ESPN College Football

Phil Steele has put the finishing touches on his preseason All-America team, featuring several ACC standouts. Here is a quick look at the league players selected:

First team

• Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson
• Scott Thompson, LS, NC State

Second team

• Timmy Jernigan, DT, Florida State
• Lamarcus Joyner, S, Florida State
• Tommy Hibbard, P, North Carolina

Third team

• Duke Johnson, RB, Miami
• Stefon Diggs, WR, Maryland
• James Hurst, OT, North Carolina
• Aaron Donald, DT, Pitt
• Christian Jones, LB, Florida State
• Ross Martin, PK, Duke
• Spiffy Evans, PR, Boston College

Fourth team

• Eric Ebron, TE, North Carolina
• Tre' Jackson, OG, Florida State
• Morgan Moses, OT, Virginia
• Antone Exum, CB, Virginia Tech
• Chandler Catanzaro, PK, Clemson
• Jamal Golden, KR, Georgia Tech
• Rashad Greene, PR, Florida State

Notice anyone missing?

That would be Clemson quarterback Tajh Boyd. I can pretty much guarantee Boyd will be using the slight as even more motivation, considering it is his goal to be recognized as the best quarterback in America this season.

Here are the four quarterbacks that Steele selected instead: Johnny Manziel, first team; Braxton Miller, second team; AJ McCarron, third team; Teddy Bridgewater, fourth team. Hard to argue with the reigning Heisman Trophy winner in Manziel, or Miller, who led his team to an undefeated season a year ago.

Bridgewater is a good choice, too, considering many believe he will be one of the first players taken in the 2014 draft if he turns pro at the end of the season. But, in my opinion, Boyd is a better overall quarterback than McCarron. Yes, I know McCarron has led the Tide to two straight national championships. Alabama will be a preseason top 5 team once again. But Boyd is a much more dynamic player with more upside. I view McCarron as much more of a game manager.

In any case, there certainly appears to be a tremendous amount of talent across the country at quarterback. All five go into the season as preseason Heisman candidates. You can throw Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray into the mix as well, along with Marcus Mariota at Oregon. Should be a fun season to watch.

A few other observations:

• It is now clear that folks around the country expect Watkins to have a bounce-back season. Seeing him listed on the first team is testament to all the talent he has, and the belief he will be even better than he was his freshman season.
• Once again, Florida State is well represented, with a league-leading five players recognized. That supplies even more proof that the Noles remain the most talented team in the ACC, despite losing 11 players to the NFL draft.
• When Exum tore his ACL during a pickup basketball game earlier this year, many feared his senior season would be in jeopardy. But Exum has made a remarkable recovery and could play in the season opener against Alabama. Steele clearly has confidence that Exum can remain an elite corner despite his injury setback.
• Ross Martin was a true freshman last season, replacing Will Snyderwine, who ranks No. 3 in school history in points scored. Now, Martin is a third-team preseason All-American. What a rise.

Heather Dinich talks about Virginia's top performer this spring.

2012 record: 4-8
2012 conference record: 2-6 (sixth in the Coastal Division)
Returning starters: Offense: 7; Defense: 7; Kicker/punter: 1

Top returners:

QB David Watford, QB Phillip Sims, RT Morgan Moses, TE Jake McGee, TB Kevin Parks, C Luke Bowanko, WR Tim Smith, WR Darius Jennings, DE Jake Snider, CB Demetrious Nicholson

Key losses:

LT Oday Aboushi, QB Michael Rocco, TB Perry Jones, LB Steve Greer, LB LaRoy Reynolds

2012 statistical leaders (*returners)

Rushing: Kevin Parks* (734 yards)
Passing: Michael Rocco (1,917 yards)
Receiving: Darius Jennings* (568 yards)
Tackles: Steve Greer (122)
Sacks: Chris Brathwaite* (3.5)
Interceptions: Maurice Canady*(2)

Spring answers

1. Born to blitz. The defense embraced first-year defensive coordinator Jon Tenuta’s aggressive style with enthusiasm. There were 14 sacks in the spring game. Senior Brent Urban seemed to flourish at defensive tackle. At 6-foot-7 and 280 pounds, he was disrupting the run and creating havoc in the passing lanes with his long reach.

2. Reshuffling the O-line. The staff made some changes up front in order to give the running game a much-needed boost. UVa moved walk-on center Jackson Matteo to the starting spot for the week of practices following the spring game and slid last year's center, Luke Bowanko, to left guard. Sean Cascarano moved from right tackle to right guard and Jay Whitmire took over at right tackle.

3. Morgan Moses is The Man. He decided to return for his senior season, and if this spring was any indication, Moses is on the way to a monster of a finale. The coaching staff was very pleased with his play at left tackle, and he’ll be the anchor of the line.

Fall questions

1. Quarterbacks (again). David Watford, Phillip Sims and Greyson Lambert continue to battle it out. Coach Mike London has said the staff will decide upon a starter in early August. Lambert is more of a drop-back passer, and Sims and Watford are more dual-threat quarterbacks.

2. Linebackers. The loss of Steve Greer, who finished his career with 376 tackles, looms large, but LaRoy Reynolds was also a big-play linebacker who will be missed. Henry Coley switched from the outside to the middle and will be responsible for more line calls. He has big shoes to fill in the tackle department.

3. The running backs. Can Clifton Richardson stay healthy and give UVa a big-back option? UVa lost versatile tailback Perry Jones. Parks returns, along with Khalek Shepherd, but UVa ranked No. 96 in the country in rushing offense last season.

At 6-foot-6, 325 pounds, Virginia left tackle Morgan Moses is impossible to miss. That’s a good thing, because he’s going to be the face of the offensive line this fall. UVa returns four starters up front, experience the program will need as it gets acclimated to first-year offensive coordinator Steve Fairchild. Moses’ decision to return to school instead of leaving early for the NFL was a big boost to the program and the offense. He started 11 games last year and helped the Hoos rack up over 500 yards of total offense multiple times in a season for the first time since 2004. I spoke with Moses recently to get his take on the offense and his decision to return. Here are the highlights of our conversation:

How do you think your role is going to change? Do you have to be more of a leader this year?

Morgan Moses: Definitely. Me being a four-year starter and a guy who played every game last year on the offensive line, I know there are a lot of people looking up to me and I just have to help the team as a leader and push them forward.

What was really the driving force that made you decide to come back?

MM: Just being able to play with these guys for my last year, having those guys call me over break and tell me they wanted me to be a part of the team. Just sitting down with Coach London, and all of the changes we had with the coaching staff. I felt comfortable with the coaches, and of course, the schedule we’re playing. I always talk to Coach London about it. If you want to be the best, you have to play the best, so it’s set up for a great senior year. I love to be back here.

Who called you to try to convince you to stay?

MM: David Watford, Kevin Parks, a whole bunch of guys, Tim Smith.

Sometimes that just doesn’t really resonate with guys. Why did what they say have such an impact on you like that?

MM: Just because these guys, I’ve been with them for the last three years. They know what I went through, I know what they went through. Just being able to finish out my last year here, plus to graduate with a degree from the University of Virginia, you can’t get any better than that.

What’s your degree going to be in?

MM: Anthropology.

Anthropology? What are you going to do with anthropology? What have those classes been like?

MM: It’s been really good being able to learn about the culture of people. I really don’t know what I want to do with that after football, but I have some plans.

It never fails that offensive linemen are among the most interesting interviews I have. So tell me a little more about the staff changes. You said you sat down with Mike London. What was that conversation like and what did he tell you about the guys he brought in?

MM: Through that whole situation about coming back to school for my senior year, Coach London was really helpful. He was beside me 100 percent on any decision that I made. Just being able to have coaches like Coach O’Brien, who’s been around for a long time – he’s been a head coach, he’s coached offensive line, he’s a high-energy guy. To have those guys and Coach Fairchild brings a great opportunity for me and the offense as a team.

How is the offensive line looking this year? With four starters back you guys should be a pretty strong group this year, right? How excited are you about the experience returning?

MM: I’m excited. Right now we’re learning a new offense and trying to get everyone on the same page. We’ve got a lot of young guys we’re bringing along that haven’t really played games yet, but they have some opportunities to have some playing time this year. Us older guys who have been around know what’s expected from the coaches. We’re trying to take them under our wings as we move forward.

You don’t come back to school to be 6-6 or not go back to a bowl game. What encouraging signs did you see on the field that led you to believe you can have the kind of season you did in 2011?

MM: You just think about it: Offense and defense, we didn’t really lose that many players. Of course you lose a stud tackle like Oday [Aboushi] and a great running back like Perry Jones, but we got a lot of guys, a lot of quarterbacks, running backs … we’ve got the pieces, it’s about putting them together and putting them in the right places.

So who filled in for Oday this spring and what has the competition been like there?

MM: I moved over to left tackle, and they are battling at right tackle.

What’s that change been like for you?

MM: It’s been interesting. I’ve been wanting to play left tackle since the first day I stepped on campus. Just being able to switch from right to left and being able to play guard my first year has really helped me learn the offense. I know what every position is doing.

No kidding. Now you’re on the blindside. What’s that like?

MM: It’s great to be there. I played a little bit last year, switching with Oday, so I have some experience at it, and I know the quarterbacks feel way comfortable to have me at left tackle knowing they’ve got the big guy on their back side.

Ya think? I could play quarterback if you’re watching my back. Tell me more about the quarterback competition. I know you mentioned Watford. What’s going on there?

MM: It’s a competition. David Watford, he brings so much to the table with his running ability and his throwing ability. Same with Phil. He’s able to move around in the pocket, and then we have Greyson [Lambert], who has a helluva arm. He can make any throw. He’s not as mobile as the other two, but he’s definitely making strides. They’re all good. I’m pleased with their work ethic and whoever is back there, I’m going to fight for them regardless.

What are you looking forward to most this fall, your last year?

MM: It came so fast, too. I was just talking about it the other day. But just being able to compete with these guys. We’re playing BYU, Oregon and these great teams we have on the schedule. Being able to have those guys in Scott Stadium, and you never hear about eight home guys. I’m excited to just get out there with the guys and compete.

Home from Miami. Here's what's going on in the rest of the league today ...

• FSU quarterbacks coach Randy Sanders will provide input, but he won't get his feelings hurt if Jimbo Fisher doesn't use it.
• FSU linebacker Telvin Smith is ready to invade opponents' backfields.
• Clemson offensive coordinator Chad Morris is always looking for the next wrinkle in his offense.
• Here are five good questions facing Georgia Tech this spring.
• Former NC State cornerback David Amerson talks about his struggles last fall.
• Pitt coach Paul Chryst hasn't been thrilled with his team's effort.
• Here's an in-depth breakdown of the Hokies' linebackers heading into spring ball.
• There has been some movement in Miami's backup quarterback battle.
• The teammates of UVa offensive lineman Morgan Moses pleaded with him to stay another year.

 

Considering Bill Lazor’s history with the NFL -- and his flirtations with the league last year -- it should come as no surprise that he left his job as Virginia's offensive coordinator to join the Philadelphia Eagles. It seemed inevitable. The hire of former NC State coach Tom O’Brien as associate head coach probably didn’t do much to sway Lazor to stay, given that move could have blurred the chain of command, but the overriding factor likely boiled down to Lazor’s interest and experience in the next level.

The bigger question is what’s next for Virginia’s offense.

This is an important hire for coach Mike London (and apparently his boss, executive associate athletic director Jon Oliver, who seems to enjoy weighing in on these things). It comes at an inopportune time, as signing day is only a week away, but more importantly, it comes at a time when Virginia needs to find stability and development at the quarterback position.

The Cavaliers -- particularly in the running game -- underachieved in 2012, especially considering the talent they had on the offensive line with Morgan Moses and Oday Aboushi. They also had a seasoned quarterback to work with in Michael Rocco, who has since transferred, but the puzzling use of Rocco and backup Phillip Sims made the position an ongoing storyline instead of a strength.

Once again, the quarterbacks will be the focus in Charlottesville this offseason, as they have for the past several years. Sims isn’t the only option, as David Watford also has significant experience and has drawn praise from London. Rookie Greyson Lambert will also be given a chance to earn the starting role. The next coordinator will not only have to choose the next starter, but he will also have to be on the same page as London, who openly favored the two-quarterback system in the past.

The Cavaliers could turn to O’Brien, who was Virginia’s offensive coordinator for six years under George Welsh, but both O’Brien and London have made it clear that O’Brien’s role is to guide London and be a resource to him, and help manage the program. Juggling those responsibilities and acting as offensive coordinator and calling the plays on game day would be a lot to ask.

With seven starters returning on defense and four starters back on the offensive line, Virginia can and should be better in 2013. Hiring O’Brien was a huge step in the right direction, but it likely wasn’t the last step.

It's time to take a look back and reflect on the recruiting class of 2009.

How have the top prospects fared?

ESPN.com has the answer, as it looked back at the ESPN Top 150 four years later, and there are plenty of ACC players worth checking out:

Rankings 1-50

• No. 5 DT Jacobbi McDaniel, FSU
• No. 15 CB Greg Reid, FSU
• No. 21 S Ray-Ray Armstrong, Miami
• No. 44 DT Demonte McAllister, FSU
• No. 48 OT Morgan Moses, UVa
• No. 49 RB David Wilson, Virginia Tech

Rankings 51-100

• No. 55 WR Jheranie Boyd, UNC
• No. 58 QB Tajh Boyd, Clemson
• No. 62 ATH Brandon McGee, Miami
• No. 71 S Gerald Demps, FSU
• No. 73 WR Bryce McNeal, Clemson
• No. 79 ATH Jamal Reid, Miami
• No. 86 DE Donte Paige-Moss, UNC
• No. 89 ATH Donavan Tate, UNC
• No. 92 QB Bryn Renner, UNC

Rankings 101-150

• No. 103 ATH Logan Thomas, Virginia Tech
• No. 118 RB Lamar Miller, Miami
• No. 120 DE Malliciah Goodman, Clemson
• No. 139 RB D.J. Adams, Maryland
• No. 140 OT J.K. Jay, Clemson
• No. 150 ATH Willie Downs, FSU

Our recruiting gurus also reranked the recruiting classes of 2009. Miami was replaced by Florida at No. 7, but FSU held steady at No. 8. ESPN.com's Corey Dowlar took a closer look at the Seminoles' Class of 2009.

In 2011, Virginia overachieved.

In 2012, Virginia underachieved.

Next year? The Hoos might achieve middle ground.

Virginia is one of the most unpredictable teams heading into the offseason, as there are plenty of questions facing coach Mike London. The Cavaliers still need to hire a defensive coordinator, they’re not sure if offensive tackle Morgan Moses is going to stick around or enter the NFL draft. And the most pressing question -- the one that plagued Virginia in the latter half of this past season -- still remains: Who will be the quarterback?

Following the transfer of former starter Michael Rocco, Phillip Sims is the most obvious choice to start at the top of the depth chart during spring practices, but the staff has also praised the progress of David Watford, and incoming commit Greyson Lambert is a highly touted rookie who just might be the best combination of both. The last thing UVa needs is another two-quarterback system heading into the fall. London needs to give the players time to compete this offseason and name a clear-cut starter by the season opener. The return of Kevin Parks and Clifton Richardson should help the running game, but that was supposed to be a highlight this year. There will be something to prove next fall, especially without offensive tackle Oday Aboushi up front.

Defensively, Virginia should be even better, considering how young the group was last year, having to replace seven starters from 2011. The team will have to learn a new system and terminology, though, under the new coordinator.

Part of the problem at Virginia is London hasn’t had enough time to transition the roster to a group comprised entirely of his recruits. There is still a cross between London’s recruits, and former coach Al Groh’s upperclassmen. The program is still going through somewhat of a transition phase, and in the past two seasons, we’ve seen London run the spectrum of success. The most reasonable guess as to how Virginia will fare next year is somewhere in between – good enough to get back to a bowl, but unlikely to contend for the Coastal Division title.

This is getting ugly.

First Virginia coach Mike London fired four of his assistants, including defensive coordinator Jim Reid -- a man London likes very much. Quarterback Michael Rocco decided to transfer (can you blame him?), and now Rocco has blasted London for his use of a two-quarterback system (just like many ACC fans have all season long):

"It's an unhealthy environment for any quarterback at UVa," Rocco told Doug Doughty of the Roanoke Times. "It was hard on all the quarterbacks, not just me."

Ouch.

London's decision to fire Reid was as puzzling as his use of the quarterbacks this year, which leads me to believe it wasn't entirely his decision. If this was an administrative move forced upon London, it was the wrong one, and London is going to take some heat for it. Reid was tasked with coaching a group that had to replace seven starters and was very young. Virginia was No. 31 in the country in scoring defense and showed progress every week. Don't forget the offense in that two-quarterback mess was turning it over every other play and putting the defense back on the field again.

Arguably the biggest disappointment for Virginia was its inability to run the ball, not the defense. Virginia was supposed to have two of the ACC's top offensive tackles in Morgan Moses and Oday Aboushi. With Kevin Parks and Perry Jones in the backfield, along with talent up front, there's no reason Virginia should have ranked No. 96 in the country in rushing offense. That certainly doesn't fall on Reid.

London, just one year removed from being named the ACC's Coach of the Year, has a bit of a mess to clean up in Charlottesville, starting with hiring a defensive coordinator. Look for the Hoos to go in a different direction regarding style and philosophy, otherwise it really wouldn't make any sense. And Phillip Sims better be every bit as good as many seem to think he is. Otherwise, we'll have Sims and David Watford repeating the Sims and Rocco storyline, and there will only be one scapegoat left.

Lunch. Turkey. Yumm ...

• Athlon has some top storylines and predictions for Week 13.
• There are still plenty of possibilities for the ACC's bowl lineup.
• What does Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson really mean during UGA week?
• Clemson's defense will have a chance to show whether or not it has really improved.
• Is it an end of an era at Boston College?
• Sure is the end of an era at Maryland.
• Bring on Louisville.
• Maryland coach Randy Edsall is already adjusting his recruiting.
• Hokies' receiver Marcus Davis is closing in on a school record.
• The NCAA's system is flawed, and this letter to former Miami players proves it.
• UVa might be without Morgan Moses against the Hokies.
• Martin Scales is trying to make the most out of his limited snaps.
• Jimbo Fisher says his top-notch juniors better be focused on the Gators, not the draft.

Here are the ACC injury reports for Week 8 from the schools that emailed them:

CLEMSON

Out for the season

• DB Martin Jenkins (hernia)
• QB Tony McNeal (torn ACL)
• LB Justin Parker (groin)

DUKE

Probable

• NG Jamal Bruce (foot)
• DE Justin Foxx (hand)
• S Chris Tavarez (leg)

Questionable

• DT Jamal Wallace (lower body)
• OT Takoby Cofield (lower body)
• QB Brandon Connette (shoulder)
• DE Dezmond Johnson (lower body)

Out

• CB Jared Boyd (leg)
• LB Kelby Brown (leg)
• TE Braxton Deaver (leg)

Out for season

• DB Colin Blake (shoulder)
• DE Chris Casher (knee)
• OL Daniel Foose (back)
• TE Dan Hicks (knee)
• DE Brandon Jenkins (foot)
• DT Jacobbi McDaniel (ankle)
• RB Mario Pender sports hernia

MIAMI

Doubtful

• QB Stephen Morris (lower extremity)

Surgery/Out for season

• LS Sean McNally (lower extremity)
• WR Malcolm Lewis (lower extremity)
• LB Ramon Buchanan (lower extremity)
• OL Ben Jones (lower extremity)

NORTH CAROLINA

Out

• TE Sean Fitzpatrick
• RB Connor Gonet
• OL T.J. Leifheit
• LB Darius Lipford
• RB Travis Riley
• PK Miller Snyder
• WR T.J. Thorpe

NORTH CAROLINA STATE

Probable

• OT Rob Crisp
• G Andrew Wallace
• RB James Washington

VIRGINIA

Probable

• DT Justin Renfrow (upper extremity)
• WR Tim Smith (lower extremity)

Out

• DE Billy Schautz (lower extremity)
• WR Brian Pomper (lower extremity)

Out for season

• S Pablo Alvarez
• LB Adam Caplinger
• DT Marco Jones
• S David Marrs
• WR Mario Nixon

VIRGINIA TECH

Probable

• G David Wang (knee/ankle)

Out

• C Caleb Farris (ankle)

Out for season

• OT Nick Acree (knee)
• FB Riley Beiro (shoulder)
• WR D.J. Coles (knee)
• C Andrew Miller (ankle)

There was plenty of news in the ACC this summer, some of which has affected the order of the power ranking since it was last released post-spring. The biggest difference is at the bottom, where Maryland has sunk following the season-ending injury to starting quarterback C.J. Brown. The first five teams remained the same, but UNC got a small boost after positive reviews by the staff and players who were learning the new systems and terminology of first-year coach Larry Fedora.

This list will change with the season, but for now, here is the starting point for how the ACC teams stack up heading into Week 1:

1. Florida State: There is no excuse for coach Jimbo Fisher and his staff not to take advantage of the ubertalented roster this year and run away with it. The biggest questions remaining are how the Noles will handle the loss of cornerback Greg Reid, and how much better the offensive line will look than it did a year ago.

2. Clemson: The Tigers will be without suspended starting receiver Sammy Watkins for the opener against Auburn, but there are enough other options that Clemson’s offense should still be productive. The depth on the offensive line remains a question, though, and the pressure is on first-year defensive coordinator Brent Venables to help Clemson fans forget the Orange Bowl.

3. Virginia Tech: The Hokies are confident in the speed, talent and athleticism of their young running backs and receivers, but the lack of experience remains a concern. Bud Foster’s defense should again be the strength of the team, particularly early, but with Georgia Tech on the schedule for Labor Day, there’s no time for a tuneup.

4. NC State: The Wolfpack kicks off the season against Tennessee in the Chick-fil-A Bowl trying to sustain the positive momentum with which it ended 2011. Coach Tom O’Brien has said this is the deepest, most talented team he has had since he was hired in Raleigh, but will it be good enough to beat Florida State and Clemson in the same season?

5. Georgia Tech: The Jackets could sneak up on some teams this year, as they have one of the best offensive lines coach Paul Johnson has had since he was hired there. Expectations are higher for the defense in Year 3 under coordinator Al Groh, and the hire of assistant Dave Walkosky should help the special teams.

6. North Carolina: The Tar Heels have the potential to play spoiler this year, or they could have a particularly bumpy ride given the complete overhaul in staff, schemes and philosophy. The players have bought in, though, and quarterback Bryn Renner adapted well to the spread offense this summer.

7. Wake Forest: Coach Jim Grobe has some hidden gems on this team, as players like receiver Michael Campanaro, nose guard Nikita Whitlock and cornerback Kevin Johnson are all-conference candidates. Questions still remain, though, about the offensive line, and two league games in the first three weeks won’t be easy.

8. Virginia: Coach Mike London is expected to release a depth chart today naming his starting quarterback, but the bigger concern should be a secondary that has to replace three starters. The Hoos have two of the best offensive tackles in the country, though, in Morgan Moses and Oday Aboushi. They could pave the way for Perry Jones to have a 1,000-yard season.

9. Miami: Quarterback Stephen Morris earned the starting job this summer, and his leadership will be critical to a young offense that must replace seven starters. The Canes will continue to play with the NCAA investigation hanging over their heads, but those within the program say it hasn’t been a distraction.

10. Duke: The Blue Devils have one of the most talented quarterbacks in the ACC in Sean Renfree, but they need to stay healthy and show improvement on the defensive line in order to have a chance at a bowl game. Duke has a legitimately tough task in getting past FIU in a game that will set the course for its season – and possibly postseason.

11. Boston College: The Eagles couldn’t seem to get a break this offseason, as injuries piled up and athletic director Gene DeFilippo announced his retirement. Coach Frank Spaziani enters this season with the hottest seat in the ACC. It’s only Week 1, but the game against Miami is a must-win for the Eagles.

12. Maryland: Barring something catastrophic, the season-ending injury to quarterback C.J. Brown was arguably the worst thing that could have happened to the Terps this offseason. The offense will be in the hands of true freshman Perry Hills, and Maryland will adjust to two new coordinators in its quest to turn around last season’s 2-10 finish.

Virginia coach Mike London is biased (as he should be when it comes to his players) but he’s also right – the Cavaliers might have one of the nation’s best offensive tackle duos in Morgan Moses and Oday Aboushi.

Both are on the preseason watch lists for the Outland and Lombardi trophies. Both started all 13 games last year. And both can play either side, left or right, protect the quarterback’s blind side or help off the edge. Individually, they’re both talented, and Aboushi could be a first-round NFL draft pick. Together, though, they should be a major asset for the Cavaliers’ quarterbacks.

“I think there’s a level of experience there that we have,” London said. “...From a recognition standpoint, from a physical skills standpoint, they’ve been in big games and have played on both sides so it has to be one of our strengths, to protect the edge, and hopefully they’ll do a good job of doing that.”

London said Moses dropped about 30 pounds this offseason and it has made him a better, faster player.

“When he lost weight before it was one of those liquid diets,” London said. “He would put on a rubber suit and run around and say, ‘Hey coach I lost it.’ We have a sports nutritionist here who put a menu together for him and cut out certain meals, told him what time to eat. He stayed on schedule with that. He worked out, he was running, now he weighs 30 pounds less, did sprints the other day with the linemen, last year he was in the middle to back of the pack, today he was out in front. When a guy sees his conditioning level has improved, feels lighter, it’s a mind-set that's been created or been revealed to him. If you take care of your body, it’s going to take care of your performance on the field.”

Moses was rated the No. 6 player at his position by ESPN.com in 2009, and Aboushi was No. 26. They’re living up to the hype. Last year, Aboushi was twice named the ACC’s offensive lineman of the week. He had 13 knockdown blocks in a road win at Indiana, and he had 11 knockdown blocks in a road win at Miami. He and Moses should again pave the way for UVa’s offense.

“From what I’ve seen from them in games, when you have two guys who have played both positions, left and right ... the notoriety they’ve garnered is based on accomplishments on the field,” London said. “Their skill level at the tackles those two guys have I think does make at least consideration for being one of the best pair (in the country).”

There’s little doubt they’ll be among the best in the ACC.

Some interesting stories out there today ...

• Will Miami offensive lineman Seantrel Henderson ever actually practice a full week?
• As a practicing Muslim, UVa offensive lineman Oday Aboushi is fasting through Ramadan, from sunup to sundown.
• Florida State running back Chris Thompson can't get his back injury out of his mind.
• The future of Clemson AD Terry Don Phillips is up in the air, according to reports.
• Here's a look at Georgia Tech's competition at A-back.
• NC State is still waiting on running back Mustafa Greene, and more news from around the Triangle.
• Virginia's practices are getting more physical.
• Duke's defense at least has some experience to build around this year.
• No more McDonald's for UVa's supersized lineman Morgan Moses.
• The Deacs lost an offensive lineman, but don't seem too concerned about it.
• Maryland's Stefon Diggs is trying to shrug off the high expectations he's facing.

The National College Football Awards Association has unveiled two more watch lists today. Here are your ACC representatives:

Butkus Award (Presented to the nation's most outstanding linebacker by the Butkus Foundation)

• Christian Jones, Florida State
• Nick Moody, Florida State
• Kevin Reddick, North Carolina
• Kenny Tate, Maryland
• Bruce Taylor, Virginia Tech

Rotary Lombardi Award (Presented to the college lineman of the year by the Rotary Club of Houston)

• OT Oday Aboushi, Virginia
• LB Jeremiah Attaochu, Georgia Tech
• G Jonathan Cooper, North Carolina
• C Dalton Freeman, Clemson
• DE James Gayle, Virginia Tech
• LB Steve Greer, Virginia
• OT James Hurst, North Carolina
• DE Brandon Jenkins, Florida State
• OT Morgan Moses, Virginia
• LB Kevin Pierre-Louis, Boston College
• LB Kevin Reddick, North Carolina
• LB Bruce Taylor, Virginia Tech
• G Omoregie Uzzi, Georgia Tech
• DT Joe Vellano, Maryland
• DE Bjoern Werner, Florida State
• DT Nikita Whitlock, Wake Forest
• DT Sylvester Williams, North Carolina