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Virginia coach Mike London has named senior linebacker Steve Greer a captain for the 2012 season. Greer joins previously announced captains Oday Aboushi, Will Hill, Perry Jones and LaRoy Reynolds.

“I was reviewing the voting for the team captains and noticed that Steve Greer was just one vote shy of being selected by his teammates,” said London. “Steve has meant a lot to our football program over the past four years and I think it is appropriate he serve as one of our team’s captains for his senior season. He and the other captains will do a great job representing our team this fall.”

Greer has lead UVa in tackles in two of his three seasons (2009 and 2011) and enters the 2012 season with 254 career stops. He was recently named to the Lott IMPACT Trophy watch list for the upcoming season.

2011 overall record: 8-5
2011 conference record: 5-3 (T-2nd, Coastal)
Returning starters: Offense: 7; defense: 4; kicker/punter: 0

Top returners
WR Tim Smith, LT Oday Aboushi, RT Morgan Moses, RG Luke Bowanko, TE Colter Phillips, QB Michael Rocco, RB Perry Jones, DE Jake Snyder, OLB LaRoy Reynolds, MLB Steve Greer, CB Demetrious Nicholson

Key losses
WR Kris Burd, G Austin Pasztor, C Anthony Mihota, FB Max Milien, DT Matt Conrath, DT Nick Jenkins, DE Cam Johnson, OLB Aaron Taliferro, CB Chase Minnifield, SS Rodney McLeod, FS Corey Mosley

Spring answers

1. Ground game should be fine. Three starters are back on the offensive line, and Perry Jones, Kevin Parks and Clifton Richardson will all be lining up in the backfield again following a campaign that saw the trio combine for 1,990 rushing yards and 21 total touchdowns.

2. Rocco steps up. Michael Rocco beat out three competitors to win the starting quarterback job in 2011. The process has been a whole lot easier this spring, and the junior will look to build off a strong debut season that featured a 60 percent completion rate. Returning starter Tim Smith will likely be Rocco's top target following the departure of Kris Burd.

3. Jake McGee ready to fill tight end role. A converted quarterback, McGee stood out in the spring game, hauling in a pair of passes for 81 yards. He has said that he wants to be the next Heath Miller. Boosting a unit that combined for just 20 catches last season would be a nice start.

Fall questions

1. What to do with Phillip Sims? The former Alabama quarterback announced his transfer to Virginia after the spring season. It remains to be seen whether he will even be eligible for the 2012 season. If he is, however, he could make things interesting if Rocco underperforms this fall.

2. Where will the secondary help come from? Demetrious Nicholson returns at corner after a strong freshman campaign, but the unit loses more than 90 career starts from the other three starters, led by corner Chase Minnifield. Virginia's offense threw for more than 400 yards in the spring game against the re-tooling secondary, which has a long way to go after spring.

3. Can the line get enough pressure to help the secondary? Cam Johnson and two other starters are gone from last year. The Cavaliers gave up 81 points over their final two games of 2011 and lose seven starters. Junior end Jake Snyder is the only returning starter up front.

Seven players from the ACC are in position to defend the conference's Lott IMPACT Trophy, which went to Boston College's Luke Kuechly last season.

Forty-two players were named Monday to the initial Watch List for the award measuring personal character among the nation's top defensive players. Eighteen linebackers, 13 defensive backs and 11 defensive linemen make up the list, with the ACC having players from each group on it.

CB David Amerson, NC State
CB Kyle Fuller, Virginia Tech
LB Steve Greer, Virginia
DE Brandon Jenkins, FSU
LB Kevin Reddick, UNC
DT Joe Vellano, Maryland
DE Bjoern Werner, FSU

Jenkins was a nominee last season as well. The trophy is presented Dec. 9 at the Pacific Club in Newport Beach, Calif.

Virginia linebacker Steve Greer said he hates to lose more than he likes to win.

Translation: Last year’s surprise appearance in the Chick-fil-A Bowl was nice, but it’s not enough. Greer is expecting more in 2012, and he’s not alone.

“You don’t want to stay the same or go backwards,” Greer said. “… Our goal is to win the ACC championship. Those expectations haven’t changed. We want to keep improving and move forward from last year.”

Surpassing the eight-win mark is going to be difficult to do, considering Virginia must replace seven starters on defense along with its punter, plackekicker, kickoff specialist, and most productive receiver from 2011. In addition, Virginia has one of the league’s most difficult nonconference schedules, with a home game against Penn State and a road trip to TCU. The Cavaliers’ unexpected contention for the Coastal Division title last year and first bowl appearance since 2007 earned Mike London the ACC’s Coach of the Year award, but with that success has only come increased expectations for 2012.

Virginia, though, has embraced them.

“We have the guys in place, the recruits in place to take this program to the next level,” said quarterback Michael Rocco. “I know I’m working as hard as I can to be the leader I need to be this offseason and I know other leaders on the team are, too. We’re expecting a lot out of this season and not looking to skip a beat.”

London said the extra bowl practices were invaluable, and that while on paper it might look as if Virginia has a lot of talent to replace, the staff’s recruiting efforts are finally starting to pay off.

“As crazy as it sounds, this will be the youngest we will have been, but talent-wise, I think we’re starting to improve with play on the field and guys who are coming back,” London said. “The main thrust of our team will be from the quarterback and running back positions, and our offensive line. … There’s a group of veterans that played in a lot of games and won games for us and their continued development will be crucial. I think people will be pleasantly surprised about some of these younger players who have gotten bigger, stronger, more athletic and have been in the system.”

Defensively, the best competition will be in the secondary, where three starters have to be replaced and true sophomore Demetrius Nicholson is suddenly the elder statesman of the group. The group will be filled with players who didn’t see a lot of meaningful snaps last year or redshirted. The defense also has to replace veteran leaders like defensive end Cam Johnson and cornerback Chase Minnifield.

“To me, this is going to be one of the biggest springs since I’ve been here, considering last year we lost a lot of good players and a lot of leaders on our defense,” Greer said. “This spring is going to be really important to mold the attitude of our defense and some guys are going to have to step up and become leaders.”

Whether or not Virginia can reload on defense will be the difference in the Cavaliers’ chances at returning to the postseason. Last year’s accomplishments put the program ahead of schedule. London’s challenge this year is to keep it there.

The 2011 All-ACC football team, as voted on by 45 members of the Atlantic Coast Sports Media Association, was released on Monday. A first-team vote was worth two points and second-team vote one. Unanimous selections are marked with an asterisk. Disclaimer: I did not vote for this team. The only all-conference team I participate in is the one I compile for ESPN.com, which hasn't been released yet. Here is the team as voted on by the members of ACSMA:

FIRST TEAM

Offense

QB-Tajh Boyd, Clemson (71)

RB-David Wilson, Virginia Tech (90)*

RB-Giovani Bernard, North Carolina (66)

WR-Sammy Watkins, Clemson (86)

WR-Chris Givens, Wake Forest (69)

OT-Blake DeChristopher, Virginia Tech (86)

OT-Zebrie Sanders, Florida State (46)

OG-Austin Pasztor, Virginia (49)

OG-Omoregie Uzzi, Georgia Tech (45)

C-Dalton Freeman, Clemson (44)

TE-Dwayne Allen, Clemson (78)

K-Dustin Hopkins, Florida State (75)

Spec.- T.J. Graham, NC State (45)

Defense

DE-Andre Branch, Clemson (79)

DE-Quinton Coples, North Carolina (64)

DT-Joe Vellano, Maryland (68)

DT-Matt Conrath, Virginia (55)

LB-Luke Kuechly, Boston College (90)*

LB-Sean Spence, Miami (82)

LB-Zach Brown, North Carolina (48)

CB-David Amerson, NC State (86)

CB-Chase Minnifield, Virginia (47)

S-Matt Daniels, Duke (80)

S-Josh Bush, Wake Forest (41)

P-Shawn Powell, Florida State (85)

SECOND TEAM

Offense

QB-Logan Thomas, Virginia Tech (49)

WR-Dwight Jones, North Carolina (58)

WR-Conner Vernon, Duke (34)

RB-Lamar Miller, Miami (62)

RB-Andre Ellington, Clemson (26)

OT-Oday Aboushi, Virginia (43)

OT-James Hurst, North Carolina (30)

OG-Jaymes Brooks, Virginia Tech (35)

OG-Jonathan Cooper, North Carolina (31)

OG-Joe Looney, Wake Forest (31)

C-Tyler Horn, Miami (32)

TE-George Bryan, NC State (29)

K-Chandler Catanzaro, Clemson (37)

Spec.-Sammy Watkins, Clemson (33)

Defense

DE-Brandon Jenkins, Florida State (51)

DE-James Gayle, Virginia Tech (25)

DT-Brandon Thompson, Clemson (43)

DT-Nikita Whitlock, Wake Forest (30)

LB-Terrell Manning, NC State (44)

LB-Julian Burnett, Georgia Tech (34)

LB-Steve Greer, Virginia (23)

CB-Jayron Hosley, Virginia Tech (36)

CB-Kyle Fuller, Virginia Tech (34)

S-Eddie Whitley, Virginia Tech (33)

S-Lamarcus Joyner, Florida State (23)

P-Alex King, Duke (22)

Here are the ACC's players of the week, as announced and written by the league offices in Greensboro, N.C.

OFFENSIVE BACK – Mike Glennon, NC State, Sr., QB, 6-6, 232, Centreville, Va.

Glennon completed 19 of 29 pass attempts for 253 yards and three touchdowns and did not throw an interception. Glennon got more and more prolific as the game went along, completing 8 of 10 pass attempts for 84 yards and two touchdowns in the second quarter as the Wolfpack scored 27 points in the period, then completing 6 of 9 attempts for 138 yards in the third quarter, including a 43-yard touchdown pass to Tobias Palmer and three other passes of 19 yards or longer.

RECEIVER – Chris Givens, Wake Forest, Jr., WR, 6-0, 195, Wylie, Tex.

Givens tied his career-high with eight receptions and set a career-high with 191 receiving yards in Wake Forest’s 31-10 win over Maryland. Givens added a 35-yard touchdown catch from QB Tanner Price. In the process, Givens set the school record for receiving yards in a season with 1,207. That also ranks as the sixth-best season receiving total in ACC history.

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN – Blake DeChristopher, Virginia Tech, Sr., OT, 6-5, 311, Midlothian, Va.

Playing in his last game at Lane Stadium, DeChristopher played all 74 offensive snaps, grading out at 86 percent with a team-high seven knockdown blocks. He had a key push on Logan Thomas on a 4th-and-1 sneak for a first down and sprung David Wilson for several big runs. He has graded out at 91 percent for the season with a team-high 100 knockdown blocks.

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN – Brandon Jenkins, Florida State, Jr., DE, 6-3, 265, Tallahassee, Fla.

Jenkins matched his season-high with six tackles including 2.5 sacks of Virginia QB Michael Rocco. The 2.5 sacks matched a career high for the junior and pushed his season total to a team-leading seven. The preseason All-American and All-ACC candidate now has 10 tackles for loss on the season. In addition to applying pressure on the quarterback, Jenkins was instrumental in the Seminoles’ limiting the Cavaliers to a season-low 78 rushing yards – more than 100 under their per-game average – and 316 total yards. FSU’s rushing defense now ranks third nationally and the Seminoles are sixth nationally in sacks per game. Jenkins now ranks seventh in FSU history with 34.5 career tackles for loss and with 20.5 career sacks. He is 10th all-time for the Seminoles.

LINEBACKER – Steve Greer, Virginia, Jr., ILB, 6-2, 225, Solon, Ohio

Greer led the Virginia defense with eight tackles and recorded two sacks and another QB hurry in UVa's 14-13 upset win at Florida State. Greer came up with a key sack in the fourth quarter. With FSU leading 13-7 and at the Cavaliers' 30-yard line, Greer sacked FSU quarterback EJ Manuel for a 14-yard loss, forcing the Seminoles to punt. UVa scored the winning touchdown on its next drive. The Cavalier defense held FSU to just three points in the second half. Florida State entered the game averaging 34.6 points per game. Only Oklahoma (also with 13 points) has held FSU to less than 14 points this year.

DEFENSIVE BACK – Brandan Bishop, NC State, Jr., S, 6-2, 210, Boca Raton, Fla.

Bishop led the Wolfpack with 10 total tackles, including nine first hits, one tackle for a two-yard loss, and his fifth interception of the season.

SPECIALIST – Ryan Quigley, Boston College, Sr., P, 6-3, 188, Little River, S.C.

Downed six (of nine punts in total) inside Notre Dame’s 12-yard line, including five punts inside the 9. Of his six punts inside the 12, three were downed (at the 5, 3 and 12-yard lines) and three were fair caught (at the 6, 8 and 9-yard lines). Quigley finished the game with a season-high nine punts for 369 yards, an average of 41.0 yards per punt, and matched a season-long with a 52-yard punt in the first quarter.

ROOKIE – Art Norman, NC State, Fr., DE, 6-1, 242, Stone Mountain, Ga.

A redshirt freshman defensive end from Stone Mountain, Ga., Norman had four total tackles, including three sacks for 16 yards. He also caused a fumble.

You are going to argue about this. How do I know? Because I'm still arguing with myself over it ...

1. Boston College: Luke Kuechly is one of the best in the country, but he’s not alone. The Eagles also have Kevin Pierre-Louis, who ranked second nationally among all freshmen in tackles per game last season with 7.15 -- ninth in the ACC. It won’t be easy to replace Mark Herzlich, on or off the field, but Steele Divitto played in 11 games last season, and Nick Clancy and Will Thompson both saw time on the second team.

2. Florida State: The Noles had to replace two starters, including Kendall Smith, the team’s second-leading tackler, last season, and Mister Alexander, but the upcoming talent could be even better. Nigel Bradham led the team with 98 tackles and five pass breakups last season, and Christian Jones, Jeff Luc, Telvin Smith and Vince Williams will also be competing for playing time.

3. Miami: Sean Spence, who has 30 career starts, should be one of the best in the country, and Ramon Buchanon, another senior, also returns. The Canes have five other linebackers with experience in Kelvin Cain, who started seven games, Jordan Futch, who had a great spring and will see the field, Tyrone Cornelius, Shayon Green and C.J. Holton.

4. North Carolina: Kevin Reddick, who led the Tar Heels with 74 tackles last season, returns for his third season as starter. Zach Brown is also a returning starter with game-changing capabilities, and there is plenty of depth with Dion Guy, Darius Lipford, Ebele Okakpu and Herman Davidson. Junior college transfer Fabby Desir could also have an impact.

5. NC State: Audie Cole and Terrell Manning have combined for 39 career starts, and Cole fared well this spring moving to the middle to replace Nate Irving. With the return of Sterling Lucas, Dwayne Maddox and Colby Jackson, there is plenty of experience, but not quite as much depth as some other programs.

6. Georgia Tech: The Jackets return both starters in Steven Sylvester and Julian Burnett. There is no shortage of depth with Jeremy Attaochu, Quayshawn Nealey, Brandon Watts, Albert Rocker, Malcolm Munroe and Daniel Drummond.

7. Clemson: This group has a lot of potential, especially if true freshmen Tony Steward and Stephone Anthony make an immediate impact. There’s no question they’ll be given a chance, but the Tigers already have a good group with Corico Hawkins, Quandon Christian and Jonathan Willard.

8. Virginia Tech: It seems like this rotation has been in flux for a while now. The Hokies’ leading tackler returns in Bruce Taylor, Barquell Rivers had 96 tackles as a starter in 2009 but was injured last season, and there are several young players adding to the competition. Chase Williams, Tariq Edwards, Telvion Clark and Jack Tyler are only a few. Whip linebacker Jeron Gouveia-Winslow will have to earn his spot back over Alonzo Tweedy, Dominique Patterson and Nick Dew.

9. Maryland: The Terps were hit hard here with the losses of Alex Wujciak (381 career tackles) and Adrian Moten (14.5 career sacks). Demetrius Hartsfield returns with 20 career starts, and there are four lettermen returning including Darin Drakeford, Isaiah Ross, David Mackall and Bradley Johnson.

10. Wake Forest: Kyle Wilber’s move to outside linebacker will give this position a boost, as he led the Deacs with 14.5 tackles for loss and six sacks last season. His backup is Gelo Orange (22 tackles). The Deacs also have Tristan Dorty, Joey Ehrmann, Mike Olsen, Scott Betros, Riley Haynes and Justin Jackson.

11. Virginia: Starters LaRoy Reynolds and Ausar Walcott both return, but neither has started more than 11 career games. Junior Steve Greer has prior starting experience but played mainly as a reserve last season. Adam Taliaferro, Conner McCartin, Tucker Windle and LoVante Battle are also in the mix for playing time.

12. Duke: Kelby Brown is the lone returning starter, but he’s a promising young player who led the nation last season as a freshman in fumbles recovered. He missed spring ball while recovering from a knee injury, but is expected to start with Tyree Glover or Kevin Rojas.

The hope and concern series continues today with Virginia:

Biggest reason for hope: Defensive strides

With nine starters returning in the second season in the 4-3 scheme, Virginia should show measurable improvement this fall. Coach Mike London said this spring that the defense is well ahead of where it was this time a year ago because of the transition and coaching change. The Hoos also have legitimate playmakers in cornerback Chase Minnifield, who finished fifth in the country in interceptions last year, and defensive end Cam Johnson, who ranks fifth among all active ACC defenders in career TFLs. Defensive tackle Matt Conrath and linebacker Steve Greer are two additional standouts who should make Virginia’s front seven solid.

Biggest reason for concern: Uncertainty at quarterback

Ross Metheny, Michael Strauss, Michael Rocco and true freshman David Watford all have a chance to earn the starting job this summer, but all of them lack significant game experience. Metheny completed 13 of 17 passes last year for 171 yards and three touchdowns while Rocco was 13 of 25 with two interceptions, 143 yards and a touchdown. London has said that their game experience isn’t necessarily an edge over the competition. Injuries to receivers this spring made it difficult to evaluate the quarterbacks, but London will be judging them on their leadership skills as well this summer.

More in this series:

• Boston College
• Clemson
• Duke
• Florida State
• Georgia Tech
• Maryland
• Miami
• North Carolina
• NC State

2010 overall record: 4-8

2010 conference record: 1-7

Returning starters

Offense: 8, defense: 9, punter/kicker: 2

Top returners

WR Kris Burd, OT Morgan Moses, G Austin Pasztor, TB Perry Jones, DT Matt Conrath, DT Nick Jenkins, DE Cam Johnson, CB Chase Minnifield, SS Rodney McLeod, LB Steve Greer

Key losses

WR Dontrelle Inman, QB Marc Verica, DE Zane Parr, RB Keith Payne, LB Darnell Carter

2010 statistical leaders (* returners)

Rushing: Payne (749 yards)

Passing: Verica (2,799 yds)

Receiving: Burd* (799 yds)

Tackles: LaRoy Reynolds* (66)

Sacks: Cam Johnson* (6.5)

Interceptions: Minnifield* (6)

Spring answers

1. Good move for Gooch. Miles Gooch made the move from quarterback to receiver this spring, and because of the numerous injuries to the wideouts, he got significant reps. Whether that translates into game snaps remains to be seen, but with a crowded competition at quarterback, his odds are better at receiver.

2. No move for Mathis. Jeremiah Mathis moved from defensive end to tight end last year, and he stayed there this spring. Coach Mike London has said Mathis has a huge upside on the offensive side of the ball. Mathis caught three passes in 10 games last year, but that number could increase this fall with the departure of Joe Torchia.

3. Another step forward on defense. With nine starters returning in the second season in the 4-3 scheme, the Cavaliers showed improvement this spring. London said the defense is well ahead of where it was this time a year ago because of the transition and coaching change.

Fall questions

1. Who’s the quarterback? Michael Rocco, Ross Metheny, Michael Strauss and true freshman David Watford will continue their competition in summer camp, as none of them separated themselves this spring. While it’s limited, Metheny and Rocco have the most experience, but that hasn’t guaranteed them anything, according to London.

2. Who will compensate for the loss of production with the departure of Keith Payne? Perry Jones, Kevin Parks and Khalek Shepherd will likely share the carries, but the latter two are redshirt freshmen with no game experience. Jones ran for 646 yards last year.

3. Roster cuts. London needs to trim the roster to meet the NCAA’s 85-scholarship limit, and he has not determined how he plans to do that yet. If Devin Wallace does not return from his suspension, that will make one less -- and one less starter on defense. London has not yet released a number on how many fifth-year seniors will be invited back. Different scenarios could transpire in the next few months to get this question answered, as some players might not qualify and will have to attend prep school.

The focus at Virginia this spring has been on the quarterbacks, as coach Mike London needs to name a new starter, and Michael Rocco led the group on Saturday in the Cavaliers' spring game at Scott Stadium.

Rocco completed 10 of 22 passes for 95 yards for the Blue team and seven of 10 throws for 57 yards for the Orange team. Ross Metheny, who also played for both teams, combined to complete 3 of 6 passes for 60 yards. True freshman David Watford completed 1 of 5 passes for 6 yards with both teams. Michael Strauss completed 6 of 14 attempts for 85 yards.

The teams played four 10-minute quarters in a standard game format that included special-teams play. The Blue team featured the majority of the Cavaliers’ returning starters on offense while the Orange team included the returning starters on defense. The Blue team won 17-7. Veteran receivers Kris Burd, Matt Snyder, Tim Smith and Bobby Smith did not play because of injuries. Snyder, Jones, strong safety Rodney McLeod and defensive tackle Nick Jenkins were named team captains for the 2011 season.

Offensive highlights:

• Perry Jones scored on a 15-yard reception from Rocco and had a game-high five receptions for 35 yards and 7 yards on 11 carries.
• Rocco threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Brendan Morgan.
• Robert Randolph made a 40-yard field goal.
• Jones Khalek Shepherd had 15 yards on 10 attempts.

Defensive highlights:

• No player had a run longer than 8 yards.
• Steve Greer led all defenders with nine tackles, a pair of sacks and one pass breakup. The two teams combined for 19 sacks since quarterbacks were whistled down when touched by a defensive player. Billy Schautz accounted for three solo sacks.
• Mike Ahunamba and Henry Coley both had five tackles to lead the Blue team.
• Chase Minnifield intercepted Rocco on the opening drive when the receiver slipped while running his route.
• Dom Joseph intercepted Strauss and returned it 65 yards for a score.

There are too many angry Hokies in my mailbag for me to find a lot of real questions today ...

Brad in Hickam AFB writes: Why does Vtech schedule these tough early season games? They can "compete" in them but obviously can't seem to win any of them. All they seem to be doing is giving the ACC a bad name by falling short of achieving victory.

HD: Frank Beamer's philosophy is that it gets the best from his players early, that he has their focus all summer. I think the Hokies should be applauded for scheduling tough games. I'd much rather watch the excitement of Monday night than the duds against the creampuffs. Plus, you've got to schedule a tough game to boost your strength of schedule if you want to be a national title contender. You know how it goes, in order to be the best, you've gotta beat the best? Well, in order to do that, you've gotta line 'em up.

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Larry in Solon, Ohio, writes: Heather, follow you throughout the season and beyond. Really appreciate all your the great ACC stuff you project.We are Big Steve Greer (UVA Linebacker) fans up here in the Cleveland area. Could you give us all some good perspective on Greer and how it is all coming together with him and UVa with all the changes? Thanks Heather. keep it coming. LT

HD: Thanks a bunch, Larry. I'll let Mike London answer that for you, since he talked about Greer on his Sunday teleconference. He said Greer and Aaron Taliaferro played well off each other against Richmond. "They both have different things they bring to the table. It's a good thing to have when you have two guys in the middle who can provide you some leadership and some playmaking opportunities."

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Corey in N.Y. writes: Hi Heather. Is it just me or was the North Carolina game a win for the ACC. With all the suspensions they still gave a big-time SEC team all they could handle at half strength. Also i was wondering if you feel like the ACC is underated nationally. Many people rank it next to the Big East when i think its quite obvious it's well ahead of them.

HD: I thought it was a great effort, Corey, and definitely nothing the ACC should be ashamed of. Instead, I thought it made LSU look a bit overrated.

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Jorge in N.Y., N.Y., writes: I give Spaziani this year and the next, but I just don't think he's going to make it. He's not your typical head coach, although he's a splendid defensive cordinator. It will most likely be (unfortunately) a mediocre year for BC and the people at The Heights will not be happy.Thoughts?

HD: Nah, I think it's too early to judge Spaz. I think he's the right fit for that place, and given time, he'll recruit what he needs. He has a plan.

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Brett in Miami, Fla., writes: HD, some balanced perspective? Boise stacked the box and dared Tyrod to throw to WRs in one on one coverage- and he still managed only 180 yards passing, with over 50 coming on an easy missed tackle that went for a touch. He missed deep throws all night. It was a big game and Tyrod played hard, but he only played okay. Why all the love?

HD: You are absolutely 100 percent correct. Couldn't agree with you more. Taylor said as much after the game -- he knew they were daring him to throw it. I gave him some ink because without a few key plays by him, the Hokies wouldn't have stood a chance. Did he make every one? No. Kellen Moore was the QB who came out on top. I've said before that Taylor is a good quarterback -- not a great one, and Moore showed the difference there. But Taylor had to take the team on his shoulders and he did the best he could.

Here we go ...

• Clemson coach Dabo Swinney says quarterback Kyle Parker has a faster path to the pros in football.
• Agent Gary Wichard is the key to the NCAA investigation, not former player Kentwan Balmer, writes Caulton Tudor.
• While many teams across the country are playing creampuffs, Virginia Tech will have a lot at stake in Week 1.
• Virginia linebacker Steve Greer will be required to play more in space in the 4-3 defense, and he's working hard on his new role.
• Bigger story in Florida -- replacing Tim Tebow or Bobby Bowden? No contest.
• Miami has bumped up redshirt freshman Jermaine Johnson to the first team as a result of injury to Joel Figueroa, but coach Randy Shannon isn't concerned.
• Georgia Tech is beginning to turn its attention to South Carolina State.
• Duke cornerback Chris Rwabukamba has more to accomplish at Duke before he sets off in search of a pro career.
• The injury to Wake Forest receiver Devon Brown isn't as bad as they thought -- he's bruised, but back.
• Duke center Bryan Morgan is passionate about both football and music, and he doesn't want to let either one of them go.
• BC's injuries are piling up, but at least the Eagles know who their quarterback is.

Schedule: Practice starts at 3:45 p.m. and the first five are open to the public.

What’s new: Everything. New coach, new coordinators, new schemes, philosophies and attitudes.

Sidelined: Sophomore guard Aaron Van Kuiken is out with a wrist injury but is expected back by September. Redshirt defensive end Brent Urban is coming off knee surgery. Academically, today is the last day of summer school finals, so grades won’t be reported until early next week.

Key battle: Running back. The top four rushers from 2009 are gone. Perry Jones ended the spring at the lead tailback spot, but he faces competition this month from Keith Payne, Torrey Mack, freshman Kevin Parks, and Dominique Wallace, who missed the second half of last season with a foot injury.

New on the scene: The 4-3 defense. First-year defensive coordinator Jim Reid is taking the Cavaliers back to the traditional defense.

Breaking out: Junior inside linebacker Aaron Taliaferro, who got all of Steve Greer’s snaps this past spring while Greer was out with an injury. Taliaferro was previously buried on the depth chart, but he really impressed the coaching staff enough to push Greer this month.

Don’t forget about: Tight end Joe Torchia. Virginia has a great tradition of tight ends, but last year the staff deviated from it by implementing a spread offense. Torchia only had 15 catches in 12 games for what is usually a much more productive spot.

All eyes on: Quarterback Marc Verica and how he fits into the new pro-style offense. Verica said he is much more comfortable in this scheme, but he hasn’t been a dependable starter since 2008, when he threw eight touchdowns and 16 interceptions. He made far fewer mistakes this spring.

Quotable: "This is exactly what I know about him: that as a father, this is who you get down on your knees and pray that your daughter brings home some day. That is the type of character that he is. You would be so proud to call Ras-I Dowling your son, and I've told his family that." -- Defensive coordinator Jim Reid on cornerback Ras-I Dowling.

2009 overall record: 3-9

2009 conference record: 2-6

Returning starters

Offense: 6, defense: 6, punter/kicker 2

Top returners

WR Kris Burd, QB Marc Verica, DE Matt Conrath, LB Steve Greer, CB Ras-I Dowling

Key losses

WR Vic Hall, T Will Barker, C Jack Shields, QB Jameel Sewell, FB Rashawn Jackson, NG Nate Collins, CB Chris Cook, LB Denzel Burrell, TB Mikell Simpson

2009 statistical leaders (* returners)

Rushing: Jackson (461 yards)

Passing: Sewell (1,848 yds)

Receiving: Burd* (413 yds)

Tackles: Greer* (92)

Sacks: Collins (6)

Interceptions: Cook (4)

Spring answers

1. Johnson’s move a hit. Cam Johnson’s move from linebacker to defensive end proved beneficial, as he returned an interception 51 yards in the Cavaliers’ spring game. Johnson, who started 10 of the 12 games he played in last year, showed he can transition to playing with his hand on the ground.

2. Aboushi a boost up front. Offensive tackle Oday Aboushi could be Virginia’s next stellar lineman. He’ll only be a sophomore, but he showed this spring he can help plug up some holes in an offensive line that was rather porous last year. Aboushi played in late in the Clemson game and he held his own as a freshman last year.

3. Mending fences. First-year coach Mike London has been working the crowd and winning it over by making the staff more approachable. He held a scrimmage at Old Dominion, and had been rebuilding relationships with high school coaches and media throughout the state.

Fall questions

1. Which Verica will show this fall? The one who was pushed into duty without experience two years ago and performed well, or the one who last year struggled in mop-up duty? Verica said he avoided turnovers during every team drill this spring, but threw two interceptions in the spring game. Verica is the only player on the roster who has attempted a pass in a game.

2. Kicking competition. Last year, the kicking duties were done by committee. This year, London would like to find one player capable of PATs, field goals and kickoffs. Robert Randolph handled most of the field goal duties last year. Drew Jarrett handled the PATs at the end of the year and Chris Hinkebein did kickoffs. Hinkebein has the strongest but least accurate leg.

3. Defensive transition. How will the players adjust to their new roles in the transition from a 3-4 to a 4-3 scheme? London has moved a lot of players into positions where he’s trying to get speed on the field. LaRoy Reynolds and LoVante Battle moved from the secondary to strongside linebacker. Ausar Walcott moved from defensive back to whip linebacker, and other players -- like Conrath -- have moved from defensive end to tackle.

Virginia's first spring practice of the Mike London era is in the books, and today the team issued its post-spring depth chart.

A few quick points:

• Three positions on defense feature co-starters, including two of the three linebacker spots. Junior Aaron Taliaferro and Steve Greer are listed as co-starters at middle linebacker, while senior Jared Detrick and sophomore Ausar Walcott are the co-starters at weak side linebacker. Junior Chase Minnifield and sophomore Devin Wallace are listed as co-starters at one cornerback spot, opposite co-captain Ras-I Dowling.
• As expected, senior Marc Verica tops the depth chart at quarterback, while Ross Metheny and Michael Strauss are listed as co-backups.
• Offensive line will continue to be a position to monitor during preseason camp, but here are the starters coming out of spring ball: left tackle Landon Bradley, left guard Austin Pasztor, center Anthony Mihota, right guard B.J. Cabbell, right tackle Oday Aboushi.
• Sophomore Perry Jones is listed as the top running back ahead of senior Keith Payne, who rejoined the team after a one-year leave of absence.
• The depth chart doesn't include specialists, but the competition at kicker will spill into the fall after a poor showing at the spring game April 10.