ACC: Joe Vellano
Out with the old, in with the new. The ACC has lost a lot of talent from 2011, including arguably the best player in the conference in former Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly. There are still a lot of names for fans to be excited about, though, as we get closer to summer camp. Which players in the conference will emerge as the best? Well, based on past performances and their bubbling potential, here’s the first guess. As part of “College Football Live’s” 100 Days Till Kickoff countdown, here’s a look at the top 10 players in the ACC:
1. Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson: He broke all of the ACC’s single-season pass receiving records, finishing the 2011 season with 82 catches for 1,219 yards and 12 touchdowns. He was one of the most exciting, explosive players in the country as a true freshman. Watkins averaged 25 yards on 33 kickoff returns, including an 89-yard touchdown against Maryland.
2. David Amerson, CB, NC State: He led the FBS with 13 interceptions -- six more than any other player. It was the most in the FBS since 1968 and tied as the second-best total in FBS history. He broke the ACC’s single-season interception record in the upset of No. 7-ranked Clemson. He also broke the school’s 73-year-old single-season interception record of nine.
3. Giovani Bernard, RB, UNC: He was the leading freshman rusher in the nation. His total of 1,253 rushing yards was the third best by a freshman in ACC history. He also had 13 touchdowns on 239 carries, and was third in the ACC with 96.4 rushing yards per game. He had 45 catches for 362 yards and a touchdown.
4. Logan Thomas, QB, Virginia Tech: Thomas set a school record for rushing touchdowns in a season by a quarterback with 11, and he broke the school's single-season total offense record set by Tyrod Taylor in 2010. His 234 completions, 391 attempts and 3,013 yards passing all rank second in school history for a single season.
5. Tajh Boyd, QB, Clemson: He completed 298 of 499 pass attempts for 3,828 yards, 33 touchdowns and 12 interceptions over 14 starts. He completed 59.7 percent of his passes and had a 141.2 pass efficiency rating. He also had 218 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns. He had 4,046 total yards and was responsible for a school-record 38 touchdowns.
6. Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech: Fuller played at nickel back/whip linebacker and corner. He had an interception in the Sugar Bowl against Michigan, and eight tackles against Clemson in the ACC title game. He finished 2011 with 14.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. He also had two interceptions, nine passes defended, five quarterback hurries, one fumble recovery and one forced fumble.
7. Joe Vellano, DT, Maryland: Vellano led the FBS in tackles by a defensive lineman with 7.8 per game. He finished third on the team with 94 tackles, had 7.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, four pass breakups, two fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles. His jaw-dropping 20 tackles against Georgia Tech was unforgettable.
8. Brandon Jenkins, DE, Florida State: He was second in the ACC with eight sacks for a loss of 62 yards, and had 12 tackles for a loss of 79 yards. He finished with 41 tackles, one pass breakup and five quarterback hurries. He was the team defensive MVP of the nation’s No. 4-ranked defense, and he was still disruptive despite facing double teams throughout the entire season.
9. Bruce Taylor, LB, Virginia Tech: He only played in eight games in 2011 before a season-ending injury, but Taylor still had 53 tackles, seven TFLs and five sacks. He led Tech in tackles in 2010 with 91 and in TFLs (15.5) and was second in quarterback sacks (6.0). He also had four pass breakups and eight quarterback hurries.
10. Rashad Greene, WR, Florida State: Despite missing four games with injuries, Greene led FSU in receiving with 38 catches, 596 receiving yards, and seven touchdown catches as a true freshman. He averaged 15.7 yards a catch and 14.7 yards on three runs from scrimmage.
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Douglas Jones/US PresswireSophomore Sammy Watkins already owns all of the conference's single-season receiving records.
Douglas Jones/US PresswireSophomore Sammy Watkins already owns all of the conference's single-season receiving records.2. David Amerson, CB, NC State: He led the FBS with 13 interceptions -- six more than any other player. It was the most in the FBS since 1968 and tied as the second-best total in FBS history. He broke the ACC’s single-season interception record in the upset of No. 7-ranked Clemson. He also broke the school’s 73-year-old single-season interception record of nine.
3. Giovani Bernard, RB, UNC: He was the leading freshman rusher in the nation. His total of 1,253 rushing yards was the third best by a freshman in ACC history. He also had 13 touchdowns on 239 carries, and was third in the ACC with 96.4 rushing yards per game. He had 45 catches for 362 yards and a touchdown.
4. Logan Thomas, QB, Virginia Tech: Thomas set a school record for rushing touchdowns in a season by a quarterback with 11, and he broke the school's single-season total offense record set by Tyrod Taylor in 2010. His 234 completions, 391 attempts and 3,013 yards passing all rank second in school history for a single season.
5. Tajh Boyd, QB, Clemson: He completed 298 of 499 pass attempts for 3,828 yards, 33 touchdowns and 12 interceptions over 14 starts. He completed 59.7 percent of his passes and had a 141.2 pass efficiency rating. He also had 218 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns. He had 4,046 total yards and was responsible for a school-record 38 touchdowns.
6. Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech: Fuller played at nickel back/whip linebacker and corner. He had an interception in the Sugar Bowl against Michigan, and eight tackles against Clemson in the ACC title game. He finished 2011 with 14.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. He also had two interceptions, nine passes defended, five quarterback hurries, one fumble recovery and one forced fumble.
7. Joe Vellano, DT, Maryland: Vellano led the FBS in tackles by a defensive lineman with 7.8 per game. He finished third on the team with 94 tackles, had 7.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, four pass breakups, two fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles. His jaw-dropping 20 tackles against Georgia Tech was unforgettable.
8. Brandon Jenkins, DE, Florida State: He was second in the ACC with eight sacks for a loss of 62 yards, and had 12 tackles for a loss of 79 yards. He finished with 41 tackles, one pass breakup and five quarterback hurries. He was the team defensive MVP of the nation’s No. 4-ranked defense, and he was still disruptive despite facing double teams throughout the entire season.
9. Bruce Taylor, LB, Virginia Tech: He only played in eight games in 2011 before a season-ending injury, but Taylor still had 53 tackles, seven TFLs and five sacks. He led Tech in tackles in 2010 with 91 and in TFLs (15.5) and was second in quarterback sacks (6.0). He also had four pass breakups and eight quarterback hurries.
10. Rashad Greene, WR, Florida State: Despite missing four games with injuries, Greene led FSU in receiving with 38 catches, 596 receiving yards, and seven touchdown catches as a true freshman. He averaged 15.7 yards a catch and 14.7 yards on three runs from scrimmage.
2011 overall record: 2-10
2011 conference record: 1-7 (6th, Atlantic)
Returning starters: Offense: 5; defense: 10; kicker/punter: 2
Top returners
LG Pete White, RG Josh Cary, C Bennett Fulper, TE Matt Furstenburg, WR Kevin Dorsey, DE Marcus Whittifield, DE Keith Bowers, NG Andre Monroe, DT Joe Vellano, LB Demetrius Hartsfield, LB Darrin Drakeford, LB Lorne Goree, LB Kenny Tate, CB Dexter McDougle, S Eric Franklin, S A.J. Hendy
Key losses
LT R.J. Dill, RT Max Garcia, LG Andre Donnella, QB Danny O'Brien, RB Davin Meggett, WR Quintin McCree, CB Cameron Chism
2011 statistical leaders (* returners)
Rushing: Davin Meggett (896 yards)
Passing: Danny O'Brien (1,648 yards)
Receiving: Kevin Dorsey* (573 yards)
Tackles: Demetrius Hartsfield* (108)
Sacks: Andre Monroe* (5)
Interceptions: Dexter McDougle*/Cameron Chism (3)
Spring answers
1. Defense has come a long way: The unit passed with flying colors in its first public test under new coordinator Brian Stewart and his 3-4 scheme. It overpowered the offense in the squad's spring game despite missing Joe Vellano and Kenny Tate. Both players should be back for the fall, giving the defense 10 returning starters.
2. Who is there and who isn't: Spring No. 2 is in the books and the remaining players are on board with Randy Edsall, giving the program a chance to push forward with less doubt regarding those who may not be all-in. After the Terrapins' spring game, senior Justin Gilbert told the Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star: "I hate saying it, but now that the guys who don't want to be here are gone, we can really focus on next season. We don't have any distractions anymore. Everybody who's here wants to be here. I really saw that this spring with guys. The chemistry was better. There was no cancers on the team. Everybody was all together."
3. C.J. Brown holding steady: Brown was the only quarterback this spring who had any actual game experience, so he received most of the attention. With five starts under his belt, Brown, whom colleague Heather Dinich has labeled the conference's most indispensable signal-caller, survived the spring and enters the fall as the No. 1 guy.
Fall questions
1. Will anyone challenge Brown? Despite said strengths, Brown, who rushed for more than 500 yards last season, is switching from a spread attack to new coordinator Mike Locksley's pro-style system. Recruits Perry Hills and Caleb Rowe enter this summer and, depending on Brown's transition, could challenge for some snaps.
2. How will the new coordinators transition? We said this earlier with Wake Forest: Things have gone smoothly this spring, but the ultimate test comes in game action this fall. How Locksley, Stewart and Andre Powell (special teams) adjust in-season will ultimately affect the ruling on the reshuffled staff.
3. Everything else … It would appear, at this moment, that the defections have subsided. Two dozen players have left Maryland since Edsall arrived, none bigger than quarterback Danny O'Brien. Some were calling for Edsall's job after Year 1, and a debut season that featured just one win over an FBS team didn't do the program any favors. The spotlight is on College Park this season for the wrong reasons, and how the program adjusts this fall can possibly dictate its fate.
2011 conference record: 1-7 (6th, Atlantic)
Returning starters: Offense: 5; defense: 10; kicker/punter: 2
Top returners
LG Pete White, RG Josh Cary, C Bennett Fulper, TE Matt Furstenburg, WR Kevin Dorsey, DE Marcus Whittifield, DE Keith Bowers, NG Andre Monroe, DT Joe Vellano, LB Demetrius Hartsfield, LB Darrin Drakeford, LB Lorne Goree, LB Kenny Tate, CB Dexter McDougle, S Eric Franklin, S A.J. Hendy
Key losses
LT R.J. Dill, RT Max Garcia, LG Andre Donnella, QB Danny O'Brien, RB Davin Meggett, WR Quintin McCree, CB Cameron Chism
2011 statistical leaders (* returners)
Rushing: Davin Meggett (896 yards)
Passing: Danny O'Brien (1,648 yards)
Receiving: Kevin Dorsey* (573 yards)
Tackles: Demetrius Hartsfield* (108)
Sacks: Andre Monroe* (5)
Interceptions: Dexter McDougle*/Cameron Chism (3)
Spring answers
1. Defense has come a long way: The unit passed with flying colors in its first public test under new coordinator Brian Stewart and his 3-4 scheme. It overpowered the offense in the squad's spring game despite missing Joe Vellano and Kenny Tate. Both players should be back for the fall, giving the defense 10 returning starters.
2. Who is there and who isn't: Spring No. 2 is in the books and the remaining players are on board with Randy Edsall, giving the program a chance to push forward with less doubt regarding those who may not be all-in. After the Terrapins' spring game, senior Justin Gilbert told the Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star: "I hate saying it, but now that the guys who don't want to be here are gone, we can really focus on next season. We don't have any distractions anymore. Everybody who's here wants to be here. I really saw that this spring with guys. The chemistry was better. There was no cancers on the team. Everybody was all together."
3. C.J. Brown holding steady: Brown was the only quarterback this spring who had any actual game experience, so he received most of the attention. With five starts under his belt, Brown, whom colleague Heather Dinich has labeled the conference's most indispensable signal-caller, survived the spring and enters the fall as the No. 1 guy.
Fall questions
1. Will anyone challenge Brown? Despite said strengths, Brown, who rushed for more than 500 yards last season, is switching from a spread attack to new coordinator Mike Locksley's pro-style system. Recruits Perry Hills and Caleb Rowe enter this summer and, depending on Brown's transition, could challenge for some snaps.
2. How will the new coordinators transition? We said this earlier with Wake Forest: Things have gone smoothly this spring, but the ultimate test comes in game action this fall. How Locksley, Stewart and Andre Powell (special teams) adjust in-season will ultimately affect the ruling on the reshuffled staff.
3. Everything else … It would appear, at this moment, that the defections have subsided. Two dozen players have left Maryland since Edsall arrived, none bigger than quarterback Danny O'Brien. Some were calling for Edsall's job after Year 1, and a debut season that featured just one win over an FBS team didn't do the program any favors. The spotlight is on College Park this season for the wrong reasons, and how the program adjusts this fall can possibly dictate its fate.
Seven players from the ACC are in position to defend the conference's Lott IMPACT Trophy, which went to Boston College's Luke Kuechly last season.
Forty-two players were named Monday to the initial Watch List for the award measuring personal character among the nation's top defensive players. Eighteen linebackers, 13 defensive backs and 11 defensive linemen make up the list, with the ACC having players from each group on it.
CB David Amerson, NC State
CB Kyle Fuller, Virginia Tech
LB Steve Greer, Virginia
DE Brandon Jenkins, FSU
LB Kevin Reddick, UNC
DT Joe Vellano, Maryland
DE Bjoern Werner, FSU
Jenkins was a nominee last season as well. The trophy is presented Dec. 9 at the Pacific Club in Newport Beach, Calif.
Forty-two players were named Monday to the initial Watch List for the award measuring personal character among the nation's top defensive players. Eighteen linebackers, 13 defensive backs and 11 defensive linemen make up the list, with the ACC having players from each group on it.
CB David Amerson, NC State
CB Kyle Fuller, Virginia Tech
LB Steve Greer, Virginia
DE Brandon Jenkins, FSU
LB Kevin Reddick, UNC
DT Joe Vellano, Maryland
DE Bjoern Werner, FSU
Jenkins was a nominee last season as well. The trophy is presented Dec. 9 at the Pacific Club in Newport Beach, Calif.
Our series continues today with the Terrapins, who are looking to rebound from a rocky 2-10 season in Year 1 of the Randy Edsall era.
For a complete recap of the series, click here.
Maryland: LB Kenny Tate
2011 stats: One of four team captains last season, Tate's campaign was cut short after just four games because of season-ending knee surgery. He recorded 35 tackles, two interceptions and one forced fumble.
What he means to the Terrapins: Say what you want about the offense, which has just one quarterback with any experience and was outplayed in Maryland's spring game, but the Terps' recovery will start on the other side of the ball. Maryland finished 108th nationally in total defense last season, and it was 111th against the run. New coordinator Brian Stewart's 3-4 system should help fix that, and a healthy Tate could ease the transition. Tate sat out this spring but was granted a medical hardship waiver and will be back for a fifth season this fall. He played safety for three years before 2011, and his 2010 campaign (100 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, three picks) earned him All-ACC honors as a junior. The 6-foot-4, 220-pounder moved to linebacker last season and has 21 total starts at Maryland, notching 197 tackles, seven picks and five forced fumbles in 40 career games. Linebacker and captain Demetrius Hartsfield led the charge in the spring game for the defense -- which was also missing All-ACC end Joe Vellano (foot) -- and the health of the unit could play a big role in Maryland's climb out of the cellar of the ACC.
For a complete recap of the series, click here.
Maryland: LB Kenny Tate
2011 stats: One of four team captains last season, Tate's campaign was cut short after just four games because of season-ending knee surgery. He recorded 35 tackles, two interceptions and one forced fumble.
What he means to the Terrapins: Say what you want about the offense, which has just one quarterback with any experience and was outplayed in Maryland's spring game, but the Terps' recovery will start on the other side of the ball. Maryland finished 108th nationally in total defense last season, and it was 111th against the run. New coordinator Brian Stewart's 3-4 system should help fix that, and a healthy Tate could ease the transition. Tate sat out this spring but was granted a medical hardship waiver and will be back for a fifth season this fall. He played safety for three years before 2011, and his 2010 campaign (100 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, three picks) earned him All-ACC honors as a junior. The 6-foot-4, 220-pounder moved to linebacker last season and has 21 total starts at Maryland, notching 197 tackles, seven picks and five forced fumbles in 40 career games. Linebacker and captain Demetrius Hartsfield led the charge in the spring game for the defense -- which was also missing All-ACC end Joe Vellano (foot) -- and the health of the unit could play a big role in Maryland's climb out of the cellar of the ACC.
Sadly, spring football season is over, leaving us almost five months until we all get to see live football again. Unfortunately for Virginia Tech fans, it will feel like even longer than that after the way this weekend went in Blacksburg.
Here are the recaps of the last round of ACC spring games.
GEORGIA TECH
The Yellow Jackets' defense dominated the line of scrimmage Friday, recording sacks on three straight plays at one point in the White team's 31-7 win over the Gold. This, of course, was due in large part to four offensive linemen missing the contest because of injuries.
"Tonight was a little hard to tell because we wanted to stay fairly vanilla, and we couldn't do much with our injury situation on the offensive line," coach Paul Johnson said. "We were down to 10 guys. We had guys playing guard who have been playing guard two days."
Better than 18,000 showed up for Georgia Tech's first Friday night spring game, which Synjyn Days managed to play in despite hurting his left wrist two days earlier. He ran 15 times for 79 yards and a score but was ineffective passing the ball, going 5-for-15 for 71 yards. He fumbled twice, with one being returned for a touchdown.
Vad Lee completed 9 of 17 throws for 120 yards and two touchdowns. Returning starter Tevin Washington went 4-of-6 for 46 yards and carried it 14 times for 67 yards and a score.
"I think all three bring something to the table," Johnson said. "It's really a matter of who can improve most [by the opener]. The guys behind Tevin both bring different things."
MARYLAND
The Terrapins' defense dominated in a 67-53 win over the offense Saturday, recording 13 sacks and allowing only two touchdowns. (To be fair, it was a one-hand touch rule on the quarterbacks.)
Still, the defense had to like what it was able to do without players such as Joe Vellano and Kenny Tate, especially in its first public test in coordinator Brian Stewart's 3-4 scheme. Ranked last in the ACC a year ago, the defense sacked C.J. Brown nine times. Brown, the only quarterback with any experience, was 17-for-33 for 199 yards and a pick, and his line likely didn't benefit from the eased defensive rules.
"The guys had a lot of fun out there today, and they had the chance to go out there and play the game again with their teammates," coach Randy Edsall said. "Overall I thought we’ve had a really good spring. I thought the guys have done a really good job since January, getting started doing all the things we need to do to be better come August."
Maryland also announced that its 2012 captains will be Brown and Kevin Dorsey on offense and Vellano and Demetrius Hartsfield on defense. Hartsfield had 12 tackles, two for loss and a sack Saturday. Vellano was a captain last season as well.
NORTH CAROLINA STATE
David Amerson picked up right where he left off in the fall, intercepting Mike Glennon in the second quarter Saturday of the Black team's 32-7 win over the White team. More importantly, the crowd of 24,797 at Carter-Finley Stadium helped raise more than $26,000 for the Kay Yow Cancer Fund.
The Black team consisted of the first-team defense and second-team offense, with the White team fielding the opposite.
"These guys are coming out here and getting after it," Amerson said. "Defense, we're all about winning. We're competitive and we're out here to compete. We don't like to lose."
Glennon went 12-of-20 for 154 yards and a pick, and the offense struggled throughout much of the day. The Wolfpack defense recorded three interceptions, one coming from safety Earl Wolff, who returned a pick off Brian Taylor 46 yards for a score. Safety Isaac Swindell added a sack for the Black team.
"I thought we were competitive," coach Tom O'Brien said. "We didn't do as good of a job protecting the quarterback today as we did a week ago."
VIRGINIA TECH
Inclement weather forced the Hokies to cancel their annual Maroon-White game.
"There was more bad weather behind this one, and we looked at every situation -- whether we could get in a couple of quarters and it didn't look good for that, or reschedule for [Sunday], and it didn't look good for that, or reschedule for Monday, and it didn't look good for that," coach Frank Beamer said. "So in the end, we had to cancel it."
Roughly 4,000 fans had to be cleared from the stadium as thunderstorms and lightning hit the area. Players were warming up for the 4 p.m. kick before the field emptied, and the game was canceled more than an hour later. Beamer said he was most disappointed for his end-of-roster guys who didn't get one last opportunity to showcase themselves before preseason practice.
Logan Thomas and Luther Maddy were named the Hokies' spring offensive and defensive MVPs, respectively. The program's website lists all of its spring award winners.
Here are the recaps of the last round of ACC spring games.
GEORGIA TECH
The Yellow Jackets' defense dominated the line of scrimmage Friday, recording sacks on three straight plays at one point in the White team's 31-7 win over the Gold. This, of course, was due in large part to four offensive linemen missing the contest because of injuries.
"Tonight was a little hard to tell because we wanted to stay fairly vanilla, and we couldn't do much with our injury situation on the offensive line," coach Paul Johnson said. "We were down to 10 guys. We had guys playing guard who have been playing guard two days."
Better than 18,000 showed up for Georgia Tech's first Friday night spring game, which Synjyn Days managed to play in despite hurting his left wrist two days earlier. He ran 15 times for 79 yards and a score but was ineffective passing the ball, going 5-for-15 for 71 yards. He fumbled twice, with one being returned for a touchdown.
Vad Lee completed 9 of 17 throws for 120 yards and two touchdowns. Returning starter Tevin Washington went 4-of-6 for 46 yards and carried it 14 times for 67 yards and a score.
"I think all three bring something to the table," Johnson said. "It's really a matter of who can improve most [by the opener]. The guys behind Tevin both bring different things."
MARYLAND
The Terrapins' defense dominated in a 67-53 win over the offense Saturday, recording 13 sacks and allowing only two touchdowns. (To be fair, it was a one-hand touch rule on the quarterbacks.)
Still, the defense had to like what it was able to do without players such as Joe Vellano and Kenny Tate, especially in its first public test in coordinator Brian Stewart's 3-4 scheme. Ranked last in the ACC a year ago, the defense sacked C.J. Brown nine times. Brown, the only quarterback with any experience, was 17-for-33 for 199 yards and a pick, and his line likely didn't benefit from the eased defensive rules.
"The guys had a lot of fun out there today, and they had the chance to go out there and play the game again with their teammates," coach Randy Edsall said. "Overall I thought we’ve had a really good spring. I thought the guys have done a really good job since January, getting started doing all the things we need to do to be better come August."
Maryland also announced that its 2012 captains will be Brown and Kevin Dorsey on offense and Vellano and Demetrius Hartsfield on defense. Hartsfield had 12 tackles, two for loss and a sack Saturday. Vellano was a captain last season as well.
NORTH CAROLINA STATE
David Amerson picked up right where he left off in the fall, intercepting Mike Glennon in the second quarter Saturday of the Black team's 32-7 win over the White team. More importantly, the crowd of 24,797 at Carter-Finley Stadium helped raise more than $26,000 for the Kay Yow Cancer Fund.
The Black team consisted of the first-team defense and second-team offense, with the White team fielding the opposite.
"These guys are coming out here and getting after it," Amerson said. "Defense, we're all about winning. We're competitive and we're out here to compete. We don't like to lose."
Glennon went 12-of-20 for 154 yards and a pick, and the offense struggled throughout much of the day. The Wolfpack defense recorded three interceptions, one coming from safety Earl Wolff, who returned a pick off Brian Taylor 46 yards for a score. Safety Isaac Swindell added a sack for the Black team.
"I thought we were competitive," coach Tom O'Brien said. "We didn't do as good of a job protecting the quarterback today as we did a week ago."
VIRGINIA TECH
Inclement weather forced the Hokies to cancel their annual Maroon-White game.
"There was more bad weather behind this one, and we looked at every situation -- whether we could get in a couple of quarters and it didn't look good for that, or reschedule for [Sunday], and it didn't look good for that, or reschedule for Monday, and it didn't look good for that," coach Frank Beamer said. "So in the end, we had to cancel it."
Roughly 4,000 fans had to be cleared from the stadium as thunderstorms and lightning hit the area. Players were warming up for the 4 p.m. kick before the field emptied, and the game was canceled more than an hour later. Beamer said he was most disappointed for his end-of-roster guys who didn't get one last opportunity to showcase themselves before preseason practice.
Logan Thomas and Luther Maddy were named the Hokies' spring offensive and defensive MVPs, respectively. The program's website lists all of its spring award winners.
Terps' Vellano, Drakeford done for spring
April, 11, 2012
Apr 11
9:00
AM ET
By
Matt Fortuna | ESPN.com
Maryland's Joe Vellano and Darin Drakeford will miss the rest of spring practice because of a foot injury and academic issues, respectively, coach Randy Edsall said this week.
Vellano, a first-team All-ACC defensive end and the Terrapins' third-leading tackler (94) last season, notched a team-best 7.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and forced and recovered a pair of fumbles. Edsall said the senior is in a walking boot and on crutches, and he is expected to recover in four to six weeks.
Drakeford was fourth on Maryland in tackles last season as a junior, with 68, and the linebacker added three tackles for loss, a sack, an interception, four forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.
Edsall said he is not too concerned about the losses with the season still five months away.
"I don’t worry about that so much," Edsall said. "You're not looking to have your final product by April 21, so I'm thankful that it gives some other guys reps and that those guys aren't seriously injured."
Vellano, a first-team All-ACC defensive end and the Terrapins' third-leading tackler (94) last season, notched a team-best 7.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and forced and recovered a pair of fumbles. Edsall said the senior is in a walking boot and on crutches, and he is expected to recover in four to six weeks.
Drakeford was fourth on Maryland in tackles last season as a junior, with 68, and the linebacker added three tackles for loss, a sack, an interception, four forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.
Edsall said he is not too concerned about the losses with the season still five months away.
"I don’t worry about that so much," Edsall said. "You're not looking to have your final product by April 21, so I'm thankful that it gives some other guys reps and that those guys aren't seriously injured."
No. 1. Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College
2011 stats: He finished with 191 total tackles (102 solo), 15.9 tackles per game, 12 tackles for loss, and three interceptions, including one for a touchdown.
Previously ranked: No. 1
Making the case for Kuechly: In only three seasons, Kuechly became one of, if not the most decorated defender in league history. He won the Lombardi Award, given annually to the nation’s top lineman or linebacker; the Nagurski Award, given annually to the nation’s top defensive player; the Dick Butkus Award, which is presented annually to the nation’s top linebacker; and was named the LOTT IMPACT Defensive Player of the Year. You’d never know it by talking to him, though, as Kuechly remained one of the most humble players in the league. He was a relentless player, a hard-hitter who seemed to be everywhere at once. He was more than just a tackling machine. He made game-changing plays and could disrupt the passing game. He ended his junior season leading the nation in tackles for the second straight year. Kuechly set ACC records for tackles in a season (191) and career (532) in 2011. He led the nation in tackles and solo tackles for the second straight year, averaging an NCAA-record 15.92 hits per game. He also finished with an ACC-record 532 career tackles, just 14 shy of the NCAA’s career record. His 14.0 career tackle average is an ACC and NCAA record. There’s no question he deserves the top spot for 2011.
No. 2 David Amerson, CB, NC State
No. 3 Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson
No. 4 David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech
No. 5 Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson
No. 6 Tajh Boyd, QB, Clemson
No. 7 Matt Daniels, S, Duke
No. 8 Andre Branch, DE, Clemson
No. 9 Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson
No. 10 Giovani Bernard, RB, North Carolina
No. 11 Logan Thomas, QB, Virginia Tech
No. 12 Blake DeChristopher, OT, Virginia Tech
No. 13 Shawn Powell, P, Florida State
No. 14 Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina
No. 15 Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina
No. 16 Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
No. 17 Sean Spence, LB, Miami
No. 18 Zebrie Sanders, OT, Florida State
No. 19 Joe Vellano, DT, Maryland
No. 20 Lamar Miller, RB, Miami
No. 21 Chris Givens, WR, Wake Forest
No. 22 Terrell Manning, LB, NC State
No. 23 Matt Conrath, DT, Virginia
No. 24 Omoregie Uzzi, RG, Georgia Tech
No. 25 Brandon Jenkins, DE, Florida State
2011 stats: He finished with 191 total tackles (102 solo), 15.9 tackles per game, 12 tackles for loss, and three interceptions, including one for a touchdown.
Previously ranked: No. 1
Making the case for Kuechly: In only three seasons, Kuechly became one of, if not the most decorated defender in league history. He won the Lombardi Award, given annually to the nation’s top lineman or linebacker; the Nagurski Award, given annually to the nation’s top defensive player; the Dick Butkus Award, which is presented annually to the nation’s top linebacker; and was named the LOTT IMPACT Defensive Player of the Year. You’d never know it by talking to him, though, as Kuechly remained one of the most humble players in the league. He was a relentless player, a hard-hitter who seemed to be everywhere at once. He was more than just a tackling machine. He made game-changing plays and could disrupt the passing game. He ended his junior season leading the nation in tackles for the second straight year. Kuechly set ACC records for tackles in a season (191) and career (532) in 2011. He led the nation in tackles and solo tackles for the second straight year, averaging an NCAA-record 15.92 hits per game. He also finished with an ACC-record 532 career tackles, just 14 shy of the NCAA’s career record. His 14.0 career tackle average is an ACC and NCAA record. There’s no question he deserves the top spot for 2011.
No. 2 David Amerson, CB, NC State
No. 3 Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson
No. 4 David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech
No. 5 Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson
No. 6 Tajh Boyd, QB, Clemson
No. 7 Matt Daniels, S, Duke
No. 8 Andre Branch, DE, Clemson
No. 9 Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson
No. 10 Giovani Bernard, RB, North Carolina
No. 11 Logan Thomas, QB, Virginia Tech
No. 12 Blake DeChristopher, OT, Virginia Tech
No. 13 Shawn Powell, P, Florida State
No. 14 Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina
No. 15 Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina
No. 16 Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
No. 17 Sean Spence, LB, Miami
No. 18 Zebrie Sanders, OT, Florida State
No. 19 Joe Vellano, DT, Maryland
No. 20 Lamar Miller, RB, Miami
No. 21 Chris Givens, WR, Wake Forest
No. 22 Terrell Manning, LB, NC State
No. 23 Matt Conrath, DT, Virginia
No. 24 Omoregie Uzzi, RG, Georgia Tech
No. 25 Brandon Jenkins, DE, Florida State
Of all of the new coaches who have been hired in the ACC this offseason, Maryland defensive coordinator Brian Stewart has been tasked with one of the more difficult jobs -- at least on paper.
Stewart inherited the nation’s No. 102 scoring defense (34.25 points per game), No. 111 rushing defense (219.75 yards per game), and No. 108 total defense (457.17 ypg).
“I never look at rankings,” Stewart said. “If you get caught up in the rankings, you can get discouraged, or you can start patting yourself on the back. First of all you have to believe in your system, you look at the people who are going to play in your system, and you look at the guys who are going to teach your system. If you can get those three things to jive, then you’ve got a chance to be successful, and that’s how I look at it.”
Based on what he’s seen this offseason, Stewart said he already has two thirds of the equation solved, as coach Randy Edsall and the other assistants are all on board with switching to a 3-4 scheme. Only when the Terps start spring practices on Saturday, though, will Stewart learn if the players are also buying in. The first few practices will be filled with a lot of installation, and will be pivotal in revealing how quickly the players can learn the scheme and how it’s being taught.
“Once people believe,” Stewart said, “they make it work.”
The good news? The only way for Maryland to go is up.
Stewart will introduce a pressure defense -- not just blitzing on every play and every down, but pressure meaning when the receivers are trying to catch the ball, the defensive backs are in a place where they can contest every catch, and the opposing coordinator and quarterback can’t tell who’s coming and who’s not from the seven players at the line of scrimmage.
Stewart said he has tried to evaluate the skill sets of the players he has inherited as opposed to the previous system they were playing in. Stewart said he was specifically interested in how his defenders fared against Florida State, Clemson, Georgia Tech and West Virginia.
“I look at it every day,” he said, “over and over.”
On Saturday, he’ll finally get his first live look.
Eleven of Maryland’s top 13 tacklers from 2011 return, including linebacker Demetrius Hartsfield, who had a team-high 108 tackles, and safety Eric Franklin, who was second with 106. Six of the top seven sack producers from 2011 also return, including Andre Monroe, who had five, the second most by a Maryland freshman in the past nine years. Maryland also welcomes back Joe Vellano, who led the FBS last season in tackles by a defensive lineman with 7.8 per game. A total of 16 defenders have starting experience. It was a young, injury-laden group in 2011 that now faces a much-needed overhaul.
“We just had a defensive meeting [Tuesday] morning and just the way [Stewart] is really upbeat is really good,” Vellano said. “We are really working on getting this defense down and getting that work in off the field as well. We have a lot of new guys in positions to make plays and I think it really just fits us personnel-wise."
Stewart inherited the nation’s No. 102 scoring defense (34.25 points per game), No. 111 rushing defense (219.75 yards per game), and No. 108 total defense (457.17 ypg).
“I never look at rankings,” Stewart said. “If you get caught up in the rankings, you can get discouraged, or you can start patting yourself on the back. First of all you have to believe in your system, you look at the people who are going to play in your system, and you look at the guys who are going to teach your system. If you can get those three things to jive, then you’ve got a chance to be successful, and that’s how I look at it.”
Based on what he’s seen this offseason, Stewart said he already has two thirds of the equation solved, as coach Randy Edsall and the other assistants are all on board with switching to a 3-4 scheme. Only when the Terps start spring practices on Saturday, though, will Stewart learn if the players are also buying in. The first few practices will be filled with a lot of installation, and will be pivotal in revealing how quickly the players can learn the scheme and how it’s being taught.
“Once people believe,” Stewart said, “they make it work.”
The good news? The only way for Maryland to go is up.
Stewart will introduce a pressure defense -- not just blitzing on every play and every down, but pressure meaning when the receivers are trying to catch the ball, the defensive backs are in a place where they can contest every catch, and the opposing coordinator and quarterback can’t tell who’s coming and who’s not from the seven players at the line of scrimmage.
Stewart said he has tried to evaluate the skill sets of the players he has inherited as opposed to the previous system they were playing in. Stewart said he was specifically interested in how his defenders fared against Florida State, Clemson, Georgia Tech and West Virginia.
“I look at it every day,” he said, “over and over.”
On Saturday, he’ll finally get his first live look.
Eleven of Maryland’s top 13 tacklers from 2011 return, including linebacker Demetrius Hartsfield, who had a team-high 108 tackles, and safety Eric Franklin, who was second with 106. Six of the top seven sack producers from 2011 also return, including Andre Monroe, who had five, the second most by a Maryland freshman in the past nine years. Maryland also welcomes back Joe Vellano, who led the FBS last season in tackles by a defensive lineman with 7.8 per game. A total of 16 defenders have starting experience. It was a young, injury-laden group in 2011 that now faces a much-needed overhaul.
“We just had a defensive meeting [Tuesday] morning and just the way [Stewart] is really upbeat is really good,” Vellano said. “We are really working on getting this defense down and getting that work in off the field as well. We have a lot of new guys in positions to make plays and I think it really just fits us personnel-wise."
No. 2. David Amerson, CB, NC State
2011 stats: He started 13 games and finished the season with 59 tackles, five pass breakups, and 13 interceptions for 205 yards and two touchdowns.
Previously ranked: Not ranked.
Making the case for Amerson: He was a first-team Walter Camp All-American, and led the FBS with 13 interceptions -- six more than any other player. It was the most in the FBS since 1968 and tied as the second-best total in FBS history. He broke the ACC’s single-season interception record in the upset of No. 7-ranked Clemson. He also broke the school’s single-season interception record of nine that had stood for 73 years and was set by Art Rooney in 1937 and 1938. He was one of just three true freshmen to start a game for the Pack in 2010. To say he had a breakout sophomore season is an understatement. In 2010, he didn’t have one pick in 640 snaps. He found his comfort zone after moving from boundary to field corner.
No. 3 Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson
No. 4 David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech
No. 5 Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson
No. 6 Tajh Boyd, QB, Clemson
No. 7 Matt Daniels, S, Duke
No. 8 Andre Branch, DE, Clemson
No. 9Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson
No. 10Giovani Bernard, RB, North Carolina
No. 11 Logan Thomas, QB, Virginia Tech
No. 12Blake DeChristopher, OT, Virginia Tech
No. 13 Shawn Powell, P, Florida State
No. 14 Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina
No. 15Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina
No. 16 Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
No. 17 Sean Spence, LB, Miami
No. 18Zebrie Sanders, OT, Florida State
No. 19Joe Vellano, DT, Maryland
No. 20 Lamar Miller, RB, Miami
No. 21Chris Givens, WR, Wake Forest
No. 22 Terrell Manning, LB, NC State
No. 23Matt Conrath, DT, Virginia
No. 24Omoregie Uzzi, RG, Georgia Tech
No. 25 Brandon Jenkins, DE, Florida State
2011 stats: He started 13 games and finished the season with 59 tackles, five pass breakups, and 13 interceptions for 205 yards and two touchdowns.
Previously ranked: Not ranked.
Making the case for Amerson: He was a first-team Walter Camp All-American, and led the FBS with 13 interceptions -- six more than any other player. It was the most in the FBS since 1968 and tied as the second-best total in FBS history. He broke the ACC’s single-season interception record in the upset of No. 7-ranked Clemson. He also broke the school’s single-season interception record of nine that had stood for 73 years and was set by Art Rooney in 1937 and 1938. He was one of just three true freshmen to start a game for the Pack in 2010. To say he had a breakout sophomore season is an understatement. In 2010, he didn’t have one pick in 640 snaps. He found his comfort zone after moving from boundary to field corner.
No. 3 Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson
No. 4 David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech
No. 5 Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson
No. 6 Tajh Boyd, QB, Clemson
No. 7 Matt Daniels, S, Duke
No. 8 Andre Branch, DE, Clemson
No. 9Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson
No. 10Giovani Bernard, RB, North Carolina
No. 11 Logan Thomas, QB, Virginia Tech
No. 12Blake DeChristopher, OT, Virginia Tech
No. 13 Shawn Powell, P, Florida State
No. 14 Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina
No. 15Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina
No. 16 Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
No. 17 Sean Spence, LB, Miami
No. 18Zebrie Sanders, OT, Florida State
No. 19Joe Vellano, DT, Maryland
No. 20 Lamar Miller, RB, Miami
No. 21Chris Givens, WR, Wake Forest
No. 22 Terrell Manning, LB, NC State
No. 23Matt Conrath, DT, Virginia
No. 24Omoregie Uzzi, RG, Georgia Tech
No. 25 Brandon Jenkins, DE, Florida State
No. 3. Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson
2011 stats: He had 82 receptions for 1,219 yards and 12 touchdowns, 231 yards on 32 carries, and 33 kickoff returns for 826 yards and one touchdown. He finished with 2,288 all-purpose yards in 656 snaps over 13 games (10 starts). Watkins averaged 14.9 yards per catch, 7.2 yards per carry, and 25 yards per kickoff return. He also completed his only pass for nine yards.
Previously ranked: Not ranked
Making the case for Watkins: If you watched him at all last season, he made the case for himself, as a primary receiver, ball carrier and kick returner. He set several school records as a true freshman, but he has remained humble and willing to learn and get better. He quickly established himself as one of the best players in the country, finishing fourth in the nation in all-purpose yards per game (176.0) and 16th in receiving yards per game. He was first in the ACC in all-purpose yards per game, second in receiving yards per game, second in kickoff return average, third in receptions per game, and tied for third in points (touchdowns) per game (6.0).
No. 4 David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech
No. 5 Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson
No. 6 Tajh Boyd, QB, Clemson
No. 7 Matt Daniels, S, Duke
No. 8 Andre Branch, DE, Clemson
No. 9 Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson
No. 10 Giovani Bernard, RB, North Carolina
No. 11 Logan Thomas, QB, Virginia Tech
No. 12 Blake DeChristopher, OT, Virginia Tech
No. 13 Shawn Powell, P, Florida State
No. 14 Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina
No. 15 Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina
No. 16 Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
No. 17 Sean Spence, LB, Miami
No. 18 Zebrie Sanders, OT, Florida State
No. 19 Joe Vellano, DT, Maryland
No. 20 Lamar Miller, RB, Miami
No. 21 Chris Givens, WR, Wake Forest
No. 22 Terrell Manning, LB, NC State
No. 23 Matt Conrath, DT, Virginia
No. 24 Omoregie Uzzi, RG, Georgia Tech
No. 25 Brandon Jenkins, DE, Florida State
2011 stats: He had 82 receptions for 1,219 yards and 12 touchdowns, 231 yards on 32 carries, and 33 kickoff returns for 826 yards and one touchdown. He finished with 2,288 all-purpose yards in 656 snaps over 13 games (10 starts). Watkins averaged 14.9 yards per catch, 7.2 yards per carry, and 25 yards per kickoff return. He also completed his only pass for nine yards.
Previously ranked: Not ranked
Making the case for Watkins: If you watched him at all last season, he made the case for himself, as a primary receiver, ball carrier and kick returner. He set several school records as a true freshman, but he has remained humble and willing to learn and get better. He quickly established himself as one of the best players in the country, finishing fourth in the nation in all-purpose yards per game (176.0) and 16th in receiving yards per game. He was first in the ACC in all-purpose yards per game, second in receiving yards per game, second in kickoff return average, third in receptions per game, and tied for third in points (touchdowns) per game (6.0).
No. 4 David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech
No. 5 Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson
No. 6 Tajh Boyd, QB, Clemson
No. 7 Matt Daniels, S, Duke
No. 8 Andre Branch, DE, Clemson
No. 9 Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson
No. 10 Giovani Bernard, RB, North Carolina
No. 11 Logan Thomas, QB, Virginia Tech
No. 12 Blake DeChristopher, OT, Virginia Tech
No. 13 Shawn Powell, P, Florida State
No. 14 Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina
No. 15 Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina
No. 16 Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
No. 17 Sean Spence, LB, Miami
No. 18 Zebrie Sanders, OT, Florida State
No. 19 Joe Vellano, DT, Maryland
No. 20 Lamar Miller, RB, Miami
No. 21 Chris Givens, WR, Wake Forest
No. 22 Terrell Manning, LB, NC State
No. 23 Matt Conrath, DT, Virginia
No. 24 Omoregie Uzzi, RG, Georgia Tech
No. 25 Brandon Jenkins, DE, Florida State
No. 4. David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech
2011 stats: He started all 14 games and played over 700 snaps on offense and 51 on special teams. He rushed for a school-record 1,709 yards on 290 carries (5.9 yards per carry) and nine touchdowns, for an average of 122.1 rushing yards per game. He also caught 21 passes for 126 yards and a touchdown. He led team with 22 kickoff returns for 415 yards and totaled 2,253 all-purpose yards.
Previously ranked: No. 10
Making the case for Wilson: He was a durable back who proved last year that he could carry the full workload, and his athleticism and explosiveness made him an exciting player to watch. He was the ACC’s overall and offensive player of the year. His streak of seven straight 100-plus rushing yard games were the most under coach Frank Beamer and he finished with 10 total, which tied the ACC single-season record set by Ryan Williams in 2009.
No. 5 Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson
No. 6 Tajh Boyd, QB, Clemson
No. 7 Matt Daniels, S, Duke
No. 8 Andre Branch, DE, Clemson
No. 9Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson
No. 10Giovani Bernard, RB, North Carolina
No. 11 Logan Thomas, QB, Virginia Tech
No. 12Blake DeChristopher, OT, Virginia Tech
No. 13 Shawn Powell, P, Florida State
No. 14 Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina
No. 15Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina
No. 16 Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
No. 17 Sean Spence, LB, Miami
No. 18Zebrie Sanders, OT, Florida State
No. 19Joe Vellano, DT, Maryland
No. 20 Lamar Miller, RB, Miami
No. 21Chris Givens, WR, Wake Forest
No. 22 Terrell Manning, LB, NC State
No. 23Matt Conrath, DT, Virginia
No. 24Omoregie Uzzi, RG, Georgia Tech
No. 25 Brandon Jenkins, DE, Florida State
2011 stats: He started all 14 games and played over 700 snaps on offense and 51 on special teams. He rushed for a school-record 1,709 yards on 290 carries (5.9 yards per carry) and nine touchdowns, for an average of 122.1 rushing yards per game. He also caught 21 passes for 126 yards and a touchdown. He led team with 22 kickoff returns for 415 yards and totaled 2,253 all-purpose yards.
Previously ranked: No. 10
Making the case for Wilson: He was a durable back who proved last year that he could carry the full workload, and his athleticism and explosiveness made him an exciting player to watch. He was the ACC’s overall and offensive player of the year. His streak of seven straight 100-plus rushing yard games were the most under coach Frank Beamer and he finished with 10 total, which tied the ACC single-season record set by Ryan Williams in 2009.
No. 5 Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson
No. 6 Tajh Boyd, QB, Clemson
No. 7 Matt Daniels, S, Duke
No. 8 Andre Branch, DE, Clemson
No. 9Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson
No. 10Giovani Bernard, RB, North Carolina
No. 11 Logan Thomas, QB, Virginia Tech
No. 12Blake DeChristopher, OT, Virginia Tech
No. 13 Shawn Powell, P, Florida State
No. 14 Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina
No. 15Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina
No. 16 Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
No. 17 Sean Spence, LB, Miami
No. 18Zebrie Sanders, OT, Florida State
No. 19Joe Vellano, DT, Maryland
No. 20 Lamar Miller, RB, Miami
No. 21Chris Givens, WR, Wake Forest
No. 22 Terrell Manning, LB, NC State
No. 23Matt Conrath, DT, Virginia
No. 24Omoregie Uzzi, RG, Georgia Tech
No. 25 Brandon Jenkins, DE, Florida State
No. 5. Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson
2011 stats: He had 50 receptions for 598 yards and eight touchdowns (tied for fourth-most in school history) in 890 snaps over 14 games (14 starts).
Previously ranked: Not ranked.
Making the case for Allen: Quarterback Tajh Boyd orchestrated the offense, but if you ask many of Clemson’s opponents, they’d probably tell you Allen was the X-factor. He was the program’s first winner of the John Mackey Award, given to the nation’s top tight end, and his 93 career catches tied for the most in school history by a tight end. His receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns were the most by a tight end in school history. Three of his best games last season came against Florida State and Virginia Tech. He had two catches -- both for touchdowns -- in the ACC title game against the Hokies. He’s got big-play ability, and was a mature, dependable leader for last year’s young team, not to mention an All-American.
No. 6 Tajh Boyd, QB, Clemson
No. 7 Matt Daniels, S, Duke
No. 8 Andre Branch, DE, Clemson
No. 9 Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson
No. 10 Giovani Bernard, RB, North Carolina
No. 11 Logan Thomas, QB, Virginia Tech
No. 12 Blake DeChristopher, OT, Virginia Tech
No. 13 Shawn Powell, P, Florida State
No. 14 Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina
No. 15 Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina
No. 16 Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
No. 17 Sean Spence, LB, Miami
No. 18 Zebrie Sanders, OT, Florida State
No. 19 Joe Vellano, DT, Maryland
No. 20 Lamar Miller, RB, Miami
No. 21 Chris Givens, WR, Wake Forest
No. 22 Terrell Manning, LB, NC State
No. 23 Matt Conrath, DT, Virginia
No. 24 Omoregie Uzzi, RG, Georgia Tech
No. 25 Brandon Jenkins, DE, Florida State
2011 stats: He had 50 receptions for 598 yards and eight touchdowns (tied for fourth-most in school history) in 890 snaps over 14 games (14 starts).
Previously ranked: Not ranked.
Making the case for Allen: Quarterback Tajh Boyd orchestrated the offense, but if you ask many of Clemson’s opponents, they’d probably tell you Allen was the X-factor. He was the program’s first winner of the John Mackey Award, given to the nation’s top tight end, and his 93 career catches tied for the most in school history by a tight end. His receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns were the most by a tight end in school history. Three of his best games last season came against Florida State and Virginia Tech. He had two catches -- both for touchdowns -- in the ACC title game against the Hokies. He’s got big-play ability, and was a mature, dependable leader for last year’s young team, not to mention an All-American.
No. 6 Tajh Boyd, QB, Clemson
No. 7 Matt Daniels, S, Duke
No. 8 Andre Branch, DE, Clemson
No. 9 Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson
No. 10 Giovani Bernard, RB, North Carolina
No. 11 Logan Thomas, QB, Virginia Tech
No. 12 Blake DeChristopher, OT, Virginia Tech
No. 13 Shawn Powell, P, Florida State
No. 14 Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina
No. 15 Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina
No. 16 Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
No. 17 Sean Spence, LB, Miami
No. 18 Zebrie Sanders, OT, Florida State
No. 19 Joe Vellano, DT, Maryland
No. 20 Lamar Miller, RB, Miami
No. 21 Chris Givens, WR, Wake Forest
No. 22 Terrell Manning, LB, NC State
No. 23 Matt Conrath, DT, Virginia
No. 24 Omoregie Uzzi, RG, Georgia Tech
No. 25 Brandon Jenkins, DE, Florida State
No. 6. Tajh Boyd, QB, Clemson
2011 stats: He completed 298 of 499 pass attempts for 3,828 yards, 33 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 997 snaps over 14 games (14 starts). He completed 59.7 percent of his passes and had a 141.2 pass efficiency rating. He also had 218 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns. He had 4,046 total yards and was responsible for a school-record 38 touchdowns.
Previously ranked: Not ranked.
Making the case for Boyd: Boyd was a completely different quarterback than the one we saw last spring, and he progressed so quickly in a new offense that he was able to get the Tigers off to an 8-0 start and play his way into the Heisman conversation. He was a major reason the Tigers won their first ACC title since 1991, and his leadership qualities were immediately embraced in the huddle in his first season as a starter. He has a 10-4 record as a starter and has the size and arm strength to become even better.
No. 7 Matt Daniels, S, Duke
No. 8 Andre Branch, DE, Clemson
No. 9 Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson
No. 10 Giovani Bernard, RB, North Carolina
No. 11 Logan Thomas, QB, Virginia Tech
No. 12 Blake DeChristopher, OT, Virginia Tech
No. 13 Shawn Powell, P, Florida State
No. 14 Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina
No. 15 Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina
No. 16 Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
No. 17 Sean Spence, LB, Miami
No. 18 Zebrie Sanders, OT, Florida State
No. 19 Joe Vellano, DT, Maryland
No. 20 Lamar Miller, RB, Miami
No. 21 Chris Givens, WR, Wake Forest
No. 22 Terrell Manning, LB, NC State
No. 23 Matt Conrath, DT, Virginia
No. 24 Omoregie Uzzi, RG, Georgia Tech
No. 25 Brandon Jenkins, DE, Florida State
2011 stats: He completed 298 of 499 pass attempts for 3,828 yards, 33 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 997 snaps over 14 games (14 starts). He completed 59.7 percent of his passes and had a 141.2 pass efficiency rating. He also had 218 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns. He had 4,046 total yards and was responsible for a school-record 38 touchdowns.
Previously ranked: Not ranked.
Making the case for Boyd: Boyd was a completely different quarterback than the one we saw last spring, and he progressed so quickly in a new offense that he was able to get the Tigers off to an 8-0 start and play his way into the Heisman conversation. He was a major reason the Tigers won their first ACC title since 1991, and his leadership qualities were immediately embraced in the huddle in his first season as a starter. He has a 10-4 record as a starter and has the size and arm strength to become even better.
No. 7 Matt Daniels, S, Duke
No. 8 Andre Branch, DE, Clemson
No. 9 Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson
No. 10 Giovani Bernard, RB, North Carolina
No. 11 Logan Thomas, QB, Virginia Tech
No. 12 Blake DeChristopher, OT, Virginia Tech
No. 13 Shawn Powell, P, Florida State
No. 14 Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina
No. 15 Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina
No. 16 Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
No. 17 Sean Spence, LB, Miami
No. 18 Zebrie Sanders, OT, Florida State
No. 19 Joe Vellano, DT, Maryland
No. 20 Lamar Miller, RB, Miami
No. 21 Chris Givens, WR, Wake Forest
No. 22 Terrell Manning, LB, NC State
No. 23 Matt Conrath, DT, Virginia
No. 24 Omoregie Uzzi, RG, Georgia Tech
No. 25 Brandon Jenkins, DE, Florida State
No. 7. Matt Daniels, S, Duke
2011 stats: He led Duke and ranked third in the ACC in tackles per game (10.5) and finished the year with 126 tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss, two interceptions, 14 pass break-ups and one caused fumble. He was the team leader in both interceptions and pass breakups.
Previously ranked: Not ranked.
Making the case for Daniels: Don’t be fooled by the fact he wore a Duke uniform. Despite the team’s 3-9 finish, Daniels was one of the best defensive backs in the country. He was just one of three players in the league to average double figures in tackles -- and he did it against the likes of Stanford (13), Florida State (14), Virginia Tech (13) and Miami (11) -- and he was third in the league balloting for the ACC’s Defensive Player of the Year. His 14 pass breakups were the second-most in a single season in school history. His 126 tackles were the most for a Duke defensive back since Terrell Smith had 140 in 2003.
No. 8 Andre Branch, DE, Clemson
No. 9 Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson
No. 10 Giovani Bernard, RB, North Carolina
No. 11 Logan Thomas, QB, Virginia Tech
No. 12 Blake DeChristopher, OT, Virginia Tech
No. 13 Shawn Powell, P, Florida State
No. 14 Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina
No. 15 Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina
No. 16 Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
No. 17 Sean Spence, LB, Miami
No. 18 Zebrie Sanders, OT, Florida State
No. 19 Joe Vellano, DT, Maryland
No. 20 Lamar Miller, RB, Miami
No. 21 Chris Givens, WR, Wake Forest
No. 22 Terrell Manning, LB, NC State
No. 23 Matt Conrath, DT, Virginia
No. 24 Omoregie Uzzi, RG, Georgia Tech
No. 25 Brandon Jenkins, DE, Florida State
2011 stats: He led Duke and ranked third in the ACC in tackles per game (10.5) and finished the year with 126 tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss, two interceptions, 14 pass break-ups and one caused fumble. He was the team leader in both interceptions and pass breakups.
Previously ranked: Not ranked.
Making the case for Daniels: Don’t be fooled by the fact he wore a Duke uniform. Despite the team’s 3-9 finish, Daniels was one of the best defensive backs in the country. He was just one of three players in the league to average double figures in tackles -- and he did it against the likes of Stanford (13), Florida State (14), Virginia Tech (13) and Miami (11) -- and he was third in the league balloting for the ACC’s Defensive Player of the Year. His 14 pass breakups were the second-most in a single season in school history. His 126 tackles were the most for a Duke defensive back since Terrell Smith had 140 in 2003.
No. 8 Andre Branch, DE, Clemson
No. 9 Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson
No. 10 Giovani Bernard, RB, North Carolina
No. 11 Logan Thomas, QB, Virginia Tech
No. 12 Blake DeChristopher, OT, Virginia Tech
No. 13 Shawn Powell, P, Florida State
No. 14 Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina
No. 15 Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina
No. 16 Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
No. 17 Sean Spence, LB, Miami
No. 18 Zebrie Sanders, OT, Florida State
No. 19 Joe Vellano, DT, Maryland
No. 20 Lamar Miller, RB, Miami
No. 21 Chris Givens, WR, Wake Forest
No. 22 Terrell Manning, LB, NC State
No. 23 Matt Conrath, DT, Virginia
No. 24 Omoregie Uzzi, RG, Georgia Tech
No. 25 Brandon Jenkins, DE, Florida State
No. 8. Andre Branch, DE, Clemson
2011 stats: He had 85 tackles, a team-high 17 tackles for loss, a team-high 10.5 sacks, and 17 quarterback pressures in 755 snaps over 14 games (14 starts). He was second on the team in tackles, and had a team-high 64 first hits. He tied for fourth in school history in sacks and was 15th in the nation in sacks per game (0.75). He was first in the ACC in sacks per game and third in tackles for loss per game (1.2).
Previously ranked: Not ranked.
Making the case for Branch: He emerged as one of the top defensive ends in the country as a senior, and was one of six finalists for the Ted Hendricks Award. He had a team-high 11 tackles, a caused fumble, and tied the school record for both tackles for loss (6) and sacks (4) in 57 snaps at No. 10 Virginia Tech on Oct. 1 in his home state. All four sacks came in the second half, and he was a big reason Clemson held the Hokies without a touchdown in their home stadium for the first time since 1995. He’s disciplined, has good awareness as a pass-rusher, and executes his assignments consistently.
No. 9 Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson
No. 10 Giovani Bernard, RB, North Carolina
No. 11 Logan Thomas, QB, Virginia Tech
No. 12 Blake DeChristopher, OT, Virginia Tech
No. 13 Shawn Powell, P, Florida State
No. 14 Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina
No. 15 Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina
No. 16 Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
No. 17 Sean Spence, LB, Miami
No. 18 Zebrie Sanders, OT, Florida State
No. 19 Joe Vellano, DT, Maryland
No. 20 Lamar Miller, RB, Miami
No. 21 Chris Givens, WR, Wake Forest
No. 22 Terrell Manning, LB, NC State
No. 23 Matt Conrath, DT, Virginia
No. 24 Omoregie Uzzi, RG, Georgia Tech
No. 25 Brandon Jenkins, DE, Florida State
2011 stats: He had 85 tackles, a team-high 17 tackles for loss, a team-high 10.5 sacks, and 17 quarterback pressures in 755 snaps over 14 games (14 starts). He was second on the team in tackles, and had a team-high 64 first hits. He tied for fourth in school history in sacks and was 15th in the nation in sacks per game (0.75). He was first in the ACC in sacks per game and third in tackles for loss per game (1.2).
Previously ranked: Not ranked.
Making the case for Branch: He emerged as one of the top defensive ends in the country as a senior, and was one of six finalists for the Ted Hendricks Award. He had a team-high 11 tackles, a caused fumble, and tied the school record for both tackles for loss (6) and sacks (4) in 57 snaps at No. 10 Virginia Tech on Oct. 1 in his home state. All four sacks came in the second half, and he was a big reason Clemson held the Hokies without a touchdown in their home stadium for the first time since 1995. He’s disciplined, has good awareness as a pass-rusher, and executes his assignments consistently.
No. 9 Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson
No. 10 Giovani Bernard, RB, North Carolina
No. 11 Logan Thomas, QB, Virginia Tech
No. 12 Blake DeChristopher, OT, Virginia Tech
No. 13 Shawn Powell, P, Florida State
No. 14 Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina
No. 15 Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina
No. 16 Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
No. 17 Sean Spence, LB, Miami
No. 18 Zebrie Sanders, OT, Florida State
No. 19 Joe Vellano, DT, Maryland
No. 20 Lamar Miller, RB, Miami
No. 21 Chris Givens, WR, Wake Forest
No. 22 Terrell Manning, LB, NC State
No. 23 Matt Conrath, DT, Virginia
No. 24 Omoregie Uzzi, RG, Georgia Tech
No. 25 Brandon Jenkins, DE, Florida State
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.
