ESPN College Football

Phil Murphy talks with former Seminoles quarterback EJ Manuel about the transition from Bobby Bowden to Jimbo Fisher, passing the torch to new quarterback Jameis Winston and lessons learned at Florida State that will help upon arrival in Buffalo.

FLORIDA STATE SEMINOLES
2012 record: 12-2
2012 conference record: 7-1
Returning starters: Offense 6, Defense 5, Kicker/Punter 1

Top returners

WR Rashad Greene, LT Cameron Erving, C Bryan Stork, LB Christian Jones, LB Telvin Smith, DB Lamarcus Joyner, DT Timmy Jernigan

Key losses

QB EJ Manuel, RT Menelik Watson, RB Chris Thompson, DE Bjoern Werner, DE Cornellius Carradine, CB Xavier Rhodes, K Dustin Hopkins

2012 statistical leaders (*returning)

Rushing: Chris Thompson (687 yards)
Passing: EJ Manuel (3,392 yards)
Receiving: Rashad Greene* (741 yards)
Tackles: Christian Jones* (95)
Sacks: Bjoern Werner (13)
Interceptions: Xavier Rhodes, Tyler Hunter* (3)

Spring answers:

1. Changes on D: New coordinator Jeremy Pruitt brought a slew of new schemes with him from Alabama, meaning the FSU defense won't look all that much like the one that finished second in the nation in 2012. With the loss of five former starters from the defensive line, that's probably a good thing. Pruitt's scheme will be more aggressive and bring a lot more blitzes, allowing FSU to get pressure from other areas.

2. Beating Hart: When right tackle Menelik Watson made the somewhat surprising decision to leave FSU after just a year to enter the NFL draft, all eyes turned to junior Bobby Hart, whose turbulent career with the Seminoles was already well documented. Hart started as a 17-year-old freshman in 2011, but problems with his work ethic derailed his sophomore season and he found himself on the bench. He appeared to work his way back into line coach Rick Trickett's good graces by the end of the spring, however, and he'll be crucial to maintaining the continuity of the line without Watson.

3. Famous Jameis: Jimbo Fisher still isn't calling the contest over, but it certainly looks like redshirt freshman Jameis Winston is in the driver's seat to take over for Manuel as FSU's new starting quarterback. Winston shined throughout the spring and delivered a monster performance in the Seminoles' Garnet and Gold game, completing 13 of 15 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns. A week later, junior QB Clint Trickett announced he was transferring.

Fall questions:

1. Winston, Part II: Yes, the spring was impressive for Winston, but as Fisher was quick to point out, he'll need to pick up right where he left off in the fall if FSU is going to make a smooth transition at a position that's been remarkably stable for the past five years. Jacob Coker remains in competition -- and he should be fully healed after breaking a bone in his foot that limited this spring -- but the loss of Trickett puts a lot of pressure on Winston to step up, particularly with a daunting road contest at new ACC member Pittsburgh looming in the season opener.

2. New-look secondary: Lamarcus Joyner appeared to make a relatively smooth transition from safety to corner, but FSU didn't get much of a look at what will constitute the secondary in 2013. Key players such as Tyler Hunter, Nick Waisome and Ronald Darby were all hurt, while promising freshman Jalen Ramsey had yet to arrive. The group will finally all work together during fall camp.

3. Just for kicks: Redshirt freshman Roberto Aguayo showed off his powerful leg during FSU's spring game, connecting on three long field goals, including a 58-yarder to close out the game. Still, replacing the NCAA's all-time leading scorer among kickers won't be an easy task. Dustin Hopkins was as reliable as it gets for FSU, and Aguayo still needs to show he can handle the pressure of making a big kick with the game on the line.

Hope you had a great weekend.

• Former Clemson lineman Malliciah Goodman has impressed during Falcons rookie mini-camp. Where does Clemson rank on this list of schools with the best shot to end the SEC's title streak?
• Four-star tight end Milan Richard will choose between Clemson, South Carolina, Ole Miss and Vanderbilt on June 4.
• Could EJ Manuel be the first rookie quarterback to start in the NFL in 2013?
• How John Swofford helped save the ACC.
• Miami coach Al Golden tries to quantify how the NCAA cloud has impacted his program on the recruiting trail.
• The Dolphins' decision to cancel renovation plans to Sun Life Stadium after financing efforts were rebuffed in the state legislature impacts the Hurricanes.
• Here is a look at the bonuses NC State athletic director Debbie Yow and North Carolina athletic director Bubba Cunningham are eligible to earn.
• Pitt has recently offered a scholarship to Malik Hooker, who only has one year of football under his belt.
• Could the ACC start playing games across the pond?
• Here are three important recruiting targets for Syracuse this summer.
• Former Wake Forest offensive lineman Tyson Clabo signed with the Dolphins.

Florida State followed up its big first round with a huge NFL draft weekend, as the Seminoles led every program in the nation with 11 total picks, setting a new school record.

That's right. The Noles had more picks than national champion Alabama (nine) and SEC power LSU (nine), two schools that played for the national championship following the 2011 season. More than in-state rival Florida (eight), too.

Those numbers are clear validation the Seminoles have restocked their cupboards with an inordinate amount of talent as they re-emerge in the national conversation.

"It’s a great indication of how the program is truly developing," coach Jimbo Fisher said in a statement. “I think it shows we’re getting back to national prominence. Our players are doing a great job of representing themselves on and off the field leading to chances at the next level. I’m happy for all of these guys and want to thank them for helping return this program back to the national spotlight."

Overall, the ACC had 31 players taken for the ninth straight season, finishing second behind the SEC.

Here is a quick look back at all the selections:

First round

• No. 7 Jonathan Cooper, OG, Arizona
• No. 16 EJ Manuel, QB, Buffalo
• No. 24 Bjoern Werner, DE, Indianapolis
• No. 25 Xavier Rhodes, CB, Minnesota
• No. 27 DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Houston
• No. 28 Sylvester Williams, DT, Denver

Second round

• No. 37 Giovani Bernard, RB, North Carolina
• No. 40 Cornellius "Tank" Carradine, DE, San Francisco
• No. 42 Menelik Watson, OT, Oakland
• No. 51 David Amerson, CB, NC State

Third round

• No. 73 Mike Glennon, QB, Tampa Bay
• No. 89 Brennan Williams, OT, North Carolina

Fourth round

• No. 127 Malliciah Goodman, DE, Atlanta

Fifth round

• No. 136 Earl Wolff, S, Philadelphia
• No. 141 Oday Aboushi, OG, New York Jets
• No. 143 Jonathan Meeks, S, Buffalo
• No. 149 Brandon McGee, CB, St. Louis
• No. 154 Chris Thompson, RB, Washington
• No. 162 Brandon Jenkins, LB, Washington

Sixth round

• No. 171 Corey Fuller, WR, Detroit
• No. 173 Vinston Painter, OT, Denver
• No. 177 Dustin Hopkins, PK, Buffalo
• No. 180 Nick Moody, LB, San Francisco
• No. 187 Andre Ellington, RB, Arizona
• No. 189 Mike James, RB, Tampa Bay
• No. 206 Vince Williams, LB, Pittsburgh

Seventh round

• No. 214 Travis Bond, OG, Minnesota
• No. 215 Tommy Bohanon, FB, New York Jets
• No. 224 Kevin Dorsey, WR, Green Bay
• No. 229 Everett Dawkins, DT, Minnesota
• No. 249 Sean Renfree, QB, Atlanta

Incoming member Syracuse had three players drafted as well: tackle Justin Pugh in the first round to the New York Giants; quarterback Ryan Nassib in the fourth round to the Giants; and safety Shamarko Thomas in the fourth round to Pittsburgh.

And now a few notes:

• North Carolina had the second-most picks from the ACC with five -- its highest total since five were picked in 2011. The Tar Heels had three offensive linemen selected, the most from UNC in the draft since 1967.
• Miami had its NFL draft streak extended to 39 consecutive seasons with Brandon McGee and Mike James both getting selected.
• Virginia also had its draft streak extended to 30 straight seasons with Aboushi's selection.
• Tommy Bohanon Bohanon became just the third Wake Forest fullback to have his name called in the draft, joining Ovie Mughelli (Ravens, 2003) and Neil MacLean (Eagles, 1958).
• With four selections in this year's draft, Clemson has now had 23 players chosen over the last five years, and at least four every year Dabo Swinney has been head coach. It is the first time in history Clemson has had at least four players drafted each of the last five years.
• Georgia Tech did not have a player selected for the first time since 2005. Three players with draft hopes ended up with free agent deals: T.J. Barnes (Jacksonville), Izaan Cross (Buffalo) and Rod Sweeting (New Orleans).
• Pitt did not have a player drafted for the second consecutive season. Running back Ray Graham, who was the Panthers' best hope for selection, signed as an undrafted free agent with the Texans.
• Here are a few other notable free-agent signings: Conner Vernon (Oakland), Chibuikem “Kenny” Okoro (San Diego), Marcus Davis (New York Giants), Lonnie Pryor (Jacksonville).

Congrats to the ACC's first-rounders!

• Wow, EJ Manuel!
• He becomes the new face of a franchise that hasn't made the playoffs in 13 years.
• Don't worry, they were tears of joy.
• As expected, it was also a big day for the Tar Heels.
• Jonathan Cooper said he was shocked when Arizona called him.
• The Broncos got more than a big DT in Sylvester Williams, they got an auto parts specialist.
• Nuuuuk. Youngest first-rounder in Clemson history.
• He'll go from an up-tempo spread to the West Coast offense.
• EJ Manuel was chosen instead of Ryan Nassib, but the "Pugh Crew" had reason to celebrate.
• The Canes have started a new streak -- no first-rounders for five years now.
• Some Virginia Tech receivers are waiting for the third round.
• Maryland reported some minor secondary violations to the NCAA. No biggie.
• Pitt coach Paul Chryst is hoping some leaders emerge this summer.
• Pitt's running back situation remains "unsettled."
• Take a look at the decommitment game.
• Virginia Tech is waiting for the Michael Holmes case to be resolved.

 

Most draft analysts expected a big first round for the ACC, so watching six picks come off the board Thursday night was no big surprise.

Watching EJ Manuel go before his more highly-rated Seminoles teammates, as the only quarterback taken among the first 32 selections? Well, that was the big draft day shocker.

The Buffalo Bills selected Manuel with the No. 16 overall pick, as new coach Doug Marrone passed over his former Syracuse quarterback Ryan Nassib in favor of the dual-threat Florida State product. Manuel was invited to New York for the draft, so certainly expectations were there for him to be a high pick.

But West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith was expected to come off the board first. Speculation had linked Nassib to Buffalo for months, thanks to his connections with Marrone and his former offensive coordinator, Nathaniel Hackett. But in the end, Bills general manager Buddy Nix said of Manuel, "This guy to us has got the upside to be whatever you want him to be."

For those scoring at home, the Seminoles have had quarterbacks drafted in the first round twice in the past three drafts. Christian Ponder went to the Minnesota Vikings in 2011. You have to believe coach Jimbo Fisher will be dropping that little nugget every time he sets foot on the recruiting trail.

Manuel was the first of three Seminoles drafted in the first round. Defensive end Bjoern Werner went No. 24 to Indianapolis and cornerback Xavier Rhodes went next, at No. 25 to Minnesota. Both Werner and Rhodes were projected to go higher than Manuel in just about every mock draft. Florida State had three first-round picks for the first time since 2006.

As for the league as a whole, six players who spent their careers in the ACC went in the first round -- the highest total since seven were drafted in 2008. If you count Syracuse offensive tackle Justin Pugh, then seven players at current/future ACC schools went on Day 1. Pugh became the highest drafted Orange player since Dwight Freeney was the 11th pick by the Colts in 2002.

Only the SEC had more picks on Day 1, with 12.

As expected, North Carolina guard Jonathan Cooper was the first ACC player taken, at No. 7 overall to Arizona. Teammate Sylvester Williams went No. 28 overall to Denver, giving the Tar Heels two first-round picks for the first time since 2002. Cooper became the first offensive guard taken in the top 10 since 1997.

Clemson receiver DeAndre Hopkins went No. 27 overall to the Houston Texans, making his decision to leave school early pay off. That seems to be the perfect fit for Hopkins, who gets to play with Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson. Hopkins became the first Clemson wide receiver to be selected in the first round since Rod Gardner went No. 15 to the Washington Redskins in 2001.

So to review:

• No. 7 Jonathan Cooper, OG, Arizona
• No. 16 EJ Manuel, QB, Buffalo
• No. 19 Justin Pugh, OT, NY Giants
• No. 24 Bjoern Werner, DE, Indianapolis
• No. 25 Xavier Rhodes, CB, Minnesota
• No. 27 DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Houston
• No. 28 Sylvester Williams, DT, Denver

The second and third rounds resume Friday night in New York. Among the ACC players who stand a chance to get selected later today:

• Clemson RB Andre Ellington
• Florida State OT Menelik Watson
• Florida State DE Tank Carradine
• North Carolina RB Giovani Bernard
• North Carolina LB Kevin Reddick
• NC State QB Mike Glennon
• NC State CB David Amerson
• Syracuse S Shamarko Thomas
• Syracuse QB Ryan Nassib

NFL draft coverage will begin at 8 p.m. ET tonight on ESPN and WatchESPN.com, but here is a one-stop shopping post for all of your last-minute mocks and talk:

• First, let's take a look at who will be there: Florida State and North Carolina will represent the ACC with Bjoern Werner, Menelik Watson, Xavier Rhodes, EJ Manuel, and UNC's Jonathan Cooper.
• KC Joyner says Rhodes could be one of the biggest steals of the draft.
• The experts at Scouts Inc. projected all seven rounds -- and the ACC will have two top-10 picks, depending on your take of the ACC at this particular point in time. If you want to count former Syracuse quarterback Ryan Nassib, then "the ACC" will have the No. 8 overall pick, going to former Cuse coach Doug Marrone, now with Buffalo. If you're like me, and not really willing to count Nassib in this group, then former UNC OG Jonathan Cooper is the ACC's top dawg at No. 11 overall. This is Insider content, so it's just a sneak peek, but you're going to have to wait until the second round to see EJ Manuel and the third round for Mike Glennon.
• Todd McShay posted his Mock 5.1, but he will also have an update this morning with his latest on the first round.
• On Monday, Mel Kiper Jr. also released his latest, Mock Draft 4.1, but his will also be updated as the draft nears, so check back. Meanwhile, put your own spin on Kiper's draft.
• Our NFL bloggers also held their mock draft this week.
• And there will be a live blog from Radio City Music Hall beginning at noon today.

No more spring ball. Sigh ...

• I think it's only a matter of time before the ACC has its own television channel.
• A Georgia Tech baseball player is joining the football team, says Paul Johnson on his Twitter account.
• A Maryland defensive end is leaving the program. Don't know why, sorry.
• EJ Manuel is chasing his NFL dreams and ignoring criticism.
• Virginia Tech running back Michael Holmes is free on bond.
• Might Doug Marrone and Ryan Nassib be reunited with the Bills?
• The ACC presidents and ADs were growing tired of the realignment rumors.

The first round of the NFL draft is just a week away, so it is time to provide you an update with the latest predictions, mock drafts and rankings from ESPN experts.

First, let us start with Mel Kiper Jr., who plays general manager for every single team and predicts the first three rounds of the draft . It is Insider content, but here is a look at where he has placed players from ACC schools. Oh, and be sure to read his ground rules to have a better understanding of his thought process.

First round

• North Carolina offensive guard Jonathan Cooper (10), Tennessee
• North Carolina defensive tackle Sylvester Williams (18), Dallas
• Offensive tackle Menelik Watson (27), Houston
• Florida State cornerback Xavier Rhodes (28), Denver

Second round

• Florida State defensive end Bjoern Werner (36), Detroit
• Syracuse offensive tackle Justin Pugh (39), New York Jets
• Florida State Defensive end Cornellius Carradine (42), Miami
• Syracuse safety Shamarko Thomas (46), St. Louis
• Clemson receiver DeAndre Hopkins (55), Green Bay

Third round

• Florida State quarterback EJ Manuel (68), Cleveland
• Syracuse quarterback Ryan Nassib (71), Buffalo
• NC State cornerback David Amerson (77), Miami
• Florida State fullback Lonnie Pryor (95), Houston
• NC State quarterback Mike Glennon (96), Kansas City

As Kiper Jr. states, that piece is not a mock draft. It's his preference for each team at that spot. His mock draft features Cooper, Williams and Rhodes. Disagree with his first-round picks? Well you can make your own mock draft . Two thumbs up on that tool.

Kiper also has updated his Big Board , ranking the Top 25 prospects. Only Cooper and Williams make that list.

Meanwhile, ESPN draft expert Todd McShay has revealed the Scouts Inc. tier rankings , which list prospects by their ratings. There are seven tiers and 109 players rated, with 17 from ACC schools (counting incoming members Pittsburgh and Syracuse).

McShay also has named his All-Satellite team , comprised of the best prospects when playing in space. North Carolina running back Giovani Bernard checks in at No. 5. McShay writes, "He has super-quick feet, good initial burst and outstanding lateral agility. Bernard can stop and start on a dime, strings together multiple moves and is a slippery runner between the tackles."

Want more? Kiper also has updated his top 5 prospects by position .

Got links?

• South Carolina fans gonna be maaaad.
• Here's a look at where Pitt stands after spring ball in a position-by-position breakdown.
• After two torn ACLs, NC State's Jarvis Byrd can't wait to get on the field again.
• Miami has publicly shamed the NCAA, but is that a good thing? Probably not.
• Syracuse's tight ends have been a highlight for the program this spring.
• Georgia Tech is looking to hire a new football recruiter.
• Who will have more wins in the ACC this year, Pitt or Cuse?
• Athlon thinks Bryn Renner is the No. 2 QB in the ACC this year. Stephen Morris gets my vote.
• Miami's new punter disappeared from Cincinnati's spring scrimmage.
• Here's one scouting report on former FSU QB EJ Manuel.
• NC State is picking up the pace under Dave Doeren.

 

At Jon Gruden's QB camp, former Florida State QB EJ Manuel discusses being labeled an option quarterback and the importance of ball security.

There are only 23 former players attending the NFL draft at Radio City Music Hall in New York this month, and five of them are from the ACC -- including four from Florida State:

• Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina
• EJ Manuel, QB, Florida State
• Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State
• Menelik Watson, OT, Florida State
• Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State

The only other school able to match Florida State's presence at the draft this year will be BCS national champion Alabama, which also has four former players attending.

Here is the draft schedule:

• Thursday, April 25 (Round 1) 8 p.m. ET
• Friday, April 26 (Rounds 2-3) 6:30 p.m. ET
• Saturday, April 27 (Rounds 4-7) 12 p.m. ET

There are time limits for each selection:

• Round 1: 10 minutes per selection.
• Round 2: Seven minutes per selection.
• Rounds 3 through 7: Five minutes per selection.

NFL Network and ESPN/ESPN 2 will televise the draft on all three days.

With half of the conference playing spring games this weekend, here’s a look at what to watch if you’re keeping an eye on the ACC as spring ball comes to a close:

CLEMSON

When: 4 p.m. ET on Saturday (ESPN3)

What to watch:

• Quarterbacks of the future. You know Tajh Boyd is good. Expect Cole Stoudt and Chad Kelly to take most of the snaps. Boyd played just four snaps in the last scrimmage. Let's see his backups.
• The tight ends. Clemson tight ends Dwayne Allen and Brandon Ford have been the first team All-ACC tight ends the past two years. Clemson tight ends have 118 receptions and 21 touchdowns the past two years, perhaps the most underrated area in Chad Morris’ offense. So who moves in there this year? Sam Cooper is the most experienced, but freshman Jordan Leggett has been impressive this spring.
• How much better is the defense? All eyes will be on Brent Venables' group to see how much progress it has made this spring. If the D gets better, it could be a special season in Death Valley.

FLORIDA STATE

When: 2 p.m. Saturday, (ESPN3)

What to watch:

• The quarterbacks. It's been one of the hottest topics this spring in the ACC and arguably the biggest position battle in the conference. Check out Clint Trickett, Jacob Coker and Jameis Winston as they all battle to replace starter EJ Manuel.
• The defensive line. The competition is on to replace Bjoern Werner and Tank Carradine. Mario Edwards Jr. is ready to jump in, along with Giorgio Newberry.
• Don't forget the kicker. It's big at FSU. The Noles have to replace Dustin Hopkins, the ACC's all-time leading scorer and the NCAA's all-time kick scorer. It's your chance to see Roberto Aguayo, who was one of the nation's top kickers coming out of high school.

MARYLAND

When: 7 p.m. on Friday in Byrd Stadium

Parking/admission: Free

What to watch:

• The running backs. Both Brandon Ross and Albert Reid have had strong springs and will be competing for playing time come the fall.
• The receivers. This group should be a strong point for the team this year, as Stefon Diggs, Deon Long and Nigel King are a talented trio.
• New faces on defense. The Terps have to replace six starters on defense, including some of their best leaders in Joe Vellano and A.J. Francis.

DUKE

When: 4 p.m. ET on Saturday (ESPN3) in Wallace Wade Stadium

Parking/admission: Free

What to watch:

• Booooooone. Anthony Boone takes over at quarterback, and there have been rave reviews about him from within the program all spring. He's got a strong arm and is mobile.
• New faces at safety. Some big names are gone, as Duke has to replace graduates Jordon Byas and Walt Canty, and Brandon Braxton, who moved back to receiver. Jeremy Cash, eligible now after transferring from Ohio State and sitting out last fall, headlines the group that includes sophomore Dwayne Norman (60 tackles in 2012 as true freshman) and redshirt freshman Corbin McCarthy.
• Front and center: There is one hole to fill on the offensive line and Matt Skura takes over at center for Brian Moore.

MIAMI

When: 3 p.m. ET at Sun Life Stadium (ESPN3)

Gates open: 12:30 p.m.

Parking/admission: Free

What to watch:

• Defensive improvement. Is there any? The Canes were one of the worst in the country last year, but they return every starter up front.
• The No. 2 QB. Who is it? Gray Crow started the last scrimmage as the backup to Stephen Morris and completed 8 of 13 passes for 73 yards, with a touchdown and interception. Ryan Williams, who entered the spring as the expected No. 2, completed only six of his 12 passes with a touchdown and an interception. The coaches will be watching these guys closely on Saturday, so should you.
• Running back Dallas Crawford. You know Duke Johnson. It's time to get to know this guy. Those within the program have said Crawford has had a great spring and could be a rising star this fall. He scored two touchdowns in a scrimmage in Naples earlier this month.

NORTH CAROLINA

When: 3 p.m. ET on Saturday at Kenan Stadium (ESPN3)

Admission: Free

Parking: $5/vehicle

What to watch:

• Gio's replacement(s). A.J. Blue and Romar Morris have been working to ease the loss of leading rusher Giovani Bernard. Can they be as effective as he was, how much progress have they made and who will replace Bernard in the return game?
• The O-line. Former guard Jonathan Cooper should be a first-round draft pick later this month, and it won't matter how good Blue and Morris are if they can't find anyone to help block for them. A total of three starters have to be replaced on the offensive line.
• Replacing big names on D. Cooper and Bernard aren't the only big names that will be missing. The defense is going to miss tackle Sylvester Williams, who could be another first-round draft pick, and linebacker Kevin Reddick (85 tackles, 8.5 for loss). How does the D look without them?

PITTSBURGH

When: 7 p.m. ET on Friday at Bethel Park High School (ESPN3)

Gates open: 5:30 p.m.

Admission: Free

What to watch:

• The quarterbacks. Fifth-year senior Tom Savage has taken most of the reps with the first team, and redshirt freshman Chad Voytik appears to be the backup, but coach Paul Chryst has yet to name a starter.
• The running backs. Earlier this month, it was announced that Rushel Shell has decided to transfer. Since then, the bulk of the carries have gone to junior Isaac Bennett, sophomore Malcolm Crockett and senior Desmond Brown. How they fare will go a long way in determining how Pitt fares in its first season in the ACC.
• The offensive line. It's been problematic for the Panthers in each of the past two seasons, and Pitt now has to break in two new starters in Gabe Roberts and Adam Bisnowaty.

ESPN Insider Todd McShay recently released his latest mock draft, and once again, it is looking like a strong first round for the ACC. If McShay is right, and seven former ACC players are chosen in the first round, it would be the most the conference has had drafted in the first round since 2008:

2008: 7
2009: 5
2010: 4
2011: 3
2012: 3 (No. 9 Luke Kuechly, BC; No. 16 Quinton Coples, UNC; No. 32 David Wilson, VT)

McShay's piece is Insider content, and he has analysis on each player, but here is a sneak peek at who he has going and when:

• No. 12 Jonathan Cooper, OL, North Carolina
• No. 22 Sylvester Williams, DL, North Carolina
• No. 23 Bjoern Werner, DL, Florida State
• No. 24 Xavier Rhodes, DB, Florida State
• No. 26 Menelik Watson, OL, Florida State
• No. 27 DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson
• No. 30 Tank Carradine, DL, Florida State

As far as ACC quarterbacks go, McShay says wait until Round 2. The only ACC players listed in his second-round mock draft are former FSU quarterback EJ Manuel and former NC State quarterback Mike Glennon.

Practice?! I'm talkin' bout practice ...

• Clemson is getting back to work today after an 11-day break.
• Georgia Tech will start practicing today -- without its quarterbacks coach.
• NC State has a big hole to fill at quarterback this spring.
• Here's a recap of Miami's first spring scrimmage.
• Former FSU quarterback EJ Manuel left a lasting impression on this year's crop of quarterbacks.
• After two ACL surgeries, Pitt linebacker Todd Thomas is almost 100 percent again.
• Pitt offensive lineman Adam Bisnowaty gets to eat everything. Not fair.
• Syracuse made a late addition to its 2013 recruiting class.
• Can Virginia Tech's special teams avoid errors this fall?