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My colleague Mark Schlabach has released his post-spring top 25, and the ACC has fared well:

7. Florida State
16. Clemson
23. Virginia Tech
25. Georgia Tech

I've got the first three in the same order in my post-spring conference power ranking, but I've apparently got more faith in NC State than Schlabach (and probably a lot of other people). Call it instinct. Call it a gut feeling. Call it Mike Glennon's ability to throw the ball, but I think the Wolfpack have the potential for a special season this year -- more so than Georgia Tech.

I do believe the Yellow Jackets can win the Coastal Division this season, but I'm still not sold on Al Groh's defense or on Tevin Washington as a difference-maker at quarterback. Washington is good -- he has proven he can run the offense. But can he PASS the offense? Especially without two of the top receivers from a year ago? Georgia Tech still seems to be lacking the player who can dazzle us like Jonathan Dwyer and Joshua Nesbitt did in years' past. And up front, there are questions on defense.

NC State, on the other hand, has a drop-back passer who is ready to show the rest of college football that he can hit his receivers just about anywhere on the field, and he's got an experienced offensive line to work with. This program seems ready to turn the corner under coach Tom O'Brien, and if there is a fourth ACC team worthy of a preseason top 25 nod, NC State would get my vote.

Now that spring practices are over, it’s time to re-evaluate the ACC pecking order for 2012. There wasn’t much change at the top from the pre-spring power rankings, but Georgia Tech did get a slight bump, along with two teams on Tobacco Road. Here’s a look at the latest ACC power rankings:

1. Florida State: The Noles’ defensive line should be one of the deepest and best in the conference, if not the country, and they’ve got an outstanding quarterback in EJ Manuel. If the young offensive line can mature quickly and the running game improves from 2011, there’s no reason the Seminoles shouldn’t be contending for the ACC title.

2. Clemson: The Tigers could open the season without star receiver Sammy Watkins, who is awaiting his punishment after he was arrested on misdemeanor drug charges, but as long as he’s in the lineup and the offensive line is playing well, Clemson has enough talent to defend its 2011 ACC title.

3. Virginia Tech: It’s hard to forget how the Hokies fared against Clemson in two meetings last season, but they enter this season with the better defense. The question is how quickly the revamped offensive line can come together, and who will emerge as the next star running back.

4. NC State: This team is quietly preparing a championship-caliber roster. Quarterback Mike Glennon is still under the radar, and he’s got an experienced offensive line to work with. This is a team that could surprise some people.

5. Georgia Tech: The Jackets had a promising spring, but the defensive line has to replace two of three starters, and last season’s atrocious special teams still have a lot to prove. One thing is for sure: These guys will be able to run the ball on just about anyone.

6. Wake Forest: Much like the rest of its division, Wake Forest’s success will hinge in part on how quickly the new starters on the offensive line come together. The Demon Deacons have an experienced and much-improved quarterback in Tanner Price, and last year they made a statement that they’re not to be overlooked in the ACC race.

7. North Carolina: The two biggest questions for the Tar Heels are how quickly they can adapt to and execute a new system under first-year coach Larry Fedora, and where they will find their motivation now that the NCAA has banned them from the postseason. This spring revealed a positive outlook for the new offense, which should give quarterback Bryn Renner a chance to shine.

8. Virginia: The ACC’s 2011 Coach of the Year has quickly raised expectations, but they should be tempered because seven starters have to be replaced on defense. Michael Rocco is the undisputed starting quarterback -- unless Alabama transfer Phillip Sims has something to say about it.

9. Miami: With Stephen Morris out this spring with a back injury, quarterback transfer Ryan Williams had a chance to impress the coaches. The position is one of many questions still looming for the Canes, a young team still waiting for closure from an NCAA investigation.

10. Maryland: The Terps had a good spring and were able to move forward with players who wanted to be there. It was a positive vibe, but coach Randy Edsall is still tangled in the shadow of last year’s two-win season. He’ll have to improve upon it without the services of former quarterback Danny O’Brien.

11. Boston College: Several offseason staff changes were embraced this spring, and quarterback Chase Rettig made strides under yet another offensive coordinator, Doug Martin. The Eagles have to find a way to win without two of their most valuable players in running back Montel Harris, who was dismissed from the team, and linebacker Luke Kuechly, who left early for the NFL.

12. Duke: The Blue Devils had a good spring and are still buying into the philosophies of coach David Cutcliffe. They’ve been on the verge of making the postseason before, but fans are looking for them to finally break through in Year 5 under Cutcliffe. Quarterback Sean Renfree can get them there if they minimize the turnovers and play better defense.

Heard any news about FSU? Me either ...

• ACC commissioner John Swofford isn't worried about something that hasn't happened yet, and might not happen.
• He remains confident in the current and soon-to-be-expanding structure of the league.
• The topic of Florida State and the Big 12 was not a formal discussion at the ACC spring meetings.
• This recruit picked Georgia Tech over FSU strictly because of the academics.
• Georgia Tech's beat writer answers some important questions about the Yellow Jackets.
• The ACC coaches believe conference champs should matter when it comes to a playoff format.
• Concussions ended the NFL career of a former Clemson fullback.
• NC State quarterback Mike Glennon is ready for the Pack to have a big year.

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

2011 overall record: 8-5

2011 conference record: 4-4 (4th, Atlantic)

Returning starters

Offense: 7; defense: 7; kicker/punter: 2

Top returners

LT R.J. Mattes, LG Duran Christophe, RG Zach Allen, C Camden Wentz, QB Mike Glennon, RB James Washington, WR Tobais Palmer, DE Brian Slay, DE Art Norman, DE Darryl Cato-Bishop, CB C.J. Wilson, CB David Amerson, S Brandan Bishop, S Earl Wolff

Key losses

WR T.J. Graham, WR Jay Smith, TE George Bryan, RT Mikel Overgaard, DT Markus Kuhn, LB Terrell Manning, LB Audie Cole, LB D.J. Green

2011 statistical leaders (* returners)

Rushing: James Washington* (897 yards)
Passing: Mike Glennon* (3,054 yards)
Receiving: T.J. Graham (757 yards)
Tackles: Audie Cole (108)
Sacks: Audie Cole/Terrell Manning/Art Norman*/Darryl Cato-Bishop* (5.5)
Interceptions: David Amerson* (13)

Spring answers

1. Good luck passing against these DBs. All four starters are back, headed by the record-setting David Amerson, whose 13 picks last season were the most in ACC history. Amerson added another in the spring game. Playing keep-away won't be so easy for opposing quarterbacks, who also have to worry about corner C.J. Wilson, who has returned all three of his career picks for scores.

2. Mike Glennon ready to improve. It wasn't always easy playing in the shadow of Russell Wilson, but Glennon had a strong finish to the 2011 season and had the benefit (or is it horror?) of facing his own secondary this spring. Look for him to build off his 3,000-yard debut season.

3. Glennon's targets should be fine. Despite the loss of T.J. Graham, the Wolfpack figure to be OK at wide receiver. Tobais Palmer had five touchdowns last season and should lead a group that, like Glennon, had its work cut out for it this spring going up against a talented secondary.

Fall questions

1. How will the LBs fare? Graduations, early draft departures and suspensions have hurt the unit. Dontae Johnson is the only returner with extensive playing time, but that came at free safety, a position he left behind this spring. Fifth-year senior Sterling Lucas figures to enter camp as the starter in the middle.

2. How will Rodman Noel transition? The athletic Noel has moved from safety to outside linebacker, and a strong jump from him could provide a big boost to the young unit. Look for him to be used all over the field in a hybrid-like role for the Wolfpack.

3. Can Mustafa Greene emerge? Legal problems and injuries have hurt the running back, who would be returning to play behind an experienced offensive line if he can work his way back into playing time. Greene totaled 869 yards and six touchdowns during his true freshman campaign of 2010.

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.

What will we do without live, open football to look forward to between now and September?

I don't want to think about it just yet, so let's take a look at the remaining ACC spring games, which will be completed Saturday. (We looked at Georgia Tech on Thursday, since the Yellow Jackets play Friday night.)

As a reminder, two of these games can be seen live on ESPN3.

Maryland (1 p.m. ET)
Quarterback depth is an issue for the Terrapins, as the transfer of Danny O'Brien to Wisconsin leaves C.J. Brown as the only signal-caller with any experience. Transfer Ricky Shultz looks like the No. 2 quarterback at the moment, with two more coming to Maryland in the fall. Head coach Randy Edsall was pleased with Brown and the offense during a recent intrasquad scrimmage, but the defense was less than stellar. Still, with plenty of young talent, it will be interesting to see how the unit progresses under new defensive coordinator Brian Stewart's 3-4 scheme.

North Carolina State (3:30 p.m. ET)
There is no more shadow of Russell Wilson lurking every day in practice. The Wolfpack are Mike Glennon's team now, alleviating concern at the biggest position and allowing for the talent behind him to be a bigger priority in the spring game. Protecting the signal-callers should not be a problem, as NC State brings back a veteran-laden offensive line. Keep an eye on Manny Stocker, an early-enrollee signal-caller capable of making plays with his legs.

Virginia Tech (4 p.m. ET)
The Maroon side is already down 21-0 to the White squad, as coach Frank Beamer has spotted the second-team a three-touchdown lead before a snap is taken Saturday. Michael Holmes appears to be the leader in the clubhouse to fill David Wilson's spot as the No. 1 running back, but keep in mind several freshmen are on the way as well. The defensive line has played exceptional at times this spring, returning every significant contributor from 2011.

A year ago, NC State quarterback Mike Glennon spent spring practice throwing in the shadow of Russell Wilson -- the Wolfpack signal-caller who opted for baseball over football drills, before eventually transferring to play his final season at Wisconsin.

But after passing for 3,054 yards and 31 touchdowns in 13 starts last season, there’s no doubt this team is now Glennon’s.

We caught up with the fifth-year senior on Monday:

How are things different now, for you, than they were during spring practice a year ago?

Mike Glennon: I think I just know now, understand now, how everything relates to game days. I can put myself more in the situation of what we’re doing in practice and how it relates to actually being in the game. Last year, it was more a speculation of what it would be like. Now, I have more of an idea of how everything will be once game day comes around.

How do you build on a season where you threw for more than 3,000 yards, plus 31 touchdowns?

Mike Glennon: I think the biggest thing is probably the win column. We expect to be, we want to be, ACC champions. And in order to do that, we have to improve a lot from last year. And that’s kind of the approach I’m taking: that we have a lot more work to do to accomplish those goals.

What’s the biggest strength of your offense, from what you’ve seen this spring?

Mike Glennon: Our veteran offensive line. We have four or five guys who are seniors [Zach Allen, Andrew Wallace, R.J. Mattes, Camden Wentz], and another guy [redshirt junior Duran Christophe] who has played a lot of football for us. And that’s really showed this spring; our offensive line has done a great job protecting the quarterback and opening up the running game. ... It’s really the quarterback’s best friend, the offensive line. Obviously, you don’t want to get hit too much. You know it’s going to happen, but if they can take that pressure off of you, it makes throwing that much easier, and it really helps our running game and our passing game. It all works hand-in-hand, and they’re the core of our offensive group.

You lost a couple of starting receivers [including T.J. Graham]. Who in that group has impressed you?

Mike Glennon: We know the guy that came back from last year, Tobais Palmer, we knew he was going to be good. He looks good. And the two guys who have played a little, but not a ton, who have done a really good job this spring are Quintin Payton and Bryan Underwood.

What, or who, has been the biggest surprise to you during spring practice?

Mike Glennon: I would still go with [cornerback] David Amerson. It’s been long time since I’ve thrown against him, and I threw against him a little bit in practice, and I was curious to see if I could go against him after the year he had [13 interceptions in 2011]. And he’s showed he has not dropped off at all. It’s great practice for me to go against such a talented player. … At times, you think you threw the perfect ball, and the reality is that you pretty much did. But he still breaks it up.

What do you want to accomplish between now and the spring game?

Mike Glennon: Just to wrap things up on a great note. We still have more opportunities this week to get better as individuals and as an offense and team. And we want to have a better team next week than we were this week.

Follow Robbi Pickeral on Twitter at @bylinerp.

Bubba Golf. Count me in as a fan.

• Former Miami and NFL star Warren Sapp has filed for bankruptcy.
• FSU's Greg Reid has big plans for his senior season, Coley Harvey writes in the Orlando Sentinel.
• Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson wants more from Jeff Greene, Ken Sugiura writes in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
• N.C. State's Mike Glennon is addressing the fundamentals, Andrew Carter writes in the Raleigh News & Observer.
• Virginia has no plans to redshirt David Watford, Mark Giannotto writes in the Washington Post.

Congrats to Magic.

• Spring will present challenges for Virginia Tech, Mark Giannatto writes in the Washington Post.
• The countdown to the opener has begun at Maryland, Jonas Shaffer writes in the Baltimore Sun.
• Brandon McGee is getting the message for Miami, Manny Navarro writes in the Miami Herald.
• N.C. State QB Mike Glennon has less to worry about, J.P. Giglio writes in the Charlotte Observer.
• The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Ken Sugiura shares notes from Georgia Tech's first spring practice.

For the second straight offseason, NC State’s receivers are a question mark heading into spring practices. This year, the Wolfpack must replace leading receiver T.J. Graham, who was also one of the ACC’s best kick returners. Tobais Palmer is one of the top candidates to become quarterback Mike Glennon's new go-to guy. Palmer had 37 catches last year for 496 yards and five touchdowns. I spoke with him recently about his role on the team this year and his career to date at NC State. Here are the highlights of our conversation:

What are your expectations for yourself this season, and how do you think your role is going to change?

Tobais Palmer: As a player, I see myself becoming more of a leader. It’s my senior season and people are expecting big things from me. I know I have to step up, and the things I didn’t do so well on last season I need to do better at and be more consistent at the things I do. I think that’s what the coaches are looking for from me, to be a more positive person and believe in myself more than I did last year and be a leader and have fun.

Do you think there’s more pressure on you, or are you putting more pressure on yourself because T.J. is gone?

TP: There is at times pressure on me, but on the other side of it, I think I’m putting pressure on myself, which I like, because I perform better under pressure. It makes me do things I know I’m capable of, but it never happens until I’m under pressure. I put myself under pressure more than anybody else does.

What are some of the specific things you think you can be better at technique-wise on the field?

TP: Technique-wise, I believe my route running. This is my second true year at wide receiver. I feel I need to be more aggressive and it’s real important in what I do when I get into my routes. Me running, that’s what I’ve been doing all of my life. It’s not even second nature. It’s just natural for me to run. But me having to adjust and running routes, I feel I need to be better than that.

Has your career at NC State gone the way you had expected?

TP: Honestly my career at NC State, it’s going pretty well. The way that I expected it? No, because I had planned on being here for four years. By me only being here two years and only experiencing two years of it, it’s going pretty well so far, just going through the whole redshirt season (in 2010) was kind of hard for me because I wasn’t used to it. Learning from things those guys did in that season and going to the bowl game and experiencing different activities, I feel my experience so far has been well. Could have been better than what I thought, but so far I can’t really complain about it.

In 2009 you were at Georgia Military. What was that experience like for you? Did it help you?

TP: Yeah, it helped me definitely become a better person and just being blessed to get a second chance, because most people don’t really get that opportunity. It helped me a lot with time management and helped me become a better person overall after being there. Now being here at school, walking around, doing what I have to do, it’s pretty easy.

We had you rated as the No. 27 athlete in the country. Do you feel like that now? Do you feel like you lived up to the hype, or is that potential still there to be tapped?

TP: I feel like I can live up to it now. I try to talk to my coaches and everything here. I’m trying to get them to give me the ball more and let me show my talent and the reason why I came here and I’m on this team and what I’m trying to bring to the table. I feel like if they do that, that’s just going to open up everything else for everyone else to shine, and do what they have to do.

How tough do you expect the competition to be at receiver this offseason?

TP: It’s going to be tough, hands-down. I’m the only senior receiver. It’s only me and two other guys who are experienced receivers who have played a certain amount of plays last season. I know I’m going to have to step up. They’re going to look to me as their leader. I’m willing to take that role and try and be better than what I was last year.

If one of you guys steps up as a dependable playmaker at receiver, you guys seem to have a lot of pieces in place with Mustafa Greene and Glennon and four starters on the offensive line. What do you think you guys are capable of offensively?

TP: If we play to our ability and everyone does their assignments, we’ll be a hard team to stop. Looking at last season, the games we won, and even the games we were down and came back -- especially the Maryland game -- we came out real flat. We were just thinking Maryland was going to give us the game. At halftime we were shocked, but we kept our composure and came back out and play by play moved the ball down the field and we scored. And we scored at will. When we play good, we do it well. That’s the only thing we need to do this year, be on the same page, stay consistent, believe in ourselves and have confidence in each other. I feel as though last year that’s one thing we lacked until the end of the season when it was a desperate win and we needed it. We just need that every game this year to be ranked in the Top 25 and play in the ACC championship.

NC State quarterback Mike Glennon will have four starters returning on the offensive line this year and is looking to continue the improvement he made in the second half of the 2011 season as spring practices begin in Raleigh on Friday. Glennon threw 31 touchdown passes in his first season and was fifth in the ACC in passing efficiency. I spoke with Glennon recently about his expectations for himself in his second season as the Wolfpack’s starter. Here are the highlights of our conversation:

What are your expectations now and how have they changed now that you’re going into your second season as a starter?

Mike Glennon: Just having a lot more confidence, not having any sort of doubt about what I’m able to do, because really I was just preparing myself for practice and didn’t have any game experience, so I have a lot more confidence in myself and I feel like that will be a big advantage for us next year.

Do you remember what it was like when you first lined up as the starter in the season opener last year?

MG: Yeah, the biggest difference for me was getting used to go out there every series, because in the past, when I got in the game, I’d go in for about two series and the game was over. It was different for me to get used to staying mentally focused each and every series and when we go off the field, in the next five minutes I’ll be right back out there.

What was the biggest change in you from the first half of the season to the second, because you seemed to be playing a whole lot better?

MG: Probably I think I improved pretty much every game. Even if we lost and I didn’t have my best game, I think I still improved as a player. I learned from my experiences. I definitely feel in the bowl game I was playing my best football of the year and that was just a part of building on each game, learning from mistakes, and building on the good things.

So where do you go from here? What do you focus on this spring? What’s the next step in getting better?

MG: Right now just trying to work on the workout aspect, getting bigger, faster, stronger and trying to improve on something every day, whether it’s football-related, working out, throwing the ball, watching a little film -- just doing something each day to improve myself as a quarterback.

Is there anything mechanical you want to improve on, or technique-wise?

MG: My main thing is I need to improve on being able to extend the play and escape a little bit when things break down in front of me. I need to be able to make something out of nothing and not go backwards.

Who are you going to throw to without T.J.?

MG: We have plenty of guys. We have guys who have played, guys like Tobais Palmer, who played a good amount of ball last year, and then we have some guys who did a good job for us last year when they stepped in, Bryan Underwood, and all of our tight ends are very good. We’re going to have to have some of our younger guys step up and rise to the occasion.

What in your opinion is the biggest advantage to not being a rookie anymore, aside from the confidence?

MG: Probably just being familiar and understanding the speed of the game that goes on on Saturdays. It’s way different from high school and different from practice. Just the speed of the game and taking the hits that quarterbacks take and having to get up and throw the next pass and complete it.

Virginia Tech quarterback Logan Thomas and Clemson quarterback Tajh Boyd, two friends and competitors from the state of Virginia, have already begun texting and talking to each other about the upcoming season.

“It’s been a nice break, but at the same time, you’re definitely anxious to get back on the field,” Thomas said.

ACC fans should be just as eager to see them this spring.

What was a position of question in the conference at this time a year ago has evolved into one of the league’s biggest reasons for hope this fall. In 2011, at least half of the quarterbacks in the ACC were entering their rookie seasons, and Miami’s Jacory Harris was the only senior starter. Now, they’re seasoned, smarter and looking to improve upon successful debuts. For the first time in league history, the ACC had five quarterbacks top 3,000 passing yards, and all five of them -- Boyd, Thomas, UNC’s Bryn Renner, NC State’s Mike Glennon and Wake Forest’s Tanner Price -- return. That doesn’t include Duke’s Sean Renfree, who threw for 3,131 yards as a sophomore in 2010 and also returns this season.

“I think it’s going to be great for the conference as a whole,” Thomas said. “All of the guys are exceptionally poised and getting ready to be a national title contender in the ACC. That’s what all of us want and have been striving for since we’ve been here. All of us have a great chance because we’ve gone through our first year and we all had pretty good years. It’s been very good for us to play as much as we did and as well as we did.”

Boyd set a single-season league mark with 38 touchdowns responsible last season. Glennon (32) tied for the fourth-highest total with 32, while Thomas accounted for 30. All of them, plus Renner and Florida State's EJ Manuel, finished among the top 50 in the nation in passing efficiency in their first seasons as full-time starters. Georgia Tech's Tevin Washington, also a first-year starter last season, would have ranked 13th nationally if he had enough pass attempts to qualify for the pass efficiency ratings.

In the ACC’s history, the league has had 24 quarterbacks record 30 3,000-yard seasons. Only three have had back-to-back 3,000-yard efforts in Florida State’s Chris Weinke (1999, 2000), NC State’s Philip Rivers (2002, 2003) and the Wolfpack’s Russell Wilson (2009, 2010). That number could increase, though, if the ACC’s current group of quarterbacks continues to mature at the rate it did from the first half of last season to the second half.

Manuel, who was hindered by a shoulder injury for part of last season, went the final eight games of the season without throwing an interception. Glennon threw 11 of his 31 touchdowns in the last three games and only four of his 12 picks in the last five games. Boyd completed eight of 24 passes in last year’s spring game and after an 8-0 start to 2011-12 was a legitimate Heisman contender. Renner was one of the ACC’s most efficient passers and he did it with bone spurs in his ankle. Both Renner and Glennon will have four returning starters on their respective offensive lines to work behind.

“The biggest difference for me the first year was getting used to going out there every series,” Glennon said. “In the past, if I got in the game, I would go in for about two series and the game was over. It was different for me to get used to staying mentally focused each and every series knowing that when we go off the field in five minutes I’ll be right back out there.

“I think I improved every game. Even if we lost and I didn’t have my best game, I still improved as a player. I think I learned from my experiences and I definitely feel in the bowl game I was playing my best football of the year, and that was just building on each game, learning from mistakes and building on the good things.”

As the quarterbacks continue to build on the good things, so will the ACC -- starting this spring.

For some, it might feel like the season just ended, but for others -- like Duke, Maryland and Boston College, which didn't get to play in a bowl game -- spring ball can't get here fast enough. The Eagles kick off spring practices in the ACC on Saturday, so today we'll take a quick look at the main storylines for each team in the conference heading into the spring:

BOSTON COLLEGE

Spring practice start date: Feb. 18
Spring game: March 31 (1 p.m. ET)

What to watch:

• Yet another offensive transition. Doug Martin will be the Eagles’ fifth offensive coordinator in five seasons, including Kevin Rogers, who took a medical leave of absence early last year and never returned, and Dave Brock, who replaced Rogers. Martin said he is looking for a physical downhill running game, wants to increase the tempo and add some no-huddle elements.
• The return of running back Montel Harris. The ACC’s leading rusher in 2010 missed most of last season with a knee injury, but he is expected to return for spring ball. How healthy and durable he is remains a question, but he’s still aiming to break a 33-year-old ACC rushing record.
• Who will replace All-American linebacker Luke Kuechly? It’s an open competition as Kuechly is the only linebacker departing. Sean Duggan was his backup last year, but Steele Divitto put in a lot of work this offseason on his own time.

CLEMSON

Spring practice start date: March 7
Spring game: April 14 (4 p.m. ET)

What to watch:

• The rebuilding efforts up front. Clemson has to replace three starters on both the offensive and defensive lines. On defense, Malliciah Goodman is the only starter returning on the line, and he’ll be one of the candidates to replace the production of end Andre Branch, but Corey Crawford will be the next in line at the position.
• The defensive transition under first-year defensive coordinator Brent Venables. After giving up 70 points to West Virginia in the Orange Bowl, Dabo Swinney fired Kevin Steele and hired Venables. How quickly will he be able to make a difference and will everyone buy in?
• The linebackers. This is the year that the outstanding linebackers in the 2011 recruiting class will finally have their chance to shine. Venables is also the linebackers coach, and he’ll have a young, talented group to work with. The lineup of the future should include Stephone Anthony, Lateek Townsend and Tony Steward, all top 100 players coming out of high school.

FLORIDA STATE

Spring practice start date: March 19
Spring game: April 14

What to watch:

• Maturation of the offensive line. FSU started four freshmen in the Champs Sports Bowl against Notre Dame, and those players will be expected to continue their improvement this spring. The most important question is who will replace the top two tackles from a year ago in Zebrie Sanders and Andrew Datko.
• The kicking game. Punters aren’t usually in the spotlight, but that wasn’t the case at FSU, where All-American Shawn Powell had an impact on every game. Finding a replacement for him this offseason will be a priority.
• The running backs. Chris Thompson, who broke his back last year, is expected to return this spring, and has been cleared for the most part, but the coaching staff isn’t likely to push him. Devonta Freeman will be the main man, but there are plenty of other candidates to emerge -- if, of course, the offensive line figures things out.

MARYLAND

Spring practice start date: March 10
Spring game: April 21

What to watch:

• The quarterback drama. Maryland’s two-quarterback storyline will continue this spring -- if, of course, Danny O’Brien decides to remain at Maryland instead of transferring. There has been much speculation about his future, but for now, the staff expects him to be limited this spring as he continues to recover from a broken arm. C.J. Brown should get the most reps.
• An overhaul of schemes. Maryland hired a new offensive coordinator in Mike Locksley and a new defensive coordinator in Brian Stewart. How quickly the Terps buy into their systems and philosophies will be critical in turning around last year’s 2-10 record.
• The running backs. This is a position where a true freshman could earn some playing time this year, but standout recruit Stefon Diggs won’t be on campus in time to compete this spring. Meanwhile, Justus Pickett returns, along with Brandon Ross, who redshirted last year. Wes Brown (who played at Good Counsel with Diggs) could also compete for major playing time when he arrives for summer camp.

NC STATE

Spring practice start date: March 23
Spring game: April 21 (1 p.m. ET)

What to watch:

• Who will emerge as dependable linebackers. With Audie Cole and Terrell Manning gone, this position is a big question mark for the Wolfpack. Cole was the team’s leading tackler each of the past two seasons, and Manning was one of the defense’s most disruptive players last year.
• The new go-to for Glennon. With T.J. Graham gone, NC State turns to a young group of receivers. Tobias Palmer and Bryan Underwood return, but there are several unheralded players who have a chance to make names for themselves by emerging as a go-to player for quarterback Mike Glennon.
• The running game. NC State returns four of five starters on the offensive line, but will Mustafa Greene return in time for the spring? When he does, the Pack will have another new running backs coach, who has yet to be announced. NC State had the No. 109 rushing offense in the country last year. Greene would be a big boost.

WAKE FOREST

Spring practice start date: March 1
Spring game: April 14 (1 p.m. ET)

What to watch:

• The revamped offensive line. The Deacs have to replace four starters up front. Coach Jim Grobe has played only one true freshman there in 11 years. He has several redshirt freshmen and sophomores who are expected to fill in.
• The next playmakers. Wake Forest is thin at running back (Josh Harris returns, but has a history of hamstring injuries), the Deacs lose two starting wideouts -- including record-setter Chris Givens -- their top two tight ends and 2011 leading rusher Brandon Pendergrass.
• Solidifying the secondary. The Deacs have to replace starting free safety Josh Bush and starting strong safety Cyhl Quarles. There is still plenty of talent at cornerback, but the safety position is thin.

The early NFL draft hopefuls have gone, the early enrollees have arrived, and recruiting classes have been added that could have an impact on the 2012 ACC race. Considering all the offseason shuffling, it’s time for an updated yet still way-too-early look at how the ACC could stack up this season:

1. Florida State:The Noles brought in the No. 2 recruiting class in the nation, including the No. 1 defensive end, the No. 1 defensive tackle and the No. 1 quarterback. Not to mention the abundance of talent they return from last season’s nine-win team. Not only will FSU be better in 2012, but it will also be deeper and more talented.

2. Clemson: The Tigers have the No. 9-ranked class in the country, and they used it to fill some major needs up front. Clemson’s biggest obstacle this fall will be replacing three starters on both the offensive and defensive lines. Quarterback Tajh Boyd has enough skill players around him, though, that the Tigers can repeat as ACC champs.

3. Virginia Tech: The Hokies also have some big shoes to fill on the offensive line and running back thanks to the early departure of David Wilson to the NFL, but the staff lured in a top-25 recruiting class complete with some impressive running backs to rebuild the depth at the position. Virginia Tech’s best asset heading into 2012 will be one of the nation’s best defenses.

4. NC State: The Wolfpack can be a dark horse for the ACC title, especially if they stay healthy. Quarterback Mike Glennon should be one of the best in the league, four starters return on the offensive line, and this recruiting class gave the defensive line some old-school speed off the edge.

5. Virginia: Mike London quietly brought in one of the better recruiting classes in the ACC again, albeit with less fanfare than a year ago. If the Cavaliers can overcome the loss of seven starters on defense, they can again challenge for the Coastal Division title.

6. Miami: The outlook for the Canes has improved significantly with the nation’s No. 8 recruiting class, as many of those true freshmen will be given an opportunity for starting jobs or to at least work their way into the rotation and get meaningful reps. Still, there will be a learning curve, and quarterback Stephen Morris still has something to prove.

7. Georgia Tech: The Yellow Jackets seem like an average team right now. There are no superstars, the recruiting class was ho-hum, and the program’s place in the eyes of the NCAA right now is in limbo. While they return a bulk of their starters from a year ago, other programs seem to be making more progress quicker.

8. Wake Forest: The Deacs brought in a typical, Jim Grobe-type recruiting class: not flashy but will help the program to bowl games with the staff’s ability to develop talent. They return starting quarterback Tanner Price, who was one of the most improved players in the ACC a year ago, but must replace four starters on the offensive line.

9. North Carolina: First-year coach Larry Fedora has the energy, but does he have enough time? Fedora said he wants to change everything at UNC from the personnel to the philosophy and the culture. He’ll switch schemes on offense and defense, but is the offseason enough time to do that and make Carolina a contender in the Coastal race?

10. Maryland: The Terps will be better, and they should go to a bowl game, but without knowing what’s going on at quarterback, they’re a little tricky to predict. Is C.J. Brown the guy, or will Danny O’Brien be the man under first-year coordinator Mike Locksley? This team could move up the rankings quickly this season.

11. Boston College: The Eagles had another blue-collar class that could have been a disaster with defections but was salvaged in the end. Replacing linebacker Luke Kuechly isn’t realistic, but BC welcomes back more than it loses, and that could add up to a surprise season in Chestnut Hill.

12. Duke: The Blue Devils brought in a better class than it was probably given credit, but until that starts translating into wins, Duke will maintain the dubious distinction of last in the ACC.