ESPN College Football

BOSTON COLLEGE

2009 overall record: 8-5

2009 conference record: 5-3

Returning starters

Offense: 8, defense: 7, punter/kicker: 1

Top returners

LT Anthony Castonzo, TB Montel Harris, LB Mark Herzlich, LB Luke Kuechly, FS Wes Davis, CB DeLeon Gause, RG Thomas Claiborne, RT Rich Lapham.

Key losses

WR Rich Gunnell, C Matt Tennant, RE Jim Ramella, LB Mike McLaughlin, DT Austin Giles

2009 statistical leaders (* returners)

Rushing: Harris* (1,457 yards)

Passing: Shinskie* (2,049 yds)

Receiving: Gunnell (880 yds)

Tackles: Kuechly* (158)

Sacks: Ramella (3)

Interceptions: Davis* (3)

Spring answers

1. Shinskie is older (he’s 26 now) and a little wiser. He has become a smarter player since he walked off the minor league baseball bus last year as a 25-year-old pitcher. Coach Frank Spaziani said his quarterback situation has survived a trip to the emergency room, but is still in “intensive care.”

2. The offensive line should live up to the tradition this year. Even with veteran Castonzo out this spring with a broken foot, it was clear this group has the ability to return to its old standards. With four starters returning, this line should pave the way for another outstanding year for Harris.

3. Kuechly still hasn’t reached his potential. The freshman All-America selection finished second nationally in tackles last year, but Spaziani still wants Kuechly to improve. Kuechly thinks he can and he wants to. He practices with a lot of intensity despite leading the ACC in tackles a year ago.

Fall questions

1. At what level will Herzlich be able to play? That’s the great unknown. He’s back and has been conditioning, but he hasn’t done any hitting. There seems to be a fairy tale vision of what it’s going to be like when Herzlich returns -- and anyone who has followed his story should be hoping for that storybook ending -- but it’s a lot more complicated and unclear just how much he’ll look like the 2008 Defensive Player of the Year.

2. Will Shinskie hold onto his job? Despite his progress, the quarterback job is still open heading into summer camp. Will the other two quarterbacks -- Chase Rettig and Joshua Bordner, both who enrolled early -- be able to challenge him for the starting job? Redshirt sophomore Michael Marscovetra is also in the mix.

3. Who will Harris’ backup be? It’s one of the thinnest positions in the conference, as Rolandan Finch, who had mononucleosis last year, tore his ACL in mid-April. Freshman Sterlin Phifer is an option, but it was hard to tell from the scrimmages because there wasn’t a lot of rushing with the hopes of keeping everyone healthy. Phifer had 15 carries for 28 yards and a touchdown in the first two scrimmages.

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

Redshirt freshman quarterback Justin Tuggle and sophomore running back Josh Haden -- the team's second-leading rusher -- have decided to transfer and have left the football program, the school announced today.

“Both young men expressed a desire to pursue their educations and football careers elsewhere,” coach Frank Spaziani said in a prepared statement. “Each has contributed to our football program, and we wish them well.”

Tuggle started the first three games for the Eagles this season. He completed 13-of-37 passes for 229 yards and four touchdowns. Behind starter Dave Shinskie, Tuggle has the most experience, though Michael Marscovetra has seen increased playing time lately. Haden has 58 carries for 213 yards and one touchdown this season.

This has to be frustrating for Spaziani and for Eagles' fans. Both of these players provided depth and experience at their positions that will be noticeably missed. BC has worked a football miracle to this point in the season, overcoming numerous obstacles since last season ended. That now makes two quarterbacks who have transferred since last year, including former starter Dominique Davis.

It's been a hell of a first year for Spaziani, and yet with a little help from Clemson, the Eagles could still win the Atlantic Division. In addition to winning, the health of Shinskie and Montel Harris now becomes even more important if BC is going to stay in the race. They've shocked many outside the program just by getting this far -- one win away from bowl eligibility. There's no reason the Eagles shouldn't be able to pull together and overcome yet another setback. After all, they've had plenty of practice at it.

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

It can't get much worse for BC's muddled mess of a quarterback situation. Just when it seemed like 25-year-old David Shinskie was edging his way into the top spot, he broke his rib in Sunday's scrimmage.

The best news for the BC quarterbacks is that they're off today.

Tomorrow is the Eagles' last two-a-day session and Shinksie is doubtful for it. When he returns is questionable, but with that kind of injury a lot of it has to do with how much pain he can tolerate. And no, it's not Frank Spaziani's fault that Shinskie got hurt, even though some coaches don't allow their quarterbacks to be hit in the preseason. (I'm told Shinskie got absolutely drilled by defensive tackle Damik Scafe, which does bode well for the new interior line, if you're looking for a silver lining here.) Shinskie wanted to get hit. He hasn't been hit since he was in high school.

So who's the new No. 1? Who knows? Who's No. 2? No. 3? Not even Spaz is ready to make that call.

All four quarterbacks played in Sunday's scrimmage, and redshirt freshman Justin Tuggle went 8-for-16 for 84 yards. Junior Codi Boek completed 6-for-12 for 74 yards while freshmen Michael Marscovetra and Shinskie both had three completions.

The bottom line is this: BC has gone through three of four scrimmages, and there's no clear depth chart. At this point, it's time to look to the quarterback who will make the fewest mistakes, and odds are that's the approach Spaziani takes.

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich Here's a recap of the scrimmages that happened this weekend, with the help of the sports information directors, and the local newspapers that covered them: BOSTON COLLEGE As if things couldn't get worse for coach Frank Spaziani's quarterback situation in his first year, leading candidate Dave Shinskie was injured in Sunday's scrimmage. It might be a bruised rib. Here's how the rest of the team fared without him: All four quarterbacks played and redshirt freshman Justin Tuggle went 8-for-16 for 84 yards. Junior Codi Boek threw for 74 yards on a 6-for-12 day while freshmen Michael Marscovetra and Shinskie both had three completions. Junior Jordon McMichael and sophomore Colin Larmond Jr. both had three receptions for 18 and 33 yards, respectively. Sophomore Montel Harris was the leading rusher with 46 yards on 13 carries with a touchdown. Senior Steve Aponavicius went 2-for-4 in his field goal attempts, hitting from 42 yards both times. A 44-yard attempt went awry following a bad snap and his 37-yard try was blocked by sophomore Isaac Johnson. Redshirt freshman Alexander DiSanzo shined on defense with seven tackles, a forced a fumble and an interception. Senior Roderick Rollins and freshman Luke Kuechly both had a team-high nine tackles. DUKE Quarterbacks Thaddeus Lewis, Sean Renfree and Sean Schroeder combined to complete 25 of 39 passes for 240 yards. Renfree threw for a team-high 93 yards by hitting on 11 of 18 throws while Lewis was 7-of-12 for 86 yards. Freshman running back Desmond Scott led all receivers with six catches for 39 yards while rookie wideout Conner Vernon had three grabs for 42 yards. Redshirt sophomore running back Cameron Jones picked up a scrimmage-best 49 yards on just three rushing attempts. Defensively, sophomore safety Matt Daniels caused and recovered one fumble while redshirt sophomore cornerback Colin Jones registered one interception. Junior kicker Will Snyderwine booted a 27-yard field goal and successfully converted his lone PAT attempt. FLORIDA STATE Quarterback Christian Ponder had another good day, but with no interceptions, did the defense? Ponder wasn't thrilled with the results and said it might have been because guys were too eager to end their two-a-days. Jimbo Fisher said overall it was far too inconsistent. To read the Noles' entire practice report, click here. MARYLAND The Terps' scrimmage was a mixture of good and bad, and it was the latter that kept coach Ralph Friedgen going. There was one player, though, who made a name for himself in Friedgen's book -- redshirt freshman running back Gary Douglas. Douglas rushed 17 times for a scrimmage-high 122 yards, including four runs of 15 or more yards. He didn't score a touchdown but almost single-handedly led the offense down the field for a score on one drive, accounting for 72 of the 80 yards. Quarterback Chris Turner completed 13 of 20 passes for 113 yards. Backup Jamarr Robinson didn't fare quite as well as he had in previous scrimmages, hitting on just 5 of 14 passes for 59 yards, though he did direct two scoring drives. Mike Barbour looked sharp early, capping off two drives with field goals. The redshirt freshman, who had a leg up on the No. 1 place-kicker job, hit from 30 and 36 yards out. "Barbour started off pretty good, and then he missed his last three," Friedge
n said. "He kind of looked like he had solidified the job and then he opens it up again." Defensive back Eric Franklin, a true freshman, made a scrimmage-best eight tackles and picked off Turner on the sixth possession. MIAMI The Canes wrapped up their final two-a-day of fall camp on Sunday, and coach Randy Shannon said everything -- that's right, everything -- is still up for grabs. Jorge Milian of the Palm Beach Post had a couple of notes for you off Sunday's practice. Morning Practice Highlights -- (pads) Joe Joseph and Marcus Robinson each had a sack in 11-on-11 drills. Randy Phillips (INT, pass break-up) and DeMarcus Van Dyke (two pass break-ups) stood out in the secondary. Lee Chambers and Damien Berry each broke off a couple runs of 15+ yards. Javarris James caught several passes in both 11-on-11 and 7-on-7 sessions Afternoon Practice Highlights -- (shells) Sam Shields (red zone), Chavez Grant (7-on-7) and C.J. Holton (11-on-11) all recorded interceptions. Grant returned his for a touchdown while Holton caught his off a tipped pass. A.J. Highsmith connected with Tommy Streeter (11-on-11) and LaRon Byrd (7-on-7) for significant yardage. Damien Berry took a short pass in the flat from Taylor Cook for a long gain. Other highlights include a near interception by Randy Phillips, a pass break-up by Ramon Buchanan and a sack by Micanor Regis. Red zone touchdowns included Jacory Harris to Richard Gordon and Taylor Cook to Jimmy Graham. VIRGINIA TECH So ... add Ryan Williams to the list of VT running backs who are banged up. Williams sprained his ankle, and Josh Oglesby has "the worst infection" coach Billy Hite has ever seen on a foot. Also, the coaches want to redshirt Logan Thomas, and Kenny Lewis Jr.'s recovery has been delayed. Not a lot of happy news coming out of Blacksburg these days. To read Virginia Tech's entire scrimmage report, click here. Tyrod Taylor completed 8 of 11 passes for 78 yards. Xavier Boyce led all receivers with two catches for 47 yards. Freshman running back Tony Gregory rushed 18 times for 48 yards and two touchdowns. Williams rushed just five times for 22 yards before spraining his ankle and sitting out the rest of the scrimmage. He did score on a 4-yard run and he returned several punts. Matt Waldron was 4-for-4 on his field goal attempts. (31, 32, 43, 30) Defensive tackle Cordarrow Thompson led the defense with seven tackles, four for a loss, and one sack.

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

Boston College Eagles 2008 overall record: 9-5 2008 conference record: 5-3, Atlantic Division co-champions Returning starters Offense: Offense: 7, defense: 7, punter/kicker: 2 Top returners LB Mark Herzlich, LE Alex Albright, LB Mike McLaughlin, FS Wes Davis, WR Rich Gunnell, LT Anthony Castonzo, C Matt Tennant, TB Montel Harris Key losses Coach Jeff Jagodzinski, LB Brian Toal, SS Paul Anderson, WR Brandon Robinson DT B.J. Raji, DT Ron Brace 2008 statistical leaders (* returners) Rushing: Montel Harris* (900 yards) Passing: Chris Crane (1,721 yards) Receiving: Brandon Robinson (646 yards) Tackles: Mark Herzlich* (110) Sacks: B.J. Raji (8) Interceptions: Herzlich* and Paul Anderson (6) Spring answers 2009 Schedule Sept. 5 Northeastern Sept. 12 Kent State Sept. 19 at Clemson Sept. 26 Wake Forest Oct. 3 Florida State Oct. 10 at Virginia Tech Oct. 17 NC State Oct. 24 at Notre Dame Oct. 31 Central Michigan Nov. 14 at Virginia Nov. 21 North Carolina Nov. 28 at Maryland 1. Improved offensive line. It's better than it was this time a year ago, and part of that can be attributed to the fact four starters return. Also, Anthony Castonzo had a great spring after moving from right to left tackle last fall. He was the first true freshman to start on the BC line in a decade, and is starting to live up to the hype. 2. More consistency on special teams. The staff feels good about punter Ryan Quigley, who is going to be a sophomore. By the time he's a junior or senior, Quigley could be one of the best in the league. Senior Steve Aponavicious was a little more consistent and they'll need him to be. He scored the only points of the spring game. 3. Secure secondary. The staff was very pleased with the play of safeties, namely Marcellus Bowman and Wes Davis. The secondary could be the strength of the defense, as four players return with starting experience. Davis started at free safety while Bowman backed up Paul Anderson and earned a pair of starts when Davis went down with an injury. Fall questions 1. Quarterback, quarterback, quarterback. Last year, the question was how the Eagles would look without Matt Ryan. This year, it's how they'll look, period. Dominique Davis, Justin Tuggle and Codi Boek will continue to compete this summer. Also competing for time will be true freshman Michael Marscovetra who will join the team in the fall. 2. Achilles' Heel. Will Mike McLaughlin and fullback James McCluskey be able to come back from Achilles injuries? Both were starters last year and both missed all of spring practices. How quickly their return and how gingerly they play this summer could be an issue. McCluskey was already recovering from a broken leg he suffered against Notre Dame last year. 3. Big holes up front. Can the Eagles find replacements for two NFL draft picks on the defensive line? Jim Ramella, who started every game at end last year, and Damik Scafe impressed the coaching staff this spring. Scafe, a backup last year, is the key. He has to play well, and it's the perfect opportunity for him to make a name for himself.