ESPN College Football

Here are this week's injury reports from the schools that released them:

CLEMSON

Out


DE Joe Gore (knee)
LB Tony Steward (knee)
OT Philip Price (knee)

Questionable


WR Sammy Watkins (shoulder)

Probable


CB Darius Robinson (hamstring)

DUKE

Probable

WR Brandon Braxton (upper body)
OT Takoby Cofield (upper body)
CB Zach Greene (leg)
WR Conner Vernon (leg)

Questionable

LB Kelby Brown (leg)
WR Jamison Crowder (leg)
WR Tyree Watkins (leg)

Doubtful

DE Justin Foxx (leg)
LB C.J. France (upper body)
LB Kevin Rojas (lower body)
CB Johnny Williams (upper body)

Out

S Lee Butler (leg)
QB Brandon Connette (upper body)
DE Jordan DeWalt-Ondijo (leg)
C Brian Moore (upper body)

Out for season

DE Kenny Anunike (leg)
TE Jack Farrell (leg)
OT Kyle Hill (shoulder)

FLORIDA STATE

Out

Willie Haulstead (head)
Henry Orelus (head)
Darious Cummings (hand)
Andrew Datko (shoulder)
Moses McCray (knee)

Out for season

Jacobbi McDaniel (ankle)
Chris Thompson (back)

GEORGIA TECH

Out

LB Morgan Carter
AB Orwin Smith

Out for season

S Fred Holton
DL Jimmie Kitchen
S Lance Richardson

MARYLAND

Out for season

WR Tyrek Cheeseboro
DB Makinton Dorleant
OL Andrew Gonnella
DB Avery Graham
LB Garrett Lederman
QB Danny O'Brien
DB Matt Robinson
DL Isaiah Ross
TE Dave Stinebaugh
LB Kenny Tate

Out

LB Alex Twine

Doubtful

OL Bennett Fulper

Probable

OL Max Garcia
RB Justus Pickett
RB Jeremiah Wilson

MIAMI

Probable

Marcus Robinson (upper extremity)

Out

Luther Robinson (lower extremity)
Rashawn Scott (upper extremity)
Jordan Futch (upper extremity)
Lee Chambers (upper extremity)
Davon Johnson (lower extremity)

Surgery/Out for season

Blake Ayles (upper extremity)
Ramon Buchanan (lower extremity)
Marcus Forston (lower extremity)
Erik Lichter (upper extremity)
Corey White (lower extremity)

NC STATE

Out for season

CB Jarvis Byrd, (knee)
FB Taylor Gentry (foot)
LB D.J. Green (foot)
HB Mustafa Greene (foot)
LB Sterling Lucas (knee)
DE Jeff Rieskamp (shoulder)

Questionable


DT Markus Kuhn (abdomen)

VIRGINIA

Out

Pablo Alvarez (upper extremity)
David Marrs (lower extremity)
Charlie Richards (upper extremity)
E.J. Scott (medical)
Bobby Smith (lower extremity)
Tyler Smith (lower extremity)
Matt Snyder (lower extremity)
Michael Terrell (lower extremity)
Joseph Williams (lower extremity)

Questionable


Kyle McCartin (upper extremity)

Probable


Rodney McLeod (lower extremity)
Kevin Parks (lower extremity)
Colter Phillips (lower extremity)

WAKE FOREST

QUESTIONABLE

RB Josh Harris (hamstring)

OUT

DT John Gallagher (back)

OUT FOR THE YEAR

OT Dylan Heartsil (back)
CB Dominique Tate (knee)
LB Kyle Jarrett (hip)
WR Airyn Willis (shoulder)

Here are your injury reports for the schools that reported them in Week 11:

BOSTON COLLEGE

Out

WR Ifeanyi Momah (knee)
DB CJ Jones (knee)
DT Connor Wujciak (shoulder)
RB Montel Harris (knee)
DT Kaleb Ramsey (foot)
LB Kevin Pierre-Louis (leg)
DB Jim Noel (ankle)
LN Nick Clancy (knee)

Questionable

DE Dan Williams (shoulder)
DB Spenser Rositano (leg)

Probable

RB Andre Williams (abdomen)
RB Tahj Kimble (head)

CLEMSON

Out
Joe Gore, DE, Knee
Tony Steward, LB, Knee

Questionable
Spencer Benton, PK, shoulder

Will play
Andre Ellington, RB, ankle

DUKE

Probable

DE Justin Foxx (leg)
CB Zach Greene (leg)
CB Johnny Williams (leg)

Questionable

LB Kelby Brown (leg)

Doubtful

WR Jamison Crowder (leg)

Out

S Lee Butler (leg)
QB Brandon Connette (upper body)
C Brian Moore (upper body)

Out for season

TE Jack Farrell (leg)
DE Kenny Anunike (leg)

FLORIDA STATE

Out

Andrew Datko (shoulder)
Willie Haulstead (head)
Henry Orelus (head)
Darious Cummings (hand)

Out for season

Jacobbi McDaniel (ankle)
Chris Thompson (back)

Probable

David Spurlock (knee)
Rashad Greene (ankle)
Bryan Stork (head)

MIAMI

Out

Luther Robinson-Lower Extremity
Curtis Porter-Upper Extremity
Rashawn Scott-Upper Extremity
Jordan Futch-Upper Extremity

Surgery/Out for season

Marcus Forston-Lower Extremity
Ramon Buchanan-Lower Extremity
Corey White-Lower Extremity
Erik Lichter-Upper Extremity
Blake Ayles-Upper Extremity

NC STATE

Out for season

Jarvis Byrd, CB - Knee
D.J. Green, LB- Foot
Mustafa Greene, HB - Foot
Sterling Lucas, LB - Knee
Jeff Rieskamp, DE- Shoulder

Out for game

Taylor Gentry, FB - Foot
Jake Kahut, DE - Knee
Brandon Pittman, LB- Hamstring

Questionable

R.J. Mattes, OT - Ankle

VIRGINIA

Out
Pablo Alvarez, (upper extremity)
Charlie Richards, (upper extremity)
E.J. Scott, (medical)
Bobby Smith, (lower extremity)
Tyler Smith, (lower extremity)
Matt Snyder, (lower extremity)
Michael Terrell, (lower extremity)
W.J. Williams, (lower extremity)

Probable

Luke Bowanko (upper extremity)
Thompson Brown (medical)
Cam Johnson (lower extremity)
Rodney McLeod (lower extremity)
Colter Phillips (lower extremity)
Draquan Romero (lower extremity)

Here are the injury reports from the schools that reported them this week:

DUKE

Probable

S Walt Canty (upper body)
S Matt Daniels (upper body)
CB Zach Greene (leg)

Questionable

DT Jamal Bruce (leg)
CB Johnny Williams (leg)

Out

S Lee Butler (leg)
QB Brandon Connette (upper body)

Out for season

TE Jack Farrell (leg)
DE Kenny Anunike (leg)

MARYLAND

Out for season

WR Tyrek Cheeseboro
DB Makinton Dorleant
OL Andrew Gonnella
DB Avery Graham
LB Garrett Lederman
DB Matt Robinson
DL Isaiah Ross
TE Dave Stinebaugh
LB Kenny Tate

Out

DL Cody Blue

Doubtful

DL Justin Anderson

Questionable

DL Clarence Murphy

MIAMI

Probable

Jon Feliciano-Lower Extremity

Out

Luther Robinson-Lower Extremity
Shayon Green-Lower Extremity
Curtis Porter-Upper Extremity
Rashawn Scott-Upper Extremity

Surgery/Out for season

Marcus Forston-Lower Extremity
Ramon Buchanan-Lower Extremity
Corey White-Lower Extremity
Erik Lichter-Upper Extremity
Blake Ayles-Upper Extremity

NORTH CAROLINA

Out

Casey Barth, PK Thigh
TJ Leifheit, OT Ankle
Matt Merletti, FS Knee
Norkeithus Otis, LB Thigh
Devon Ramsay, FB Knee
Reggie Wilkins, WR Ankle

Questionable
DJ Bunn, SS Knee
Mark McNeill, WR Hip

NC STATE

Out for season

Jarvis Byrd - Knee
Mustafa Greene - Foot
Sterling Lucas - Knee
Jeff Rieskamp - Shoulder

Out

Taylor Gentry - Foot
D.J. Green - Foot
Jake Kahut - Knee
Brandon Pittman - Leg

Questionable

Thomas Teal - Foot

VIRGINIA

Out

Pablo Alvarez (upper extremity)
Charlie Richards (upper extremity)
Daquan Romero (lower extremity)
E.J. Scott (medical)
Bobby Smith (lower extremity)
Tyler Smith (lower extremity)
Matt Snyder (lower extremity)
Michael Terrell (lower extremity)
Joseph Williams (lower extremity)

Questionable
Cam Johnson (lower extremity)

Probable
Sean Cascarano (trunk)
Matt Conrath (lower extremity)
Kevin Parks (upper extremity)

Here are the latest injury reports from the schools that reported them:

BOSTON COLLEGE

Out
WR Ifeanyi Momah (knee)
DB CJ Jones (knee)
DT Connor Wujciak (shoulder)
TB Montel Harris (knee)
DT Kaleb Ramsey (foot)
DT Dillon Quinn (shoulder)
OG Nate Richman (back)
LB Kevin Pierre-Louis (leg)
DE Dan Williams (leg)

Doubtful
DT Conor O’Neal (illness)

Questionable
WR Bobby Swigert (shoulder)

CLEMSON

Out
Joe Gore, DE, Knee
Spencer Benton, PK, shoulder
Tony Steward, LB, Knee

Questionable
Andre Ellington, RB, ankle
Note: D.J. Howard will start at running back.

DUKE

Probable
WR Brandon Braxton (head)
S Matt Daniels (leg)
OG Dave Harding (leg)
QB Sean Renfree (leg)

Questionable
DE Justin Foxx (leg)

Doubtful
CB Johnny Williams (leg)

Out
S Lee Butler (leg)
QB Brandon Connette

Out for season
TE Jack Farrell (leg)
DE Kenny Anunike (leg)

FLORIDA STATE

Out
Andrew Datko (shoulder)
David Spurlock (knee)
Henry Orelus (head)
Moses McCray (knee)
Darious Cummings (hand)
Willie Haulstead (head)
Josh Gehres (knee)

Doubtful
Rashad Greene (ankle)

Out for season
Jacobbi McDaniel (ankle)
Chris Thompson (back)

GEORGIA TECH

Out
Jay Finch, C
Tyler Morgan, LS

Out for season
Fred Holton, S
Jimmie Kitchen, DL
Lance Richardson, S

MARYLAND

Out for season
WR Tyrek Cheeseboro
OL Andrew Gonnella
DB Avery Graham
LB Garrett Lederman
DB Matt Robinson
DL Isaiah Ross
TE Dave Stinebaugh
LB Kenny Tate

Out
WR Kevin Dorsey
OL Justin Gilbert
DB Jeremiah Johnson;

Doubtful
DL Justin Anderson

Questionable WR/PR Tony Logan
DL Andre Monroe

Probable
OL Max Garcia

NORTH CAROLINA

Out
Casey Barth, PK Thigh
Sean Fitzpatrick, TE Concussion
Kiaro Holts, OT Wrist
Matt Merletti, FS Knee
Devon Ramsay, FB Knee
Reggie Wilkins, WR Ankle

Questionable
Curtis Byrd, RB Knee
T.J. Leifheit, OT Ankle

Probable
Cam Holland, OC Back
Dwight Jones, WR Thigh
Kevin Reddick, LB Chest

NC STATE

Out for season
Jarvis Byrd, CB - knee
Mustafa Greene, HB - foot
Sterling Lucas, LB - knee

Out
Brandon Pittman, LB - leg
Taylor Gentry, FB - foot
Jake Kahut, DE - knee
Jeff Rieskamp, DE - shoulder
Thomas Teal, DT - foot

VIRGINIA TECH

Out for season
Kwamaine Battle (knee)
Jeron Gouveia-Winslow (foot)
Antoine Hopkins (knee)
Dyrell Roberts (arm)
E.L. Smiling (wrist)
Bruce Taylor (foot)

Out
Mark Shuman (knee/ankle)
Alonzo Tweedy (ankle)

BOSTON COLLEGE

Out
WR Ifeanyi Momah (knee)
DB CJ Jones (knee)
DT Connor Wujciak (shoulder)
TB Montel Harris (knee)
DL Kaleb Ramsey (foot)
RB Tahj Kimble (head)
DT Dillon Quinn (shoulder)

Probable
OG Nate Richman (back)

CLEMSON

Out
Joe Gore, DE, Knee
Spencer Benton, PK, shoulder
Tony Steward, LB, Knee

DUKE

Probable
WR Brandon Braxton (head)
S August Campbell (leg)

Questionable
C Dave Harding (leg)
C Brian Moore (arm)
WR Donovan Varner (leg)
CB Johnny Williams (leg)

Out
S Lee Butler (leg)
QB Brandon Connette (upper body)

Out for season
TE Jack Farrell (leg)
DE Kenny Anunike (leg)

FLORIDA STATE

Out
OT Andrew Datko (shoulder)
OG David Spurlock (knee)
OG Henry Orelus (head)
WR Willie Haulstead (head)
WR Josh Gehres (knee)
DT Darious Cummings (hand)
DT Moses McCray (knee)

Questionable
WR Rashad Greene (ankle)

Out for season
DT Jacobbi McDaniel (ankle)
RB Chris Thompson (back)

GEORGIA TECH

Probable
Jeremiah Attaochu, LB

Out

Tyler Morgan, LS

Out for the season

Fred Holton, S
Jimmie Kitchen, DL
Lance Richardson, S

MARYLAND

Out for the season
WR Tyrek Cheeseboro
OL Andrew Gonnella
DB Avery Graham
LB Garrett Lederman
DB Matt Robinson
DL Isaiah Ross
TE Dave Stinebaugh

Out
DL Justin Anderson
WR Kevin Dorsey
OL Justin Gilbert
LB Shaquan Virgil

Doubtful
LB Demetrius Hartsfield
LB Kenny Tate

Questionable
DL Andre Monroe

Probable
OL Pete White

MIAMI

Out
Luther Robinson - Lower Extremity
Shayon Green - Lower Extremity
Curtis Porter - Upper Extremity
Rashawn Scott - Upper Extremity

Surgery/Out for the season
Marcus Forston - Lower Extremity
Ramon Buchanan - Lower Extremity
Cory White - Lower Extremity
Erik Lichter - Upper Extremity
Blake Ayles - Upper Extremity

NORTH CAROLINA

Out
Casey Barth, PK Thigh
Curtis Byrd, FB Knee
Kiaro Holts, OT Wrist
Devon Ramsay, FB Knee

Questionable
T.J. Leifheit, OT Ankle

Probable
Giovani Bernard, TB Hip
A.J. Blue, TB Ankle
Erik Highsmith, WR Ankle
Cam Holland, C Back
Jonathan Smith, S Ankle

NC STATE

Out for the season
Jarvis Byrd, CB - knee
Mustafa Greene, HB - foot
Sterling Lucas, LB - knee

Out
Taylor Gentry, FB - foot
Jake Kahut, DE - knee
Jeff Rieskamp, DE - shoulder
Thomas Teal, DT - foot
Curtis Underwood, HB - foot

Questionable
D.J. Green, LB - abdomen
J.R. Sweezy, DT - foot

VIRGINIA

Out
Pablo Alvarez (upper extremity)
Diamonte Bailey (lower extremity)
Darius Lee (upper extremity)
Charlie Richards (upper extremity)
E.J. Scott (medical)
Bobby Smith (lower extremity)
Tyler Smith (lower extremity)
Matt Snyder (lower extremity)
Joseph Williams (lower extremity)

Doubtful
Tim Cwalina (lower extremity)
Michael Terrell (lower extremity)

Questionable
Brian Oden (lower extremity)

Probable
Luke Bowanko (lower extremity)
Henry Coley (lower extremity)
Cam Johnson (lower extremity)
Jake McGee (lower extremity)
Clifton Richardson (lower extremity)
Michael Rocco (trunk)

VIRGINIA TECH

Out for the Season
Kwamaine Battle (knee)
Jeron Gouveia-Winslow (foot)
Antoine Hopkins (knee)
Dyrell Roberts (arm)
E.L. Smiling (wrist)

Out
Eric Martin (shoulder)
Mark Shuman (knee/ankle)
David Wang (foot)

Doubtful
Jayron Hosley (hamstring)

WAKE FOREST

Probable
RB Josh Harris (leg)
TE Andrew Parker (ankle)
DT Tristan Dorty (ankle)
C Garrick Williams (ankle)
NT Duke Mosby (illness)

Out
NT Ramon Booi (knee)
DT John Gallagher (back)

Out for the season
OT Dylan Heartsil (back)
CB Dominique Tate (knee)
LB Kyle Jarrett (hip)

Here are the injury reports for Week 5 from the ACC schools that reported them:

BOSTON COLLEGE

OUT
WR Ifeanyi Momah (knee)
DB CJ Jones (knee)
DL Connor Wujciak (shoulder)

DOUBTFUL
OG Nate Richman (back)

QUESTIONABLE
DT Kaleb Ramsey (foot)
LB Nick Clancy (shoulder)

CLEMSON

Out
Mansa Joseph, RB, Special Teams, hamstring

Probable
DeAndre Hopkins, WR, hamstring
Dawson Zimmerman, P, knee
D.J. Howard, RB, hamstring
David Smith, OG, shoulder

DUKE

CB Ross Cockrell (leg) – Probable
K Will Snyderwine (foot) – Probable
CB Johnny Williams (leg) – Probable
RB Desmond Scott (leg) – Questionable
RB Josh Snead (foot) – Questionable
QB Brandon Connette (upper body) – OUT
S Lee Butler (leg) – OUT
C Brian Moore (arm) – OUT
DE Kenny Anunike (leg) – OUT FOR SEASON
TE Jack Farrell (leg) – OUT FOR SEASON

GEORGIA TECH
OUT
Morgan Bailey, r-Fr., OL

PROBABLE
Preston Lyons, Sr., BB

OUT FOR YEAR
Fred Holton, So., S
Jimmie Kitchen, r-Fr., DL

MIAMI

Out:
Luther Robinson—Lower Extremity
Jalen Grimble—Lower Extremity
Thurston Armbrister—Upper Extremity

Surgery/Out for the season:
Corey White—Lower Extremity
Curtis Porter—Upper Extremity

NORTH CAROLINA

Out
Casey Barth, PK Thigh
Kiaro Holts, OT Wrist
Devon Ramsay, FB Knee

Doubtful
Josh Adams, WR Illness
Matt Kolojejchick, RB Thigh
Jonathan Smith, SS Ankle

Questionable
TJ Leifheit, OT Ankle
Ebele Okakpu, LB Ankle
Terry Shankle, CB Knee

Probable
Erik Highsmith, WR Ankle
Jabari Price, CB Finger

NC STATE

OUT FOR SEASON
Jarvis Byrd, CB - knee
Sterling Lucas, LB - knee

OUT
A.J. Ferguson, DT - knee
Mustafa Greene, HB - foot
Terrell Manning, LB - knee
Quintin Payton, WR - ankle
Jeff Rieskamp, DE - shoulder
Brian Slay, DT - ankle
Thomas Teal, DT - foot
Curtis Underwood, HB - knee
Andrew Wallace, OG - knee

QUESTIONABLE
J.R. Sweezy, DT - foot

VIRGINIA TECH

Out for season:
Kwamaine Battle (knee)
Dyrell Roberts (arm)

Out
Eric Martin (AC joint)
David Wang (foot)

Last year was the healthiest NC State has been during Tom O’Brien’s tenure, and it showed in the final results, as the Wolfpack finished with nine wins and ranked in the Associated Press Top 25.

This year? It seems like you could field an entire starting lineup with the players who are sidelined, but the defense has been hit the hardest. It could be a factor once again on Thursday night as the Pack prepares to travel to Cincinnati. The Bearcats have the No. 4 scoring offense in the country with 51.33 points per game, but many of the numbers have come against inferior opponents. Still, NC State’s depleted defense will be tested.

NC State has opened the past two games without two starting defensive linemen and finished the South Alabama game with four starters on the bench. Senior captain J.R. Sweezy suffered a broken foot in preseason practice and is still in a walking boot. Redshirt freshman Thomas Teal took Sweezy’s place, but suffered the exact same injury in the first game and has joined the walking boot club.

Prior to facing Wake Forest, starting end Jeff Rieskamp was sidelined with a shoulder injury. The Cincinnati native has missed the last two games and his status is still unknown for Thursday night. Redshirt freshman Art Norman has been starting in his place, but he left the South Alabama game with an injury and did not return.

NC State’s defense took another big hit in Saturday’s game when weakside linebacker Terrell Manning injured his knee in the first half and did not return. He was operated on earlier this week.

“It’s been a tough season to play defense,” O’Brien said. “We lost a corner to start the year, we lost our captain and best defensive lineman, we lost the next-best defensive lineman, we lost the back-up middle linebacker, lost a corner, lost a linebacker.

“Dwayne Maddox has some experience, he’s been around and is going to have to step up and make some plays right now. Certainly we’re down seven guys off the top 15 that we had going in the first of August. There are 15 left from the top 22. It’s been a difficult year to play defense around here.”

O’Brien said the staff would try to get Rieskamp ready to face his hometown team, but even if he is cleared to play, he won’t have had much practice time.

“We’re trying to get him ready for Cincinnati, but if that doesn’t work then we’ll try for Georgia Tech,” O’Brien said. “It’s week-to-week trying to get guys back and get them healthy.”

NC State couldn't have asked for much more from quarterback Mike Glennon, who completed 17 of 20 pass attempts for 274 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions, but again, this team has work to do. NC State lost three fumbles and allowed South Alabama a 100-yard rusher, further evidence the defense remains a question. Injuries have been a major factor.

NC State lost another defensive starter in the first half of tonight’s game, as weakside linebacker Terrell Manning left the game in the second quarter with a knee injury and did not return. Manning joined starting defensive tackle J.R. Sweezy and defensive end Jeff Rieskamp in the injured ranks, although his status is unknown following tonight. Backup defensive tackle Thomas Teal is also missing time with an injury.

Offensively, T.J. Graham also had another big day, as he finished the night with five catches for 128 yards and a touchdown. It was his second consecutive game with over 100 yards receiving. The last Wolfpack receiver to collect over 100 yards receiving in back-to-back games was Jerricho Cotchery in 2003.

Injuries and struggles aside, this was a chance for NC State to get back on the winning track following the loss to Wake Forest, and the Pack did that. It won't be as easy at Cincinnati.

Here are this week's injury reports from the schools that turned them in. Don't forget, schools don't have to report these for nonconference games:

Clemson

Out
Joe Gore, DE, Knee

Doubtful
Rashard Hall, Saf, knee

Will Play
Demont Buice, RB, foot
Corico Hawkins, LB, knee
Bashaud Breeland, DB, shoulder

Duke

RB Juwan Thompson (leg) – Probable
S Jordon Byas (foot) -- Questionable
C Brian Moore (arm) – OUT
RB Desmond Scott (leg) – OUT
RB Josh Snead (foot) – OUT

Florida State

Out
OG Henry Orelus (concussion)
WR Willie Haulstead (concussion)
WR Josh Gehres (knee)
LB Holmes Onwukaife (shoulder)
OL Tre’ Jackson (knee)

Questionable
DT Anthony McCloud (knee)
SS Nick Moody (quad)

North Carolina

Out
Jabari Price, DB, Finger
Norkeithus Otis, LB Concussion
Devon Ramsay, FB Knee

Doubtful
Joshua Adams, WR Illness

Questionable
P.J. Clyburn, LB Foot
T.J. Leifheit, OL Ankle
Terry Shankle, DB Knee

NC State

Out for season

Jarvis Byrd, CB - knee
Sterling Lucas, LB - knee

Out
Mustafa Greene, HB - foot
J.R. Sweezy, DT - foot
Thomas Teal, DT - foot
Andrew Wallace, OG - knee
Logan Winkles, FB - knee

Questionable
Jeff Rieskamp, DE - shoulder

Virginia Tech

Out for Season

Kwamaine Battle (ACL)

Probable

Telvion Clark (ankle)
D.J. Coles (shoulder)
Theron Norman (shoulder)
Michael Via (knee)

Heading into the 2010 season, there was an abundance of talent at the running back position in the ACC, as five 1,000-yard rushers returned for the first time in league history. This season, the ACC is deep and talented at several positions, but not so much so that there is one overwhelming strength. Offensively, the receivers are probably the deepest, most proven group, and defensively, the defensive ends could be the most fearsome group.

Which one, though, will be the position of power in the ACC this fall?

Defensive ends:The ACC has earned a reputation as a defensive conference, and these players will do their best to uphold that tradition. Brandon Jenkins at Florida State and Quinton Coples at North Carolina should be two of the best in the country, but they’re hardly alone in their pass rushing abilities. Izaan Cross at Georgia Tech is a name ACC fans will know by the end of the season. He’s underrated and has a chance to finish the season with all-conference accolades. His teammate, Jason Peters, can do the same. Together they should help bring noticeable improvement to the Jackets’ defense this year.

North Carolina also has Donte Paige-Moss at the other end position, another player who has already caught the attention of NFL scouts. Adewale Ojomo and Olivier Vernon at Miami are two veteran standouts, and NC State’s Jeff Rieskamp and Virginia’s Cam Johnson are also among the best in the league. Andre Branch at Clemson should get more recognition this fall, especially with the early departure of Da’Quan Bowers, and Max Holloway at Boston College hasn’t reached his potential yet but began to make a name for himself last season.

There aren’t a lot of veteran quarterbacks in the ACC this year, but there are plenty of defensive ends ready to give the rookies a not-so-warm welcome.

As the title indicated ...

1. North Carolina: This is a deep and talented group that returns all four starters including Donte Paige-Moss, Jared McAdoo, Quinton Coples and Tydreke Powell. Junior college transfer Sylvester Williams joins three other players who started at least one game: Kareem Martin (three starts), DT Tim Jackson (five starts) and DT Jordan Nix (two starts).

2. Florida State: All four starters return in juniors Brandon Jenkins, Jacobi McDaniel, Anthony McCloud and Everett Dawkins. Jenkins finished sixth nationally with 13.5 sacks. This group should take another step forward in the second season under coordinator Mark Stoops, but it already has an outstanding base to build on as the Noles ranked third nationally in sacks and 21st in tackles for loss last season.

3. Miami: The Canes should have one of the better rotations in the ACC. They return starters Olivier Vernon, Micanor Regis and Marcus Forston, who combined for 12 sacks and 30.5 TFLs. It’s a deep group, as DE Adewale Ojomo (seven starts), DT Luther Robinson (five starts), DE Marcus Robinson (10 games), DT Curtis Porter (one start), DE Andrew Smith (11 games) and DE Dyron Dye (six games) all have experience.

4. Virginia: Like Florida State, this is another group that should benefit from being in the second season under the same coordinator. Jim Reid switched the scheme back to a traditional 4-3, and the Hoos return a veteran group led by Matt Conrath (33 starts), DT Nick Jenkins (29 starts), and DE Cam Johnson (22 starts).

5. Georgia Tech: The Yellow Jackets have a better understanding of what is expected from them in their second season in Al Groh’s 3-4 defense, and all three starters return in ends Izaan Cross (41 tackles) and Jason Peters (52 tackles), and tackle Logan Walls. Defensive tackles Shawn Green, T.J. Barnes and J.C. Lanier will also compete for playing time along with DE Anthony Williams.

6. Maryland: The Terps should be solid up front with the return of Joe Vellano, A.J. Francis and Justin Anderson. Francis is the veteran of the group (19 career starts) and had 44 tackles and 2.5 sacks last season, but Vellano is also an all-conference candidate. The Terps have good depth with Zachariah Kerr, Isaiah Ross and Bradley Johnson.

7. Virginia Tech: This is a group that could and should jump a few spots by the end of the season. On paper, they’ve got to replace three starters, but this spring the group proved capable of getting the Hokies back to their days of dominating on defense. Based on potential, they should be ranked higher, but based on lack of dependable, proven depth, they could even fall lower.

8. Clemson: It will be difficult for the Tigers to replace the production of Da’Quan Bowers, but the defensive line is in capable hands with Andre Branch and Brandon Thompson, and Malliciah Goodman has embraced the challenge of taking Bowers’ spot. Branch was second on the team with five sacks last season and 8.5 tackles for loss. Thompson had 40 tackles, including six for losses. Defensive tackle Rennie Moore, DE Kourtnei Brown and DT Tyler Shatley also have experience.

9. NC State: Defensive tackle J.R. Sweezy is one of the underrated players in the ACC, and he returns along with defensive end Jeff Rieskamp. Several players got significant snaps last season, though, including DE Darryl Cato-Bishop (13 tackles), DT Markus Kuhn (17 tackles, and DT Brian Slay (20 tackles, two TFLs).

10. Wake Forest: The Deacs return three starters including Tristan Dorty, Kyle Wilber and Zack Thompson. Thompson only started five games last season, but after spring practices, coach Jim Grobe said Thompson has all-conference potential.

11. Boston College: Starters Max Holloway and Kaleb Ramsey return, along with four other linemen (DTs Dillon Quinn and Conor O’Neal, and DEs Dan Williams and Kasim Edebali) who each started at least two games last fall.

12. Duke: Until proven otherwise, this is where the Blue Devils belong, but Rick Petri was hired to change that. He’ll have veteran nose guard Charlie Hatcher (24 career starts) to work with, and sophomore Sydney Sarmiento, who started 11 games last season. Junior Kenny Anunike, Justin Foxx and DEs Desmond Johnson and Jamal Wallace could also see playing time.

It’s time to reload in the ACC. Here’s a look at the position needs for each team in the Atlantic Division for the 2011 signing class:

BOSTON COLLEGE

Offensive linemen: Six players on the final two-deep roster for 2010 were either juniors or seniors, and the Eagles will have to find replacements for Anthony Castonzo, Rich Lapham and Thomas Claiborne. There were two juniors at center in 2011, and the recruiting overall at this position hasn’t been as strong in recent years.

Defensive linemen: The Eagles have been thin at the position to begin with since the departures of Ron Brace and B.J. Raji. The interior line should be a priority, as tackle Damik Scafe will graduate, and Kaleb Ramsey will be a senior. Defensive end Brad Newman will also graduate.

CLEMSON

Defensive line: The early departure of defensive end Da’Quan Bowers and the loss of Jarvis Jenkins makes this group a priority. Seven of the eight players up front on the final two-deep roster were either juniors or seniors.

Quarterback: Prior to the early enrollees, Clemson only had one scholarship quarterback on the roster -- projected starter Tajh Boyd. The depth needs to be rebuilt after the loss of starter Kyle Parker and transfer of backup Willy Korn.

Running back: The early departure of Jamie Harper to the NFL left a hole in the Tigers’ lineup. It’s not completely empty, as Andre Ellington remains the best back on the roster and Roderick McDowell was a redshirt freshman backup to Harper.

FLORIDA STATE

Offensive lineman – The departures of Rodney Hudson and Ryan McMahon will leave gaping holes up front, and A.J. Ganguzza and Antwane Greenlee aren’t expected to return. Overall, the staff is looking for bigger, better players. With the exception of right guard, this was a veteran group.

Running back: Despite the current depth, the coaching staff still wanted to sign about three more running backs in this class.

Wide receiver: This would be the third priority for the staff. Bert Reed and Taiwan Easterling will both be seniors, but the team has lacked some dynamic playmakers at the position.

Linebacker: The Noles lost two starters from last year’s Atlantic Division championship team, and there are several young players on the rise like Jeff Luc and Telvin Smith, but the staff wants more numbers at the position.

Safety: The Noles need an upgrade at this position.

Defensive line: This is a matter of mostly building depth and size and continuing to get better.

MARYLAND

Kicker/ Punter: Nick Ferrara has the ability to do both, but he also struggled at both in 2010. Travis Baltz was a four-year starter at punter who has to be replaced. The kicking game should be a top priority in this class, and a concern if Ferrara doesn’t become more consistent.

Wide receiver: The early departure of standout Torrey Smith to the NFL leaves quarterback Danny O'Brien without a favorite target. Seven of the nine receivers listed on the most current depth chart for 2010 were either juniors or seniors.

Running back: The Terps have to replace starter Da’Rel Scott, and Davin Meggett will be a senior. There is some talent behind Meggett in D.J. Adams, but the position could use more depth.

Secondary: Six of the top 10 players in the secondary were either juniors or seniors in 2010, including safety Antwine Perez, who will graduate. Kenny Tate and Cameron Chism will both be seniors, and the corner position is the biggest need.

Defensive end: Defensive coordinator Don Brown would like to bring in at least one player who can really bring some speed off the edge.

NC STATE

Kickers: The Wolfpack lost their starting punter and place-kicker, easily making kickers the biggest need in this recruiting class.

Defensive linemen: With the exception of sophomore Brian Slay, the entire 2010 line was comprised of juniors and seniors. The Pack have to replace two starters, and two returning starters, Jeff Rieskamp and J.R. Sweezy, will be seniors.

Linebackers: This was another veteran group for NC State, with five of the six players on the two-deep either juniors or seniors. Nate Irving’s graduation will be a big hit and Audie Cole will be a senior.

Quarterback: If Russell Wilson leaves early, the position will be even thinner, but backup Mike Glennon will be a junior, so the staff needs to build more depth.

WAKE FOREST

Offensive linemen: The Deacs will have four redshirt juniors returning up front, and have to replace redshirt senior center Russell Nenon. The staff is looking to increase the depth and talent up front.

Linebackers: The position hasn’t been the same since the 2008 class (Aaron Curry and Stanley Arnoux). They were both drafted and two of the fastest players the program has ever seen. The staff needs to bring in more talent and speed here.

NC State defensive end Jeff Rieskamp was one of the Wolfpack’s best pass-rushers a year ago, but he missed the entire 2009 season with a sports hernia. Rieskamp had surgery in October and missed spring workouts, but coach Tom O’Brien said he is hoping Rieskamp can “add a lot” to a depleted line in search of experience.

“Losing him last year was a blow to the defense,” O’Brien said. “He’s another guy who’s walking around with a big smile on his face because he’s feeling as good as he’s felt. Hopefully he’ll get back to where he was and be even better.”

In 2008, Rieskamp spent most of the season as a backup where he had 21 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and two sacks. The Pack should also be able to count on defensive end Markus Kuhn and defensive tackle J.R. Sweezy, who were both among the three players that recently had drug charges dismissed. O'Brien said all of those players will be with the team when NC State begins practicing again.

O’Brien said his staff has worked hard to build up the depth at defensive line with redshirt players, and the Pack will need all the help it can get, as all four starters from 2009 have to be replaced. O’Brien said he has nine or 10 players who are either redshirt freshmen or older who are capable of being part of a rotation up front.

“We may have to win with bodies,” he said, “instead of superstars up front.”

Sure, Virginia Tech's defensive line has some issues to work out, but nobody in the ACC has to deal with replacing all four starters up front like NC State. The good news for the Wolfpack is that there is some experience to work with. The bad news? That experience totals a combined six starts among four players.

Here's a look at one of the areas where there will be the most competition in the ACC this spring, and who's in the mix:

DEFENSIVE END

• Audi Augustin (6-2, 260, *Sr.): He has played in 36 career games but has been stuck behind Willie Young. Until now. Last year Augustin made 11 quarterback pressures, the fourth-highest total on the team. He also blocked a field goal in the win over Maryland, but missed the season finale with North Carolina with an injury.
• Jeff Rieskamp (6-3, 235, *Jr.): Missed last season with a sports hernia and had surgery in October.
• Michael Lemon (6-4, 267, *Sr.): Showed promise last year despite joining the team just two weeks before the season started and should contend for a starting job.
• David Akinniyi (6-4, 255, *Sr.): He enrolled in January and has one year of eligibility remaining. He transferred from Northeastern University, which announced in November that it was cutting its football program.
• Darryl Cato-Bishop (6-4, 281, *Fr.): Redshirted last year.
• Rickey Dowdy (6- 2, 240, *Fr.): Redshirted last year.

DEFENSIVE TACKLE

• Natanu Mageo (6-3, 285, Sr.): After transferring from New Mexico Military Junior College last year, Mageo played in all 12 games as a backup and intercepted a pass at Florida State.
• J.R. Sweezy (6-3, 295, *Jr.): The backup earned one start against Gardner-Webb and played sparingly in all 12 games. He was in for a season-high 37 snaps against Virginia Tech, when he had three tackles, including an eight-yard sack and three quarterback pressures.
• Markus Kuhn (6-4, 303, *Jr.): He added about 20 pounds while redshirting last season, but had three starts in 2008.
• Brian Slay (6-3, 290, So.): He gained valuable experience as a true freshman, playing in 10 games for 115 snaps. He made three tackles in just nine plays against Boston College. Six of his eight quarterback pressures came in the last three games.

If you don't see it here, I didn't get it ...

BOSTON COLLEGE

OUT FOR SEASON

LB Mark Herzlich (illness)

FOR MARYLAND GAME

RB Rolandan Finch (illness) – DOUBTFUL

LS Jack Geiser (foot) – DOUBTFUL

OG Thomas Claiborne (leg) – QUESTIONABLE

DE Alex Albright (ankle) – QUESTIONABLE

DT Kaleb Ramsey (ankle) – QUESTIONABLE

CLEMSON

They're "all in." (Sorry, too easy.)

DUKE

QB Thaddeus Lewis (leg) -- Probable

RB Re'quan Boyette (leg) -- Questionable

DT Vince Oghobaase (leg) -- Questionable

WR Johnny Williams (knee) -- Questionable

RB Kyle Griswould (leg) -- OUT FOR SEASON

OG Mitchell Lederman (foot) -- OUT FOR SEASON

QB Sean Renfree (knee) -- OUT FOR SEASON

WR Tyree Watkins (leg) -- OUT FOR SEASON

S Anthony Young-Wiseman (knee) -- OUT FOR SEASON

FLORIDA STATE

Out

76 OT Garrett Faircloth (hip)

70 OT Antwane Greenlee (knee)

51 LB Aaron Gresham (knee)

44 LB Maurice Harris (neck)*

62 OG Rodney Hudson (knee)

97 DT Demonte McAllister (knee)

81 TE Caz Piurowski (knee)*

7 QB Christian Ponder (shoulder)*

74 OT John Prior (knee)

27 CB Xavier Rhodes (thumb)

11 LB Vince Williams (back)

Questionable

9 WR Richard Goodman (groin)

30 ROV Jajuan Harley (hamstring)

Probable

94 DT Justin Mincey (knee)

* - out for the season

GEORGIA TECH

Out

Austin Barrick, r-Jr., OT (heel)

Kevin Cone, r-Jr., WR (ankle)

Malcolm Munroe, r-Fr., LB (knee)

Probable

Sean Bedford, r-Jr., C (ankle)

Omoregie Uzzi, r-Fr., OL (back)

Anthony Barnes, r-Jr., LB

Out For Season

Robert Hall, r-Jr., DE (knee)

Kyle Jackson, r-So., LB (foot)

Cooper Taylor, So., S (undisclosed)

MIAMI

Probable

RB Lee Chambers – Lower Extremity

WR Thearon Collier – Lower Extremity

DB Sam Shields – Lower Extremity

Doubtful

OL Jason Fox – Illness

Out

FB Patrick Hill – 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

DB JoJo Nicolas – Upper Extremity

DE Adewale Ojomo – Jaw

NC STATE

OUT

Audi Augustin, DE - elbow

Mike Glennon, QB - clavicle

DeAndre Morgan, CB - concussion

OUT FOR SEASON

Mario Carter, TE - knee

Ryan Cheek, LB - hip

Denzelle Good, OL – shoulder

T.J. Graham, WR – stress fracture/leg

Steven Howard, WR - knee

Nate Irving, LB - leg

Colby Jackson, FB – knee

R.J. Mattes, OG - knee

Everett Proctor, QB – shoulder

Jeff Rieskamp, DE – sports hernia

Rashard Smith, CB - knee

Javon Walker, S – knee

James Washington, HB - knee

NORTH CAROLINA

Out

Joshua Adams WR Shoulder

AJ Blue RB/QB Knee

Curtis Campbell DB Wrist

David Collins OL Foot

Shaun Draughn TB Shoulder

Carl Gaskins OT Knee

Matt Merletti S Knee

Trevor Stuart DS Knee

Ryan Taylor TE Knee

Jamal Womble RB Wrist

Questionable

Anthony Elzy RB Ankle

Devon Ramsay FB Ankle

Gene Robinson CB Back

VIRGINIA

Out

Isaac Cain (foot)

Raynard Horne (back)

Torrey Mack (ankle)

Doubtful

Darren Childs (ankle)

Questionable

Jared Green (shoulder)

Mikell Simpson (leg)

Probable

Daniel Childress (ankle)

Matt Conrath (ankle)

Connor McCartin (shoulder)

Jameel Sewell (shoulder)

Patrick Slebonick (leg)

VIRGINIA TECH

Probable:

Beau Warren (knee)

Ed Wang (knee)