ACC: Ross Cockrell
2011 overall record: 3-9
2011 conference record: 1-7 (6th, Coastal)
Returning starters: Offense: 9; defense: 8; kicker/punter: 0
Top returners
WR Conner Vernon, WR Brandon Braxton, RT Perry Simmons, RG Laken Tomlinson, C Brian Moore, QB Sean Renfree, DE Justin Foxx, DT Sydney Sarmiento, DE Kenny Anunike, LB Kelby Brown, LB Austin Gamble, CB Ross Cockrell, S Jordon Byas, S Walt Canty
Key losses
WR Donovan Varner, LT Kyle Hill, NG Charlie Hatcher, CB Johnny Williams, S Matt Daniels, PK Will Snyderwine, P Alex King
2011 statistical leaders (* returners)
Rushing: Juwan Thompson* (457 yards)
Passing: Sean Renfree* (2,891 yards)
Receiving: Conner Vernon* (956 yards)
Tackles: Matt Daniels (126)
Sacks: Kenny Anunike* (4)
Interceptions: Matt Daniels (2)
Spring answers
1. Sean Renfree keeps improving: Coach David Cutcliffe has talked about a pro future for Renfree. Getting to pick the brain of Cutcliffe's pupil, Peyton Manning, probably doesn't hurt. Neither does turning in another strong spring, as Renfree returns for his third year as a starter hoping, once again, to help the program take the next step.
2. Offensive line is cohesive: Much of the production from last season's unit is back, and the group will only grow closer with an offseason volunteer trip to Ethiopia, where 11 of Duke's offensive linemen currently are. The unit could help pave the way for a talented incoming running back class, along with returning starter Juwan Thompson.
3. Conner Vernon ready to make plays: Cutcliffe has said it will take playmakers for Duke to take the next step, and he certainly has one in Vernon, who enters 2012 within striking distance of the ACC receiving record. Having an experienced quarterback such as Renfree throwing to him should help him in the pursuit.
Fall questions
1. Will the defense step up? It is Year 2 under coordinator Jim Knowles and his 4-2-5 scheme, and plenty of talent is back. Still, the unit loses safety Matt Daniels and ranked near the bottom of most defensive categories among ACC schools last season.
2. Can the Blue Devils handle this schedule? FIU and Stanford aren't exactly nonconference cupcakes, especially for a school that has traditionally been an ACC bottom-feeder. Time will only tell if those first two games, regardless of outcome, serve the Blue Devils well before jumping into their conference slate.
3. Is this The Year? Duke holds the longest current bowl-less drought, having not played in the postseason since 1994. Three of Duke's nine losses last season came by a combined seven points, perhaps suggesting that the team was closer to breaking through than many would think. There is plenty of returning talent in key spots, but a tough schedule and recent history suggest that it will still take a huge effort for the Blue Devils to extend their season.
2011 conference record: 1-7 (6th, Coastal)
Returning starters: Offense: 9; defense: 8; kicker/punter: 0
Top returners
WR Conner Vernon, WR Brandon Braxton, RT Perry Simmons, RG Laken Tomlinson, C Brian Moore, QB Sean Renfree, DE Justin Foxx, DT Sydney Sarmiento, DE Kenny Anunike, LB Kelby Brown, LB Austin Gamble, CB Ross Cockrell, S Jordon Byas, S Walt Canty
Key losses
WR Donovan Varner, LT Kyle Hill, NG Charlie Hatcher, CB Johnny Williams, S Matt Daniels, PK Will Snyderwine, P Alex King
2011 statistical leaders (* returners)
Rushing: Juwan Thompson* (457 yards)
Passing: Sean Renfree* (2,891 yards)
Receiving: Conner Vernon* (956 yards)
Tackles: Matt Daniels (126)
Sacks: Kenny Anunike* (4)
Interceptions: Matt Daniels (2)
Spring answers
1. Sean Renfree keeps improving: Coach David Cutcliffe has talked about a pro future for Renfree. Getting to pick the brain of Cutcliffe's pupil, Peyton Manning, probably doesn't hurt. Neither does turning in another strong spring, as Renfree returns for his third year as a starter hoping, once again, to help the program take the next step.
2. Offensive line is cohesive: Much of the production from last season's unit is back, and the group will only grow closer with an offseason volunteer trip to Ethiopia, where 11 of Duke's offensive linemen currently are. The unit could help pave the way for a talented incoming running back class, along with returning starter Juwan Thompson.
3. Conner Vernon ready to make plays: Cutcliffe has said it will take playmakers for Duke to take the next step, and he certainly has one in Vernon, who enters 2012 within striking distance of the ACC receiving record. Having an experienced quarterback such as Renfree throwing to him should help him in the pursuit.
Fall questions
1. Will the defense step up? It is Year 2 under coordinator Jim Knowles and his 4-2-5 scheme, and plenty of talent is back. Still, the unit loses safety Matt Daniels and ranked near the bottom of most defensive categories among ACC schools last season.
2. Can the Blue Devils handle this schedule? FIU and Stanford aren't exactly nonconference cupcakes, especially for a school that has traditionally been an ACC bottom-feeder. Time will only tell if those first two games, regardless of outcome, serve the Blue Devils well before jumping into their conference slate.
3. Is this The Year? Duke holds the longest current bowl-less drought, having not played in the postseason since 1994. Three of Duke's nine losses last season came by a combined seven points, perhaps suggesting that the team was closer to breaking through than many would think. There is plenty of returning talent in key spots, but a tough schedule and recent history suggest that it will still take a huge effort for the Blue Devils to extend their season.
Duke's spring season will end at 1 p.m. this Saturday, when the Blue Devils take the field at Wallace Wade Stadium for their spring game. I caught up with coach David Cutcliffe over the phone earlier this week to talk about injuries, expectations and the next step for the program.
What would count as a successful spring for you guys, and how close do you think you are to that with just a few days left?
David Cutcliffe: We've had an unusual spring. We've had a lot of starters that have missed the entire spring. So it put us in a little different light. Brian Moore, Conner Vernon, Braxton Deaver, Kenny Anunike, Jordan DeWalt-Ondijo, Kelby Brown, August Campbell, all guys that were returning starters. Desmond Scott on offense. So they've miss the entire spring and it's been difficult in that regard. So what was successful was to go out and kind of think players. Not plays, not systems. And see if we could go from kind of Point A to B with a lot of younger players and some of our more experienced players that are out there just being able to go to another level. So kind of really evaluated our team by evaluating individuals. So to this point I would tell you we've had a very successful spring in that regard. I think we've made more improvement with more players than any spring since we've had since we've been here. Hopefully when we get everybody available that computes to a much better football team, because with our schedule, Matt, it's going to take that.
That was going to get to my next point. Injuries aside, you obviously return a lot of starters. How important was it to build depth this spring and how much did you learn about some of those younger guys?
DC: I think it's been good. Right now we've got a good football team. And what we have learned here, at this point, we've been really, pretty good here. The record hasn't indicated anything. We've played a lot of good football. So there's another level we're hunting, and that's the next step for Duke football. Everybody asks you all the time: When is it going to come through? Well it already kind of has come through. This is a good team, now you just got to go win games, and that sounds simple, but that's about how simple it is.
You've said before publicly that good isn't good enough. What will it take for Duke to make the next step?
DC: I think that where you get into making critical plays. We need maybe some great playmakers that can do that to that level on a consistent basis, if you think about the teams winning in our league, there's a number of great playmakers. You just take the two teams that played for the championship. They had guys, both of them, had guys that just made great plays at critical times in critical opportunities, and they did it time and time again. We played Virginia Tech. We know at quarterback and at running back and [Jarrett] Boykin at receiver, and there were defensive players that made those critical plays. And you certainly look at Clemson, and they had the most playmakers in the league. And I think we've made great strides there in the recruiting parts of things and for us to go from being just a good team, we've got to have guys make some great plays for us at critical times that win games, and we haven't had enough of that, quite frankly. I think we have more of those guys and we're more equipped -- I don't think it, I know we're more equipped than we've ever been. I'm really excited and looking forward to seeing this team play.
Sean Renfree, Conner Vernon -- you have a lot of skill players returning. How high offensively do you set the bar?
DC: I would expect us to play very high. All of our backs have played. We have three quarterbacks that have played a lot. Not many people have that — certainly a starter in Sean Renfree that's very, very experienced. But [Anthony] Boone and [Brandon] Connette are as well. With Conner Vernon and Jamison Crowder and Blair Holliday, it allowed us to move Brandon Braxton to safety. But all of our receivers have played, and played well. Deaver at tight end, and we get him back. But we've got some young tight ends that are exciting, that have made plays all spring. I think our weapons are far deeper, and I think the beauty of all that is our line is kind of maturing at the same time those other guys are maturing. So I look for us to be much better offensively in production.
What did you take away from the scrimmage this past weekend?
DC: Again, thinking players, we had on both sides of the ball some huge plays made. Walt Canty in the secondary, [Lee] Butler and [Ross] Cockrell, people that have played again. Jordon Byas is playing the best football. Our secondary made some big plays. Up front Jamal Bruce and Dezmond Johnson and Sydney Sarmiento, and guys made big plays in the game. And then on offense just about everybody got in on the look. All the quarterbacks. Renfree had a big day, but David Reeves and Issac Blakeney, these young tight ends. Then Holliday, Crowder, Tyree Watkins -- just the people we had available to us made huge plays. And then our backs. Having Josh Snead back healthy, and Juwan Thompson, those two really got your attention Saturday. So I just felt good about the number of people that were contributing, and it was pretty well-played on both sides of the ball.
What would a bowl game mean for your players?
DC: There's no question that's part of the goal. What it would mean for me is not just these players but there's some vindication for the amount of work that's gone in to what we've done here with all the players that we've had in recent times. And certainly this staff, who, they're very close to each other. And this is an exceptional staff. All of the staff and the families, and then certainly the people, the fans of Duke football that have endured a long drought. It's a big deal, and it should be a big deal around here. And I don't think an average team with this schedule can be a bowl team. We can't be average; we've go to be well above average. You've got the schedule, you know what I'm saying is accurate. I'm not making an excuse, I'm just stating a fact: We're not going to be good enough if we're average.
How do you tell your players that? How do you get them to buy into that and know that it will take more than a typical performance from them this season?
DC: I've told them that. All I had to do was kind of just put the schedule, and just start writing up on the board and tell them that a lot of lesser people than them would crumble under this. You start looking at, we're playing Clemson, Florida State, not to leave anybody out. Miami and Florida State are two of the more talented teams in the country every year. Stanford. North Carolina's been as talented as anybody I know of in the country the last few years. Virginia Tech, Virginia. I could go on. Opening up with an FIU team that's a bowl team the last two years, all kinds of talent on that team. South Florida talent. We've got a lot of people that have played a lot of football. They know what's in front of them. And you've got to push and strive and do what you got to do to get past it. And I think this team is really looking forward to that challenge. Rather than worrying about it, I think they're looking forward to the opportunity that exists with it.
What would count as a successful spring for you guys, and how close do you think you are to that with just a few days left?
David Cutcliffe: We've had an unusual spring. We've had a lot of starters that have missed the entire spring. So it put us in a little different light. Brian Moore, Conner Vernon, Braxton Deaver, Kenny Anunike, Jordan DeWalt-Ondijo, Kelby Brown, August Campbell, all guys that were returning starters. Desmond Scott on offense. So they've miss the entire spring and it's been difficult in that regard. So what was successful was to go out and kind of think players. Not plays, not systems. And see if we could go from kind of Point A to B with a lot of younger players and some of our more experienced players that are out there just being able to go to another level. So kind of really evaluated our team by evaluating individuals. So to this point I would tell you we've had a very successful spring in that regard. I think we've made more improvement with more players than any spring since we've had since we've been here. Hopefully when we get everybody available that computes to a much better football team, because with our schedule, Matt, it's going to take that.
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Mark Dolejs/US PRESSWIRE"This is a good team," Duke coach David Cutcliffe said, "now you just got to go win games, and that sounds simple, but that's about how simple it is."
Mark Dolejs/US PRESSWIRE"This is a good team," Duke coach David Cutcliffe said, "now you just got to go win games, and that sounds simple, but that's about how simple it is."DC: I think it's been good. Right now we've got a good football team. And what we have learned here, at this point, we've been really, pretty good here. The record hasn't indicated anything. We've played a lot of good football. So there's another level we're hunting, and that's the next step for Duke football. Everybody asks you all the time: When is it going to come through? Well it already kind of has come through. This is a good team, now you just got to go win games, and that sounds simple, but that's about how simple it is.
You've said before publicly that good isn't good enough. What will it take for Duke to make the next step?
DC: I think that where you get into making critical plays. We need maybe some great playmakers that can do that to that level on a consistent basis, if you think about the teams winning in our league, there's a number of great playmakers. You just take the two teams that played for the championship. They had guys, both of them, had guys that just made great plays at critical times in critical opportunities, and they did it time and time again. We played Virginia Tech. We know at quarterback and at running back and [Jarrett] Boykin at receiver, and there were defensive players that made those critical plays. And you certainly look at Clemson, and they had the most playmakers in the league. And I think we've made great strides there in the recruiting parts of things and for us to go from being just a good team, we've got to have guys make some great plays for us at critical times that win games, and we haven't had enough of that, quite frankly. I think we have more of those guys and we're more equipped -- I don't think it, I know we're more equipped than we've ever been. I'm really excited and looking forward to seeing this team play.
Sean Renfree, Conner Vernon -- you have a lot of skill players returning. How high offensively do you set the bar?
DC: I would expect us to play very high. All of our backs have played. We have three quarterbacks that have played a lot. Not many people have that — certainly a starter in Sean Renfree that's very, very experienced. But [Anthony] Boone and [Brandon] Connette are as well. With Conner Vernon and Jamison Crowder and Blair Holliday, it allowed us to move Brandon Braxton to safety. But all of our receivers have played, and played well. Deaver at tight end, and we get him back. But we've got some young tight ends that are exciting, that have made plays all spring. I think our weapons are far deeper, and I think the beauty of all that is our line is kind of maturing at the same time those other guys are maturing. So I look for us to be much better offensively in production.
What did you take away from the scrimmage this past weekend?
DC: Again, thinking players, we had on both sides of the ball some huge plays made. Walt Canty in the secondary, [Lee] Butler and [Ross] Cockrell, people that have played again. Jordon Byas is playing the best football. Our secondary made some big plays. Up front Jamal Bruce and Dezmond Johnson and Sydney Sarmiento, and guys made big plays in the game. And then on offense just about everybody got in on the look. All the quarterbacks. Renfree had a big day, but David Reeves and Issac Blakeney, these young tight ends. Then Holliday, Crowder, Tyree Watkins -- just the people we had available to us made huge plays. And then our backs. Having Josh Snead back healthy, and Juwan Thompson, those two really got your attention Saturday. So I just felt good about the number of people that were contributing, and it was pretty well-played on both sides of the ball.
What would a bowl game mean for your players?
DC: There's no question that's part of the goal. What it would mean for me is not just these players but there's some vindication for the amount of work that's gone in to what we've done here with all the players that we've had in recent times. And certainly this staff, who, they're very close to each other. And this is an exceptional staff. All of the staff and the families, and then certainly the people, the fans of Duke football that have endured a long drought. It's a big deal, and it should be a big deal around here. And I don't think an average team with this schedule can be a bowl team. We can't be average; we've go to be well above average. You've got the schedule, you know what I'm saying is accurate. I'm not making an excuse, I'm just stating a fact: We're not going to be good enough if we're average.
How do you tell your players that? How do you get them to buy into that and know that it will take more than a typical performance from them this season?
DC: I've told them that. All I had to do was kind of just put the schedule, and just start writing up on the board and tell them that a lot of lesser people than them would crumble under this. You start looking at, we're playing Clemson, Florida State, not to leave anybody out. Miami and Florida State are two of the more talented teams in the country every year. Stanford. North Carolina's been as talented as anybody I know of in the country the last few years. Virginia Tech, Virginia. I could go on. Opening up with an FIU team that's a bowl team the last two years, all kinds of talent on that team. South Florida talent. We've got a lot of people that have played a lot of football. They know what's in front of them. And you've got to push and strive and do what you got to do to get past it. And I think this team is really looking forward to that challenge. Rather than worrying about it, I think they're looking forward to the opportunity that exists with it.
Here are the injury reports for Week 5 from the ACC schools that reported them:
BOSTON COLLEGE
OUT
WR Ifeanyi Momah (knee)
DB CJ Jones (knee)
DL Connor Wujciak (shoulder)
DOUBTFUL
OG Nate Richman (back)
QUESTIONABLE
DT Kaleb Ramsey (foot)
LB Nick Clancy (shoulder)
CLEMSON
Out
Mansa Joseph, RB, Special Teams, hamstring
Probable
DeAndre Hopkins, WR, hamstring
Dawson Zimmerman, P, knee
D.J. Howard, RB, hamstring
David Smith, OG, shoulder
DUKE
CB Ross Cockrell (leg) – Probable
K Will Snyderwine (foot) – Probable
CB Johnny Williams (leg) – Probable
RB Desmond Scott (leg) – Questionable
RB Josh Snead (foot) – Questionable
QB Brandon Connette (upper body) – OUT
S Lee Butler (leg) – OUT
C Brian Moore (arm) – OUT
DE Kenny Anunike (leg) – OUT FOR SEASON
TE Jack Farrell (leg) – OUT FOR SEASON
GEORGIA TECH
OUT
Morgan Bailey, r-Fr., OL
PROBABLE
Preston Lyons, Sr., BB
OUT FOR YEAR
Fred Holton, So., S
Jimmie Kitchen, r-Fr., DL
MIAMI
Out:
Luther Robinson—Lower Extremity
Jalen Grimble—Lower Extremity
Thurston Armbrister—Upper Extremity
Surgery/Out for the season:
Corey White—Lower Extremity
Curtis Porter—Upper Extremity
NORTH CAROLINA
Out
Casey Barth, PK Thigh
Kiaro Holts, OT Wrist
Devon Ramsay, FB Knee
Doubtful
Josh Adams, WR Illness
Matt Kolojejchick, RB Thigh
Jonathan Smith, SS Ankle
Questionable
TJ Leifheit, OT Ankle
Ebele Okakpu, LB Ankle
Terry Shankle, CB Knee
Probable
Erik Highsmith, WR Ankle
Jabari Price, CB Finger
NC STATE
OUT FOR SEASON
Jarvis Byrd, CB - knee
Sterling Lucas, LB - knee
OUT
A.J. Ferguson, DT - knee
Mustafa Greene, HB - foot
Terrell Manning, LB - knee
Quintin Payton, WR - ankle
Jeff Rieskamp, DE - shoulder
Brian Slay, DT - ankle
Thomas Teal, DT - foot
Curtis Underwood, HB - knee
Andrew Wallace, OG - knee
QUESTIONABLE
J.R. Sweezy, DT - foot
VIRGINIA TECH
Out for season:
Kwamaine Battle (knee)
Dyrell Roberts (arm)
Out
Eric Martin (AC joint)
David Wang (foot)
BOSTON COLLEGE
OUT
WR Ifeanyi Momah (knee)
DB CJ Jones (knee)
DL Connor Wujciak (shoulder)
DOUBTFUL
OG Nate Richman (back)
QUESTIONABLE
DT Kaleb Ramsey (foot)
LB Nick Clancy (shoulder)
CLEMSON
Out
Mansa Joseph, RB, Special Teams, hamstring
Probable
DeAndre Hopkins, WR, hamstring
Dawson Zimmerman, P, knee
D.J. Howard, RB, hamstring
David Smith, OG, shoulder
DUKE
CB Ross Cockrell (leg) – Probable
K Will Snyderwine (foot) – Probable
CB Johnny Williams (leg) – Probable
RB Desmond Scott (leg) – Questionable
RB Josh Snead (foot) – Questionable
QB Brandon Connette (upper body) – OUT
S Lee Butler (leg) – OUT
C Brian Moore (arm) – OUT
DE Kenny Anunike (leg) – OUT FOR SEASON
TE Jack Farrell (leg) – OUT FOR SEASON
GEORGIA TECH
OUT
Morgan Bailey, r-Fr., OL
PROBABLE
Preston Lyons, Sr., BB
OUT FOR YEAR
Fred Holton, So., S
Jimmie Kitchen, r-Fr., DL
MIAMI
Out:
Luther Robinson—Lower Extremity
Jalen Grimble—Lower Extremity
Thurston Armbrister—Upper Extremity
Surgery/Out for the season:
Corey White—Lower Extremity
Curtis Porter—Upper Extremity
NORTH CAROLINA
Out
Casey Barth, PK Thigh
Kiaro Holts, OT Wrist
Devon Ramsay, FB Knee
Doubtful
Josh Adams, WR Illness
Matt Kolojejchick, RB Thigh
Jonathan Smith, SS Ankle
Questionable
TJ Leifheit, OT Ankle
Ebele Okakpu, LB Ankle
Terry Shankle, CB Knee
Probable
Erik Highsmith, WR Ankle
Jabari Price, CB Finger
NC STATE
OUT FOR SEASON
Jarvis Byrd, CB - knee
Sterling Lucas, LB - knee
OUT
A.J. Ferguson, DT - knee
Mustafa Greene, HB - foot
Terrell Manning, LB - knee
Quintin Payton, WR - ankle
Jeff Rieskamp, DE - shoulder
Brian Slay, DT - ankle
Thomas Teal, DT - foot
Curtis Underwood, HB - knee
Andrew Wallace, OG - knee
QUESTIONABLE
J.R. Sweezy, DT - foot
VIRGINIA TECH
Out for season:
Kwamaine Battle (knee)
Dyrell Roberts (arm)
Out
Eric Martin (AC joint)
David Wang (foot)
Here are your updated injury reports from the schools that filed them this week:
BOSTON COLLEGE
The Eagles have opted not to release an injury report this week because they are playing a nonconference opponent, but running back Montel Harris is listed as probable. Coach Frank Spaziani said he plans to play him "for limited reps" if everything went well in Thursday's practice.
CLEMSON
Out
Joe Gore, DE, Knee
Questionable
D.J. Howard, RB, hamstring (suffered in practice Tuesday)
Probable
Andre Ellington, RB, hamstring
Mason Cloy, OG, shoulder
David Smith, OG, shoulder
DUKE
CB Tony Foster (foot) – Probable
CB Ross Cockrell (leg) – Questionable
K Will Snyderwine (foot) – Questionable
WR Tyree Watkins (leg) – Questionable
QB Brandon Connette (upper body) – OUT
LB Britton Grier (illness) – OUT
C Brian Moore (arm) – OUT
RB Desmond Scott (leg) – OUT
RB Josh Snead (foot) – OUT
TE Jack Farrell (leg) – OUT FOR SEASON
FLORIDA STATE
Out
WR Willie Haulstead (head)
OL Henry Orelus (head)
WR Jarred Haggins (hand)
WR Josh Gehres (knee)
Questionable
QB EJ Manuel (shoulder)
WR Bert Reed (ankle)
WR Kenny Shaw (head)
CB Greg Reid (knee)
GEORGIA TECH
Questionable
Jeff Greene, Fr., WR
Preston Lyons, Sr., RB
Out
Morgan Bailey, So., OL
B.J. Bostic, So., AB
Out for year
Fred Holton, So., S
Jimmie Kitchen, r-Fr., DL
MIAMI
Doubtful
Malcolm Bunche-Lower Extremity
Seantrel Henderson-Lower Extremity
Shayon Green-Lower Extremity
Out
Curtis Porter-Upper extremity
Luther Robinson-Lower Extremity
Surgeries/Out for the Season
Blake Ayles-Upper Extremity
Cory White -Lower Extremity
NORTH CAROLINA
Out
Casey Barth, PK, thigh
Devon Ramsay, FB, knee
Doubtful
Josh Adams, WR, illness
Matt Kolojejchick, RB, thigh
Jabari Price, CB, finger
Questionable
Erik Highsmith, WR, ankle
TJ Leifheit, OT, ankle
Terry Shankle, CB, knee
VIRGINIA TECH
Out for Season
Kwamaine Battle (knee)
Dyrell Roberts (arm)
Out
Jarrett Boykin (hamstring)
David Wang (foot)
Probable
J.R. Collins (ankle)
BOSTON COLLEGE
The Eagles have opted not to release an injury report this week because they are playing a nonconference opponent, but running back Montel Harris is listed as probable. Coach Frank Spaziani said he plans to play him "for limited reps" if everything went well in Thursday's practice.
CLEMSON
Out
Joe Gore, DE, Knee
Questionable
D.J. Howard, RB, hamstring (suffered in practice Tuesday)
Probable
Andre Ellington, RB, hamstring
Mason Cloy, OG, shoulder
David Smith, OG, shoulder
DUKE
CB Tony Foster (foot) – Probable
CB Ross Cockrell (leg) – Questionable
K Will Snyderwine (foot) – Questionable
WR Tyree Watkins (leg) – Questionable
QB Brandon Connette (upper body) – OUT
LB Britton Grier (illness) – OUT
C Brian Moore (arm) – OUT
RB Desmond Scott (leg) – OUT
RB Josh Snead (foot) – OUT
TE Jack Farrell (leg) – OUT FOR SEASON
FLORIDA STATE
Out
WR Willie Haulstead (head)
OL Henry Orelus (head)
WR Jarred Haggins (hand)
WR Josh Gehres (knee)
Questionable
QB EJ Manuel (shoulder)
WR Bert Reed (ankle)
WR Kenny Shaw (head)
CB Greg Reid (knee)
GEORGIA TECH
Questionable
Jeff Greene, Fr., WR
Preston Lyons, Sr., RB
Out
Morgan Bailey, So., OL
B.J. Bostic, So., AB
Out for year
Fred Holton, So., S
Jimmie Kitchen, r-Fr., DL
MIAMI
Doubtful
Malcolm Bunche-Lower Extremity
Seantrel Henderson-Lower Extremity
Shayon Green-Lower Extremity
Out
Curtis Porter-Upper extremity
Luther Robinson-Lower Extremity
Surgeries/Out for the Season
Blake Ayles-Upper Extremity
Cory White -Lower Extremity
NORTH CAROLINA
Out
Casey Barth, PK, thigh
Devon Ramsay, FB, knee
Doubtful
Josh Adams, WR, illness
Matt Kolojejchick, RB, thigh
Jabari Price, CB, finger
Questionable
Erik Highsmith, WR, ankle
TJ Leifheit, OT, ankle
Terry Shankle, CB, knee
VIRGINIA TECH
Out for Season
Kwamaine Battle (knee)
Dyrell Roberts (arm)
Out
Jarrett Boykin (hamstring)
David Wang (foot)
Probable
J.R. Collins (ankle)
I have been ranking 10 players at each position. On the ACC’s pre-spring all-star checklist, only five cornerbacks from a total of four different programs are listed. There's a reason for that.
1. Jayron Hosley, Virginia Tech: He led the nation in interceptions last season with nine in 13 games and ranked fifth nationally in passes defended with 17. He was second in the ACC and 19th nationally in punt returns.
2. Xavier Rhodes, Florida State: He was named the ACC’s Defensive Rookie of the Year after a freshman season in which he ranked 16th nationally in passes defended with four interceptions and 12 breakups. He also had 58 tackles, two sacks and two fumble recoveries.
3. Greg Reid, Florida State: He finished 10th in the nation in passes defended with three interceptions and 14 deflections. He also had 65 tackles, three forced fumbles and finished fourth in the ACC in punt returns.
4. Chase Minnifield, Virginia: He started all 12 games last season and finished second in the ACC and No. 7 nationally with six INTs. He also had 48 tackles and broke up four passes despite being slowed the final four games of the season with an ankle injury.
5. Donnie Fletcher, Boston College: He started all 13 games last season and finished fourth in the ACC in interceptions with five. He also had 56 tackles and three pass breakups.
6. Charles Brown, North Carolina: On paper, UNC has to replace its entire secondary, but Brown has 22 career starts before sitting out last season. He has 151 career tackles, six interceptions and 193 return yards.
7. Cameron Chism, Maryland: The senior had a breakout season last year with 70 tackles (43 solo), four TFLs and eight pass deflections. He also forced one fumble, recovered another and blocked a kick.
8. C.J. Wilson, NC State: He had 46 tackles last season, two interceptions and six pass breakups. He has 19 career starts, and both of his interceptions last season were returned for touchdowns.
9. Ross Cockrell, Duke: He is a returning starter and finished last season with 60 tackles and 10 passes defended. He was only a freshman but he tied for eighth in the ACC in passes defended with 10 in 12 games.
10: Rod Sweeting, Georgia Tech: He had 38 tackles, seven pass breakups and one interception last season as a reserve.
1. Jayron Hosley, Virginia Tech: He led the nation in interceptions last season with nine in 13 games and ranked fifth nationally in passes defended with 17. He was second in the ACC and 19th nationally in punt returns.
2. Xavier Rhodes, Florida State: He was named the ACC’s Defensive Rookie of the Year after a freshman season in which he ranked 16th nationally in passes defended with four interceptions and 12 breakups. He also had 58 tackles, two sacks and two fumble recoveries.
3. Greg Reid, Florida State: He finished 10th in the nation in passes defended with three interceptions and 14 deflections. He also had 65 tackles, three forced fumbles and finished fourth in the ACC in punt returns.
4. Chase Minnifield, Virginia: He started all 12 games last season and finished second in the ACC and No. 7 nationally with six INTs. He also had 48 tackles and broke up four passes despite being slowed the final four games of the season with an ankle injury.
5. Donnie Fletcher, Boston College: He started all 13 games last season and finished fourth in the ACC in interceptions with five. He also had 56 tackles and three pass breakups.
6. Charles Brown, North Carolina: On paper, UNC has to replace its entire secondary, but Brown has 22 career starts before sitting out last season. He has 151 career tackles, six interceptions and 193 return yards.
7. Cameron Chism, Maryland: The senior had a breakout season last year with 70 tackles (43 solo), four TFLs and eight pass deflections. He also forced one fumble, recovered another and blocked a kick.
8. C.J. Wilson, NC State: He had 46 tackles last season, two interceptions and six pass breakups. He has 19 career starts, and both of his interceptions last season were returned for touchdowns.
9. Ross Cockrell, Duke: He is a returning starter and finished last season with 60 tackles and 10 passes defended. He was only a freshman but he tied for eighth in the ACC in passes defended with 10 in 12 games.
10: Rod Sweeting, Georgia Tech: He had 38 tackles, seven pass breakups and one interception last season as a reserve.
ACC team position rankings: Cornerbacks
June, 30, 2011
6/30/11
2:00
PM ET
By
Heather Dinich | ESPN.com
As advertised ...
1. Florida State: The Noles have one of the best cornerback duos in the country in Greg Reid and Xavier Rhodes. They combined for 33 passes defended last season, the most of any pair of cornerbacks in the nation. Mike Harris had 41 tackles and four picks as a reserve.
2. Virginia Tech: Jayron Hosley is one of the top boundary corners in the country, and the Hokies also have Kyle Fuller, who had six deflections last season, and Cris Hill (two deflections) at field corner.
3. Maryland: The Terps return both starters in Cameron Chism and Trenton Hughes, who combined for 36 career starts. Chism is a strong cover corner who had 70 tackles and eight deflections last season. Hughes had nine pass deflections.
4. NC State: Both starters return in C.J. Wilson and David Amerson. Wilson had 46 tackles, two interceptions and six pass breakups, and Amerson had 57 tackles. Justin Byers and Gary Grant also have experience.
5. North Carolina: The Tar Heels lost some remarkable talent in their secondary, including cornerback Kendric Burney, but there is a lot of depth at the position. Jabari Price started four games last season, Charles Brown has 22 career starts but sat out last season, and Mywan Jackson and Tre Boston both have at least four starts each.
6. Boston College: The Eagles will miss DeLeon Gause, but Donnie Fletcher has 17 career starts, 56 tackles last season, and led the team with five picks. C.J. Jones played in 12 games as a backup last season with 16 tackles. Dominique Williams also saw some time and had four tackles, and true freshman Al Louis-Jean, who was the No. 9 cornerback in the nation as ranked by ESPN Recruiting, enrolled early.
7. Clemson: It’s a young group, as the Tigers had to replace Marcus Gilchrist and Byron Maxwell. Xavier Brewer had 10 starts with 50 tackles and two interceptions last season, Coty Sensabaugh had 31 tackles in three starts, and senior Mansa Joseph will also be competing for playing time with sophomore Martin Jenkins.
8. Virginia: The Cavaliers return both starters in Chase Minnifield and Devin Wallace, but Wallace was suspended and missed spring ball and is still suspended. Wallace had 38 tackles and six breakups last season. Chris Broadnax, Rijo Walker, Drequan Hoskey and Pablo Alvarez will all compete for playing time.
9. Miami: The Hurricanes have to replace both starters in Brandon Harris and Ryan Hill. Jo-Jo Nicholas moved to corner and Brandon McGee, who was the nickel back last season, will compete along with Lee Chambers, Keion Payne, Nathan Gholston and true freshman Thomas Finnie, who had a great spring.
10. Georgia Tech: The Jackets had to replace their entire secondary, including cornerbacks Mario Butler and Dominique Reese. They’ve still got several cornerbacks with experience in Rashaad Reid, who started 14 games in 2008 and 2009, Rod Sweeting (38 tackles, seven pass breakups, one interception), Louis Young (10 tackles), and Michael Peterson (six tackles, one pass breakup).
11. Wake Forest: The Deacs have a deep enough secondary that they can live without the experience of cornerback Kevin Johnson, who started five games last season but will sit out this season while academically ineligible. Josh Bush had 33 tackles and four pass breakups last season, Kenny Okoro is a rising star, A.J. Marshall has three starts and Dominique Tate returns after missing last season while on academic suspension.
12. Duke: Ross Cockrell is a returning starter and finished last season with 60 tackles and 10 passes defended. He was only a freshman but he tied for eighth in the ACC with passes defended with 10 in 12 games. Johnny Williams had four pass breakups last season.
1. Florida State: The Noles have one of the best cornerback duos in the country in Greg Reid and Xavier Rhodes. They combined for 33 passes defended last season, the most of any pair of cornerbacks in the nation. Mike Harris had 41 tackles and four picks as a reserve.
[+] Enlarge
Matthew Emmons/US PresswireFlorida State cornerback Greg Reid is also one of the ACC's top return men.
Matthew Emmons/US PresswireFlorida State cornerback Greg Reid is also one of the ACC's top return men.3. Maryland: The Terps return both starters in Cameron Chism and Trenton Hughes, who combined for 36 career starts. Chism is a strong cover corner who had 70 tackles and eight deflections last season. Hughes had nine pass deflections.
4. NC State: Both starters return in C.J. Wilson and David Amerson. Wilson had 46 tackles, two interceptions and six pass breakups, and Amerson had 57 tackles. Justin Byers and Gary Grant also have experience.
5. North Carolina: The Tar Heels lost some remarkable talent in their secondary, including cornerback Kendric Burney, but there is a lot of depth at the position. Jabari Price started four games last season, Charles Brown has 22 career starts but sat out last season, and Mywan Jackson and Tre Boston both have at least four starts each.
6. Boston College: The Eagles will miss DeLeon Gause, but Donnie Fletcher has 17 career starts, 56 tackles last season, and led the team with five picks. C.J. Jones played in 12 games as a backup last season with 16 tackles. Dominique Williams also saw some time and had four tackles, and true freshman Al Louis-Jean, who was the No. 9 cornerback in the nation as ranked by ESPN Recruiting, enrolled early.
7. Clemson: It’s a young group, as the Tigers had to replace Marcus Gilchrist and Byron Maxwell. Xavier Brewer had 10 starts with 50 tackles and two interceptions last season, Coty Sensabaugh had 31 tackles in three starts, and senior Mansa Joseph will also be competing for playing time with sophomore Martin Jenkins.
8. Virginia: The Cavaliers return both starters in Chase Minnifield and Devin Wallace, but Wallace was suspended and missed spring ball and is still suspended. Wallace had 38 tackles and six breakups last season. Chris Broadnax, Rijo Walker, Drequan Hoskey and Pablo Alvarez will all compete for playing time.
9. Miami: The Hurricanes have to replace both starters in Brandon Harris and Ryan Hill. Jo-Jo Nicholas moved to corner and Brandon McGee, who was the nickel back last season, will compete along with Lee Chambers, Keion Payne, Nathan Gholston and true freshman Thomas Finnie, who had a great spring.
10. Georgia Tech: The Jackets had to replace their entire secondary, including cornerbacks Mario Butler and Dominique Reese. They’ve still got several cornerbacks with experience in Rashaad Reid, who started 14 games in 2008 and 2009, Rod Sweeting (38 tackles, seven pass breakups, one interception), Louis Young (10 tackles), and Michael Peterson (six tackles, one pass breakup).
11. Wake Forest: The Deacs have a deep enough secondary that they can live without the experience of cornerback Kevin Johnson, who started five games last season but will sit out this season while academically ineligible. Josh Bush had 33 tackles and four pass breakups last season, Kenny Okoro is a rising star, A.J. Marshall has three starts and Dominique Tate returns after missing last season while on academic suspension.
12. Duke: Ross Cockrell is a returning starter and finished last season with 60 tackles and 10 passes defended. He was only a freshman but he tied for eighth in the ACC with passes defended with 10 in 12 games. Johnny Williams had four pass breakups last season.
2010 overall record: 3-9
2010 conference record: 1-7
Returning starters
Offense: 8, defense: 6, punter/kicker: 2
Top returners
WR Conner Vernon, WR Donovan Varner, QB Sean Renfree, TE Cooper Helfet, PK Will Snyderwine, S Matt Daniels, NG Charlie Hatcher, LT Kyle Hill, C Brian Moore.
Key losses
LB Abraham Kromah, DE Patrick Egboh, WR Austin Kelly, C Bryan Morgan
2010 statistical leaders (* returners)
Rushing: Desmond Scott* (530 yards)
Passing: Renfree* (3,131 yds)
Receiving: Vernon* (973 yds)
Tackles: Kromah (129)
Sacks: Egboh (4.5)
Interceptions: Ross Cockrell* (3)
Spring answers
1. Sean Renfree has a chance to be a special quarterback. Coach David Cutcliffe said repeatedly this spring that his quarterback had a great spring, not a good one. Renfree has a chance to flourish in his second season as a full-time starter, especially in a division filled with rookies at the position and one of the top receiving corps in the ACC.
2 New talent emerging. Brandon Braxton showed this spring that he has the potential to be an excellent fit with Varner and Vernon as Blue Devils’ top three wideouts. Duke will also have a new face at center, where Moore takes over for graduated three-year starter Morgan. His move from guard paid off this spring.
3. Duke will be more athletic on defense. It remains to be seen if the Blue Devils will stop anyone this fall, but they’ll at least look better trying to. Duke was more athletic and faster this spring, and part of that has to do with the commitment to a 4-2-5 defensive scheme to get a third safety on the field. Duke dabbled in it a bit last season but will use it exclusively this year under first-year coordinator Jim Knowles.
Fall questions
1. How much better will the defensive line be? Hatcher is the only member of the entire line entering his final season of eligibility. He’ll have to carry the load from a playmaking and leadership standpoint. Redshirt freshman Jordan DeWalt-Ondijo has good speed off the edge, but the entire group will need to take another step forward in the first season under assistant Rick Petri.
2. Will the running game finally be a factor? Duke made strides on the ground last season, but still ranked 104th in the country in rushing offense. All of the running backs return, and offensive line coach Matt Luke has his group looking like an ACC offensive line, but he only has one starter in his final season of eligibility in Hill at left tackle. It’s still a young group, but they’ve got more size and athleticism than in the past. Josh Snead is the fastest of the backs, Scott is the most well-rounded, and Juwan Thompson has the most upside.
3. Can Duke get to the quarterback? Duke ranked 113th in the country and last in the league in sacks last season with one per game. Knowles likes to blitz, but his players have to have confidence to make it work.
2010 conference record: 1-7
Returning starters
Offense: 8, defense: 6, punter/kicker: 2
Top returners
WR Conner Vernon, WR Donovan Varner, QB Sean Renfree, TE Cooper Helfet, PK Will Snyderwine, S Matt Daniels, NG Charlie Hatcher, LT Kyle Hill, C Brian Moore.
Key losses
LB Abraham Kromah, DE Patrick Egboh, WR Austin Kelly, C Bryan Morgan
2010 statistical leaders (* returners)
Rushing: Desmond Scott* (530 yards)
Passing: Renfree* (3,131 yds)
Receiving: Vernon* (973 yds)
Tackles: Kromah (129)
Sacks: Egboh (4.5)
Interceptions: Ross Cockrell* (3)
Spring answers
1. Sean Renfree has a chance to be a special quarterback. Coach David Cutcliffe said repeatedly this spring that his quarterback had a great spring, not a good one. Renfree has a chance to flourish in his second season as a full-time starter, especially in a division filled with rookies at the position and one of the top receiving corps in the ACC.
2 New talent emerging. Brandon Braxton showed this spring that he has the potential to be an excellent fit with Varner and Vernon as Blue Devils’ top three wideouts. Duke will also have a new face at center, where Moore takes over for graduated three-year starter Morgan. His move from guard paid off this spring.
3. Duke will be more athletic on defense. It remains to be seen if the Blue Devils will stop anyone this fall, but they’ll at least look better trying to. Duke was more athletic and faster this spring, and part of that has to do with the commitment to a 4-2-5 defensive scheme to get a third safety on the field. Duke dabbled in it a bit last season but will use it exclusively this year under first-year coordinator Jim Knowles.
Fall questions
1. How much better will the defensive line be? Hatcher is the only member of the entire line entering his final season of eligibility. He’ll have to carry the load from a playmaking and leadership standpoint. Redshirt freshman Jordan DeWalt-Ondijo has good speed off the edge, but the entire group will need to take another step forward in the first season under assistant Rick Petri.
2. Will the running game finally be a factor? Duke made strides on the ground last season, but still ranked 104th in the country in rushing offense. All of the running backs return, and offensive line coach Matt Luke has his group looking like an ACC offensive line, but he only has one starter in his final season of eligibility in Hill at left tackle. It’s still a young group, but they’ve got more size and athleticism than in the past. Josh Snead is the fastest of the backs, Scott is the most well-rounded, and Juwan Thompson has the most upside.
3. Can Duke get to the quarterback? Duke ranked 113th in the country and last in the league in sacks last season with one per game. Knowles likes to blitz, but his players have to have confidence to make it work.
While some other programs in the ACC are just beginning spring practices this week, Duke wrapped things up on Saturday with the White team's 21-14 come-from-behind win over the Blue team in the Blue Devils' annual spring game. Anthony Boone’s 32-yard touchdown pass to Tyree Watkins with 11:15 remaining in the fourth period clinched the win for the White team. Here are the highlights:
OFFENSE: Quarterback Sean Renfree completed 8 0f 14 passes for 105 yards and one touchdown while Boone was 7-of-15 for 94 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Desmond Scott led the White team with 56 rushing yards on 13 carries while Juwan Thompson gained 35 yards on nine rushes. For the Blue team, quarterback Brandon Connette completed 10 of 16 throws for 102 yards while rushing for 34 yards on eight attempts. Josh Snead had 54 yards on six carries. Watkins finished with six receptions for 67 yards while Brandon Braxton (21 yards), Cooper Helfet (64 yards) and Conner Vernon (19 yards) had three catches apiece.
DEFENSE: Jamal Wallace made a game-high seven tackles while Austin Gamble had six total stops. Issac Blakeney, Walt Canty, Matt Daniels, C.J. France, Tyree Glover and Jonathan Woodruff had five tackles each, with Blakeney also contributing two tackles for loss, one quarterback sack, one caused fumble, one quarterback pressure and one pass breakup. Charlie Hatcher, Jordan DeWalt-Ondijo and Tony Foster each recorded one quarterback sack while Garrett Rider’s interception in the fourth quarter was the game’s lone turnover.
QUOTABLE: “We’re going to have some fun on offense,” coach David Cutcliffe said, according to the team's spring game release. “Anthony Boone, you watched there at the end, as a redshirt freshman he is entering the picture. We’ll have a little unique package or two just to see where we are headed with it. Sean Renfree is our starter. These are dangerous words, but he’s come close to having a great spring. He’s really been good all spring.”
AWARD WINNERS: Juwan Thompson was named the spring's Most Improved Offensive Player, Ross Cockrell the Most Improved Defensive Player and Preston Scott earned the Blue Devil Heart Award.
OFFENSE: Quarterback Sean Renfree completed 8 0f 14 passes for 105 yards and one touchdown while Boone was 7-of-15 for 94 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Desmond Scott led the White team with 56 rushing yards on 13 carries while Juwan Thompson gained 35 yards on nine rushes. For the Blue team, quarterback Brandon Connette completed 10 of 16 throws for 102 yards while rushing for 34 yards on eight attempts. Josh Snead had 54 yards on six carries. Watkins finished with six receptions for 67 yards while Brandon Braxton (21 yards), Cooper Helfet (64 yards) and Conner Vernon (19 yards) had three catches apiece.
DEFENSE: Jamal Wallace made a game-high seven tackles while Austin Gamble had six total stops. Issac Blakeney, Walt Canty, Matt Daniels, C.J. France, Tyree Glover and Jonathan Woodruff had five tackles each, with Blakeney also contributing two tackles for loss, one quarterback sack, one caused fumble, one quarterback pressure and one pass breakup. Charlie Hatcher, Jordan DeWalt-Ondijo and Tony Foster each recorded one quarterback sack while Garrett Rider’s interception in the fourth quarter was the game’s lone turnover.
QUOTABLE: “We’re going to have some fun on offense,” coach David Cutcliffe said, according to the team's spring game release. “Anthony Boone, you watched there at the end, as a redshirt freshman he is entering the picture. We’ll have a little unique package or two just to see where we are headed with it. Sean Renfree is our starter. These are dangerous words, but he’s come close to having a great spring. He’s really been good all spring.”
AWARD WINNERS: Juwan Thompson was named the spring's Most Improved Offensive Player, Ross Cockrell the Most Improved Defensive Player and Preston Scott earned the Blue Devil Heart Award.
There are only two teams practicing right now, but that will change soon. Meanwhile, here's a recap of what happened at Duke's scrimmage and Miami's practice on Wednesday, according to each school's sports information department.
DUKE
The defense led the way as safety Jordon Byas and defensive end Justin Foxx scored defensive touchdowns and the defense forced five turnovers in a 75-play scrimmage at the Brooks Practice Field. Byas intercepted Brandon Connette for a 41-yard touchdown return. Foxx later scooped up a fumble and ran 35 yards for a score. Duke will take a spring break before resuming practice on March 17.
Highlights
“We had good work today; a lot of things happened. We made it very game-like; played field position; played the game. The best thing that happened was our defense taking the ball away. Jordon Byas intercepted a pass early, took it back for a score, and kind of set the tempo of the game.” -- Coach David Cutcliffe
MIAMI
The Canes went two hours in full pads and will practice again on Friday before having a closed scrimmage on Saturday. Miami finished practice working in 9-on-9 situations with some special teams work sprinkled in between the two periods. UM also worked on field goal protection before ending practice working in 11-on-11, blitz and third-down team situations.
Highlights
"We have more depth. I’m not worried about five offensive linemen making practice or seven offensive linemen or five defensive linemen. We have depth now. You feel good about your team. You feel good about the progress you’ve made. You also just feel good, because you have numbers to work with. You see guys that have grown and gotten bigger. You look at LaRon Byrd and how big he is. You look at offensive line with big physical guys. The defensive line is big and physical. When I first took over, we were very small. Right now, we can do the things we need to get done." -- Coach Randy Shannon
DUKE
The defense led the way as safety Jordon Byas and defensive end Justin Foxx scored defensive touchdowns and the defense forced five turnovers in a 75-play scrimmage at the Brooks Practice Field. Byas intercepted Brandon Connette for a 41-yard touchdown return. Foxx later scooped up a fumble and ran 35 yards for a score. Duke will take a spring break before resuming practice on March 17.
Highlights
- Defensive end Kenny Anunike had one fumble recovery while defensive tackle Sydney Sarmiento and cornerback Ross Cockrell carded one interception each.
- Linebacker Abraham Kromah had four tackles for loss, including one quarterback sack. Anunike, Foxx, linebacker Austin Gamble and linebacker Tyree Glover also made sacks while noseguard Curtis Hazelton was credited with two tackles for loss.
- Running back Patrick Kurunwune rushed 13 times for a game-high 82 yards with one touchdown while Josh Snead added 56 yards and two touchdowns on 10 attempts.
- Quarterback Sean Schroeder completed 10 of 20 passes for 116 yards, including a 36-yard touchdown pass to wideout Conner Vernon. He was intercepted once and added a 7-yard touchdown run.
- Austin Kelly caught a scrimmage-best four passes for 36 yards while Tyree Watkins had three grabs for 33 yards.
“We had good work today; a lot of things happened. We made it very game-like; played field position; played the game. The best thing that happened was our defense taking the ball away. Jordon Byas intercepted a pass early, took it back for a score, and kind of set the tempo of the game.” -- Coach David Cutcliffe
MIAMI
The Canes went two hours in full pads and will practice again on Friday before having a closed scrimmage on Saturday. Miami finished practice working in 9-on-9 situations with some special teams work sprinkled in between the two periods. UM also worked on field goal protection before ending practice working in 11-on-11, blitz and third-down team situations.
Highlights
- Senior defensive back DeMarcus Van Dyke had an interception during the blitz period.
- Junior quarterback Spencer Whipple found Kendal Thompkins for a nice gain of more than 20 yards over the middle.
- Junior wide receiver LaRon Byrd ended the blitz period with a grab as he snatched a ball thrown by Stephen Morris out of the air over three defenders.
"We have more depth. I’m not worried about five offensive linemen making practice or seven offensive linemen or five defensive linemen. We have depth now. You feel good about your team. You feel good about the progress you’ve made. You also just feel good, because you have numbers to work with. You see guys that have grown and gotten bigger. You look at LaRon Byrd and how big he is. You look at offensive line with big physical guys. The defensive line is big and physical. When I first took over, we were very small. Right now, we can do the things we need to get done." -- Coach Randy Shannon
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ABOUT THIS BLOG
Heather Dinich
Dinich covered ACC and Big Ten football for five seasons before joining ESPN.com in November 2007. She's an Indiana grad but somehow her favorite day of the week is Saturday.
