ESPN College Football

ACC Players Taken in the NFL Draft

1 12 Christian Ponder, Florida State, QB Vikings
1 14 Robert Quinn, North Carolina, DE Rams
1 22 Anthony Castonzo, Boston College, T Colts
2 33 Ras-I Dowling, Virginia, CB Patriots
2 38 Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech, RB Cardinals
2 40 Bruce Carter, North Carolina, LB Cowboys
2 41 Jarvis Jenkins, Clemson, DT Redskins
2 46 Orlando Franklin, Miami, OL Broncos
2 50 Marcus Gilchrist, Clemson, CB Chargers
2 51 Da’ Quan Bowers, Clemson, DE Buccaneers
2 52 Marvin Austin, North Carolina, DT Giants
2 55 Rodney Hudson, Florida State, C-G Chiefs
2 58 Torrey Smith, Maryland, WR Ravens
2 59 Greg Little, North Carolina, WR Browns
2 60 Brandon Harris, Miami, CB Texans
3 67 Nate Irving, NC State, LB Broncos
3 79 Leonard Hankerson, Miami, WR Redskins
3 81 DeMarcus Van Dyke, Miami, CB Raiders
3 86 Allen Bailey, Miami, DE Chiefs
4 100 Da’Norris Searcy, North Carolina, S Bills
4 109 Colin McCarthy, Miami, ILB Titans
4 122 Chris Hairston, Clemson, T Bills
4 127 Rashad Carmichael, Virginia Tech, CB Texans
4 130 Jamie Harper, Clemson, RB Titans
5 133 Johnny White, North Carolina, RB Bills
5 152 T.J. Yates, North Carolina, QB Texans
6 171 Quan Sturdivant, North Carolina, LB Cardinals
6 173 Byron Maxwell, Clemson, DB Seahawks
6 180 Tyrod Taylor, Virginia Tech, QB Ravens
6 181 Richard Gordon, Miami, TE Raiders
6 192 Matt Bosher, Miami, P-PK Falcons
7 218 Ryan Taylor, North Carolina, TE Cowboys
7 221 Da’Rel Scott, Maryland, RB Giants
7 224 Markus White, Florida State, DE Redskins
7 225 Anthony Allen, Georgia Tech, RB Ravens

ACC Selections by Rounds

First 3
Second 12
Third 4
Fourth 5
Fifth 2
Sixth 5
Seventh 4

ACC Selections by Teams

North Carolina 9
Miami 8
Clemson 6
Florida State 3
Virginia Tech 3
Maryland 2
Boston College 1
Georgia Tech 1
NC State 1
Virginia 1

It what might have been the biggest surprise of the entire first round of Thursday night's NFL draft, former Florida State quarterback Christian Ponder was the first player drafted from the ACC when he was chosen 12th by the Minnesota Vikings.

Ponder, whose durability has been a question but his talent hasn't, was picked ahead of former ACC defensive ends Da'Quan Bowers and Robert Quinn, and Boston College offensive lineman Anthony Castonzo -- all of whom were projected by many to be the ACC's top draft picks this year. Instead, the ACC's string of five straight seasons with a top-10 pick was broken, and a quarterback who wasn't even a second-team all-conference selection was the first of three ACC players chosen in the first round.

That's not a knock on Ponder -- when healthy, he is undoubtedly one of the best quarterbacks in the ACC, if not the best. He was my 2009 first-team all-conference quarterback. It's puzzling why Bowers' previous injury is more of a concern. In spite of it, he was still one of the best players in the country last year. Ponder would have been had he stayed healthy.

Ponder became the highest quarterback in FSU history taken in the NFL draft as well as the first FSU player taken in the first 12 picks since linebacker Ernie Sims in 2006 by the Detroit Lions. Ponder also became the highest offensive Florida State player drafted since offensive lineman Alex Barron in 2005. Before Ponder, Gary Huff was the highest drafted FSU quarterback as the 33rd overall pick in the second round of the 1973 draft.

Mel Kiper's take on this surprise pick:

First of all, this is no shot at Ponder, who some personnel folks believe might be the most ready-to-play quarterback in this draft. But the Vikings looked like a team that panicked with this pick, given the context. They had no shot to trade down? Andy Dalton is still available going into the second day, and in taking Ponder, you also passed on Fairley and Quinn, a couple of guys who can help this team. Again, it's not called "Pick your favorite player." It's a draft. Order and the value of each pick are components that factor in. Should note: This doesn't mean the Vikings are done looking for solutions at quarterback. They could target one in a trade or via free agency.

Much of the pre-draft attention went to Bowers and Quinn. Bowers, whose previous knee injury has obviously scared away some teams, is still available.

Quinn was selected with the No. 14 overall pick by the St. Louis Rams. Quinn becomes Carolina's 19th overall first-round selection and the highest pick since defensive tackle Ryan Sims (No. 6) in 2002. He became the first UNC defensive end taken in the first round since Julius Peppers was chosen No. 2 by the Carolina Panthers in 2002.

Castonzo was the No. 22 pick, taken by the Colts.

Round 2 could be a big day for the ACC. Along with Bowers, former players in the latest mock draft include:

• Virginia Tech's Ryan Williams
• North Carolina's Marvin Austin, Greg Little and Bruce Carter
• Miami's Brandon Harris and Orlando Franklin
• Maryland's Torrey Smith
• Florida State's Rodney Hudson
• Virginia's Ras-I Dowling

Draft, draft or draft? ...

• Which players in the ACC will be the first to be drafted?
• There are plenty of questions surrounding ACC draft hopefuls.
• Former UNC defensive end Robert Quinn prefers to look ahead at what could be, not what could have been.
• Last season's suspensions shouldn't cost Carolina's draft hopefuls more than a few slots.
• At least three of those former Tar Heels are truly remorseful.
• Ryan Williams is already leading the good life. Where can I get a deal like that?
• Williams' stock might be on the rise.
• Former Virginia cornerback Ras-I Dowling is likely a second-round pick.
• Need a spark, Miami? Michael Irvin will give it to you.

What offseason?

• FSU receiver Bert Reed says quarterback EJ Manuel is an example of all that is right in college sports.
• Georgia Tech and Georgia both struck out on commitments at their spring games this year.
• Randy Edsall has described his schemes as "multiple," but when it comes to dealing with the media, "plain vanilla" is more like it.
• Edsall has been pleased with how much progress his team has made, though, as the Terps wrap up spring ball this week.
• Former Wake Forest standout Josh Adams is hoping to continue his career as an undrafted free agent.
• Jorge Milian of the Palm Beach Post talks about Al Golden's first spring and gives the first year coach an A+.
• The knee injury to former Clemson defensive end Da'Quan Bowers has clouded his draft status.
• Former Virginia cornerback Ras-I Dowling also has NFL hopes despite a senior season hampered by an injury.
• FSU landed another offensive lineman in its recruiting class.
• Virginia and Virginia Tech's 2012 recruiting classes also grew.
• One of them was Shane Beamer's first commitment.
• Miami should have a stronger NFL draft class than it has had in recent years.
• The Cavaliers released their post-spring depth chart.
• Deunta Williams is getting ready for the NFL draft.

There's always something to talk about ...

• This is a strongly condemning piece of the way former Miami AD Kirby Hocutt left and the state he left the program in.
• ACC football isn't exactly making the mad cash the SEC and Big Ten are.
• It's been a year of change for Miami quarterback Stephen Morris.
• Wake Forest defensive coordinator Brad Lambert is expected to be announced as Charlotte's first head football coach today.
• If there's a job opening he's interested in, former Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen will probably come back for it.
• Virginia Tech's Billy Hite knows he wasn't the best at recruiting.
• Ras-I Dowling's injuries haven't scared off NFL scouts.
• Clemson's Da'Quan Bowers is not as gentle with quarterbacks as he is with his guitar.

A few ACC-related notes for you on the NFL combine from ESPN reports:

• Former Clemson defensive end Da'Quan Bowers will only participate in the bench press, and FSU quarterback Christian Ponder is expected to forgo running and throwing, according to ESPN's Todd McShay.
• McShay writes that Bowers will be under the "medical microscope" at the combine, and will undergo one of the three most scrutinized medical exams: "Bowers missed two games in 2009 due to an MCL/PCL strain, and after recent surgery to repair a torn meniscus he will participate only in the bench-press test at the combine. Other players are dealing with more significant injuries, but Bowers is atop my most recent mock draft and the stakes are high for him. After two knee injuries in two years, teams want to know if there is a degenerative problem or if the injuries are minor, unrelated occurrences."
• The medical histories of Virginia's Ras-I Dowling and Ryan Williams will also be considered.
• Former UNC defensive end Robert Quinn is considered an "X factor," and with a good combine could wind up in Denver.
• Quinn, along with Marvin Austin, Greg Little and DeAndre McDaniel will be on the interview hot seat at the combine.
• Quinn is one of several players Mel Kiper says has the most to gain from the combine. Torrey Smith is also on the list, and Greg Little cracked the "make the leap" category.
• McShay names former Virginia Tech quarterback Tyrod Taylor, former Miami cornerback Brandon Harris and former Maryland receiver Torrey Smith as players to watch.
• The ACC has had the fastest players at the combine in each of the past two years -- Jacoby Ford in 2009, and Darrius Heyward-Bey in 2008. Can it do it again? McShay says Torrey Smith and Rashad Carmichael are among the top five with the best chance to be the top burner.

The official list for the NFL combine has been released. A total of 48 players from the ACC have been invited to audition for the NFL from February 23 – March 1. When categorized by school, it's somewhat of a reality check to see how many of the best players in the conference are moving on, and which programs will take the biggest hit. It's impossible not to wonder how good North Carolina could have been had all of the following players remained eligible. The Tar Heels will send the most players to the combine with 11.

Here are the players who will represent the ACC:

BOSTON COLLEGE (3)

• Anthony Castonzo
• Rich Lapham
• Mark Herzlich

CLEMSON (7)

• Da'Quan Bowers
• Marcus Gilchrist
• Chris Hairston
• Jamie Harper
• Jarvis Jenkins
• Byron Maxwell
• DeAndre McDaniel

FLORIDA STATE (3)

• Rodney Hudson
• Christian Ponder
• Markus White

GEORGIA TECH (3)

• Anthony Allen
• Mario Butler
• Jerrard Tarrant

MARYLAND (3)

• Torrey Smith
• Adrian Moten
• Da'Rel Scott

MIAMI (9)

• Allen Bailey
• Damien Berry
• Matt Bosher
• Orlando Franklin
• Graig Cooper
• Leonard Hankerson
• Brandon Harris
• Colin McCarthy
• DeMarcus Van Dyke

NORTH CAROLINA (11)

• Marvin Austin
• Kendric Burney
• Bruce Carter
• Greg Little
• Shaun Draughn
• Robert Quinn
• Da'Norris Searcy
• Quan Sturdivant
• Johnny White
• Deunta Williams
• T.J. Yates

NC STATE (2)

• Nate Irving
• Owen Spencer

VIRGINIA (2)

• Danny Aiken
• Ras-I Dowling

VIRGINIA TECH (5)

• Rashad Carmichael
• Darren Evans
• John Graves
• Tyrod Taylor
• Ryan Williams

The ACC will have 18 players representing the conference next week in the Under Armour Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala. It's the second-highest total for a conference behind the SEC, which has 22. The game is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET on January 29th in Mobile’s Ladd-Peebles Stadium. The game and all practices will be televised by NFL Network.

“This is a very talented group and all are extremely deserving of a Senior Bowl invite,” senior bowl president and CEO Steve Hale said in a prepared statement. “We’ve always had great success with ACC players with guys like Philip Rivers and D’Brickashaw Ferguson performing extremely well during Senior Bowl week and we fully expect this year to produce more future NFL stars from the conference.”

Clemson, Miami and North Carolina lead all ACC teams with three representatives each. The players from Clemson, Boston College, North Carolina, NC State, Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech are all new additions to the roster. Miami’s Colin McCarthy and Virginia’s Ras-I Dowling are also newcomers, joining their previously announced teammates on the Senior Bowl rosters:

• Boston College: Anthony Castonzo, OL; Mark Herzlich, LB
• Clemson: Marcus Gilchrist, DB; Jarvis Jenkins, DL; DeAndre McDaniel, DB
• Florida State: Rodney Hudson, OL; Christian Ponder, QB
• Georgia Tech: Anthony Allen, RB
• Miami: Allen Bailey, DL; Leonard Hankerson, WR; Colin McCarthy, LB
• North Carolina: Kendric Burney, DB; Da’Norris Searcy, DB; Quan Sturdivant, LB
• NC State: Nate Irving, LB
• Virginia: Danny Aiken, DS; Ras-I Dowling, DB
• Virginia Tech: Rashad Carmichael, DB

We’ve now looked at what went wrong for Wake Forest and Duke’s bowl hopes this season. There’s only one team left: Virginia. Here’s a look at the Cavaliers’ situation and where they’re headed:

How it happened: Virginia changed coaching staffs and schemes, and that was a lot for the Cavaliers to adjust to. The lack of continuity on the staff and a lack of true playmakers were the underlying factors, but Virginia didn’t help itself. There were missed opportunities, too many turnovers and penalties killed drives. Virginia was No. 101 in the country in turnover margin, No. 106 in rushing defense, and only three teams in the country were penalized more. Injuries were also a factor, as the starting secondary was never really together much more than a game, and there wasn’t a lot of depth to rely on. Standout corner Ras-I Dowling was injured most of the year and turned out to be a nonfactor.

What needs to change: Recruiting. Coach Mike London knows the state almost as well as his own living room, but it’s going to be a battle to the end on the recruiting trail. On campus, the groundwork has been set and the attitudes in locker room are better than they were, so now it comes down to execution. There has to be smarter play and more discipline on penalties. The team needs more success at converting in the red zone, and has to cut down on interceptions and missed field goals.

Bowl-bound in 2011? London’s “work in progress” will continue next year. The nonconference schedule is manageable with William & Mary at home to open, a road trip to Indiana, which will be under a new staff, and games against Southern Miss and Idaho. Where it gets the most difficult is in the ACC with road games at Florida State, Miami, North Carolina and Maryland. The Cavaliers will be breaking in a new quarterback, so there will be a learning curve there. Virginia is starting to get talent, but it’s still young -- too young to go bowling in 2011.

With a new staff, new schemes and new philosophies, first-year coach Mike London knew his team would be a work in progress this year, but he still had hoped for a better finish. The Hoos surprised almost everyone with their upset of then-No. 22 Miami, but couldn’t build on it and ended the season with four straight losses. There were still individual highlights, as formerly unheralded players like running backs Keith Payne and Perry Jones emerged as dependable options, and Chase Minnifield was a major factor with standout corner Ras-I Dowling injured most of the season. Turnovers and penalties were a problem the entire season, though, as was Virginia’s defense. The Cavalier ranked No. 101 in the country in turnover margin, allowed an average of 28 points per game, and ranked 117th in the nation in fewest penalties per game with 98. Virginia has now lost 13 straight November games, including a seventh-straight loss to rival Virginia Tech in the season finale. London wasn't able to change the postseason fate of Virginia in one year, but he did change the culture.

Offensive MVP: Running back Keith Payne. He led the ACC in scoring at 8.7 points per game with a league-best 16 total touchdowns. His 14 rushing touchdowns ranks No. 3 all-time at UVA and second-most since the end of World War II. He led the team with 749 yards and had three 100-yard games, including 114 yards in his 2010 debut against Richmond - his first action since 2008. Payne also equaled the record for most rushing touchdowns in a game during the modern UVA era with four.

Defensive MVP: Cornerback Chase Minnifield. He finished the regular season No. 2 in the ACC and No. 6 nationally with six interceptions. Twice during the season he was named honorable mention for the Jim Thorpe Defensive Back of the Week honor. He also shared ACC Defensive Back of the Week honors on Nov. 1 with teammate Corey Mosley after two interceptions in Virginia’s 24-19 upset of Miami. He finished the season No. 8 on the team with 48 tackles. He also broke up four passes and recorded 0.5 sacks.

Turning point: London had to start over, and he had to start at the beginning by doing something that hadn’t been done at Virginia in five years – win the season opener. It was an important win because it came against London’s former team, Richmond, and Virginia had lost to an FCS team in 2009. In order for things to be different, it had to start there.

What’s next: The staff will get to work in recruiting and try to build on the early success it has already had. Virginia has lured in two ESPNU 150 prospects and three four-star athletes for the No. 18 class in the nation. With at least 17 starters returning, and some depth built through redshirting, a foundation has been laid. Quarterback Marc Verica is graduating, though, so developing his replacement will be critical.

Is it wrong to be thinking about turkey already? ...

• Plenty of bowl possibilities still remain, but first a few teams have to become eligible.
• One advantage for Duke heading into its game against Georgia Tech is its familiarity with the option offense.
• BC's defense is the reason behind the 5-5 record right now. The offense is a work in progress.
• The roles are reversed this year for NC State and UNC. Will the outcome be, too?
• One thing is for sure -- winning this rivalry game is the top priority for Tom O'Brien.
• Sorry to see Ras-I Dowling's college career come to an end too soon. Mike London is hoping his top rushers, Keith Payne and Perry Jones, are available for the BC game.
• For the first time since taking over for Robert Marve, Miami quarterback Jacory Harris looks like the underdog. The quarterback situation has overshadowed the game against Virginia Tech.
• Who's better? Steve Gorten makes a case for both.
• FSU quarterback Christian Ponder is ready to take his starting job back.
• Virginia Tech's Ryan Williams said he didn't want to return kicks because he didn't practice it enough.
• The Hokies' defense is taking its time waking up in games.
• What does the future hold for Maryland and coach Ralph Friedgen? Not even he knows.

Virginia cornerback Ras-I Dowling, who has been injured for a majority of the season, injured his ankle against Maryland this past weekend and will miss the rest of the season.

"It's unfortunate because he's such a great young man, a great captain and a great leader," coach Mike London said. "He still has a bright football future ahead of him. He was trying so hard to get in these games after battling injuries with his hamstring, and then there was the knee issue, and now the ankle. But just saw him a few minutes ago, and Ras-I was upbeat. I mean, Ras-I is prayerful and his faith is very meaningful to him. And he's looking at this as just a tiny setback as he is moving forward. We wish him the best in his recovery and I know he'll be ready to for Pro Day in April."

London said it's too early to determine the recovery time, and that Dowling will get an MRI to determine if it's a break or a fracture.

Thanks to our veterans ...

• Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson is in unfamiliar territory this season.
• It hasn't been easy being BC utility player Billy Flutie.
• Are tendencies good or bad? Sometimes, they can be both.
• BC coach Frank Spaziani and right guard Thomas Claiborne are on the same page again.
• NC State quarterback Russell Wilson hasn't made his mind up yet about whether he'll return for 2011.
• UNC's tailback situation remains uncertain heading into the Virginia Tech game.
• Virginia is hoping cornerback Ras-I Dowling can make one final appearance in Scott Stadium.
• Miami quarterback Jacory Harris was able to throw the ball around a little bit, but he's still not ready to play.
• ACC fans in the Triangle, welcome to ESPN3.
• If you're going to get into a discussion about chop blocks with Paul Johnson, you better know the difference between a cut block and a chop block.
• Virginia Tech has made a habit out of finishing strong.
• FSU's biggest problem? Focus. Regardless, the Seminoles' bowl picture is becoming clearer.

The ACC has missed out -- missed out this season on one of the most talented players in the conference.

Since Virginia lost at Georgia Tech on Oct. 9 -- cornerback Ras-I Dowling's first start of the season -- Dowling has played three defensive plays against EMU and one special-teams play. For the past month, he has made it through practices, but a lingering knee injury has kept him out of games. Now, as the seniors on Virginia's roster prepare to play their final home games in Scott Stadium, the Cavaliers are hoping Dowling can finish his career on the field, not the sideline.

"Selfishly, you like him on the field, but at the same time you have to understand that you're dealing with your own body," said Virginia coach Mike London. "You're dealing with his future. You're dealing with pain tolerance. It is what it is right now with him. Again hopefully, last home game, that the practices that he practices and the time he puts into it that he feels he can get out there and give us a few reps or more."

Dowling brings playmaking potential to each game, so while it may appear on paper that Virginia's cornerback situation has been respectable in his absence, it doesn't speak to what game-changing plays Dowling may have contributed.

The 55-48 loss to Duke really showed how much Chase Minnifield has stepped up in Dowling's absence -- missing both of them changed the outcome of the game from a defensive aspect. Minnifield, who entered the Duke game tied for the national lead with six interceptions, had an ankle injury and didn't last past the first quarter.

Dowling's role this season has been limited to the sideline, cheering on his teammates. He goes from huddle to huddle, offering encouragement, but his experience and big-play ability is missing in the secondary and has added to some of the growing pains on defense. Minnifield has helped filled that role, but if both of them were out there, the Cavaliers' secondary would be tough to beat. It's currently No. 23 in the country in pass defense.

Sophomore cornerback Devin Wallace and senior Mike Parker have combined to fill Dowling's spot. Against Duke, Virginia had safety Rodney McLeod at cornerback for spurts because of the lack of depth. Still, Dowling's injury hasn't seemed to affect his draft stock. Mel Kiper still has Dowling listed as No. 2 at his position.

"With him I know it's frustrating, without getting into his personal history, there's a lot of issues with him," London said of Dowling. "He obviously has every NFL scout coming by to see him and they know about him. His junior year stands on what it is and what it was. Frustrating that he hasn't had a senior year opportunity to do some of the same things. But his skills are not diminished. Still great character person. A lot of the things they liked about him then, back then, they still like now."

If only Virginia fans could see it one more time in Scott Stadium.

First-year Virginia coach Mike London had been hearing it all season -- how the Cavaliers would only win three games this year, how the first FBS win came against an Eastern Michigan team that wasn't very good, how the program had lost nine straight conference games …

"On and on and on and on," London said after the game on Saturday, his voice still hoarse from the excitement of the day.

It all came to a screeching halt on Saturday when Virginia intercepted Miami five times en route to a 24-19 win against the No. 22-ranked Hurricanes. It was the first ACC win for London, who was hired from the FCS ranks to resurrect a program that has had three losing seasons in the past four years.

It was one of several upsets in yet another wild, unpredictable week in the ACC. On Thursday night, NC State knocked off the ACC's top-ranked team, No. 16 Florida State, 28-24. On Saturday, Boston College earned its first conference win by surprising Clemson, 16-10. Duke, which hadn't won since its season opener against Elon, beat Navy on the road, and North Carolina almost lost to William & Mary on homecoming.

The biggest surprise, though, came in Charlottesville, where Virginia earned its first win against a ranked opponent in two years.

"To see those guys play hard, not give up, even when they scored their last touchdown, all those guys collectively as a team, you're overwhelmed with emotion," said London, who fell to his knees after the game. "Because no one wants to throw an interception. No one wants to miss a tackle. These guys all want to win. Sometimes you put a game together where you do better things than the other team. We were in position to make plays, get five turnovers, things like that. This was a signature win for us because it's a ranked team."

Don't tell London he won because Miami didn't have injured starting quarterback Jacory Harris for much of the game.

"Well you know what? I'm missing Joe Torchia, Ras-I Dowling didn't play, Tim Smith, our starting receiver is out," he said. "Football is football. You've got to play the game with who you've got, and at the end of the day hope your score is better than theirs."

Virginia did more than hope. It played defense. Miami was held scoreless in the opening quarter -- with Harris on the field -- and he was hit while throwing an interception. Harris' absence had nothing to do with Miami's defense getting run over, either. Keith Payne ran for two touchdowns and 81 yards, and the Cavaliers didn't allow a sack.

Virginia started the season with a 2-4 record, but has never once quit on London.

"That was the way it was before," London said. "That was then, this is now. I will not allow players to attach their self-worth to their record."

Nor will he allow anyone to lessen the value of this win because Harris was hurt.

"This is a big win for the community and for the fans," said junior corner Chase Minnifield, who had two interceptions. "This win helps us recruit, and it is great to get a win on the national stage. We needed the win and we worked hard for it. One thing no one can say is that we did not work hard this week."

Instead, you can go "on and on and on" about what Virginia finally did do.