ACC: Logan Thomas
Our series taking a look at the most important game on the schedule this year for each ACC school continues today with Georgia Tech. For those of you just tuning in, this is a look at which games will reveal the most or have the biggest impact on the 2012 race.
Georgia Tech
Most important game: Sept. 3 at Virginia Tech
Why it’s important:This one is a no-brainer. Historically, this game has decided the Coastal Division winner, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if that tradition continued this year. We’ll be talking about this game all summer and the anticipation for it will be through the roof. We'll know in Week 1 which team will be leading the race. Virginia Tech will likely be favored to win the division again, but Georgia Tech should be a contender. The onus will be on the Yellow Jackets, who have to travel to Blacksburg for what will be a nationally-televised Labor Day game. It will be a hostile Hokies’ crowd, and Virginia Tech is expected to have one of the best defenses in the country. Yes, the Hokies will have had ample time to prepare for Paul Johnson’s spread option offense, but it works both ways. Georgia Tech will also have had the entire summer to get ready for Logan Thomas. On paper, the Hokies should have the edge, but history says Georgia Tech has everything to play for in this game.
More in this series
Georgia Tech
Most important game: Sept. 3 at Virginia Tech
Why it’s important:This one is a no-brainer. Historically, this game has decided the Coastal Division winner, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if that tradition continued this year. We’ll be talking about this game all summer and the anticipation for it will be through the roof. We'll know in Week 1 which team will be leading the race. Virginia Tech will likely be favored to win the division again, but Georgia Tech should be a contender. The onus will be on the Yellow Jackets, who have to travel to Blacksburg for what will be a nationally-televised Labor Day game. It will be a hostile Hokies’ crowd, and Virginia Tech is expected to have one of the best defenses in the country. Yes, the Hokies will have had ample time to prepare for Paul Johnson’s spread option offense, but it works both ways. Georgia Tech will also have had the entire summer to get ready for Logan Thomas. On paper, the Hokies should have the edge, but history says Georgia Tech has everything to play for in this game.
More in this series
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.
Kiper high on VT's Thomas, other predictions
May, 9, 2012
May 9
2:30
PM ET
By
Matt Fortuna | ESPN.com
We've gone over mock drafts, position rankings, draft boards and all the other stuff out there that's fun to predict this far away from the next NFL draft. Today, Mel Kiper does all of that. And, he is very high on Virginia Tech quarterback Logan Thomas.
Kiper ranks Thomas as the No. 4 overall prospect on his 25-man Big Board.
NC State's David Amerson (No. 8) and Florida State's Xavier Rhodes (No. 20) are the other ACC players on the board.
Virginia's Oday Aboushi just missed the cut.
Kiper also ranks the top-5 players at each position, this time breaking it down by senior and junior classes. The ACC contingent:
SENIORS
Mike Glennon (NC State), No. 4 QB
Andre Ellington (Clemson), No. 4 RB
Marcus Davis (Virginia Tech), No. 3 WR
Aboushi, No. 2 OT
Jonathan Cooper (UNC), No. 1 OG
Omoregie Uzzi (Georgia Tech), No. 5 OG
Brandon Jenkins (FSU), No. 4 DE
Kevin Reddick (UNC), No. 2 ILB
Ray-Ray Armstrong (Miami), No. 5 S
Dustin Hopkins (FSU), No. 5 K
JUNIORS
Thomas, No. 1 QB
James Hurst (UNC), No. 4 OT
Andrew Miller (Virginia Tech), No. 5 C
Christian Jones (FSU), No. 4 OLB
Amerson, No. 1 CB
Rhodes, No. 2 CB
Chandler Catanzaro (Clemson), No. 5 K
Dalton Botts (Miami), No. 2 P
Kiper ranks Thomas as the No. 4 overall prospect on his 25-man Big Board.
NC State's David Amerson (No. 8) and Florida State's Xavier Rhodes (No. 20) are the other ACC players on the board.
Virginia's Oday Aboushi just missed the cut.
Kiper also ranks the top-5 players at each position, this time breaking it down by senior
and junior classes. The ACC contingent:
SENIORS
Mike Glennon (NC State), No. 4 QB
Andre Ellington (Clemson), No. 4 RB
Marcus Davis (Virginia Tech), No. 3 WR
Aboushi, No. 2 OT
Jonathan Cooper (UNC), No. 1 OG
Omoregie Uzzi (Georgia Tech), No. 5 OG
Brandon Jenkins (FSU), No. 4 DE
Kevin Reddick (UNC), No. 2 ILB
Ray-Ray Armstrong (Miami), No. 5 S
Dustin Hopkins (FSU), No. 5 K
JUNIORS
Thomas, No. 1 QB
James Hurst (UNC), No. 4 OT
Andrew Miller (Virginia Tech), No. 5 C
Christian Jones (FSU), No. 4 OLB
Amerson, No. 1 CB
Rhodes, No. 2 CB
Chandler Catanzaro (Clemson), No. 5 K
Dalton Botts (Miami), No. 2 P
The best quarterback from the Class of 2010 is on his way to the ACC, yet the excitement has been relatively toned-down.
Phillip Sims, who saw action in eight games last season for the defending national champion, announced last week that he would be leaving Alabama for Virginia, where he will team up with a pair of former high school teammates who helped him win a state title at Oscar Frommel Smith (Chesapeake, Va.) four years ago.
The biggest question isn't whether Sims, who transferred to be closer to family, will be eligible to play in 2012. It's whether that will even matter in 2012. Or in the years after, for that matter. The Cavaliers return Michael Rocco, who threw for more than 2,500 yards and led the team to an 8-5 record last season after beating out three others for the starting job. He enters 2012 with two years of eligibility remaining, and Virginia will have three other eligible quarterbacks, excluding Sims, behind him.
It's not that Sims isn't capable of starting and excelling now that he's in the ACC. It's that Virginia, like almost all of its conference brethren, lacked a starting quarterback issue this spring.
Five 3,000-yard passers from 2011 are back this season, as is Duke's Sean Renfree, who was a 3,000-yard passer in 2010. Florida State's EJ Manuel returns for another year. So, too, do Georgia Tech's Tevin Washington and Boston College's Chase Rettig.
On a post-spring conference call with all 12 ACC coaches two weeks ago, 85 questions were asked. Only 14 centered on signal callers, and five of those were directed at Maryland's Randy Edsall, who returns his season-ending starter from 2011 in C.J. Brown. (Brown replaced the injured Danny O'Brien, who has since transferred to Wisconsin.)
Two more of those questions were directed at Duke's David Cutcliffe, and those were about the pro potential of Renfree. For perspective, the Blue Devils have not had a quarterback drafted since 1996.
Manuel and Virginia Tech's Logan Thomas have been projected as potential first-rounders in several early mock drafts. Only Manuel, Renfree, Washington and NC State's Mike Glennon will be seniors this season.
The closest thing to a controversy could be at Miami, as Stephen Morris sat out this spring while recovering from back surgery. Memphis transfer Ryan Williams impressed as the de facto No. 1 and should give Morris a challenge for the starting job come preseason camp.
Brown could eventually face competition at Maryland when its freshman class gets a little more seasoning.
As is the case with anything, marquee names sell. Marquee names come from marquee positions, and no position offers the spotlight more than the quarterback, a position that will offer the ACC more exposure than it's had in recent years. The old saying, when applied to individual teams, is that if you have two quarterbacks, you have none. The transitive property doesn't apply here for conferences, however, and the ACC should be just fine with that as it enters 2012.
Phillip Sims, who saw action in eight games last season for the defending national champion, announced last week that he would be leaving Alabama for Virginia, where he will team up with a pair of former high school teammates who helped him win a state title at Oscar Frommel Smith (Chesapeake, Va.) four years ago.
The biggest question isn't whether Sims, who transferred to be closer to family, will be eligible to play in 2012. It's whether that will even matter in 2012. Or in the years after, for that matter. The Cavaliers return Michael Rocco, who threw for more than 2,500 yards and led the team to an 8-5 record last season after beating out three others for the starting job. He enters 2012 with two years of eligibility remaining, and Virginia will have three other eligible quarterbacks, excluding Sims, behind him.
It's not that Sims isn't capable of starting and excelling now that he's in the ACC. It's that Virginia, like almost all of its conference brethren, lacked a starting quarterback issue this spring.
Five 3,000-yard passers from 2011 are back this season, as is Duke's Sean Renfree, who was a 3,000-yard passer in 2010. Florida State's EJ Manuel returns for another year. So, too, do Georgia Tech's Tevin Washington and Boston College's Chase Rettig.
On a post-spring conference call with all 12 ACC coaches two weeks ago, 85 questions were asked. Only 14 centered on signal callers, and five of those were directed at Maryland's Randy Edsall, who returns his season-ending starter from 2011 in C.J. Brown. (Brown replaced the injured Danny O'Brien, who has since transferred to Wisconsin.)
Two more of those questions were directed at Duke's David Cutcliffe, and those were about the pro potential of Renfree. For perspective, the Blue Devils have not had a quarterback drafted since 1996.
Manuel and Virginia Tech's Logan Thomas have been projected as potential first-rounders in several early mock drafts. Only Manuel, Renfree, Washington and NC State's Mike Glennon will be seniors this season.
The closest thing to a controversy could be at Miami, as Stephen Morris sat out this spring while recovering from back surgery. Memphis transfer Ryan Williams impressed as the de facto No. 1 and should give Morris a challenge for the starting job come preseason camp.
Brown could eventually face competition at Maryland when its freshman class gets a little more seasoning.
As is the case with anything, marquee names sell. Marquee names come from marquee positions, and no position offers the spotlight more than the quarterback, a position that will offer the ACC more exposure than it's had in recent years. The old saying, when applied to individual teams, is that if you have two quarterbacks, you have none. The transitive property doesn't apply here for conferences, however, and the ACC should be just fine with that as it enters 2012.
2011 overall record: 11-3
2011 conference record: 7-1 (1st, Coastal)
Returning starters: Offense: 3; defense: 9; kicker/punter: 1
Top returners
QB Logan Thomas, WR Marcus Davis, C Andrew Miller, DE James Gayle, DE J.R. Collins, DT Derrick Hopkins, DT Antoine Hopkins, ILB Bruce Taylor, ILB Tariq Edwards, OLB Jeron Gouveia-Winslow, CB Kyle Fuller, S Antone Exum
Key losses
WR Danny Coale, WR Jarrett Boykin, TE Chris Drager, LT Andrew Lanier, RT Blake DeChristopher, RG Jaymes Brooks, LG Greg Nosal, RB David Wilson, CB Jayron Hosley, FS Eddie Whitley
2011 statistical leaders (* returners)
Rushing: David Wilson (1,709 yards)
Passing: Logan Thomas* (3,013 yards)
Receiving: Danny Coale (904 yards)
Tackles: Antone Exum* (89)
Sacks: James Gayle* (7)
Interceptions: Jayron Hosley (3)
Spring answers
1. Logan Thomas: The ACC is loaded with talented quarterbacks in 2012, and Thomas is among the top returners. He accounted for 30 total touchdowns last season and threw for more than 3,000 yards. He is the unquestioned leader and centerpiece of the Hokies' offense, and a strong season could result in a handshake from Roger Goodell at Radio City next April.
2. Defensive line: This unit has the potential to be the best in the conference, as it will play eight or nine men on a regular basis and be the foundation for a defense among the best in the ACC. This group led the conference in sacks a year ago and has looked every bit as capable this spring of doing that again in 2012.
3. Security: The Hokies were faced with a similar position last season, only the exact opposite: Loads of offensive talent came back and the defense had some uncertainties. Virginia Tech still reached the ACC title game and a BCS bowl, extending its nation-best streak of 10 or more wins to an eighth straight season. Entering his 26th season and first as the longest-tenured FBS coach, Frank Beamer has an established track record and knows how to get the most out of his pieces. The hard part right now is finding them on offense.
Fall questions
1. Who will replace David Wilson? Wilson is off with the Giants, a first-round draft pick following a campaign in which he ran for more yards than any running back in Virginia Tech history. Michael Holmes figures to be the No. 1 back entering preseason camp, with J.C. Coleman pushing him for time. The Hokies welcome three new backs this fall, along with Tony Gregory, who missed spring while recovering from knee surgery.
2. Who will protect the newcomer? Holmes or any of his fellow backfield mates won't have the chance to accomplish anything replicating Wilson's production if they don't get the chance. The Hokies return just one starting offensive lineman from last season and will have to adjust quickly if the offense wants to resemble last year's.
3. Secondary help. Second-team all-ACC corner Kyle Fuller is back, along with leading tackle Antone Exum. Sophomore Detrick Bonner has moved from cornerback to free safety, sophomore Kyshoen Jarrett is now at safety and Exum is now at corner. Secondary coach Torrian Gray likes to build versatility, but he will have his hands full trying to replace Eddie Whitley (graduation) and cornerback Jayron Hosley (draft).
2011 conference record: 7-1 (1st, Coastal)
Returning starters: Offense: 3; defense: 9; kicker/punter: 1
Top returners
QB Logan Thomas, WR Marcus Davis, C Andrew Miller, DE James Gayle, DE J.R. Collins, DT Derrick Hopkins, DT Antoine Hopkins, ILB Bruce Taylor, ILB Tariq Edwards, OLB Jeron Gouveia-Winslow, CB Kyle Fuller, S Antone Exum
Key losses
WR Danny Coale, WR Jarrett Boykin, TE Chris Drager, LT Andrew Lanier, RT Blake DeChristopher, RG Jaymes Brooks, LG Greg Nosal, RB David Wilson, CB Jayron Hosley, FS Eddie Whitley
2011 statistical leaders (* returners)
Rushing: David Wilson (1,709 yards)
Passing: Logan Thomas* (3,013 yards)
Receiving: Danny Coale (904 yards)
Tackles: Antone Exum* (89)
Sacks: James Gayle* (7)
Interceptions: Jayron Hosley (3)
Spring answers
1. Logan Thomas: The ACC is loaded with talented quarterbacks in 2012, and Thomas is among the top returners. He accounted for 30 total touchdowns last season and threw for more than 3,000 yards. He is the unquestioned leader and centerpiece of the Hokies' offense, and a strong season could result in a handshake from Roger Goodell at Radio City next April.
2. Defensive line: This unit has the potential to be the best in the conference, as it will play eight or nine men on a regular basis and be the foundation for a defense among the best in the ACC. This group led the conference in sacks a year ago and has looked every bit as capable this spring of doing that again in 2012.
3. Security: The Hokies were faced with a similar position last season, only the exact opposite: Loads of offensive talent came back and the defense had some uncertainties. Virginia Tech still reached the ACC title game and a BCS bowl, extending its nation-best streak of 10 or more wins to an eighth straight season. Entering his 26th season and first as the longest-tenured FBS coach, Frank Beamer has an established track record and knows how to get the most out of his pieces. The hard part right now is finding them on offense.
Fall questions
1. Who will replace David Wilson? Wilson is off with the Giants, a first-round draft pick following a campaign in which he ran for more yards than any running back in Virginia Tech history. Michael Holmes figures to be the No. 1 back entering preseason camp, with J.C. Coleman pushing him for time. The Hokies welcome three new backs this fall, along with Tony Gregory, who missed spring while recovering from knee surgery.
2. Who will protect the newcomer? Holmes or any of his fellow backfield mates won't have the chance to accomplish anything replicating Wilson's production if they don't get the chance. The Hokies return just one starting offensive lineman from last season and will have to adjust quickly if the offense wants to resemble last year's.
3. Secondary help. Second-team all-ACC corner Kyle Fuller is back, along with leading tackle Antone Exum. Sophomore Detrick Bonner has moved from cornerback to free safety, sophomore Kyshoen Jarrett is now at safety and Exum is now at corner. Secondary coach Torrian Gray likes to build versatility, but he will have his hands full trying to replace Eddie Whitley (graduation) and cornerback Jayron Hosley (draft).
Our series continues today with the Hokies, who return just one full-time starter from a strong offensive line in 2011.
For a complete recap of the series, click here.
Virginia Tech: C Andrew Miller
2011 stats: Miller started all 14 games as a junior last season, playing more than 900 snaps, including every single one in nine games.
What he means to the Hokies: The Hokies' line last season paved the way for David Wilson to notch the most single-season rushing yards in school history. It returns just one full-time starter from that line. As The Virginian-Pilot's Andy Bitter notes, Miller accounts for all 14 starts that Virginia Tech returns up front this season, whereas last year that number was 164. The offense is expected to undergo growing pains -- as is any that is forced to replace that much of its foundation -- but it does return a potential NFL quarterback in Logan Thomas, along with what is expected to be one of the top defenses in the country. If the Hokies want to continue their reign near the top of the conference, they will need key people to step up on offense, which starts with the line. Having a returning man in the middle who also happens to be a senior is an invaluable commodity, as Miller can hold the line together and help bring along the new starters.
For a complete recap of the series, click here.
Virginia Tech: C Andrew Miller
2011 stats: Miller started all 14 games as a junior last season, playing more than 900 snaps, including every single one in nine games.
What he means to the Hokies: The Hokies' line last season paved the way for David Wilson to notch the most single-season rushing yards in school history. It returns just one full-time starter from that line. As The Virginian-Pilot's Andy Bitter notes, Miller accounts for all 14 starts that Virginia Tech returns up front this season, whereas last year that number was 164. The offense is expected to undergo growing pains -- as is any that is forced to replace that much of its foundation -- but it does return a potential NFL quarterback in Logan Thomas, along with what is expected to be one of the top defenses in the country. If the Hokies want to continue their reign near the top of the conference, they will need key people to step up on offense, which starts with the line. Having a returning man in the middle who also happens to be a senior is an invaluable commodity, as Miller can hold the line together and help bring along the new starters.
We are now a week removed from the start of the 2012 NFL draft, which means it is already time to look ahead and wonder who could be in position to make some coin for himself at this time next year.
Scouts Inc.'s Todd McShay has delivered his first 2013 mock, and five ACC players make the cut, led by NC State interception machine David Amerson at No. 11.
North Carolina's Jonathan Cooper (No. 16), Virginia Tech's Logan Thomas (No. 17), UNC's Kevin Reddick (No. 26) and Virginia's Oday Aboushi (No. 27) round out the list.
One of the most interesting parts of projecting drafts so far out is seeing the disparity among stocks for some underclassmen.
SI.com's Andrew Perfloff has Amerson going third in his early mock and has Florida State's Xavier Rhodes and Brandon Jenkins at Nos. 7 and 19, respectively. The FSU duo doesn't make Tony Pauline's list on SI.com of the top 32 prospects.
The only Seminole on Bucky Brooks' NFL.com list of the 30-best prospects is FSU QB E.J. Manuel.
Most are in agreement that Amerson, at this point in time, can be a first round pick. He appears at No. 20 on Pauline's list and No. 9 on Brooks'. NFL.com's Chad Reuter has Amerson as the top draft-eligible cornerback, and CBSSports.com has him as the top 2014 corner. (CBS ranks by class; Amerson will be a junior during the 2012 season).
CBSSports.com also has the Tar Heels' Cooper as the top guard, while he is No. 4 on Reuter's list. Pauline has him as the eighth-best overall prospect in the 2013 class. Cooper's UNC teammate, Reddick, is another name frequently popping up on draft lists, with both Brooks and Pauline labeling him as the No. 22 overall prospect and CBS and Reuter calling him the No. 2 and No. 3 inside linebacker prospect, respectively. (At the top of Reuter's list is Alabama underclassman C.J. Mosley, who is grouped with the 2014 class on CBS.)
Reuters also has FSU's Manuel as the No. 3 quarterback prospect on a five-man list that doesn't include the Hokies' Thomas, who is No. 1 among 2014 signal-callers on CBSSports.com' list.
Scouts Inc.'s Todd McShay has delivered his first 2013 mock
, and five ACC players make the cut, led by NC State interception machine David Amerson at No. 11.
North Carolina's Jonathan Cooper (No. 16), Virginia Tech's Logan Thomas (No. 17), UNC's Kevin Reddick (No. 26) and Virginia's Oday Aboushi (No. 27) round out the list.
One of the most interesting parts of projecting drafts so far out is seeing the disparity among stocks for some underclassmen.
SI.com's Andrew Perfloff has Amerson going third in his early mock and has Florida State's Xavier Rhodes and Brandon Jenkins at Nos. 7 and 19, respectively. The FSU duo doesn't make Tony Pauline's list on SI.com of the top 32 prospects.
The only Seminole on Bucky Brooks' NFL.com list of the 30-best prospects is FSU QB E.J. Manuel.
Most are in agreement that Amerson, at this point in time, can be a first round pick. He appears at No. 20 on Pauline's list and No. 9 on Brooks'. NFL.com's Chad Reuter has Amerson as the top draft-eligible cornerback, and CBSSports.com has him as the top 2014 corner. (CBS ranks by class; Amerson will be a junior during the 2012 season).
CBSSports.com also has the Tar Heels' Cooper as the top guard, while he is No. 4 on Reuter's list. Pauline has him as the eighth-best overall prospect in the 2013 class. Cooper's UNC teammate, Reddick, is another name frequently popping up on draft lists, with both Brooks and Pauline labeling him as the No. 22 overall prospect and CBS and Reuter calling him the No. 2 and No. 3 inside linebacker prospect, respectively. (At the top of Reuter's list is Alabama underclassman C.J. Mosley, who is grouped with the 2014 class on CBS.)
Reuters also has FSU's Manuel as the No. 3 quarterback prospect on a five-man list that doesn't include the Hokies' Thomas, who is No. 1 among 2014 signal-callers on CBSSports.com' list.
Eighteen players are on the Heisman Pundit's first watch list for college football's most prestigious trophy, but only two are from the ACC. And both are from the same team.
Clemson's Tajh Boyd and Sammy Watkins are on the list after leading the Tigers to the ACC title last season.
Boyd quarterbacked the school's record-breaking offense in 2011, and Watkins played a big role in that during an All-America campaign that also earned him ACC rookie of the year honors. So it is no surprise to see such high expectations for the pair of underclassmen skill players.
The two will certainly have their chances to make national statements early, with the Chick-fil-A Kickoff against Auburn and an early-season trip to Florida State highlighting the September schedule.
I am a little surprised to see Logan Thomas not on the initial list, given the list's size and Thomas' promise entering 2012. The Virginia Tech quarterback is coming off a BCS-bowl appearance in his first year as a starter, had a strong spring and is already being touted as a high 2013 draft pick if things break right this season. The Hokies enter each campaign in the heart of the ACC title discussion, too, though I suppose questions about the rest of their offense have created a number of doubts with the season four months away.
Clemson's Tajh Boyd and Sammy Watkins are on the list after leading the Tigers to the ACC title last season.
Boyd quarterbacked the school's record-breaking offense in 2011, and Watkins played a big role in that during an All-America campaign that also earned him ACC rookie of the year honors. So it is no surprise to see such high expectations for the pair of underclassmen skill players.
The two will certainly have their chances to make national statements early, with the Chick-fil-A Kickoff against Auburn and an early-season trip to Florida State highlighting the September schedule.
I am a little surprised to see Logan Thomas not on the initial list, given the list's size and Thomas' promise entering 2012. The Virginia Tech quarterback is coming off a BCS-bowl appearance in his first year as a starter, had a strong spring and is already being touted as a high 2013 draft pick if things break right this season. The Hokies enter each campaign in the heart of the ACC title discussion, too, though I suppose questions about the rest of their offense have created a number of doubts with the season four months away.
Pretty busy Monday, eh?
- Mike Locksley is ready to put his past behind him and go to work at Maryland, Jonas Shaffer writes in the Baltimore Sun.
- The Sporting News' Matt Hayes has a pair of ACC standouts on his list of the 25 best college football players.
- Miami's number of draft prospects coming off a six-win season doesn't add up, Jorge Milian writes in the Palm Beach Post.
- Virginia Tech's Logan Thomas is much more relaxed this offseason, Andy Bitter writes in The Virginian-Pilot.
- The future looks bright for Georgia Tech's Izaan Cross, Bill Murphy writes in the Gainesville Times.
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.
This would be awesome.
- Jim Grobe is encouraged by Wake Forest's secondary, Dan Collins writes in the Winston-Salem Journal.
- New Virginia quarterback Greyson Lambert looks the part, Michael Phillips writes in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
- Jimbo Fisher believes toughness can lead to greatness for FSU, Coley Harvey writes in the Orlando Sentinel.
- Virginia Tech quarterback Logan Thomas is taking control this spring, Mark Giannotto writes in the Washington Post.
- Georgia Tech's secondary is young but experienced, Ken Sugiura writes in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Anchorman 2?!
- Colleague Adam Rittenberg says Wisconsin's recent rise lured former Terps QB Danny O'Brien to Madison. Here is what O'Brien had to say about the move.
- The Hokies are searching for Logan Thomas' supporting cast, Mike Barber writes in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
- Miami is hoping Rashawn Scott catches on at receiver, Susan Miller Degnan writes in the Miami Herald.
- UNC's T.J. Thorpe is a finalist for college football's newest award.
- Former Georgia Tech great Calvin Johnson is still alive in the vote for the next Madden cover.
Virginia Tech quarterback Logan Thomas had a memorable rookie season in 2011, as he set a school record for rushing touchdowns in a season by a quarterback with 11 and broke the school's single-season total offense record set by Tyrod Taylor in 2010. Thomas completed 234-of-391 passes (59.8 percent) for 3,013 yards with 19 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He also carried 153 times for 469 net yards and 11 touchdowns. His 234 completions, 391 attempts and 3,013 yards passing all ranked second in Tech history for a single season behind only Don Strock's records set in 1972. I spoke with Thomas about his expectations for his second season as a starter. Here are the highlights of our conversation:
How can you get better in your second season as a starter?
Logan Thomas: You’ve just got to keep working hard, just keep being the person you are, and the player you are. Don’t try to do anything different, but just keep working hard and refining your skills and trying to get better in every aspect of the game.
What’s the biggest thing you learned from last season?
LT: Just to move on from play to play, series to series. Sometimes things aren’t going to go your way. You’ve just got to bounce back and just do it. That’s kind of what we had to do all year.
Do you remember what it was like for you in the season opener last year, how you felt?
LT: Yeah, I was definitely a little nervous. It was the first time I was able to get a chance to play in a game that actually meant something. I was definitely a little nervous, but very excited at the same time. It’s the first time I had a chance to do something like that, and it was kind of like the next step into my future.
Aside from obviously being more comfortable, what’s the biggest difference for you at this point?
LT: Just the mentality is the biggest thing, being able to control and process everything that’s been thrown at me in the spring and in the fall because I already know what’s going to happen and how it works, not just going in kind of blind and having to pick it up as it goes.
Where do you think you made the most improvement as the season progressed last year?
LT: Being able to stay in the pocket and make good throws instead of just scrambling around and trying to make a play with my legs or throwing it on the run. Just knowing where my protection is at and where it’s not going to break down at and where it is going to break down at, and deliver the ball to the receiver.
Was there a turning point for you last season? Watching you I thought it was the Miami game, but what’s your take on where you finally figured it out and said, ‘I got it, I can do this?’
LT: I’d say I really kind of picked it up in the Marshall game. I was able to see how everything was supposed to work and how it was going to work and how our offense was put together and supposed to work. I kind of really picked everything up that week. Obviously had a bad next week against Clemson, but put it right back on the table against Miami. Things kind of were flowing from there.
What are you looking forward to most about being a second-year starter?
LT: Just being able to play some more football for one. It’s nice to be able to have two more years left in my tank here. It’s an honor being able to play here at such a high football program that is known for winning throughout the last two decades. I’m especially enjoying my time here on campus.
Do you expect your role to change or the offense to change given the replacements on the offensive line and the uncertainty at running back?
LT: No, I mean, we’re the same team we’ve always been for the past 10 years. I wouldn’t expect it to change in that aspect, but I would expect them to give me more responsibility now that I’ve completed my first year.
How so?
LT: I’m not exactly sure yet, maybe some more audibles, or self-checks at the line, change up routes during the play. I’m not 100 percent sure of how or what they’ll do, maybe put the ball in my hands a little more, but I guess we’ll see when that time comes around.
Is it something you would welcome? More responsibility?
LT: Oh definitely. I think it’s just the next step to being the quarterback I want to be, and getting to the place that every quarterback in the NCAA wants to be.
How can you get better in your second season as a starter?
Logan Thomas: You’ve just got to keep working hard, just keep being the person you are, and the player you are. Don’t try to do anything different, but just keep working hard and refining your skills and trying to get better in every aspect of the game.
[+] Enlarge
AP Photo/David GoldmanVirginia Tech's Logan Thomas said he wants more responsibility heading into next season.
AP Photo/David GoldmanVirginia Tech's Logan Thomas said he wants more responsibility heading into next season.LT: Just to move on from play to play, series to series. Sometimes things aren’t going to go your way. You’ve just got to bounce back and just do it. That’s kind of what we had to do all year.
Do you remember what it was like for you in the season opener last year, how you felt?
LT: Yeah, I was definitely a little nervous. It was the first time I was able to get a chance to play in a game that actually meant something. I was definitely a little nervous, but very excited at the same time. It’s the first time I had a chance to do something like that, and it was kind of like the next step into my future.
Aside from obviously being more comfortable, what’s the biggest difference for you at this point?
LT: Just the mentality is the biggest thing, being able to control and process everything that’s been thrown at me in the spring and in the fall because I already know what’s going to happen and how it works, not just going in kind of blind and having to pick it up as it goes.
Where do you think you made the most improvement as the season progressed last year?
LT: Being able to stay in the pocket and make good throws instead of just scrambling around and trying to make a play with my legs or throwing it on the run. Just knowing where my protection is at and where it’s not going to break down at and where it is going to break down at, and deliver the ball to the receiver.
Was there a turning point for you last season? Watching you I thought it was the Miami game, but what’s your take on where you finally figured it out and said, ‘I got it, I can do this?’
LT: I’d say I really kind of picked it up in the Marshall game. I was able to see how everything was supposed to work and how it was going to work and how our offense was put together and supposed to work. I kind of really picked everything up that week. Obviously had a bad next week against Clemson, but put it right back on the table against Miami. Things kind of were flowing from there.
What are you looking forward to most about being a second-year starter?
LT: Just being able to play some more football for one. It’s nice to be able to have two more years left in my tank here. It’s an honor being able to play here at such a high football program that is known for winning throughout the last two decades. I’m especially enjoying my time here on campus.
Do you expect your role to change or the offense to change given the replacements on the offensive line and the uncertainty at running back?
LT: No, I mean, we’re the same team we’ve always been for the past 10 years. I wouldn’t expect it to change in that aspect, but I would expect them to give me more responsibility now that I’ve completed my first year.
How so?
LT: I’m not exactly sure yet, maybe some more audibles, or self-checks at the line, change up routes during the play. I’m not 100 percent sure of how or what they’ll do, maybe put the ball in my hands a little more, but I guess we’ll see when that time comes around.
Is it something you would welcome? More responsibility?
LT: Oh definitely. I think it’s just the next step to being the quarterback I want to be, and getting to the place that every quarterback in the NCAA wants to be.
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
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
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.
