ESPN College Football

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

With former players like E.J. Henderson and D'Qwell Jackson, Maryland has quietly developed some of the ACC's elite middle linebackers during coach Ralph Friedgen's tenure, and Alex Wujciak could be the next in line now that he's finally fully recovered from a torn left ACL that sidelined him the entire 2007 season.

Wujciak, a junior, started all 13 games at middle linebacker last year and then missed the spring because he had his knee scoped to clean out some lingering scar tissue. With the loss of four linebackers and a new defensive coordinator, the Terps will look to Wujciak for more than just tackles this fall.

"I'm feeling really good," said Wujciak, who finished second in the ACC with 133 tackles last year. "It's not really a problem right now. It should be 100 percent by summer camp."

The loss of Dave Philistin, Moise Fokou, Chase Bullock and Rick Costa means the Terps have to replace experience that totaled 144 games, including 54 starts. With Wujciak and Ben Pooler out this spring, Adrian Moten was the only returning linebacker who had played in a game at that position. The two-deep featured three freshmen, junior Drew Gloster, who moved from tight end, and Hakeem Sule, who had been limited to special teams. Moten has played in 23 career games, but didn't get his first start until the Humanitarian Bowl. With the abundance of inexperience at linebacker, much will fall on Wujciak's shoulders.

"I think we need to find one or two who can help us," Wujciak said. "It's funny, because I was a young guy for a while, and now me and Moten have to take on a little more responsibility."

Wujciak brings a blue-collar work ethic from his home state of New Jersey, and said his goal this year is to make more momentum-swinging plays for his team. He's been a tackling machine -- he's the fifth-leading returning tackler in the country -- but he wants to get his hand on the ball more and disrupt the passing lanes. He had two pass breakups last year, one fumble recovery and one blocked kick. He's very strong and athletic and has the potential to make those game-changing plays.

"Last year being my first year, the first few games were fast," he said. "Hopefully heading into this year the game will start to slow down for me so can make more plays."

Wujciak said the team has welcomed first-year coordinator Don Brown's attacking defense.

"A lot of guys are eager to see how well we perform during games," he said. "Our offense has seen enough of it."

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

With the NFL draft scheduled for 4 p.m. ET Saturday, much attention will be paid to the ACC's highest round picks like linebacker Aaron Curry. Over the past three years, the ACC has seen more of its players taken in the first round (25) than any other league, as well as more of its players drafted (115) than any other conference.

Just because a player isn't drafted in the first three rounds, though, doesn't mean he isn't destined for a successful NFL career, and this year the ACC has plenty of such players. There are several who are borderline third- and fourth-round picks, but even more who are relative unknowns capable of making names for themselves at the next level.

Don't forget about Miami's little used linebacker, Spencer Adkins, who has been getting a fair share of attention from scouts lately. He was used in a lot of third down situations as a pass-rusher. Aside from Bruce Johnson, he is the Canes' top prospect. North Carolina tight end Richard Quinn is ascending the draft boards quickly. He could conceivably be a third-rounder.

Here are three players who aren't expected to be drafted in the first three rounds, but will still be quality players in the NFL:

1. Victor "Macho" Harris, CB, Virginia Tech -- A potential late third-round, early fourth-round pick, Harris is a hard-hitter with exceptional ball skills. He reads blocks well and is a scoring threat, especially in the open field.

2. Anthony Hill, TE, NC State -- He doesn't drop many balls, he stays tough in traffic, and is efficient getting into his routes. He's a strong blocker who would have been much more productive had his career not been marred by injuries.

3. Aaron Kelly, WR, Clemson -- He uses his height to his advantage for jump balls, can create separation and be a threat for yards after catch. He is an average blocker, but was underutilized in Clemson's offense last year.

Other potentially late ACC picks worth keeping an eye on:

• Antonio Appleby, LB, Virginia
• Stanley Arnoux, LB, Wake Forest
• Kevin Barnes, DB, Maryland
• Tony Carter, DB, FSU
• Jon Copper, LB, Virginia
• Moise Fokou, LB, Maryland
• Trimane Goddard, S, UNC
• Cameron Goldberg, OT, Duke
• Dan Gronkowski, TE, Maryland
• Kenny Ingram, LB/DB, Florida State
• Orion Martin, DE, Virginia Tech
• Kevin Ogletree, WR, Virginia
• Cedric Peerman, TB, Virginia
• John Phillips, TE, Virginia
• Ryan Purvis, TE, Boston College
• Eron Riley, WR, Duke
• Darryl Richard, DT, Georgia Tech
• Garrett Reynolds, OT, UNC
• Sam Swank, PK, Wake Forest
• Michael Tauiliili, LB, Duke
• Jaimie Thomas, OL, Maryland
• Chip Vaughn, S, Wake Forest
• Edwin Williams, C, Maryland

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

Some are old, some are new, all are borrowed, none Carolina blue ... 

If BC holds its NFL pro day and no one is around to report on it, did it really happen? It did at Maryland ...

Maryland linebacker Moise Fokou took a long, hard road to a potential career in the NFL. Darrius Heyward-Bey is the one who has stolen the spotlight in College Park, though. The Ravens will visit him on March 23 and bring quarterback Joe Flacco to throw to him. Coach Ralph Friedgen thinks former cornerback Kevin Barnes also has a good shot at being drafted.

The backup quarterback competition at Miami won't be too fun for Canes fans to watch develop if Cannon Smith and Taylor Cook keep fumbling the snaps. Here is a further breakdown from Miami Herald blogger Manny Navarro. Shandel Richardson of the South Florida Sun Sentinel saw the same.

In case you missed it, my colleague Bruce Feldman raised the question "What's wrong with FSU football?" earlier this week. According to his answers, plenty.

Not every recruit gets an offer just because they visit, and Denzel McCoy learned that after he went to Clemson last weekend.

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

Boston College will have its NFL Pro Day today, and obviously B.J. Raji, Ron Brace and Ryan Purvis will be among the seniors of note there. (They'll also be among the ACC's biggest shoes to fill in '09). Not all schools release their pro day highlights, but if they do, they'll be posted.

Maryland had its Pro Day on Wednesday, and it was reflective of just how many seniors the Terps will have to replace this year. Maryland lost more starters (13) from last year's roster than anyone else in the ACC.

About 40 representatives from 25 NFL teams were on campus yesterday. Twenty of the 24 players auditioning were starters, and Kevin Barnes, Moise Fokou, Dan Gronkowski, Darrius Heyward-Bey, Jaimie Thomas and Edwin Williams had already been to the NFL combine in Indy.

Heyward-Bey and Gronkowski were among the most impressive players at their positions at the NFL combine. Heyward-Bey ran a time of 4.3 in the 40-yard dash, the top time among wide receivers, while Gronkowski had the third-best performance (26 reps) among tight ends in the bench press and the second-best mark (11.72) in the 60-yard shuttle. They only participated in individual drills on Wednesday.

Here were the highlights from Wednesday in College Park:

• Receiver Isaiah Williams posted the top time in the 40-yard dash (4.38) and 60-yard shuttle (11.10). He also had the third-best time (4.24) in the 20-yard shuttle and matched Barnes for the top vertical jump (41 inches).
• Running back Rashad Henry had the top time (4.11) in the 20-yard shuttle and defensive back Jeff Allen posted the second-fastest time (4.17).
• Barnes posted a time of 4.44 in the 40, while Henry clocked a 4.53 and had a 36-inch vertical leap.
• Jeremy Navarre was the strongest, with 36 reps on the bench press. Defensive lineman Dean Muhtadi had 34.
  

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

The official invitation list for the NFL scouting combine is out, and there are plenty of ACC players who will participate in the four-day job interview in Indianapolis from Feb. 18-24. Just because a player didn't make the list doesn't mean he won't be drafted, but here are the ACC players by school who were invited to the combine:

BOSTON COLLEGE

Kevin Akins, cornerback/linebacker

Ron Brace, defensive tackle

B.J. Raji, defensive tackle

CLEMSON

Chris Clemons, safety

James Davis, running back

Michael Hamlin, safety

Cullen Harper, quarterback

Aaron Kelly, receiver

Dorell Scott, defensive tackle

FLORIDA STATE

Everette Brown, defensive end

Graham Gano, punter/placekicker

GEORGIA TECH

Andrew Gardner, offensive tackle

Michael Johnson, defensive end

Darryl Richard, defensive tackle

Vance Walker, defensive tackle

Jahi Word-Daniels, cornerback

MARYLAND

Kevin Barnes, cornerback

Moise Fokou, outside linebacker

Dan Gronkowski, tight end

Darrius Heyward-Bey, wide receiver

Jaimie Thomas, offensive guard

Edwin Williams, center

MIAMI

Bruce Johnson, cornerback

NORTH CAROLINA

Brooks Foster, wide receiver

Hakeem Nicks, wide recevier

Richard Quinn, tight end

Garrett Reynolds, offensive tackle

Brandon Tate, wide receiver

NC STATE

Andre Brown, running back

Anthony Hill, tight end

VIRGINIA

Eugene Monroe, offensive tackle

Kevin Ogletree, wide receiver

Cedric Peerman, tailback

John Phillips, tight end

Clint Sintim, linebacker

VIRGINIA TECH

Victor "Macho" Harris, cornerback

Orion Martin, defensive end

WAKE FOREST

Stanley Arnoux, linebacker

Aaron Curry, linebacker

Alphonso Smith, cornerback

Sam Swank, punter/placekicker

Chip Vaughn, safety

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

The Terps rebounded from their disappointing finish in the regular season with an impressive win over Nevada in the Roady's Humanitarian Bowl, and a bowl win never hurts recruiting.

The Terps' main focus was to stock up on linebackers, especially with the departure of Rick Costa, Moise Fokou and Dave Philistin. Maryland will have to replace three seniors on its offensive line, and that was the staff's second priority. The Terps are still shopping in that department, but have a good start with three commitments in Pete DeSouza (Hyattsville, Md.), Bennett Fulper (Gretna, Va.) and Ryan Schlieper (Wexford, Pa.).

With backup quarterback Josh Portis transferring and Jordan Steffy graduating, the Terps also had to fill a void there. Chris Turner is a veteran with a winning record, but his backup, Jamarr Robinson, is a redshirt freshman who hasn't thrown a pass yet. Maryland is expecting two commitments at the position in C.J. Brown (Cranberry, Pa.), and Danny O'Brien (Kernersville, N.C.).

The Terps are always looking for defensive linemen and defensive backs. Kevin Barnes is the biggest name in the defensive backfield who will have to be replaced. The defensive line will also lose a lot of depth in Jeremy Navarre, Mack Frost, Dean Muhtadi, and Olugbemi Otulaja. De'Onte Arnett, a highly regarded defensive end from Forestville, Md., is an early entry who might contribute immediately.

Maryland will need a kicker to replace Obi Egekeze, and they've got a commitment from Nick Ferrara of St. Anthony's in New York.

The most glaring departure on offense was star receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey, who decided to leave early for the NFL draft, but the Terps have several talented, young receivers who emerged this season. That position will be more of a focus for the class of 2010.

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

In case you were wondering ...

Seven Maryland players -- LB Trey Covington, LB Derek Drummond, LB Moise Fokou, DB Jamari McCollough, WR Danny Oquendo, LB Antwine Perez, RB Da'Rel Scott -- will not start today's game due to a curfew violation.

Back to watching the game.

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

WHO TO WATCH: Senior linebacker Moise Fokou. He has a team-best five sacks and his pressure on Colin Kaepernick will be integral. The former walk-on leads the Terps with 11 tackles for loss. His five sacks are the most by a Maryland linebacker since Shawne Merriman had a team-best 8.5 in 2004.

WHAT TO WATCH: Maryland's defensive adjustments in the second half. The Terps will need the first half to figure out Nevada's unique offense, and they have been at their best in the second half this season. Maryland held ACC opponents to an average of 141 yards and 6.6 points in the second half this year, but will be without former defensive coordinator Chris Cosh, who was hired at Kansas State.

WHY TO WATCH: The Terps have won three of their past four bowl games and are the ACC's next chance at improving upon the league's 2-3 record.

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

The Terps were a microcosm of the entire league -- impossible to predict. A surprising loss at Middle Tennessee on Sept. 6 was followed one week later with an upset of No. 23-ranked Cal. Maryland finished with a 4-1 record against ranked opponents, and was 3-4 against unranked teams. Only Florida and Oklahoma had more wins (five) against opponents ranked in the Associated Press Top 25.

When it mattered most, though, Maryland came up short. For the second time under coach Ralph Friedgen, Maryland had the chance to win the Atlantic Division and let it slip away. The embarrassing 37-3 loss to Florida State at home sealed the Terps' fate, and the season finale at Boston College meant little more than an audition for a better bowl game. They missed out on that, too, and in a matter of two weeks went from contending for the ACC title to being Boise-bound. Maryland lost three of its final four games and was held to negative yards rushing in two of those losses.

Offensive MVP: Quarterback Chris Turner. He is 5-1 as a starter against ranked opponents, the lone loss coming in the regular season finale at Boston College. Turner entered that game not having thrown an interception against a ranked team in 185 pass attempts. Turner threw a career-high 11 touchdown passes this season.

Defensive MVP: Linebacker Moise Fokou. He posted a team-high five sacks this season, which is tied for third in the ACC among linebackers, and the most by a Maryland linebacker since Shawne Merriman had 8.5 in 2004. He is the only player in the ACC with at least 70 tackles and five sacks. He also leads the Terps with 11 tackles for loss this season.

Turning point: Florida State's fumble return for a touchdown with 9:19 left in the second quarter put the Seminoles ahead 14-0 and Maryland's chances at clinching the Atlantic Division significantly diminished. The Terps fell behind 24-0 in that game, and any chance of a comeback ended when Da'Rel Scott lost his second fumble with 13:19 left.

What's next: The Terps will face an explosive Nevada offense in the Roady's Humanitarian Bowl, and they will be without former defensive coordinator Chris Cosh, who took a job at Kansas State, and special teams coordinator Danny Pearman, who was hired at Clemson. Al Seamonson will serve as interim defensive coordinator and Brian White, an intern and former graduate assistant, will take over tight ends and help with special teams.

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

Maryland linebacker Moise Fokou doesn't know them personally, but he rattles off the names of Virginia Tech's playmakers like they're on a first-name basis: Macho, Tyrod, Glennon, Holt.

"We like to familiarize ourselves with our opponents," Fokou said.

He just doesn't know who their starting quarterback will be.

It's remained a mystery to just about everyone except the Hokies this week, as starters Tyrod Taylor and Sean Glennon both suffered left ankle sprains during the Florida State game and spent most of their bye week wearing protective boots. They practiced in limited capacity this week, but Cory Holt, the Hokies' third-string quarterback-turned-receiver-turned quarterback again, was preparing as if he was the starter. They all bring a different dimension to the game, but neither team seems overly concerned about it, despite the weighty implications of the game in the conference race.

Virginia Tech, as expected, has done nothing but express confidence in Holt, a fifth-year senior who played admirably in a tough situation at Florida State. And the Terps have zeroed in on the Hokies' running game, regardless of who starts at quarterback.

"They're a running football team," said senior defensive tackle Jeremy Navarre. "Whoever they put back there, whoever starts, they're going to stick with what they do best and they're going to run the ball. They've got a big offensive line. All year long their main thing has been to run the ball. If you don't stop this team from running the ball, they're going to do it all game long."

Unless, of course, Glennon is playing quarterback. He's the one who can throw it. (Although tight end Greg Boone, who was moved to backup behind Holt when the starters went down, claims he'll throw it 80 yards every time if he gets in there. Seriously). Taylor is the one who brings a different dimension with his feet. He has had seven running plays of 20 yards or more this season and is the team's second leading rusher.

"I think Holt is kind of a blend between both of them," Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen said. "He's very mobile. I don't think he's as fast as Taylor, but I think he can do all the things that Taylor does. He's a big, tall, strong guy just like Glennon. He's in between. They can go either way with him. I thought he did a tremendous job last week having not gotten a lot of reps. He ran the option, he threw the ball ... they must have a lot of confidence in him he can do the things they ask him to do with very little reps."

They do.

(Read full post)

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- Sorry for the delay, but Spanky's on Franklin Street was calling my name for dinner.

Here's what happened throughout the league today, per the latest available report from each team:

BOSTON COLLEGE

• The defense stole the show in the Eagles' second scrimmage, and that's not a surprise. But eight sacks and four interceptions?
• The offense had 64 net rushing yards. Yikes.
• Chris Crane completed 14-of-25 passes for 178 yards and a touchdown.
• Junior Rich Gunnell led all receivers with three catches for 83 yards and a touchdown.
• Sophomore Billy Bennett connected on field goals of 26 and 38 yards while senior Steve Aponavicius nailed a 29-yarder.
• True freshman Ryan Quigley punted the ball three times for 104 yards (34.3 average) with a long of 36 yards while sophomore Billy Flutie punted once, a 33-yarder.

Quotable:

"The defense brought a whole lot of blitzes today," Crane said. "It's comforting to know this defense will be playing on our side of the ball this fall. It's a benefit to play against them every day."

FLORIDA STATE

• Rodney Gallon confirmed today that he is no longer a part of the Seminole football team. He told the FSU sports information office he will be enrolled in school this fall and is excited to complete the final nine hours toward his degree. Football is just not part of his future right now but completing his college degree is a priority.
• Preston Parker was held out of practice due to a cervical sprain. Tony Carter also suffered a cervical sprain and did not finish practice. Freshman Terrance Parks suffered a right knee contusion at the end of the session as well.

Highlights

• One-on-one was run in the red zone and Corey Surrency caught four TD passes. Three came from E.J. Manuel and one from Drew Weatherford.
• Weatherford also had TD passes to Bert Reed, Avis Commack, Jarmon Fortson, Rod Owens and Chase Walker.
• Manuel not only had the three TDs to Surrency, but he also completed touchdown passes to Owens and Fortson. Christian Ponder, who was working mostly with the inside group, came over and completed a touchdown to Commack.
• In the 11-on-11 drill, Weatherford squeezed a pass between two defenders and it was deflected but Bo Reliford kept his concentration and hauled in the touchdown pass.

GEORGIA TECH

• Quarterback Josh Nesbitt didn't practice this afternoon with a shoulder injury and neither did Andrew Gardner, Sr., OT (also a shoulder). Both are day-to-day and neither is in jeopardy of missing the opener. Nesbitt got a "stinger" when a teammate fell on his shoulder.
• Practices will be closed beginning Monday. It was good while it lasted.

Highlights:

• The Yellow Jackets spent two periods this morning working on 3rd-and-5 situations. Back-up safety Troy Garside intercepted a Bryce Dykes passas.
• Senior quarterback Calvin Booker connected with sophomore Demaryius Thomas on a 35-yard touchdown completion.

MARYLAND

• The Terps worked on clock management and ended with two-minute drills.
• There is still a battle at strongside linebacker where incumbent Moise Fokou is trying to hold off Adrian Moten for the starting nod. Regardless of who starts, both are likely to play extensively, including on special teams.
• During the full-team drill, wide receivers LaQuan Williams and Torrey Smith caught touchdown passes.

Quotable:

"We came out today and they were tired and sore," coach Ralph Friedgen said. "This was a character practice. We had a pretty good practice. I had to push them, but that's my job. I told them I'm going to get every ounce of energy and every ounce of talent out of them."

MIAMI

• The Hurricanes continued to stress special teams, and the defense focused on run blitzing drills with specific emphasis on red zone and run formations.
• After five practices in the past three days, coach Randy Shannon is giving his guys Thursday off.
• They'll scrimmage on Friday.

Quotable:

"The other day I didn't like the way we were practicing, but we came out this morning and this afternoon and finished up strong," Shannon said. "We had a lot of enthusiasm and we made a lot of plays on both sides of the football so we're excited about that. It was a big improvement from the other day."

WAKE FOREST

• The Demon Deacons had their second two-a-day practice in preparation for tomorrow's scrimmage, which I will attend.

Highlights:

• In the first practice, during 7-on-7 drills, quarterback Riley Skinner hit running back Josh Adams on a long pass down the left sideline on the first play of the drill.
• Cornerbacks Chip Vaughn and Brandon Ghee each made a couple of nice pass breakups.

Quotable:

"I would like to see some improvement from the younger classes," said coach Jim Grobe. "We have older guys that are doing pretty much what we thought they would be doing at this point -- having good camps and making minimal mistakes. I think the key to a season is to have the younger guys step up. No matter how good your upperclassmen are, you are going to have to play young guys at some point, whether you are comfortable or not. So I would like to come back to the office after the scrimmage tomorrow and feel like our young guys made pretty good strides."

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

1. Virginia: Senior captain Clint Sintim started all 37 games in his career and was third on the team with 77 tackles last season. His nine sacks last year were the most of any linebacker in the nation. Inside linebacker Jon Copper is UVA's active leader in tackles with 200, and Antonio Appleby is third on that list with 155.

2. Wake Forest: All three returning starters are back, including strongside linebacker Aaron Curry, a two-time defensive player of the week who had three interception returns for touchdowns and led the nation in interception return yards with 256. He also led the team with 13.5 tackles for a loss. Middle linebacker Stanley Arnoux also returns, along with weakside linebacker Chantz McClinic, who had 42 tackles.

	Ned Dishman/Getty Images
	Senior linebacker Brian Toal, who has 180 career tackles despite missing last season, is healthy again for Boston College.

3. Boston College: The Eagles lost two key starters, but senior Brian Toal's shoulder is healed and he has 180 career tackles despite missing last season with a medical redshirt. His primary competition at weakside linebacker will come from senior Robert Francois, who finished last season with 39 total tackles. Junior Mark Herzlich, who started all 14 games last year and finished second in total tackles with 97 should anchor this unit. Junior Mike McLaughlin started three games at middle linebacker last season when Jo-Lonn Dunbar was injured and is the heir apparent there.

4. Maryland: This could be one of the Terps' deeper positions, even with the loss of Erin Henderson to the NFL. Seniors Dave Philistin and Moise Fokou each started all 13 games last season, and Adrian Moten, who played all three positions as a freshman, tied for the team lead in sacks (5.5) and had 50 tackles even though he didn't start a game. Philistin ranked fourth in the ACC with 9.5 tackles per game.

5. Florida State: These guys have talent, it's just a matter of when it will all come together. Geno Hayes is gone, and so is Marcus Ball, who was expected to fill in for Hayes but was booted off the team. Still, the Seminoles' leading tackler is back. Underrated middle linebacker Derek Nicholson made 99 stops last year and was the only linebacker to start all 13 games. Strongside linebacker Dekoda Watson started every game but the bowl game because of the academic scandal and will miss the first three, leaving the job to sophomore Kendall Smith. The 'Noles are also excited about freshman Nigel Bradham.

6. Miami: The Hurricanes lost their leading tackler in Tavares Gooden, a third-round NFL draft pick by the Ravens, but are still better off than the way they ended last season -- with three healthy linebackers. Senior Glenn Cook is back after missing last season with a foot injury, and the freshmen -- Arthur Brown and Sean Spence -- didn't waste any time impressing the staff while Coin McCarthy was out this spring. Darryl Sharpton and Spencer Adkins are possible starters in the middle.

7. Virginia Tech: The Hokies will obviously miss Vince Hall and Xavier Adibi, but middle linebacker Brett Warren played well last year when Hall got hurt and earned the confidence of defensive coordinator Bud Foster. Purnell Sturdivant is No. 1 heading into the fall, but should be challenged by veteran Jonas Houseright and redshirt freshman Hunter Ovens. Redshirt junior Cam Martin started 13 of 14 games last season at weakside after being moved from free safety and finished fifth on the team with 78 tackles and was third in sacks with 4.5.

8. Duke: Senior Michael Tauiliili is the top active player in the league in terms of career tackles, and finished last season with 108. He also had four sacks and three interceptions. Vincent Rey led the Blue Devils with 111 tackles. The third slot will be between Marcus Jones and Adam Banks. There's not a lot of depth here, but there's talent.

9. Clemson: This is the least experienced unit on the Tigers' defense. Josh Miller is the only senior in the group and is competing for the starting middle linebacker job. Tommy Bowden was impressed with freshman Stanley Hunter this spring, but Brandon Maye had the top spring among the newcomers and is listed as first team in the middle entering the fall. Junior Kavell Connor is the top option at weakside linebacker and had a career high 15 tackles in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl. He had 46 stops for the year, tops among linebackers on the spring depth chart. Sophomore Scotty Cooper also started the Chick-fil-A Bowl at strongside linebacker. He had 33 stops for the season in 183 plays on defense.

10. North Carolina: The Tar Heels have to replace leading tackler Durell Mapp, but return sophomore Bruce Carter and sophomore Quan Sturdivant. Carter played in all 12 games and started seven. He made 18 of his 25 tackles in the final five games. Sturdivant's experience is similar, having played in all 12 games, but started just five. He finished the season with 47 tackles, but also added an interception and a blocked punt. Senior Mark Paschal played in all 12 games and started four at middle linebacker, and Chase Rice was still recovering this spring from a torn tendon in his left ankle. He was the starter in 2007, but got hurt in the season opener and missed the rest of the season.

11. NC State: There's not a lot of experience, as the top candidates have combined for five starts and only four guys have played in a collegiate game. Nate Irving is the lead candidate at weakside linebacker, having started four games. Ray Michel started one game in the middle, and strongside should be wide open. Robbie Leonard, a converted walk-on defensive back, is the starter heading into summer camp. He played in eight games as a strong safety and has seen most of his action on special teams the past two seasons. Thomas Barnes got valuable experience as a backup middle linebacker last season, playing the last 10 games and scoring a touchdown on a fumble recovery in only his third career play from scrimmage.

12. Georgia Tech: Two of the three stars from last year -- Philip Wheeler and Gary Guyton -- are now on NFL rosters. Junior Shane Bowen started nine games last season, but sophomore Anthony Barnes has the most potential and started three. Two young rookies, sophomore Brad Jefferson and redshirt freshman Kyle Jackson, are good enough that Bowen may lose his starting job.

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

The Terps are next in line for a breakdown of the remaining position battles to be fought during summer camp. Here's a look at the spots still open in College Park:

	Brian A. Westerholt/Getty Images
	Jordan Steffy (above) is competing with Chris Turner to be the Terrapins' No. 1 quarterback.

Quarterback: Chris Turner or Jordan Steffy. It seems like every season it's a mystery in College Park, even when there's a starter back. Turner successfully took over the offense when Steffy got hurt, but Steffy was impressive this spring.

Right guard: Jack Griffin or Phil Costa. There's only one spot open on the line, and these two guys are after it. Costa started one game here when Andrew Crummey got hurt , and then started the last six games for an injured Jaimie Thomas at left guard. Griffin eventually took over at right guard for Crummey.

Weakside linebacker: Dave Philistin or Chase Bullock. While Philistin was out this spring with an injury, Bullock was impressive, but Philistin started all 13 games and was fourth in the ACC in tackles last year (9.5 per game).

Strongside linebacker: Adrian Moten or Moise Fokou. Fokou was third on the team in tackles, but missed all of spring ball with an injury. Moten played all three linebacker positions last year because of injuries and tied for the team lead in sacks (5.5) and had 50 tackles without starting a game.

Safety: Antwine Perez or Terrell Skinner. There are high hopes for Perez, who sat out last season after transferring from USC. He was second on the depth chart behind Skinner at free safety, but most of Skinner's experience was on special teams.

Cornerback: Kevin Barnes, Anthony Wiseman and Nolan Carroll. Odds are Wiseman and Carroll end up in a competition for the spot opposite Barnes, who had a team-high four interceptions and was tied for fifth in the league in passes defended last season. Barnes is the only returning starter in the secondary.

Check back tomorrow for Miami.