ESPN College Football

NC STATE

2009 overall record: 5-7

2009 conference record: 2-6

Returning starters

Offense: 7; Defense 5; Punter/Kicker 1

Top returners

QB Russell Wilson, WR Owen Spencer, OT Jake Vermiglio, LB Nate Irving, PK Josh Czajkowski, TE George Bryan, WR Jarvis Williams, LB Dwayne Maddox, LB Audie Cole

Key losses

C Ted Larsen, HB Toney Baker, DE Willie Young, DT Alan Michael Cash, CB DeAndre Morgan, LB Ray Michel

2009 statistical leaders (* returners)

Rushing: Baker (773 yards)

Passing: Wilson* (3,027 yds)

Receiving: Ja. Williams* (547 yds)

Tackles: Cole* (73)

Sacks: Young (8)

Interceptions: C. Johnson (2)

Spring answers

1. Wilson will be back, but Mike Glennon is a capable starter. Starter Russell Wilson missed all of spring football to play baseball, but his season didn’t quite take the turn he had probably hoped, as Wilson wasn’t a starter. In his absence, Glennon impressed coach Tom O’Brien and completed 21 of 38 passes for 423 yards, three touchdowns and one interception in the Pack’s spring game. As long as Wilson picks up where he left off in 2009, it should be his job to lose.

2. Irving is back and can play. After missing last season with injuries he sustained in a serious 2009 summer car accident, it was unclear how much Irving would be able to contribute this spring. He moved to middle linebacker and eased his way back into full participation and played in half of the spring game.

3. Defensive linemen emerging. Even though all four starters from last year’s defensive line graduated, there was enough talent there this spring for optimism. Darryl Cato-Bishop, David Akinniyi, and Brian Slay impressed the staff. Their success is critical, as both J.R. Sweezy and Markus Kuhn are facing disciplinary action.

Fall questions

1. Who will run the ball? For the first time since 2005, NC State doesn’t have a running back with any starting experience. Brandon Barnes broke his ankle, and the competition is now between Curtis Underwood, who redshirted last year, and James Washington, who played in six games as a true freshman last year.

2. Punter, please. Nobody on the team has ever punted in a game situation. Chris Ward was the likely top option , but he was suspended for the spring and possibly the fall.

3. How much can the defense improve? With Irving back and former Georgia Tech defensive coordinator Jon Tenuta coaching the linebackers, it would seem as if the defense would get a boost. It’s going to have to if the Pack is going to make it to the postseason. NC State was No. 99 in the country last year in scoring defense, and No. 106 in pass efficiency defense. The secondary is lead by freshmen and sophomores.

Taking a look at what's making news around the ACC:

• Virginia Tech defensive coordinator Bud Foster will have his hands full with a defense looking to replace several key starters.
• Miami should be nastier up front defensively next season, writes Manny Navarro of The Miami Herald.
• Former North Carolina State running back Toney Baker remains hopeful that his knee problems won't cost him a shot at playing in the NFL.
• Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher is relatively pleased following the Seminoles' first major scrimmage of the spring.
• Tony Barnhart of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution takes a look at Five Burning Questions in the ACC's Coastal Division.
• Clemson's second-team offensive line is getting plenty of attention this spring.

Back in ACC country today. Gotta say I like the weather better here.

• Miami senior defensive lineman Allen Bailey will play wherever he's needed, Shandel Richardson writes in the Sun-Sentinel.
• Florida State players are loving the new zone defenses the coaches are employing, Corey Clark writes in the Tallahassee Democrat. Seminoles kicker Dustin Hopkins hopes to become automatic, Andrew Carter writes in the Orlando Sentinel.
• Georgia Tech enters the spring without a depth chart, but head coach Paul Johnson expects to have one at the end of the 15 workouts, Doug Roberson writes in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (scroll past the Paul Hewitt news).
• Clemson's wideouts have to catch on quickly this spring, Travis Sawchik writes in The Charlotte Post and Courier. An update on Clemson's situational scrimmage Wednesday.
• Florida State's unsuccessful appeal to the NCAA came with a heavy cost.
• Toney Baker tries to ease concerns about his knee at NC State's pro day, while the Wolfpack suspend punter Chris Ward, J.P. Giglio writes in The (Raleigh) News & Observer.
• Virginia spent Wednesday's practice focusing on better ways to move the chains, Jay Jenkins writes in the Charlottesville Daily Progress.

The series resumes today with the strongest and weakest positions at NC State:

Strongest position: Wide receiver

Key returnees: Jarvis Williams, Owen Spencer

Key departures: None

The skinny: The six players listed on the depth chart heading into spring drills have combined to play in 155 games, starting 62, and have 230 catches between them. Williams had 11 touchdown receptions last season, tied for the third-best mark in school history, and Spencer set an ACC record with 25.5 yards per catch.

Weakest position: Running back

Key returnees: Curtis Underwood, James Washington

Key departures: Toney Baker, Jamelle Eugene

The skinny: For the first time since 2005, the Wolfpack doesn’t have anyone with starting experience at this position. Underwood, a redshirt junior, was redshirted last year to add depth to the position and it should pay off this season. Washington played in six games as a true freshman last year, and Brandon Barnes played in three as a redshirt freshman. Neither had more than 25 carries last year, though. Tom O’Brien is looking for somebody to step up and be “the guy” this spring.

Last mailblog of February, whew ...

Doug Powell in Cullowhee, N.C. writes: Who do you think is going to win the NC State running back job come fall? and do you think Russell Wilson will be back?

HD: Shoot, am I supposed to have the answers to these questions? I don't even think Tom O'Brien knows those answers yet, but both are worth watching. If there's anyone close to a frontrunner at running back, you might say Curtis Underwood, who redshirted last year so he could play a season out of the shadow of Toney Baker and Jamelle Eugene. James Washington saw some time early last year. Brandon Barnes is another talented player who has been in the system, and Mustafa Greene is a true freshman worth getting excited about, but he won't be on campus until the fall. And yes, I think Wilson will be back. Just a guess.

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LucasHokie in Reidsville, NC writes: Do you think this could be the year the ACC beats up on other conferences? I think if Miami can start out like last year, GT can find their November stride in September, and FSU starts playing like FSU we could do it. I think this is the year VT will shake off the Top 5 winning drought against Boise. We have the offense, and more importantly, our offense is built perfect for grinding out the clock. Keep the ball away from Keenum. If not this year, at least it looks like Miami and FSU are finding their A game again. I may not like Miami (as a Hokie), but I would rather any ACC team win over another conference.

HD: I like your positive outlook, man, but this conference has a habit of getting fans' hopes up. There are plenty of reasons for optimism. After speaking with Bud Foster this week, he's confident in the talent he has and says the "cupboard is not bare." Miami and FSU should take significant steps forward, and I like UNC's defense in that matchup against LSU's offense. But when it comes to winning the big nonconference games, I'm now in believe-it-when-I-see-it mode.

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Duce in Tampa,Fla. writes: HD, i appreciate the job you do in the off season. You keep FSU fans (lol), as myself, hyped for next season. I have two questions. What are the chances of FSU winning the conference this year and who do you think they would do battle with in the title game.

HD: Well, I like this FSU team and the direction it's headed. I've got them as my frontrunner in the Atlantic right now, but that's where I had them last year, and we all saw how well that turned out. Jimbo Fisher has already raised the expectations there, but there's no denying the Noles have a lot of work to do, starting on defense. I think the Coastal will have some shakeups this year. Looking for UNC or Miami to make a move, but VT is the team to beat. Hokies have less questions than defending champs Jackets.

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Jeff in Huntington, N.Y. writes: Hey Heather,Maryland seems to have enough talent at the skill positions on offense but it seems as though the o-line will hold them back again. Is there any hope that they will perform well this year?

HD: Yes, Jeff, there is. Losing Phil Costa might have actually hurt them more than losing Campbell, considering his injuries. Justin Gilbert, a redshirt sophomore, could inherit Campbell’s job. And there’s always Paul Pinegar, who, after this season might have literally played every position up front. You're right, though, this is one area Maryland needs to improve if it's going to get back to the postseason.

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Ryan in Tallahassee, Fla., writes: Hey Heather! It seems about everyday that FSU is getting a new top caliber recruit to commit for the 2011 class. And this is all coming off an ESPN #6 ranked 2010 recruiting class. This coaching staff seems to be be relentless! What is your impression on what Jimbo and Co. have been able to do on the recruiting trail without even have played one game! Thanks!

HD: Very impressed. This staff has a game plan for recruiting and seems to be much more organized, enthusiastic and aggressive. Once you start getting a few of the top players to commit, it gets easier to convince others. Looks like it's starting to snowball in Tally, which is exactly what they need.

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Andrew in Towson, Md., writes: HD --- Love the blog..... I could not imagine sitting through class without it! There is all this talk about the QB battle in Miami this spring, but it is focused mainly on Highsmith and Morris. I understand that they are the big recruits, but besides the article you posted today (2/24) there has been no coverage on Whipple. I would think that with his father being the coach and coming from a program with a similar offense would give him an advantage? And I say his father being the coach meaning he is with him a lot more to discuss the offense (off-season, inbetween semester, family vacations lol, etc).

HD: Glad to help with your education, man. You're right, Whipple is a true student of the game. He loves it, and he wants to be a coach. I love food, but that doesn't mean I'm a good cook. Not to say Whipple Jr. isn't a good quarterback, I'm just saying that book smarts don't always translate to street smarts. He'll have to prove himself just like the other guys, and I think he's got the same chance they do. What impresses me about Whipple is how willing he is to help the other quarterbacks. He seems like a really good kid.

Todd McShay has posted his latest 2010 Mock Draft, and former Georgia Tech defensive end Derrick Morgan falls to No. 10, Clemson's C.J. Spiller moves up to No. 14, and Maryland offensive tackle Bruce Campbell plummeted to No. 23.

It's a much different look than the mid-December mock draft, before the players had made their decisions whether or not to return, and before the all-star games had been played.

In mid-December, McShay had Morgan the No. 3 overall pick, Campbell at No. 12 and UNC linebacker Bruce Carter at No. 18. Clemson defensive end Ricky Sapp was No. 25, and Spiller was No. 26.UNC defensive tackle Marvin Austin was No. 27, and Georgia Tech B-back Jonathan Dwyer was No. 29.

For the juniors who decided to leave early and aren't mentioned here -- namely players like Morgan Burnett, Demaryius Thomas and Toney Baker -- let's hope their decisions were worth it.

You might be familiar with the date Feb. 3. (Heck, some of you probably even take off work or ditch class for it.) Contrary to popular belief, though, it’s not a national holiday. It’s national signing day. And it’s coming up quickly. Every team has holes to fill after graduation and the NFL draft, but some are more pressing than others. Here’s a quick look at the Atlantic Division’s top areas of concern for this year’s class:

BOSTON COLLEGE

Quarterback: The Eagles can’t afford to be in another situation where nobody on the roster has had a snap of collegiate experience like they were heading into 2009. This is the class where coach Frank Spaziani can build the future of the program at this position.

Running back: Montel Harris is one of the best running backs in the ACC, but he’s not invincible. After the transfer of backup Josh Haden midway through last season, the Eagles were forced to depend on Harris and only Harris. It’s time to bring in some help.

Wide receiver: BC will graduate three seniors from the two-deep in Justin Jarvis, Clarence Megwa and record-setter Rich Gunnell. Quarterback Dave Shinskie will be better in Year 2, but now he’ll have to help usher in a new supporting cast.

CLEMSON

Wide receiver: The Tigers will have to replace standout Jacoby Ford in 2010, but they’ll also have to prepare for the losses of Xavier Dye and Terrance Ashe, who will be seniors in 2010. It was a position of concern heading into 2009 and will be again.

Defensive backs: Two of the most experienced starting cornerbacks in the conference -- Chris Chancellor and Crezdon Butler -- have to be replaced, but the staff also has to look ahead. Next year, the Tigers will lose All-American safety DeAndre McDaniel, free safety Marcus Gilchrist and cornerback Byron Maxwell.

FLORIDA STATE

Linebacker: FSU’s biggest loss here will be Dekoda Watson, but two other players on the two-deep are juniors. The Noles were hurting at every position defensively, and while the bulk of players return, they need an overall upgrade in talent.

Defensive line: Save for defensive end Markus White, who will be a senior, and Budd Thacker, who will have to be replaced, this was a relatively young group. Still, the Noles struggled to stop the run and fluster quarterbacks most of the season, and it all starts up front.

Secondary: FSU will lose cornerback Patrick Robinson, Korey Mangum and Jamie Robinson. The addition of Lamarcus Joyner should give this unit an immediate boost.

MARYLAND

Secondary: Three starters -- Anthony Wiseman, Jamari McCollough and Terrell Skinner -- were all seniors, and standout Nolan Carroll, who was injured, will also have to be replaced. It’s time to usher in the next wave of talent here.

Linebackers/ends: The staff needs to find players here who can better fit defensive coordinator Don Brown’s scheme. Some of those linebackers could end up being defensive end/hybrid players, but the Terps need some speed off the edge.

NC STATE

Linemen: The Pack will lose three starters on the offensive line and all four on the defensive line. Those positions are what almost half of the staff’s commitment list is comprised of so far, and the depth at those positions had to be completely rebuilt under Tom O’Brien. Some junior college transfers could help.

Halfback: With the news that Toney Baker decided to forgo his sixth year of eligibility, and the graduation of fifth-year senior Jamelle Eugene, it couldn’t hurt the Pack to start to reload at this position.

WAKE FOREST

Offensive line: Seven members on the two-deep roster were redshirt seniors in 2009, and one, starting center Russell Nenon, was a redshirt junior. Three starters will have to be replaced in 2010.

Tight end: This position will be very thin, but the staff has added two in this year’s recruiting class. Wake could also help itself by adding a fullback or two to help with the blocking.

Linebackers: It was a unit comprised mainly of redshirt seniors and juniors in 2009, so the Deacs will have immediate holes there, as well as the need to restock for the future.

The Under Armour Senior Bowl hasn't released its final roster yet, but it did announce that Virginia cornerback Chris Cook and running back Rashawn Jackson have both officially accepted invitations to play in the Jan. 30th game.

Also announced was the Texas vs. The Nation all-star roster, a senior bowl which will be played Feb. 6 at the Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso, Texas.

2010 Nation Roster

Preston Parker, WR/RT, North Alabama/Florida State

Sam Shields, CB, Miami

Brent Bowden, P, Virginia Tech

Dedrick Epps, TE, Miami

Toney Baker, RB, NC State

Cory Jackson, FB, Maryland

Kyle Jolly, OT, North Carolina

Will Barker, OL, Virginia

E.J. Wilson, DE, North Carolina

Travis Ivey, DT, Maryland

2010 Texas Roster

Thaddeus Lewis, QB, Duke

A.J. Cooley, RB, Shorter College/Georgia Tech

Need ... football ...

• Georgia Tech prefers to look at the bright side of its season -- not the disappointing finish.
• The Jackets' ultimate goal, though -- winning a national championship -- depends in part on how they rebound from the loss to Iowa.
• FSU coach Jimbo Fisher was handed the keys to FSU football on Wednesday, but he was missing the key to his new office earlier this week.
• Miami may or may not have another quarterback on campus in time for spring practice, as Stephen Morris waits to hear if he can graduate early.
• Since expansion, the ACC has endured some lean times, and this year's bowl season was no exception.
• NC State halfback Toney Baker made the right decision to turn pro, writes Brett Friedlander.
• J.P. Giglio reminds UNC and NC State fans their programs passed on Paul Johnson.

Sorry for the slow start today, guys.

• Miami quarterback Jacory Harris will miss at least a month for surgery on his thumb, and could miss passing drills this spring, according to a report in the Miami Herald.
• Georgia Tech's juniors didn't make any decisions about their NFL draft status following the Orange Bowl.
• Georgia Tech's offense looked like it belonged in the Humanitarian Bowl, not the Orange Bowl, writes Jeff Schultz.
• NC State halfback Toney Baker is ready to give the NFL a shot, but is the NFL ready for Baker?
• A few players from NC State and Duke have been invited to the NFL combine.
• Clemson's DeAndre McDaniel has made his decision to come back for his senior year ... or has he?
• FSU fans should be happy the academic fraud scandal is behind them.
• Mike London's staff continues to grow.

NC State tailback Toney Baker, who was granted a sixth-year of eligibility by the NCAA, has decided not to return to NC State for the 2010 season, the school announced Tuesday.

“After talking to my family, my coaches and doing a lot of praying, I’ve decided that it’s time for me to pursue playing football at the next level,” said Baker, who graduated in December. “It was a tough decision because I have loved my time at NC State and have really enjoyed playing for coach [Tom] O’Brien. But after weighing all my options, I think this is the right move for me at this time in my life.”

Baker missed almost two complete seasons with a knee injury, but he made a big comeback in 2009, leading the team in rushing, ranking third in scoring and fourth in receiving. He finished the regular season ranked sixth in the ACC in rushing with 64.4 yards per game, ninth in all-purpose yards (94 per game) and tied for seventh in touchdown scoring (4.5 per game). He finished his career ranked 11th in school history with 17 career rushing touchdowns and 11th in rushing yards with 2,045.

“We support Toney in this decision and wish him great success,” O’Brien, who is on the road recruiting, said in a prepared statement. “He has been and will continue to be a great representative of NC State University and our football program.”

Before I start making bowl predictions, I figured I'd own up to the ones I made heading into the 2009 season.

Good call -- C.J. Spiller as preseason player of the year.

Bad call -- FSU as winner of the Atlantic Division.

Close call -- BC coach Frank Spaziani as coach of the year.

Calling off all bets -- I said I'd do up-downs until Ralph Friedgen told me I could stop if the Terps were the best team in the Atlantic Division.

On Aug. 19, I gave out a few preseason awards, and it's time to set the record straight before the year officially ends.

Virginia Tech's Jason Worilds didn't have quite the season I expected, and Derrick Morgan soundly won the defensive player of the year award. As for newcomer of the year, I'd give that one to Ryan Williams and call BC's Luke Kuechly the freshman of the year.

Miami linebacker Colin McCarthy made a case for comeback player of the year, but I think that has to go to NC State's Toney Baker.

The surprise team of the year? Boston College. Disappointment? Take your pick. It could be the Hokies, considering they were ranked as high as No. 4 in the country and had legitimate hopes at the national title. But Florida State and NC State were also facing higher expectations, and the Noles lost more than games -- they lost their legendary coach.

Here was how the final standings actually looked, followed by my preseason prediction:

ATLANTIC

Clemson/FSU

Boston College/NC State

Florida State/Clemson

Wake Forest/Wake Forest

NC State/Maryland

Maryland/Boston College

COASTAL DIVISION

Georgia Tech/Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech/Georgia Tech

Miami/Miami

North Carolina/North Carolina

Duke/Duke

Virginia/Virginia

Thank goodness for new seasons. Everyone starts off a winner.

I got a chance to catch up with NC State coach Tom O’Brien on Thursday, and in lieu of a Q&A today, I decided to go over some of his answers to the more pertinent issues facing the Wolfpack right now. Here’s O’Brien’s update on …

The status of offensive coordinator Dana Bible:

O’Brien said Bible, who was diagnosed with leukemia in late November, was doing well until he had a reaction to his medication this past weekend. O’Brien hasn’t talked to Bible, and he can’t visit him because he’s in isolation with a nearly nonexistent immune system. As of Tuesday, O’Brien spoke with Bible’s wife who said he was doing better.

The status of quarterback Russell Wilson:

Wilson will play baseball this spring, and likely won’t make a decision on his football future until he knows where his professional baseball career is headed. O’Brien said he thinks Wilson is leaning toward coming back to the football team, but doesn’t expect a final decision until after baseball season.

“If he goes out, and is a top pick in the draft, he’s got a decision to make,” O’Brien said. “He likes football now and his intention is to come back but I think we have to wait until after baseball to finalize it.”

O’Brien said that doesn’t throw his plans off track.

“That’s why we recruited (Mike) Glennon,” O’Brien said. “We’ve know this inevitability. … If baseball is in his future, that’s fine. Certainly the progression that’s set up is for Michael to be the quarterback. He will get every rep in the spring and will prepare for whatever we have to face next fall.”

On tailback Toney Baker's decision regarding the NFL:

Baker hasn’t made his decision yet, but O’Brien said that if he had to guess today, he would say Baker would leave and Wilson would stay.

“He’s going to sit down and weigh everything and make a decision,” O’Brien said. “I think he’s going to do it the right way, but if I were a betting man, I’d say Russell, yes, and Toney, no, -- today. That might change tomorrow, because I think Toney goes back and forth more than Russell does.”

I'll have more from my conversation with O'Brien next week.

The ACC has some talented juniors who could be lured to the NFL a year early. Based on a survey of conference sports information directors and information from ESPN's Scouts Inc.'s draft database, here’s a quick look at who they are, and whether or not they’ve announced anything:

CLEMSON

S DeAndre McDaniel – Mel Kiper ranks him the No. 4 safety in his class. Scouts Inc. has him the No. 6 player at his position and the No. 64 overall.

FLORIDA STATE

QB Christian Ponder, OG Rodney Hudson and DE Markus White – They’re all staying. Hudson is the No. 1 guard in his class, according to Mel Kiper, and Ponder’s injury had a lot to do with his return.

GEORGIA TECH

S Morgan Burnett – He didn’t live up to the hype this season and could probably improve his stock with another year. Kiper still has him the No. 2 junior safety.

B-Back Jonathan Dwyer – Rated the No. 3 junior running back in his class by Mel Kiper.

QB Josh Nesbitt – Not ranked in ESPN’s Scouts Inc. database.

DE Derrick Morgan – Kiper has him the No. 1 end in his class, and he’s No. 9 on Kiper’s latest Big Board. It would be a surprise if he returned.

WR Demaryius Thomas – He told me after the ACC championship game he’s staying, but that was before he received his draft evaluation. Georgia Tech fans should hope he sticks with it. Kiper has him the No. 4 junior WR.

MARYLAND

OL Bruce Campbell – His career has been marred by injuries, and he could use another year to get more experience, not to mention a better contract. Scouts Inc. has him at No. 4 in his position and No. 27 overall.

MIAMI

None of the following players were ranked by Scouts Inc.:

DE Allen Bailey – Kiper has him the No. 5 end in his class.

WR Leonard Hankerson

LB Colin McCarthy

OL Orlando Franklin

RB Graig Cooper

NORTH CAROLINA

LB Quan Sturdivant – Kiper ranks him the No. 2 junior inside linebacker.

DT Marvin Austin – Kiper ranks him the No. 3 tackle in his class.

LB Bruce Carter – Has publicly stated he will return.

NC STATE

TB Toney Baker – He was granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA, but hasn’t said yet whether or not he’d take it. He is currently not ranked in the draft prospect database by ESPN’s Scouts Inc.

VIRGINIA TECH

QB Tyrod Taylor and DE Jason Worilds – Both staying.

Coach Tom O’Brien said he had never experienced a more difficult season. It started with star linebacker Nate Irving’s scary car crash this past summer, which sidelined him for the entire season, and ended with the news that offensive coordinator Dana Bible had been diagnosed with leukemia prior to the Virginia Tech game.

A total of 12 players were lost to season-ending injuries, and the Pack (2-6, 5-7 ACC) suffered a 1-6 stretch that eliminated them from postseason play for the second time in O’Brien’s three seasons. The root of the problems were with the defense, where NC State ranked 99th in the country in scoring defense, allowing 31.17 points per game. The Pack were 106th in pass efficiency defense, and injuries forced the staff to use a different starting lineup in the secondary for at least three quarters of the season.

The two positive headlines for NC State this year came when tailback Toney Baker was granted a sixth year of eligibility, and when the season ended on a triumphant note with a win over rival North Carolina. NC State also earned a marquee nonconference win against Pittsburgh, which wound up playing for the Big East title.

Offensive MVP: Quarterback Russell Wilson – He completed 59.3 percent of his passes for 3,027 yards and 31 touchdowns. He threw just 11 interceptions.

Defensive MVP: Alan Michael Cash – He blocked one kick, forced a fumble and finished with 55 tackles, including 3.5 for loss and two sacks.

Turning point: In late June, Irving -- arguably the team’s top defensive player -- suffered a broken leg and a collapsed lung in a one-car crash. It was an emotional incident and a loss that set the tone for the entire defense, which struggled all season without their top player and leader.

What’s next: The coaching staff needs to continue to recruit and build depth so it's not in this position again, with virtually no upperclassmen to depend upon and too many young, inexperienced players forced into important roles. The staff also needs to find out whether Wilson plans on focusing on football or baseball, and whether Baker will enter the NFL draft.