ESPN College Football

More news expected out of Miami soon, and I'm not talking Irene ...

• It sounds like Miami is on the brink of declaring players ineligible.
• Or should Miami just drop the whole thing and call it quits?
• Frank Beamer needed stitches after a little run-in with his quarterback and megaphone. Oops.
• Virginia fullback Max Milien is a do-it-all guy for the Hoos.
• UVA coach Mike London isn't settling for baby steps this year.
• NC State has a new offense -- it's called "equal opportunity."
• How are Georgia Tech's NFL rookies doing? Joshua Nesbitt made a special-teams tackle.
• The main lesson learned from Wake's scrimmage is that the Deacs have two very good running backs.
• A former wide receiver could be BC's answer at safety.
• BC receiver Alex Amidon is a "fart in a frying pan" no more. (Still laughing about this one.)
• Clemson's run defense must get better.
• Maryland kicker Nick Ferrara is ready for a comeback.
• FSU's Chad Abram is the perfect fit for a fullback.

There are three programs in the ACC facing uncertainty at the quarterback position, and this month the competition will determine who the starter is at Virginia, Miami and Georgia Tech. Of the three, Georgia Tech quarterback Tevin Washington has the most job security and currently sits atop the depth chart.

None of them, though, should feel comfortable.

Here’s a look at the top three quarterback battles in the ACC:

1. VIRGINIA

The candidates:

• Ross Metheny: He played in five games last year and completed 13 of 17 passes for three touchdowns, one interception and 171 yards. He had a career-best day against Florida State when he completed 7 of 9 passes for 68 yards and a touchdown and he was 2-for-2 for 50 yards and a touchdown against Virginia Tech.
• Michael Rocco: He played in six games as a true freshman last year and was the first option off the bench in four games. He has completed 13 of 25 pass attempts for one touchdown, two interceptions and 143 yards.
• Michael Strauss: He enrolled in January 2010 and redshirted last year.
• David Watford: The true freshman enrolled in January and was inconsistent this spring. He was rated the No. 58 quarterback in the nation by ESPN.com.

The skinny: None of them emerged as a true leader this past spring. Coach Mike London said the first few weeks of summer practice will be spent watching their fundamentals, their drops, their throws and reactions to the defense. London said he would like to determine who’s No. 1 and No. 2 by game week.

The quote: “We’ll be able to tell early on where these guys are and how far they’ve moved ahead, stayed the same or taken a step backwards,” London said. “… They touch the ball 100 percent of the time. You want to make sure there’s enough evaluation to assess where they are. I would say about midway through practices as we’re still going good-on-good we’ll make some type of determination on that.”

2. MIAMI

The candidates:

• Jacory Harris: Despite a concussion that sidelined him for three games, Harris finished last season with 6,340 career passing yards, the third most in program history. His 14 passing touchdowns gave him 50 for his career, the second most of any Miami quarterback. Yet despite his cemented place among the program’s career leaders, Harris’ 32 interceptions over the past two seasons are reason for concern.
• Stephen Morris: He enrolled in January 2010 and grew up quickly last season when he played in six games, including starts in the final four regular-season games. He threw for 1,240 yards on 82-of-153 passing and had a team-high 125.01 quarterback efficiency rating. His 206.7 yards per game average was the highest on the team.

The skinny: Last year’s disappointing season can be attributed in large part to the unraveling of the quarterback position. Harris had been plagued by poor decision-making all season, and then took a major step back when he was injured. Morris played admirably considering the circumstances, but as expected made some rookie mistakes. The competition between them began in the preparation leading up to the bowl game last year and will continue until one of them separates himself. Will first-year coach Al Golden go with Harris, the veteran, or Morris, who has shown promise despite having to learn two offensive systems in as many seasons?

The quote: Golden said he wouldn’t completely rule out the idea of a two-quarterback system, but “it’s something I haven’t been comfortable with.” Golden said Harris’ experience isn’t necessarily an edge over Morris. “Either one could very easily lead our team right now.”

3. GEORGIA TECH

The candidates:

• Tevin Washington: He started the final four games of the season after replacing injured starter Joshua Nesbitt in the Virginia Tech game. He rushed for 514 yards and is the team’s second-leading returning rusher. He completed 25 of 61 pass attempts for 417 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions. He was voted by his teammates as “most likely to surprise” in 2011.
• Synjyn Days: He rushed for more than 100 yards and accounted for two touchdowns in the spring game. He redshirted last year and played an option-type offense at Hillgrove High School in Georgia.
• Vad Lee: He’s a true freshman from Durham, N.C., who led Hillside High to the state championship. He rushed for 1,300 yards and passed for 3,223 last year. He rushed for five touchdowns in one game with Paul Johnson watching in the stands.
• Demond Smith: A true freshman from Monroe, Ga., Smith led his high school team to an 11-2 record and state playoff appearance. He rushed for a school-record 1,795 yards and 25 touchdowns as a senior.

The skinny: Washington has earned his place atop the depth chart entering the fall. It’s his job to lose, it’s that simple, but coach Paul Johnson has made it very clear that there will be competition this summer. Washington is 1-3 as a starter, but the Jackets’ offensive woes weren’t entirely his fault last year. The season changed with Nesbitt’s injury. Washington was the most consistent performer this past spring, but he really struggled during the spring game and was outperformed by Days.

The quote: “We’re going to play the guy who gives us the best chance to win. Sometimes winning the game is not losing it, being able to manage and do those kinds of things.” -- Johnson.

Our series highlighting one assistant coach from each team whose position group will be in the spotlight this fall continues with Georgia Tech:

Coach: Brian Bohannon

Position: Quarterbacks/B-backs

Experience: Bohannon is entering his fourth season at Georgia Tech and 15th season working with coach Paul Johnson. Before arriving at Georgia Tech, Bohannon spent six years as wide receivers coach at Navy. Bohannon coached the wide receivers for three seasons (1997-99) at Georgia Southern before taking over the defensive backs his last two years (2000-01).

Of note: Bohannon played wide receiver for four seasons at Georgia. He started his coaching career at West Georgia before earning his first full-time position at Gardner-Webb (N.C.) as wide receivers coach in 1996. Bohannon earned his bachelor's degree in general business from Georgia in 1993 and a master's in business education from West Georgia in 1996.

His challenge: Make the post-Nesbitt era a success. It took a year or two for former quarterback Joshua Nesbitt to fully grasp the execution of the spread-option offense, but Georgia Tech, which is coming off a losing season, doesn’t have much time for growing pains. The good news is that Tevin Washington got some starting experience last year at the expense of Nesbitt’s season-ending injury, but Washington struggled in the spring game and still has a lot to prove. There’s no question he’s the starter heading into fall camp, but Washington will face the most pressure from Synjyn Days. Washington was the Jackets’ most consistent quarterback this past spring, but if Georgia Tech’s unique offense is going to win games this year, the Jackets must have a smart, tough quarterback who takes care of the ball, and who can also take advantage of the few opportunities there are to pass and throw with efficiency. It’s up to Bohannon to coach ‘em up.

Last week we looked at which player in the ACC was the most difficult to replace and you had a chance to cast your vote.

My vote: Virginia Tech quarterback Tyrod Taylor

Making the case for Taylor: Taylor's impact went beyond the field and in the huddle. He was the winningest quarterback in school history, but he was also the heart of the offense and a leader on the team when it needed it most. Last season, when the Hokies lost to James Madison, Taylor was one of the seniors who asserted himself and let the rest of the team know the season wasn't over. He made the right decisions off the field and was a game-changer on it. Taylor's ability to scramble and make plays with his feet likely won't be duplicated by Logan Thomas, as they both have different strengths. Taylor definitely left Thomas a blueprint for success.

Give the guy credit:I don't think you guys gave former Georgia Tech quarterback Joshua Nesbitt enough credit. Nesbitt, while not the most efficient passer in college football, was able to run that offense smoothly by his senior season. It took him more than a year to learn it, to properly execute the mesh, minimize fumbles and manage the entire offense. It doesn't happen overnight, and when the Jackets lost Nesbitt to a broken forearm in the Virginia Tech game, Georgia Tech's season instantly changed.

The "spring shoes to fill" series looked at the most difficult player to replace in each program. Five of them were quarterbacks, four linemen, two receivers and one linebacker.

Boston College: Anthony Castonzo
Clemson: Da'Quan Bowers
Duke: Abraham Kromah
Florida State: Rodney Hudson
Georgia Tech: Joshua Nesbitt
Maryland: Torrey Smith
Miami: Leonard Hankerson
North Carolina: T.J. Yates
NC State: Russell Wilson
Virginia: Marc Verica
Virginia Tech: Tyrod Taylor
Wake Forest: Russell Nenon

Hudson was the most decorated offensive lineman in ACC history. Taylor was the winningest quarterback in school history. Nesbitt was the most prolific rushing quarterback in league history. Bowers was honored as the nation's top defensive player. Almost all of them were record-setters. The ACC lost some tremendous talent from 2010 rosters.

Of these 12 players, I took the liberty of narrowing the list down to five choices for the most difficult player to replace in the ACC.

GEORGIA TECH

2010 overall record: 6-7

2010 conference record: 4-4

Returning starters

Offense: 6, defense 5

Top returners

WR Stephen Hill, AB Roddy Jones, AB Orwin Smith, G Omoregie Uzzi, DE Jason Peters, DT Logan Walls, OLB Steven Sylvester, ILB Julian Burnett, OG Will Jackson, DE Izaan Cross

Key losses

QB Joshua Nesbitt, RB Anthony Allen, C Sean Bedford, CB Dominique Reese, CB Mario Butler, ILB Brad Jefferson, S Jerrard Tarrant, PK Scott Blair

2011 Schedule

Sept. 1 Western Carolina

Sept. 10 at Middle Tennessee

Sept. 17 Kansas

Sept. 24 North Carolina

Oct. 1 at NC State

Oct. 8 Maryland

Oct. 15 at Virginia

Oct. 22 at Miami

Oct. 29 Clemson

Nov. 5 Open

Nov. 10 Virginia Tech

Nov. 19 at Duke

Nov. 26 Georgia

2010 statistical leaders (* returners)

Rushing: Allen (1,316 yards)

Passing:Nesbitt (674 yds)

Receiving: Hill* (291 yds)

Tackles: Burnett (89)

Sacks: Jefferson (4)

Interceptions:Tarrant (3)

Spring answers

1. A new attitude. There were some disgruntled players on the roster last year, but that disenchantment has been replaced by charismatic leaders like Jason Peters and Roddy Jones. The sense of complacency has been replaced by a stronger work ethic, as the players now realize that ACC championships don’t come without offseason dedication.

2. An improved defense. The Jackets aren’t exactly going to pitch shutouts, but despite losing six starters, the defense had a good spring. The entire front seven had the advantage for most of the spring, all three starters return on the defensive line, and the linebackers showed progress. It was obvious the players are more comfortable in the second season of Al Groh’s 3-4 scheme.

3. A-back is a strength.Georgia Tech has at least six players who can play the position, including Jones, a senior leader, Orwin Smith, a big-play candidate, and Embry Peeples, who may be one of the best receivers on the team. The Jackets are also confident in B.J. Bostic, who impressed Johnson as a true freshman. Those four players combined to run for 1,283 yards last year, and Georgia Tech could get additional yardage from redshirt freshman Tony Zenon, who also had a good spring.

Fall questions

1. Will Tevin Washington keep his job?Washington still has the edge and is the starter heading into summer camp, but there are some lingering questions after his performance in the spring game. He threw three interceptions, lost two fumbles, was sacked three times and completed 10 of 26 passes. Backup Synjyn Days ran for 112 yards and led his team to a 21-7 win. Add to the mix a pair of true freshmen, including highly-touted Vad Lee, and it could make for an interesting August.

2. Will the offensive line be better?It’s not for a lack of experience -- Omoregie Uzzi was a second-team all-conference lineman last year, Phil Smith is a returning starting tackle and sophomore guard Will Jackson has nine career starts. It’s simply that the group didn’t play very well this spring and depth is a question. Jay Finch is expected to take over for Bedford at center, but Uzzi will be the leader of the line.

3. Special teams concerns. It was an area of emphasis for coach Paul Johnson this spring, as it should have been. The Jackets need to solidify their starting kicker and punter, and all three field goal attempts were missed in the spring game, though two were distances of 47 and 49 yards. Kicker Justin Moore, the lone scholarship kicker competing this spring, hasn’t distanced himself from the four walk-ons who played in the spring game. Punter isn’t as much of a concern, where Sean Poole had nine starts last year, but the return games also need improvement.

Georgia Tech will conclude its spring practices at noon on Saturday with its spring game. Here are the top three storylines to watch:

The B-back competition: It’s the deepest position on the roster, but none of them have separated themselves as the heir to Anthony Allen. Four players will finish the spring in the mix to be the Jackets’ next 1,000-yard rusher in Preston Lyons, Richard Watson, former quarterback David Sims and Charles Perkins. While it’s an open competition, it’s not a position of concern for coach Paul Johnson.

The battle up front: Is the offensive line bad, or is the defensive line really that good? The defensive line has pretty much won the battle this spring, and Johnson has publicly called out the play of his offensive linemen. It’s a thin group that lacks depth, but is there really that much of a gap between the two up front?

The quarterbacks: It’s the first time under Johnson that Joshua Nesbitt hasn’t been quarterback. Tevin Washington has a strong grasp on the starting job, but how much better has he gotten after starting the final four games of last season? Johnson said Synjyn Days looked good this spring, and physically, he’s capable of running the offense, but Washington’s experience has given him a significant edge.

Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson said on Thursday's ACC teleconference that quarterback Tevin Washington has a good grasp on the starting job heading into Saturday’s spring game in large part because of the experience he got at the expense of injured starter Joshua Nesbitt last season.

“At this point in time he probably has a significant edge,” Johnson said. “I think that certainly there have been days this spring that Synjyn Days has looked really good. I think he’s a really good athlete, and there’s no question that physically he can do what we need him to do. But Tevin has a pretty good jump on him. … The experience factor is definitely in his advantage.”

Washington started the final four games of 2010 and rushed for 514 yards. He is Tech’s second-leading returning rusher behind Orwin Smith.

“He’s done a much better job this spring of ball security, valuing the ball and making better decisions," Johnson said of Washington. "We’ve got to continue to grow in that area, but the more he plays, the more comfortable he gets, the more he understands how the offense works and what he’s trying to accomplish, like with anything the more reps the better you get.”

Georgia Tech fans are also excited about the addition of true freshman Vad Lee to the roster this August, but he'll have to make up some considerable ground quickly to win the job from Washington.

“He’s been the best player on the field for a long time when he’s playing," Johnson said of Lee. "How quickly can he adjust to how much faster the game is going to be? There are going to be a lot of guys who are good players on the field. I think that will be the key in how quickly he can play, how quickly he picks it up, but we’re definitely excited about him and thinks he has a bright future.”

The window in coach Paul Johnson's office overlooks Grant Field at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Because of the ongoing construction on the practice field, the Yellow Jackets have spent the offseason doing their individual workouts in the stadium -- in full view of their head coach.

This offseason, Johnson liked the view more than usual.

“I think that the whole attitude is better," he said. "A lot of the little things, from breakfast checks to class checks, extra lifting, extra workouts that they are putting in on their own. I can see out my window and there are always people out there working.”

The players didn't have much choice if they have any hopes of improving upon last year's 6-7 season. Georgia Tech's season was derailed the second former quarterback Joshua Nesbitt broke his forearm against Virginia Tech, but the Jackets' troubles ran deeper than that last year. The offense couldn't hold onto the ball, the special-teams units were filled with blunders, and the defense under first-year coordinator Al Groh?

It was just like everything else, Johnson said, "just kind of so-so. We weren't really good at anything."

With only 11 starters returning, competition will be the theme this spring. Georgia Tech returns just 37.9 percent of its points from a year ago (128 of 338). The Jackets are in search of their next 1,000-yard rusher at B-back, and still in need of a go-to receiver. The good news is that the top two receivers return, the A-back position is deep, and all three starters return on the defensive line. There are also a few position changes to watch, including Daniel Drummond's move from B-back to linebacker, sophomore J.C. Lanier moving from defensive line to offensive line, and quarterback David Sims switching to B-Back.

One of the more intriguing position battles will be at B-back, where Preston Lyons, Richard Watson and Sims are all competing for the majority of the reps. Redshirt freshman Charles Perkins practiced last year with both the B-backs and A-backs. Johnson said he's not worried about the position, but knows everyone will be watching the quarterback battle, where it's Tevin Washington's job to lose.

“He is the starter coming in, and I think that he has earned that," Johnson said. "It is very similar to a lot of the positions, the depth chart is always fluid. He has been taking snaps. This is why I try not to get too hyped up on the freshmen. We are excited about a group of them, but until they do it on the field consistently, I don’t know that you hype them all that much. Synjyn [Days] has a lot of ability, but he has to beat Tevin out. It’s Tevins’ job.”

Johnson said the players worked a lot on team building and chemistry in the offseason -- "probably more so than we have in the past" --and as a result, the work ethic has been better. Johnson said it's still too early to tell how much better this year's team will be.

"We'll have a better idea coming out of spring," Johnson said. "I like our athleticism. I think we're going to be all right. I think it's going to be good to be kind of -- nobody has very high expectations for us, and I think that's a good thing. It's kind of the way we were the first year I was here."

In 2008, Johnson's first season, the Yellow Jackets finished 9-4 and tied for the Coastal Division lead, despite critics who said his spread option offense wouldn't work at the BCS level. He has since won an ACC title and has proved it can.

The next challenge is to do it again.

If there’s one thing Georgia Tech needs to accomplish this spring, quarterback Tevin Washington said, it’s finding an identity.

That usually starts with the quarterback, and while Washington is the lead candidate, it’s one of many questions about Georgia Tech’s roster as the Yellow Jackets head into spring practices next week.

Following last year’s disappointing 6-7 season, the Yellow Jackets are in need of leaders. They’re in need of playmakers at almost every position. And whether or not Washington finishes this offseason the same way he began it -- at the top of the depth chart -- he said he’s ready to be a leader and help the Jackets avoid a second straight losing season.

“I feel like this is a stepping stone for everybody at Georgia Tech and everybody on the team,” Washington said. “We’ve got the people in place and the tools and people in the right positions to do it. It’s just a matter of going out and doing it.”

One of the biggest adjustments this year’s team has had to make is in its attitude, and Washington said he has seen a change in his teammates this offseason.

“Going into the season last year, now we’re working in the offseason this year, the big difference has been a lot more togetherness, a lot more people doing things together, a lot more team camaraderie, and a lot less complacency,” he said. “People realizing we have to go out and work every day; Nothing is going to be handed to us. Coming off the ACC championship, I don’t think a lot of guys felt like we had to work as hard as we did to get there. A lot of guys felt complacent. I feel like this year, we’re trying to get rid of some of that complacency and go out and have a good year.”

Washington said he still has “a lot to prove” after playing in eight games last year and taking over for injured starter Joshua Nesbitt. Washington completed only 41 percent of his passes (25 of 61) for three touchdowns and two interceptions. In Paul Johnson’s run-based offense, the low number of attempts is to be expected, but the completion percentage is one thing that will need to improve.

Washington, who ran for 514 yards and four touchdowns last year, is determined to remain Georgia Tech’s starter.

“I came here to Georgia Tech at the bottom of the depth chart, and every year I kind of worked my way up,” he said. “I’m hungry. I really want it bad. This is what I went to college for, to be a starter. I didn’t go to college to sit behind or play from a backup position. Whatever I do, I try to give my best. That’s my main focus.”

That mentality is a good place to start when searching for an identity.

It's good to be home. Next stop: Tallahassee ...

• Georgia Tech moved its pro day indoors, which wasn't ideal for former Georgia Tech quarterback Joshua Nesbitt's passing game.
• Here are a few key questions facing each ACC team this offseason.
• There are a lot of moving parts on UNC's defensive line this offseason. One player is trying to leave, another trying to get back.
• Will a knee injury keep Da'Quan Bowers out of Clemson's pro day?
• FSU will be missing seven injured players when it starts spring practices later this month.
• Miami coach Al Golden has already made a difference.
• ESPN's Mel Kiper gave his thoughts on some Miami players heading into the Canes' pro day.
• Miami added a wide receiver to its 2012 class.

Two games?! TWO?! Yes, I absolutely think Jim Tressel should be suspended for more than two games. His players were.

• Former Georgia Tech quarterback Joshua Nesbitt hasn't been able to forget last year's Virginia Tech game in which he was injured and his college career ended.
• He'll continue to extend his career in the NFL at Georgia Tech's pro day today.
• There's a change at Clemson this spring -- there's only one quarterback to take the first-team reps. Tajh Boyd is "the guy."
• Throw a dart. Did it land on UNC? That's where defensive tackle Brandon Willis appears to be headed. No, really.
• Miami tight end Blake Ayles is ready to help the Canes' offense.
• Former Miami coach Larry Coker is starting over. Again.
• Miami assistant Art Kehoe is having a blast.
• Former Virginia star Tiki Barber isn't done yet.
• The door is open for Miami cornerback Brandon McGee to earn a prominent role on the Canes' defense.

It feels like a holiday when spring practices start ...

• Miami's players will get a few wake-up calls when the first depth chart of the Al Golden era is released later Friday afternoon.
• Miami fans will get a chance to check out the Canes in a scrimmage in Boca Raton.
• Here's what Golden had to say to the media on Thursday.
• Former Georgia Tech quarterback Joshua Nesbitt is out to prove he's an NFL quarterback.
• There weren't many surprises on Virginia's spring roster.
• FSU coach Jimbo Fisher has been pleased with his team's offseason drills.

We've already looked at who and what to watch in the Atlantic Division this spring. Here's a breakdown of three issues facing each program in the Coastal Division:

DUKE

Spring practice starts: Feb. 16

Spring game: March 26

What to watch:

• Jim Knowles taking over as defensive coordinator. After coaching the safeties last season, Knowles was promoted in late January following the departure of Marion Hobby to coach Clemson’s defensive line. It’s not a complete overhaul on defense, but for the third time in as many seasons, a different person will be calling the plays. Knowles has also assumed the lead role with Duke’s practice scheduling and weekly preparation.
• New faces at linebacker. Duke graduated its leading tackler from 2010, Abraham Kromah, and freshman All-American Kelby Brown is out while recovering from knee surgery. Those two slots will be wide open this spring and the competition will be among Austin Gamble, C.J. France, Tyree Glover and Kevin Rojas.
• Offensive line shuffling. The Blue Devils return four starters up front, but they’ll be missing the glue of the line in Bryan Morgan, who graduated. Brian Moore, who has started the past two seasons at right guard, will make the transition to center. John Coleman and Laken Tomlinson are expected to compete for the right guard spot.

GEORGIA TECH

Spring practice starts: March 28 (tentative)

Spring game: April 23

What to watch:

• Starting quarterback competition. Tevin Washington enters the spring at No. 1 on the depth chart, and it's his job to lose, as he has the most experience after taking over for injured starter Joshua Nesbitt in 2010. Synjyn Days will give him legitimate competition this spring, though, and it will increase this summer with the addition of standout recruit Vad Lee to the roster. For now, though, it’s between Washington and Days, as David Sims is expected to move to B-back.
• Offensive line reshuffling. Georgia Tech will have to replace three starters in all-conference center Sean Bedford, right tackle Austin Barrick and left tackle Nick Claytor, who decided to leave early for the NFL draft. Phil Smith, Barrick’s backup last year, is the only one with any experience at tackle. The staff will likely have to move a player or two from guard to tackle, and only it knows who those candidates might be right now.
• Revamped secondary. Jerrard Tarrant's decision to leave school early and enter the NFL draft left the Jackets without any returning starters in the secondary. Junior cornerback Rod Sweeting, sophomore cornerback Louis Young, redshirt freshman cornerback Ryan Ayers and sophomore safety Fred Holton are front-runners, but they all have a lot to prove this spring. Holton and Young played sparingly as true freshmen and combined for 21 tackles. Sweeting played in all 13 games and had one fumble recovery and eight passes defended, including one interception. Senior cornerback Michael Peterson may help, and safety Jemea Thomas played as a true freshman in 2009 but redshirted last year. There’s some talent, but the inexperience makes it a question mark.

MIAMI

Spring practice starts: March 5

Spring game: April 9 or 16

What to watch:

• New staff, new schemes. Defensively, first-year coordinator Mark D’Onofrio will work with two other assistants who were with him and first-year coach Al Golden at Temple, so there is familiarity there. Linebackers coach Michael Barrow has to learn D’Onofrio’s system, but the players tend to pick it up faster if the majority of the staff is already acclimated to it. Offensively, everyone will be working together for the first time. Jedd Fisch wants to run a pure pro-style offense based on matchups, and the good news is that several of the assistants, because of their respective backgrounds, are already schooled in at least a version of it.
• Quarterback battle. Golden has said he would like to name a starter by the end of the spring, making these practices critical auditions for both Jacory Harris and Stephen Morris. Harris has both flourished and flopped as a starter for the Canes, and his injury last year gave Morris the opportunity he needed to win the people’s choice award. Has a new era of quarterback begun, or will Harris finally have the breakout season Miami fans have waited for in his final year as a Cane?
• Corner competition. Following the departures of Ryan Hill, DeMarcus Van Dyke and Brandon Harris, Brandon McGee is the only corner remaining on the roster with any significant experience. He played in 11 games, started one, and had 15 tackles. Redshirt freshman Devont’a Davis, sophomore Kacey Rodgers, and redshirt sophomore Jamal Reid will also compete for playing time. There are also several incoming freshmen who could be immediate contributors.

NORTH CAROLINA

Spring practice starts: March 16

Spring game: April 9

What to watch:

• The rookie quarterbacks. There’s no guarantee that Bryn Renner will be the Tar Heels’ starter in 2011, but he enters the spring slightly ahead of the race, as he was No. 2 on the depth chart last season and was pushing T.J. Yates for the starting job at this time a year ago. The staff would also like to see what true freshman Marquise Williams, who enrolled in January, has to offer. Braden Hanson and A.J. Blue will also compete for playing time. Blue was injured two years ago and redshirted last season.
• Running backs race. The Tar Heels graduated three key players from 2010: Johnny White, Anthony Elzy and Shaun Draughn. Ryan Houston is back for his fifth year after redshirting last year and is the most experienced of the returnees. Giovani Bernard was a true freshman last year and had been expected to get some playing time, but he tore his ACL on the third day of training camp. It’s not clear yet how much he’ll be able to participate this spring. Hunter Furr played sparingly last year and true freshman Travis Riley, who enrolled in January, are also in the mix.
• Another strong defensive line. If Quinton Coples was an all-conference selection as a defensive tackle, he could be scary good at his natural position, defensive end. Coples played there as a freshman and sophomore, but switched to tackle out of necessity last season. The defensive line should once again be the strength of the team, but it will be reconfigured again, as Coples’ move will leave a defensive tackle spot up for grabs. Junior college transfer Sylvester Williams, who enrolled in January, could fill that role.

VIRGINIA

Spring practice starts: March 16

Spring game: April 2

What to watch:

• The search for a new starting quarterback. With Marc Verica graduated, the lead contenders to replace him are the ones who saw the field last year -- Michael Rocco and Ross Metheny. Neither of them started, but Rocco played in six games and Metheny five. Nobody has thrown the ball more than Rocco’s 25 times. The staff will also look at Michael Strauss, who redshirted last year, Miles Gooch, and David Watford, who enrolled in January.
• Competition at running back. With leading rusher Keith Payne graduated, the question becomes what can Kevin Parks do after redshirting last year? There’s a lot of depth at the running back position, but Parks, the No. 56 running back in his class by ESPN.com and national prep record-setter out of the state of North Carolina, came to Charlottesville facing high expectations. With Payne gone, this could open the door for him to meet them, but returning starter Perry Jones will also be competing for carries.
• Development of the receivers. In January, Jared Green Tweeted that he had decided to transfer after finishing his degree in Charlottesville this spring, according to a school spokesman. His departure, coupled with the graduation of Dontrelle Inman, leaves the Cavaliers without two of their top wideouts from 2010. With Tim Smith coming off an injury, the development of other receivers will be critical -- especially with a new starting quarterback.

VIRGINIA TECH

Spring practice starts: March 30

Spring game: April 23

What to watch:

• Quarterback Logan Thomas. The Tyrod Taylor era is over, and Thomas is the front-runner to succeed the winningest quarterback in school history. Ju-Ju Clayton is the only other quarterback on the roster who’s ever taken a snap, and he’ll push Thomas this spring. It’s Thomas’ job to lose, but the staff is looking for him to improve his accuracy. He played quarterback in only his final two high school seasons and was projected as a tight end. He’s still raw and learning the position, but physically, he’s a clone of Cam Newton. If he develops some poise in the pocket, look out.
• Competition on the defensive line. The Hokies have to replace starters John Graves (defensive tackle) and Steven Friday (defensive end), who both graduated. They’ve got Antoine Hopkins and Chris Drager back, but it’s possible Drager could move back to tight end after starting 10 games at defensive end last year. Tackle Kwamaine Battle, who started the first two games before he tore his ACL and Hopkins took over, is another front-runner. Hopkins’ younger brother, Derrick, will also be in the mix, along with James Gayle and J.R. Collins. Redshirt freshman defensive end Zack McCray, the cousin of Logan Thomas, has also impressed the staff so far.
• Tight end auditions. The graduation of Andre Smith leaves the Hokies with only one returning tight end who’s caught a pass in a game, Randall Dunn (one). Redshirt freshman Eric Martin was the second tight end when the Hokies used two-tight end sets, but he missed three games mid-season with an injury.

Former Georgia Tech quarterback Joshua Nesbitt has left school and is in Charlotte, N.C., training for NFL pro day as a running back. Nesbitt, whose season and collegiate career ended early when be broke his forearm against Virginia Tech, said he's not limited and has been fully cleared. He'll see a doctor again in a few weeks.

Nesbitt didn't elaborate on his decision to leave school early, but had he stayed, he could have used Georgia Tech's facilities to train, received free medical treatment on his arm, and gotten full academic support towards earning his degree.

"I felt like I needed to get away and do all that," he said when reached Wednesday afternoon on his cell phone. "I didn't want to be distracted."

Nesbitt said Charlotte was close to his agent, and he's not worried about where he might be chosen in the draft -- or that he might not play quarterback.

"I'm just working on, they listed me as a running back, so I'm trying to get better at running back drills and quarterback," he said. "I just want to play football. I feel like I have a lot to prove just by being the person that I am, just always being in the shadow of everybody."