ACC: Tyler Shatley
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney has played in the ACC title game twice as the Tigers’ head coach and won it once, yet if you ask Clemson fans, most would probably tell you he still needs to prove he can beat South Carolina. Swinney is hardly the only one in the ACC, though, with something to prove this fall. There are plenty of players, coaches and position groups who need to make a statement this season. We’ll start with the Atlantic Division, where the development of a few offensive lines could be a huge factor in the division race. Here’s a look at who in the division has the most to prove this fall:
1. Maryland coach Randy Edsall. There is no bigger burden being carried in the ACC than the one Edsall shoulders, as he inherited a nine-win bowl team and finished last year with a 2-10 record. Many questioned the hire to begin with. Another disastrous season would further fuel the critics.
2. Boston College coach Frank Spaziani. The Eagles fell as low as 1-6 overall and 0-4 in the ACC last year -- the second straight season they started with four straight conference losses. BC’s streak of 12 straight bowl games came to an end and the program suffered its first losing season since 1998. Spaziani has to turn it around quickly, and he’ll have to do it without star running back Montel Harris, who was dismissed from the team for a violation of team rules.
3. Clemson’s offensive line. The Tigers have to replace three starters up front and five seniors who were in the rotation on last year’s ACC championship team. Tyler Shatley had a good spring after moving from nose tackle to right guard, but this group has a lot to prove if Andre Ellington is going to get his yards.
4. Florida State’s offensive line. This was the weak link in the Noles’ offense last year, but it matured before our eyes in the Champs Sports Bowl win over Notre Dame. Both starting offensive tackles have to be replaced, and it’s still an extremely young group.
5. NC State’s linebackers. This was a strength for the Wolfpack last year, with Audie Cole and Terrell Manning among the best in the league. They’ll be tough to replace. Dontae Johnson has some starting experience at linebacker, but he’s more of a safety and played a crossover role last year. D.J. Green, who was injured, is the only returning starter.
6. Wake Forest’s offensive line. The Deacs gave up 35 sacks last year and must do a better job of protecting Tanner Price. That could be easier said than done, as Wake Forest has to replace four starters. Coach Jim Grobe has said he’s comfortable about three of those spots after spring practices, but the Deacs will need more to build upon last year’s surprising success.
1. Maryland coach Randy Edsall. There is no bigger burden being carried in the ACC than the one Edsall shoulders, as he inherited a nine-win bowl team and finished last year with a 2-10 record. Many questioned the hire to begin with. Another disastrous season would further fuel the critics.
2. Boston College coach Frank Spaziani. The Eagles fell as low as 1-6 overall and 0-4 in the ACC last year -- the second straight season they started with four straight conference losses. BC’s streak of 12 straight bowl games came to an end and the program suffered its first losing season since 1998. Spaziani has to turn it around quickly, and he’ll have to do it without star running back Montel Harris, who was dismissed from the team for a violation of team rules.
3. Clemson’s offensive line. The Tigers have to replace three starters up front and five seniors who were in the rotation on last year’s ACC championship team. Tyler Shatley had a good spring after moving from nose tackle to right guard, but this group has a lot to prove if Andre Ellington is going to get his yards.
4. Florida State’s offensive line. This was the weak link in the Noles’ offense last year, but it matured before our eyes in the Champs Sports Bowl win over Notre Dame. Both starting offensive tackles have to be replaced, and it’s still an extremely young group.
5. NC State’s linebackers. This was a strength for the Wolfpack last year, with Audie Cole and Terrell Manning among the best in the league. They’ll be tough to replace. Dontae Johnson has some starting experience at linebacker, but he’s more of a safety and played a crossover role last year. D.J. Green, who was injured, is the only returning starter.
6. Wake Forest’s offensive line. The Deacs gave up 35 sacks last year and must do a better job of protecting Tanner Price. That could be easier said than done, as Wake Forest has to replace four starters. Coach Jim Grobe has said he’s comfortable about three of those spots after spring practices, but the Deacs will need more to build upon last year’s surprising success.
Something going on in basketball this week?
- The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Jeff Schultz says Georgia Tech's lost ACC title seems unfair, but it's not unexpected.
- Wake Forest's offensive line is Jim Grobe's biggest focus right now, Dan Collins writes in the Winston-Salem Journal.
- The Virginian-Pilot's Andy Bitter is taking a position-by-position look at Virginia Tech's roster. Here's his look at the wide receivers.
- Tyler Shatley is pushing for Clemson's starting right guard spot, Travis Sawchik writes in the Charleston Post and Courier.
- Going against just two quarterbacks this spring, Maryland's pass-rushers are taking a hands-off approach, Jonas Shaffer writes in the Baltimore Sun.
I know, I know, Clemson overload today, but coach Dabo Swinney had a teleconference this morning to preview spring practices, which begin on Wednesday in Death Valley. Here are a few quick highlights from the call:
- Swinney said the main point of emphasis this spring will be the offensive and defensive lines, where the Tigers have to replace a total of six starters. The goal is to find a two-deep up front. He said offensive lineman Brandon Thomas has been like an MVP this offseason and has embraced a leadership role. “He has been great this offseason,” Swinney said. “He has really stepped up in a role he wasn’t necessarily in last year, and we need that.” Thomas can play tackle or guard effectively, and gives the Tigers some options up front. Swinney said Tyler Shatley, a former defensive tackle, looks “totally different” on the offensive side of the ball. “He goes from being an OK athlete to a really, really good athlete.” Shatley will start off at right guard.
- The only two injured players out this spring are linebacker Tony Steward and safety Rashard Hall. Steward, who tore his ACL in October, was denied a medical redshirt, Swinney said. “That’s the rule and that’s the way it is,” Swinney said. Steward will be a true sophomore.
- The punter situation is a question going into spring. Spencer Benton will go in as the starter. Swinney said the staff will experiment with a few things on special teams this spring.
- Clemson’s staff took a trip to Nevada this offseason to study the pistol offense, but Swinney said the Tigers were in the pistol some last spring and fall. The staff just wanted to learn a little more about it. As for how much of it will be incorporated this year, Swinney said he’s not going to give out a blueprint. “We’re going to do what we did last year, hopefully a little bit better.”
- Swinney said running back Mike Bellamy is “hanging in there” and will practice with the team while trying to improve himself on and off the field. Swinney said Bellamy has gained some weight and gotten stronger. The goal for this summer is about 180 pounds, well over the 160 he came in at.
Our offseason spotlight series continues today with Clemson. A reminder: This series features individual players, position groups and coaches who really need to have big offseasons — starting this spring.
Spotlight: Offensive line.
2011 summary: The senior-laden group comprised of Phillip Price, Brandon Thomas, Dalton Freeman, Antoine McClain and Landon Walker fared remarkably well with a new offensive line coach, a new offensive coordinator, a first-year starting quarterback, and a new system. The Tigers paved the way for the nation’s No. 24 scoring offense at 33.57 points per game. They were integral in blocking for a 1,000-yard rusher (Andre Ellington), 1,000-yard receiver (Sammy Watkins) and 3,000-yard passer (Tajh Boyd).
The skinny: You can argue the defensive line needs an equally big offseason, but consider this: At this time in 2008, coming off of the 2007 season, Clemson ranked in the top 25 and had James Davis, C.J. Spiller, Cullen Harper and Aaron Kelly — all of whom were returning from fantastic seasons. The Tigers were a top-10 preseason pick, but had to replace four starters on the offensive line. Clemson finished 7-6 and midway through the season, Tommy Bowden was fired. Even with all of those outstanding skill position players returning, Clemson couldn’t get it done up front, and it was a major factor in the team’s implosion that year. This spring, the Tigers have to replace three starters up front, as Freeman and Thompson are the only two returning starters. The staff moved Tyler Shatley from defensive tackle to offensive guard. He’s a 6-foot-3, 295-pound redshirt junior who is a quick athlete and could play a role in 2012.
More in this series:
Spotlight: Offensive line.
2011 summary: The senior-laden group comprised of Phillip Price, Brandon Thomas, Dalton Freeman, Antoine McClain and Landon Walker fared remarkably well with a new offensive line coach, a new offensive coordinator, a first-year starting quarterback, and a new system. The Tigers paved the way for the nation’s No. 24 scoring offense at 33.57 points per game. They were integral in blocking for a 1,000-yard rusher (Andre Ellington), 1,000-yard receiver (Sammy Watkins) and 3,000-yard passer (Tajh Boyd).
The skinny: You can argue the defensive line needs an equally big offseason, but consider this: At this time in 2008, coming off of the 2007 season, Clemson ranked in the top 25 and had James Davis, C.J. Spiller, Cullen Harper and Aaron Kelly — all of whom were returning from fantastic seasons. The Tigers were a top-10 preseason pick, but had to replace four starters on the offensive line. Clemson finished 7-6 and midway through the season, Tommy Bowden was fired. Even with all of those outstanding skill position players returning, Clemson couldn’t get it done up front, and it was a major factor in the team’s implosion that year. This spring, the Tigers have to replace three starters up front, as Freeman and Thompson are the only two returning starters. The staff moved Tyler Shatley from defensive tackle to offensive guard. He’s a 6-foot-3, 295-pound redshirt junior who is a quick athlete and could play a role in 2012.
More in this series:
ACC team position rankings: Defensive lines
June, 27, 2011
6/27/11
3:30
PM ET
By
Heather Dinich | ESPN.com
As the title indicated ...
1. North Carolina: This is a deep and talented group that returns all four starters including Donte Paige-Moss, Jared McAdoo, Quinton Coples and Tydreke Powell. Junior college transfer Sylvester Williams joins three other players who started at least one game: Kareem Martin (three starts), DT Tim Jackson (five starts) and DT Jordan Nix (two starts).
2. Florida State: All four starters return in juniors Brandon Jenkins, Jacobi McDaniel, Anthony McCloud and Everett Dawkins. Jenkins finished sixth nationally with 13.5 sacks. This group should take another step forward in the second season under coordinator Mark Stoops, but it already has an outstanding base to build on as the Noles ranked third nationally in sacks and 21st in tackles for loss last season.
3. Miami: The Canes should have one of the better rotations in the ACC. They return starters Olivier Vernon, Micanor Regis and Marcus Forston, who combined for 12 sacks and 30.5 TFLs. It’s a deep group, as DE Adewale Ojomo (seven starts), DT Luther Robinson (five starts), DE Marcus Robinson (10 games), DT Curtis Porter (one start), DE Andrew Smith (11 games) and DE Dyron Dye (six games) all have experience.
4. Virginia: Like Florida State, this is another group that should benefit from being in the second season under the same coordinator. Jim Reid switched the scheme back to a traditional 4-3, and the Hoos return a veteran group led by Matt Conrath (33 starts), DT Nick Jenkins (29 starts), and DE Cam Johnson (22 starts).
5. Georgia Tech: The Yellow Jackets have a better understanding of what is expected from them in their second season in Al Groh’s 3-4 defense, and all three starters return in ends Izaan Cross (41 tackles) and Jason Peters (52 tackles), and tackle Logan Walls. Defensive tackles Shawn Green, T.J. Barnes and J.C. Lanier will also compete for playing time along with DE Anthony Williams.
6. Maryland: The Terps should be solid up front with the return of Joe Vellano, A.J. Francis and Justin Anderson. Francis is the veteran of the group (19 career starts) and had 44 tackles and 2.5 sacks last season, but Vellano is also an all-conference candidate. The Terps have good depth with Zachariah Kerr, Isaiah Ross and Bradley Johnson.
7. Virginia Tech: This is a group that could and should jump a few spots by the end of the season. On paper, they’ve got to replace three starters, but this spring the group proved capable of getting the Hokies back to their days of dominating on defense. Based on potential, they should be ranked higher, but based on lack of dependable, proven depth, they could even fall lower.
8. Clemson: It will be difficult for the Tigers to replace the production of Da’Quan Bowers, but the defensive line is in capable hands with Andre Branch and Brandon Thompson, and Malliciah Goodman has embraced the challenge of taking Bowers’ spot. Branch was second on the team with five sacks last season and 8.5 tackles for loss. Thompson had 40 tackles, including six for losses. Defensive tackle Rennie Moore, DE Kourtnei Brown and DT Tyler Shatley also have experience.
9. NC State: Defensive tackle J.R. Sweezy is one of the underrated players in the ACC, and he returns along with defensive end Jeff Rieskamp. Several players got significant snaps last season, though, including DE Darryl Cato-Bishop (13 tackles), DT Markus Kuhn (17 tackles, and DT Brian Slay (20 tackles, two TFLs).
10. Wake Forest: The Deacs return three starters including Tristan Dorty, Kyle Wilber and Zack Thompson. Thompson only started five games last season, but after spring practices, coach Jim Grobe said Thompson has all-conference potential.
11. Boston College: Starters Max Holloway and Kaleb Ramsey return, along with four other linemen (DTs Dillon Quinn and Conor O’Neal, and DEs Dan Williams and Kasim Edebali) who each started at least two games last fall.
12. Duke: Until proven otherwise, this is where the Blue Devils belong, but Rick Petri was hired to change that. He’ll have veteran nose guard Charlie Hatcher (24 career starts) to work with, and sophomore Sydney Sarmiento, who started 11 games last season. Junior Kenny Anunike, Justin Foxx and DEs Desmond Johnson and Jamal Wallace could also see playing time.
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Mark Dolejs/US PresswireUNC returns a veteran defensive line led by end Quinton Coples.
Mark Dolejs/US PresswireUNC returns a veteran defensive line led by end Quinton Coples.2. Florida State: All four starters return in juniors Brandon Jenkins, Jacobi McDaniel, Anthony McCloud and Everett Dawkins. Jenkins finished sixth nationally with 13.5 sacks. This group should take another step forward in the second season under coordinator Mark Stoops, but it already has an outstanding base to build on as the Noles ranked third nationally in sacks and 21st in tackles for loss last season.
3. Miami: The Canes should have one of the better rotations in the ACC. They return starters Olivier Vernon, Micanor Regis and Marcus Forston, who combined for 12 sacks and 30.5 TFLs. It’s a deep group, as DE Adewale Ojomo (seven starts), DT Luther Robinson (five starts), DE Marcus Robinson (10 games), DT Curtis Porter (one start), DE Andrew Smith (11 games) and DE Dyron Dye (six games) all have experience.
4. Virginia: Like Florida State, this is another group that should benefit from being in the second season under the same coordinator. Jim Reid switched the scheme back to a traditional 4-3, and the Hoos return a veteran group led by Matt Conrath (33 starts), DT Nick Jenkins (29 starts), and DE Cam Johnson (22 starts).
5. Georgia Tech: The Yellow Jackets have a better understanding of what is expected from them in their second season in Al Groh’s 3-4 defense, and all three starters return in ends Izaan Cross (41 tackles) and Jason Peters (52 tackles), and tackle Logan Walls. Defensive tackles Shawn Green, T.J. Barnes and J.C. Lanier will also compete for playing time along with DE Anthony Williams.
6. Maryland: The Terps should be solid up front with the return of Joe Vellano, A.J. Francis and Justin Anderson. Francis is the veteran of the group (19 career starts) and had 44 tackles and 2.5 sacks last season, but Vellano is also an all-conference candidate. The Terps have good depth with Zachariah Kerr, Isaiah Ross and Bradley Johnson.
7. Virginia Tech: This is a group that could and should jump a few spots by the end of the season. On paper, they’ve got to replace three starters, but this spring the group proved capable of getting the Hokies back to their days of dominating on defense. Based on potential, they should be ranked higher, but based on lack of dependable, proven depth, they could even fall lower.
8. Clemson: It will be difficult for the Tigers to replace the production of Da’Quan Bowers, but the defensive line is in capable hands with Andre Branch and Brandon Thompson, and Malliciah Goodman has embraced the challenge of taking Bowers’ spot. Branch was second on the team with five sacks last season and 8.5 tackles for loss. Thompson had 40 tackles, including six for losses. Defensive tackle Rennie Moore, DE Kourtnei Brown and DT Tyler Shatley also have experience.
9. NC State: Defensive tackle J.R. Sweezy is one of the underrated players in the ACC, and he returns along with defensive end Jeff Rieskamp. Several players got significant snaps last season, though, including DE Darryl Cato-Bishop (13 tackles), DT Markus Kuhn (17 tackles, and DT Brian Slay (20 tackles, two TFLs).
10. Wake Forest: The Deacs return three starters including Tristan Dorty, Kyle Wilber and Zack Thompson. Thompson only started five games last season, but after spring practices, coach Jim Grobe said Thompson has all-conference potential.
11. Boston College: Starters Max Holloway and Kaleb Ramsey return, along with four other linemen (DTs Dillon Quinn and Conor O’Neal, and DEs Dan Williams and Kasim Edebali) who each started at least two games last fall.
12. Duke: Until proven otherwise, this is where the Blue Devils belong, but Rick Petri was hired to change that. He’ll have veteran nose guard Charlie Hatcher (24 career starts) to work with, and sophomore Sydney Sarmiento, who started 11 games last season. Junior Kenny Anunike, Justin Foxx and DEs Desmond Johnson and Jamal Wallace could also see playing time.
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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.
