
ACC's lunchtime links: Maryland searching for identity
Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich
Maryland fans have the right to expect more, writes the Baltimore Sun's Rick Maese, and a mid-tier bowl is no longer enough. Well, if the Terps continue to play like they did on Thursday night, that's exactly what they're gonna get. The Hokies, however, might have found their identity.
They definitely found a bowl game. Here's a breakdown of where at least one team might go bowling.
Florida State coach Bobby Bowden has outlasted a lot of coaches in the country, including all three of his sons. It's amazing, isn't it?
The pain still runs deep for Bryan Pata's mother, who struggles every day with her son's unresolved murder.
Life has not been easy for Duke's Chris Rwabukamba, but it could have been much worse had he stayed in Rwanda.
North Carolina State receiver Owen Spencer has helped the Pack fill the void left by injured starter Donald Bowens. And he has appreciated every minute of the opportunity.
NC State quarterback Wilson to start
Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich
NC State's chances of beating Boston College just became, well, realistic. According to the Wolfpack's injury report, quarterback Russell Wilson is cleared to play, and coach Tom O'Brien told reporters Thursday that Wilson will start. It looks like tight end Anthony Hill might play, too. Talk about perfect timing for NC State.
Here is NC State's entire injury report:
PROBABLE: TE Anthony Hill -- Pectoralis strain
OUT: DT Alan-Michael Cash -- knee surgery; OG Curtis Crouch -- foot injury; LB Nate Irving -- ankle injury; WR Geron James -- ankle injury; LT Julian Williams -- shoulder injury.
OUT FOR THE SEASON: HB Toney Baker -- knee surgery; WR Donald Bowens -- lower-back stress fractures; TE Matt Kushner -- knee injury; S Javon Walker -- knee surgery
Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich
PROBABLE: Clem Johnson, S
DOUBTFUL: Russell Wilson, QB (and no, there are no specifics, already checked)
OUT: Alan-Michael Cash, DT -- knee surgery; Curtis Crouch, OG -- foot injury; Anthony Hill, TE -- pectoralis strain; Nate Irving, LB -- ankle injury; Geron James, WR -- ankle injury
OUT FOR THE SEASON: Toney Baker, HB -- knee surgery; Donald Bowens, WR -- lower back stress fractures; Matt Kushner, TE -- knee injury; Javon Walker, S -- Knee surgery
Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich
NC STATE
Probable: Jamelle Eugene, HB, ankle injury
Out: Alan-Michael Cash, DT, knee surgery; Curtis Crouch, OG, foot injury; Anthony Hill, TE, pectoralis strain; Geron James, WR, ankle injury; Clem Johnson, S, broken jaw; Jeff Rieskamp, DE, shoulder injury
Out for the season: Toney Baker, HB, knee surgery; Donald Bowens, WR, lower back stress fractures; Matt Kushner, TE, knee injury; Javon Walker, S, knee surgery
CLEMSON
Jamie Cumbie, DT, broken wrist, out
Rashaad Jackson, DT, knee, out
Chris Hairston, OT, Knee, out
Barry Humphries, OG, knee, out
Terrance Ashe, WR, sprained ankle, probable
Scotty Cooper, LB, flu, probable
Dawson Zimmerman, P, pulled hamstring, probable
VIRGINIA TECH
Blake DeChristopher, OL, leg -- probable
Barrett Mears, C, ankle -- out
Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich
1. Clemson: Quarterback Cullen Harper said Tuesday he's dealing with a sprained AC joint in his throwing shoulder, an injury he suffered in the season opener against Alabama. Clemson's injuries and inexperience on the offensive line are obviously part of the problem, but a bit of tension between Harper and coach Tommy Bowden won't help things. Bowden said Harper needs to play better after going 14-of-18 passing for 192 yards and a touchdown against the Citadel. Harper said "come to me and say it."
2. Florida State: Finding the right combination on the offensive line is the main priority right now before heading into ACC play against Wake Forest. Offensive line coach Rick Trickett publicly called out left tackle Zebrie Sanders, saying "I didn't think he played very well." Trickett was impressed with Andrew Datko and right guard David Spurlock, "but the other guys, those two freshmen, we've got a little ways to go there." Trickett still hasn't made much use of junior college transfer Joe Tonga at right tackle.
3. Georgia Tech: Most of the focus has been on the offense, but the Yellow Jackets' secondary has quietly picked off four passes in two games. It's quite an improvement considering they only had five interceptions all of 2007. Part of that is a result of the tremendous pressure Georgia Tech is bringing up front, but it's also showed a fearlessness from younger players. True freshman safety Cooper Taylor had six tackles against Boston College and cornerback Rashaad Reid made his first career interception.
4. NC State: The Wolfpack is looking for offensive playmakers to replace injured starters, as they're down to their third-string tight end, leading rusher Jamelle Eugene is out and top wide receiver Donald Bowens is out. Keep an eye on T.J. Graham, a blazing wide receiver and kickoff man who is the league's top freshman in all-purpose yards. And tight end George Bryan made the most of his promotion, as he had five catches for 41 yards and a touchdown last week. Quarterback Russell Wilson, who was out last week with a severe concussion, will make his comeback in Death Valley.
5. Virginia Tech: Despite quarterback Sean Glennon being outspoken about the staff's decision to use Tyrod Taylor last weekend, coach Frank Beamer said that wasn't the reason he put a muzzle on the quarterbacks this week. "I just think we spend all our time talking about quarterbacks and I want to talk about Georgia Tech." Beamer is looking for his team to block better and more consistently and wants his offensive line to continue to improve. The most progress came in the kicking game, and the tackling improved from Week 1 to Week 2.
Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich
 | |
| Richard C. Lewis/Icon SMI | |
| Donald Bowens had 41 catches for 598 yards and 3 TDs last season. |
RALEIGH, N.C. -- NC State tight end Anthony Hill was one of the first teammates to approach receiver Donald Bowens following the news that Bowens would miss the entire season with a hairline fracture in his spine.
Hill, who missed all of 2007 with a torn ACL, knew all too well what his friend was going through.
"I had to talk to him," Hill said. "When I found out, it almost made me want to cry, just knowing what he's going through. I was in the same situation. I was getting ready for the season, I was expecting a whole lot of big things to happen and the next thing you know, just like that you find out you're done for the whole season.
"I'm sure he has a lot of question marks he's thinking about right now," Hill said. "I had a lot of question marks, too. I told him he's just going to have to keep on praying, listen to coach O'Brien and the trainers, because they definitely want what's best for us."
There's no question losing Bowens was a significant blow to the Wolfpack, especially at a time when the team is trying to name its starting quarterback. Bowens led the team with an average of 15 yards per catach last year. Bowens was reluctant to talk about it Saturday.
"It's really disappointing to me personally and to the team as well," he said. "Everything seems to be coming together and then something else happens. Anyone of those guys can step up. I'll be there to help them out."
Bowens' backup, Owen Spencer, along with Jarvis Williams and Darrell Davis all combined for 25 catches in 2007. Veteran Geron James is back after missing last season for personal reasons, but he hasn't played in two years.
"We're always concerned," coach Tom O'Brien said. "You only have a couple of guys who have been in a football game out there. They're about as green as the quarterback position, with the exception of Daniel Evans. It's a situation that's a work in progress. Some of those kids have to step up and make some plays."
"One man's misfortune is another man's opportunity," O'Brien said. "I'm just waiting for another man to step up and take that opportunity."
The wide receivers had a team meeting before Friday's scrimmage, and James said there is plenty of young talent waiting in the wings.
"We're coming together and we're figuring out the things we need to do to get this offense up and running," James said. "This is football, it's a gladiator sport. You have to be healthy. You have to stay fit, you have to stay flexible, but you're going to get hurt. We just find a way to pick ourselves up and go on."
Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich
RALEIGH, N.C. -- Well, here it is. The last stop on my tour of the Carolinas. Heading over to the football building shortly for NC State's media day with two priorities:
- Get an update on the quarterback situation and talk to the QBs that are available.
- Find out who's next in line at receiver now that leader Donald Bowens is out for the season with a hairline fracture.
I'm sure there will be more to come out of today, and I'm on my way to find out. Coach Tom O'Brien is available at 11:30 a.m.
Check back later.
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.
Andrea Adelson
Adelson joined ESPN.com in 2010 after spending time as a college football columnist at The Orlando Sentinel. She has covered college football since her days as a University of Florida student, and lives in Orlando, Fla.
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