ACC: Vincent Rey
2009 overall record: 5-7
2009 conference record: 3-5Returning starters
Offense: 9, defense: 6, punter/kicker: 2
Top returners
WR Donovan Varner, WR Conner Vernon, WR Austin Kelly,T Kyle Hill, RB Desmond Scott, C Bryan Morgan, DE Patrick Egboh, P Kevin Jones, PK Will Snyderwine
Key losses
QB Thaddeus Lewis, DE Ayanga Okpokowuruk, DT Vince Oghobaase, LB Vincent Rey, CB Leon Wright, SS Catron Gainey
2009 statistical leaders (* returners)
Rushing: Scott* (262 yards)
Passing: Lewis (3,330 yards)
Receiving: Varner* (1,047 yards)
Tackles: Rey (98)
Sacks: Okpokowuruk (6)
Interceptions: Wright (5)
Spring answers
1. Depth at receiver. The Blue Devils found enough helping hands that they were able to move Johnny Williams, who caught 31 passes last year, to defensive back. Tyree Watkins, who didn’t lose last year’s eligibility despite an injury, had an impressive spring, as did Cory Gattis, who redshirted last year.
2. More multiple on defense. The defense will be a little different under Marion Hobby, who will take over the play-calling for Mike MacIntyre, now the head coach at San Jose State.
3. The need for Snead. The running game got a much needed boost from rookie Josh Snead, who graduated early and enrolled in January. He’s a compact, explosive player who came physically prepared to play. He had a handful of runs of 50 or more yards in scrimmages throughout the spring that showed he can be a contributor.
Fall questions
1. Renfree’s health. All indications are that quarterback Sean Renfree is healing from a torn ACL on schedule and will be the starter this fall, despite missing the contact portion of spring drills. He’s the only player who has taken a snap in a game, and the staff is encouraged by him, but he’s still a rookie who hasn’t been tested since his injury.
2. Defensive line concerns. Can the defensive line be productive and deep enough to have a positive impact? Overall it’s thin and inexperienced. Patrick Egboh and Wesley Oglesby, two fifth-year seniors, need to lead the way. It will be Charlie Hatcher’s first year seeing significant playing time after helping out on the interior last year. True freshmen could help immediately because of the low numbers.
3. Bowling, anyone? Coach David Cutcliffe made noticeable strides in the win column his first two seasons, but Duke is still searching for that bowl bid. How Duke will fare in its toss-up games against conference opponents will answer that. If the Blue Devils can get wins against Wake Forest, Maryland and Virginia, the postseason will be within reach.
The Blue Devils were in contention to win the Coastal Division in the second half of the season, and were playing for bowl eligibility until late November. A four-game losing streak ended the season and those hopes, despite the consistent leadership and standout performances from senior quarterback Thaddeus Lewis.
It was even more difficult for Duke to reach the postseason this year because the team scheduled NC Central, which wasn’t even officially at the FCS level yet, and needed to reach the seven-win mark to become bowl eligible. Still, there were measurable signs of improvement in the win column, as it was Duke’s most successful season since 1994. Duke ended a 10-game losing streak against N.C. State with a 49-28 win, the first win over the Wolfpack since 1993. The Blue Devils also beat Maryland for the first time since 1999, and beat Virginia in Charlottesville for the first time since 1999.
It was the most wins since 1994, and the first time the program had won three conference games since that year. Duke’s nine victories in 22 games under Cutcliffe were one shy of the 10 wins the Blue Devils posted in the previous 93 games.
Offensive MVP: Quarterback Thaddeus Lewis. He ended his outstanding career with 48 school records including total offensive yards (9,987), passing yards (10,065), pass completions (877), pass attempts (1,510), touchdown passes (67), 300-yard passing games (11) and touchdown-to-interception ratio (1.68:1). In 2009, he completed 274-of-449 (.610) pass attempts for 3,330 yards with 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions.
Defensive MVP: Linebacker Vincent Rey. He led the Blue Devils and ranks fourth in the ACC in tackles with 98. He finished with 8.5 tackles for loss, one quarterback sack, two pass interceptions, three pass breakups, one quarterback pressure and one fumble return for a touchdown. He holds school records for fumble returns for touchdowns in both a single-season (two in 2008) and career (three).
Turning point: With four minutes remaining in the fourth quarter and trailing at Virginia, 17-12, Duke faced a third-and-9 from the UVA 42-yard line. Lewis completed a touchdown pass to Conner Vernon to give Duke the lead for good en route to a 28-17 win. The fourth-quarter comeback gave the Blue Devils their third consecutive ACC victory gave meaning to the month of November for the first time in 15 seasons.
What’s next: The Blue Devils need to continue to recruit more talent and speed, while transitioning to life without Lewis.
ACC all-conference team announced
FIRST TEAM
Offense
QB: Josh Nesbitt, Georgia Tech (50)
RB: Jonathan Dwyer, Georgia Tech (67)
RB: Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech (63)
WR: Demaryius Thomas, Georgia Tech (63)
WR: Donovan Varner, Duke (50)
TE: George Bryan, NC State (39)
TE: Michael Palmer, Clemson (39)
OT: Jason Fox, Miami (57)
OT: Anthony Castonzo, Boston College (53)
OG: Rodney Hudson, Florida State (54)
OG: Cord Howard, Georgia Tech (47)
C: Sean Bedford, Georgia Tech (45)
K: Matt Waldron, Virginia Tech (27)
K: Matt Bosher, Miami (27)
Spc: C.J. Spiller, Clemson (76)
Defense
DE: Derrick Morgan, Georgia Tech (76)
DE: Robert Quinn, North Carolina (69)
DT: Nate Collins, Virginia (47)
DT: Allen Bailey, Miami (38)
LB: Cody Grimm, Virginia Tech (65)
LB: Luke Kuechly, Boston College (53)
LB: Quan Sturdivant, North Carolina (44)
LB: Alex Wujciak, Maryland (44)
CB: Kendric Burney, North Carolina (59)
CB: Brandon Harris, Miami (41)
S: DeAndre McDaniel, Clemson (57)
S: Deunta Williams, North Carolina (53)
P: Brent Bowden, Virginia Tech (57)
SECOND TEAM
Offense
QB: Thaddeus Lewis, Duke (18)
RB: C.J. Spiller, Clemson (62)
RB: Montel Harris, Boston College (39)
WR: Torrey Smith, Maryland (25)
WR: Jacoby Ford, Clemson (24)
TE: Greg Boone, Virginia Tech (16)
OT: Ed Wang, Virginia Tech (31)
OT: Chris Hairston, Clemson (26)
OG: Thomas Austin, Clemson (39)
OG: Sergio Render, Virginia Tech (37)
C: Matt Tennant, Boston College (29)
K: Casey Barth, North Carolina (21)
K: Will Snyderwine, Duke (21)
Spc: Torrey Smith, Maryland (17)
Defense
DE: Ricky Sapp, Clemson (29)
DE: Willie Young, NC State (24)
DE: Jason Worilds, Virginia Tech (24)
DT: Marvin Austin, North Carolina (32)
DT: John Russell, Wake Forest (29)
LB: Vincent Rey, Duke (29)
LB: Darryl Sharpton, Miami (21)
LB: Bruce Carter, North Carolina (17)
LB: Colin McCarthy, Miami (17)
LB: Dekoda Watson, Florida State (17)
CB: Ras-I Dowling, Virginia (26)
CB: Patrick Robinson, Florida State (26)
S: Morgan Burnett, Georgia Tech (51)
S: Kam Chancellor, Virginia Tech (24)
P: Matt Bosher, Miami (37)
BOSTON COLLEGE
OUT FOR SEASON
LB Mark Herzlich (illness)
FOR NORTH CAROLINA GAME
RB Rolandan Finch (illness) - DOUBTFUL
DE Alex Albright (ankle) – QUESTIONABLE
DT Kaleb Ramsey (ankle) – QUESTIONABLE
FB James McCluskey (leg) – QUESTIONABLE
OT Mike Goodman Jr. (illness) – PROBABLE
CB Isaac Johnson (illness) – PROBABLE
DE Jim Ramella (ankle) – PROBABLE
LB Dan Williams (back) – PROBABLE
FS Wes Davis (leg) – PROBABLE
RB Montel Harris (back) – PROBABLE
CLEMSON
Probable
DaQuan Bowers, DE, knee
Thomas Austin, OG, ankle
DUKE
WR Austin Kelly (upper body) -- Probable
LB Abraham Kromah (leg) -- Probable
QB Thaddeus Lewis (leg) -- Probable
LB Vincent Rey (leg) -- Probable
K Will Snyderwine (leg) -- Probable
RB Re'quan Boyette (leg) -- OUT
DT Vince Oghobaase (leg) -- OUT
WR Johnny Williams (knee) -- OUT
RB Kyle Griswould (leg) -- OUT FOR SEASON
OG Mitchell Lederman (foot) -- OUT FOR SEASON
QB Sean Rengree (knee) -- OUT FOR SEASON
WR Tyree Watkins (leg) -- OUT FOR SEASON
S Anthony Young-Wiseman (knee) -- OUT FOR SEASON
FLORIDA STATE
Out
76 OT Garrett Faircloth (hip)
70 OT Antwane Greenlee (knee)
51 LB Aaron Gresham (knee)
44 LB Maurice Harris (neck; out for the season)
62 OG Rodney Hudson (knee)
97 DT Demonte McAllister (knee)
94 DT Justin Mincey (knee)
81 TE Caz Piurowski (knee; out for the season)
7 QB Christian Ponder (shoulder; out for the season)
74 OT John Prior (knee)
27 CB Xavier Rhodes (thumb)
11 LB Vince Williams (back)
Questionable
9 WR Richard Goodman (groin)
MIAMI
Probable
DB Ray-Ray Armstrong – Lower Extremity
QB Jacory Harris – Upper Extremity
Questionable
LB Sean Spence – Lower Extremity
DB Vaughn Telemaque – Upper Extremity
Out
RB Lee Chambers – Lower Extremity
WR Thearon Collier – Lower Extremity
FB Patrick Hill – Lower Extremity
DB Sam Shields – Lower Extremity
Surgery and Out for the Season
DL Dyron Dye – Lower Extremity
DL Marcus Forston – Lower Extremity
LB Jordan Futch – Lower Extremity
TE Richard Gordon – Upper Extremity
LB Shayon Green – Lower Extremity
DE Gavin Hardin – Upper Extremity
DB Ryan Hill – Upper Extremity
DB JoJo Nicolas – Upper Extremity
DE Adewale Ojomo – Jaw
NORTH CAROLINA
Out
Joshua Adams WR Shoulder
AJ Blue RB/QB Knee
Curtis Campbell DB Wrist
David Collins OL Foot
Shaun Draughn TB Shoulder
Carl Gaskins OT Knee
Matt Merletti S Knee
Trevor Stuart DS Knee
Ryan Taylor TE Knee
Jamal Womble TB Wrist
Questionable
Devon Ramsay FB Ankle
Gene Robinson DB Back
NC STATE
OUT FOR SEASON
Mario Carter, TE - knee
Ryan Cheek, LB - hip
Denzelle Good, OL – shoulder
T.J. Graham, WR – stress fracture/leg
Steven Howard, WR - knee
Nate Irving, LB - leg
Colby Jackson, FB – knee
R.J. Mattes, OG - knee
Everett Proctor, QB – shoulder
Jeff Rieskamp, DE – sports hernia
Rashard Smith, CB - knee
Javon Walker, S – knee
James Washington, HB - knee
VIRGINIA
Questionable
Vic Hall (hip)
Probable
Kris Burd (shoulder)
Darren Childs (neck)
Matt Conrath (ankle)
Colter Phillips (leg)
Jameel Sewell (shoulder)
VIRGINIA TECH
Out for Season
Darren Evans (ACL)
Probable
Beau Warren (knee)
BOSTON COLLEGE
OUT FOR SEASON
LB Mark Herzlich (illness)
FOR VIRGINIA GAME
RB Rolandan Finch (illness) - OUT
DE Alex Albright (ankle) – DOUBTFUL
LS Jack Geiser (foot) – DOUBTFUL
WR Billy Flutie (head) - PROBABLE
OT Rich Lapham (shoulder) - PROBABLE
LB Mike McLaughlin (leg) - PROBABLE
CLEMSON
Out
DaQuan Bowers, DE, knee
Probable
Coty Sensabaugh, CB, toe
Cleared to play
Kantrell Brown, DB, concussion
DUKE
QB Thaddeus Lewis (leg) -- Probable
LB Damian Thornton (neck) -- Probable
WR Donovan Varner (knee) -- Probable
WR Conner Vernon (head) -- Probable
WR Johnny Williams (knee) -- Probable
LB Abraham Kromah (leg) -- Questionable
OG Mitchell Lederman (foot) -- Questionable
LB Vincent Rey (leg) -- Questionable
K Will Snyderwine (leg) -- Questionable
DT Vince Oghobaase (leg) -- Doubtful
RB Kyle Griswould (leg) -- OUT FOR SEASON
WR Tyree Watkins (leg) -- OUT FOR SEASON
S Anthony Young-Wiseman (knee) -- OUT FOR SEASON
FLORIDA STATE
Out
76 OT Garrett Faircloth (hip)
70 OT Antwane Greenlee (knee)
51 LB Aaron Gresham (knee)
44 LB Maurice Harris (neck)*
97 DT Demonte McAllister (knee)
94 DT Justin Mincey (knee)
81 TE Caz Piurowski (knee)*
7 QB Christian Ponder (shoulder)*
74 OT John Prior (knee)
27 CB Xavier Rhodes (thumb)
11 LB Vince Williams (back)
Questionable
28 CB Dionte Allen (thumb)
9 WR Richard Goodman (groin)
Probable
89 WR Louis Givens (hand)
72 DT Budd Thacker (knee)
* - out for the season
GEORGIA TECH
Out
Austin Barrick, r-Jr., OT (heel)
Kevin Cone, r-Jr., WR (ankle)
Robert Hall, r-Jr., DE (knee)
Out For Season
Kyle Jackson, r-So., LB (foot)
Cooper Taylor, So., S (undisclosed)
MARYLAND
Out for season:
Tyler Bowen (foot)
Nolan Carroll (leg)
Bennett Fulper (shoulder)
Isaiah Ross (knee)
Out:
Da’Rel Scott (wrist)
Doubtful
Chris Turner (knee)
Questionable
Ronnie Tyler (upper body)
Austin Walker (lower body)
Probable
Demetrius Hartsfield (hand)
MIAMI
Probable
DL Eric Moncur – Lower Extremity
DB DeMarcus Van Dyke – Lower Extremity
Out
DB Ray-Ray Armstrong – Lower Extremity
FB Patrick Hill – Lower Extremity
DB JoJo Nicolas – Upper Extremity
LB Sean Spence – Lower Extremity
Surgery and Out for the Season
DL Dyron Dye – Lower Extremity
DL Marcus Forston – Lower Extremity
LB Jordan Futch – Lower Extremity
TE Richard Gordon – Upper Extremity
LB Shayon Green – Lower Extremity
DE Gavin Hardin – Upper Extremity
DB Ryan Hill – Upper Extremity
DE Adewale Ojomo – Jaw
NORTH CAROLINA
Out
Joshua Adams WR Shoulder
AJ Blue RB/QB Knee
David Collins OT Foot
Shaun Draughn TB Shoulder
Carl Gaskins OT Knee
Matt Merletti S Knee
Trevor Stuart DS Knee
Ryan Taylor TE Knee
Jamal Womble TB Wrist
Questionable
Brennan Williams OT Wrist
Probable
Cam Holland C Shoulder
NC STATE
OUT FOR SEASON
Mario Carter, TE - knee
Ryan Cheek, LB - hip
Denzelle Good, OL – shoulder
T.J. Graham, WR – stress fracture/leg
Nate Irving, LB - leg
Colby Jackson, FB - knee
R.J. Mattes, OG - knee
Everett Proctor, QB – shoulder
Jeff Rieskamp, DE – sports hernia
Rashard Smith, CB - knee
Javon Walker, S – knee
James Washington, HB - knee
PROBABLE
Ray Michel, LB - ankle
VIRGINIA
Out
Raynard Horne (back)
Quintin Hunter (ankle)
Questionable
Darren Childs (neck)
Jameel Sewell (shoulder)
Marc Verica (head)
Probable
Javaris Brown (ankle)
Aaron Clark (knee)
Matt Conrath (ankle)
Colte Phillips (leg)
VIRGINIA TECH
Out for Season
Darren Evans (ACL)
Doubtful
Beau Warren (knee)
Is this the first week nobody from Miami made the cut? It feels like it. Here they are for Week 8, as released by the conference office:
OFFENSIVE BACK -- Christian Ponder, Florida State, QB, Jr., 6-2, 219, Colleyville, Texas
Ponder completed 33 of 40 passes for a career-high 395 yards and three second-half touchdowns as the Seminoles erased an 18-point second half deficit en route to a 30-27 victory at North Carolina last Thursday night. The Colleyville, Texas, junior completed an ACC record-tying 98-yard touchdown pass to Rod Owens late in the third quarter and his game-winning toss, an 18-yard scoring strike to tight end Beau Reliford with 6:20 remaining, came during a game-ending stretch of 16 consecutive completions.
OFFENSIVE LINE -- Andrew Datko, Florida State, OT, So., 6-6, 291, Weston, Fla.
A second-year starter, Datko was honored for the first time this season for his play in last Thursday’s 30-27 win at North Carolina. In the win, which snapped a three-game Seminole losing streak, the Weston, Fla., native earned an overall grade of 83 percent. Datko had one knockdown block, did not allow a pressure or sack and had just one missed assignment in 69 plays as the Seminoles rolled up 438 total yards against the nation’s third-ranked defense.
CO-DEFENSIVE LINEMEN
Vincent Rey, Duke, MLB, Sr., 6-0, 245, Far Rockaway, N.Y.
Rey had eight tackles and came up with a fourth-quarter interception as Duke defeated visiting Maryland Saturday 17-13 for its third win in four games. The Far Rockaway, N.Y., senior keyed a Blue Devil defense that limited the Terrapins to 249 total yards -- 87.6 yards under the Terps' season average.
Nate Collins, Virginia, NT, Sr., 6-2, 280, Port Chester, N.Y.
In Saturday’s game against Georgia Tech, Collins, normally a defensive end, started at nose tackle and recorded a career-high 16 tackles in a 34-9 loss to the 11th-ranked Yellow Jackets. The Port Chester, N.Y., senior had 10 solo stops and recorded two tackles for loss.
DEFENSIVE BACK -- DeAndre McDaniel, Clemson, S, Jr., 6-1, 210, Tallahassee, Fla.
In earning ACC defensive back honors for the second week in a row, McDaniel had seven tackles and came up with two interceptions, including one returned 23 yards for a touchdown, in the Tigers’ 40-37 overtime win at eighth-ranked Miami Saturday. With three interceptions in his last two games, the Tallahassee, Fla., junior is now tied with UCLA’s Rahim Moore for the nation’s lead with seven interceptions in seven games.
ROOKIE -- Kyle Parker, Clemson, QB, Fr., 6-0, 210, Jacksonville, Fla.
In becoming the first Clemson freshman quarterback to defeat a top-10 team, Parker completed 25 of 37 passes for 326 yards and three touchdowns in Saturday’s 40-37 overtime win over then-No. 8 Miami. The 326 yards were the most ever by a Tiger freshman quarterback. The Jacksonville, Fla., product teamed with Jacoby Ford on a 26-yard game-winning touchdown pass in the first overtime as Clemson improved to 4-3 overall and 3-2 in league play with its second straight conference victory.
SPECIALIST -- C.J. Spiller, Clemson, RB, Sr., 5-11, 195, Lake Butler, Fla.
In earning ACC specialist honors for the second time this season for his performance in Saturday’s overtime win at Miami, Spiller set a Clemson single-game record for all-purpose yardage with 310 yards as he returned three kickoffs for 125 yards against the Hurricanes, including a 90-yard return for a touchdown in the second quarter that gave the Tigers a 14-10 lead at the intermission. Spiller also topped the 100-yard mark in receiving, carrying six receptions for 104 yards and he also rushed for 81 yards on 14 carries. In addition to being the ACC’s all-time all-purpose yardage leader with 6,363 yards, Spiller now holds the ACC career records for career kickoff returns for touchdowns (6) and total kick returns for a touchdown (7).
For the first time in a long time, Duke was favored to win a football game. What wasn't surprising, though, was that the Blue Devils delivered.
Once again Duke compensated for the lack of a running game with the arm of quarterback Thaddeus Lewis, who threw for 371 yards and two touchdowns in the 17-13 win. It marked the first time since 1994 that the Blue Devils won back-to-back games against conference opponents.
"It means a whole lot," said Duke linebacker Vincent Rey in a quick telephone interview. "With the group of guys I'm playing with, and the coaches, how hard they’ve worked to make us better every week, it definitely means a lot.
"It felt good, but we know inside the Duke community, we know how well we have to play in order to win and we know that it starts during the practice week," he said. "We have to practice extremely hard and efficiently in order to give ourslevs a chance to win. Even thoough it wasn’t pretty, we were able to get the win."
And at Duke, they'll take it anyway they can get it.
Up next for the Blue Devils is Virginia, the one ACC team they were able to beat last year. A third straight win is possible, but the Cavaliers will work hard to avoid a second straight loss to Duke -- especially after a crushing loss to Georgia Tech today. The Terps, however, dropped to 2-6 and could possibly finish the rest of the season without another win.
Duke football looking to build upon '08 success
Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich
Entering his second season, David Cutcliffe has already made visible changes at Duke. There is a new practice field that now extends well beyond 75 yards. The players' lounge has been redone, and the signage changed. The tunnel has been resurfaced, the stadium restrooms remodeled. The video system was readjusted and Cutcliffe's office has been completely renovated.
The only thing left to change is the Blue Devils' record.
Duke begins summer camp this afternoon with the intention of building upon last year's four-win season and making the most out of one of the league's best quarterbacks.
"We've had a productive summer with our weight-room work and conditioning exercises, but now it is time to focus on preseason camp," said senior quarterback Thaddeus Lewis, who as a starter for the past three seasons has thrown for 6,735 yards, the fourth-highest total in Duke history. "This team has a lot to prove. We haven't accomplished anything yet. We have goals, but if we don't take care of the little things over the next couple of weeks, it won't matter."
Duke's four victories equaled the total from the previous four seasons combined, and it was a season on the brink of being much better, as five the losses were by 11 or fewer points.
"Last year we were a good football team with a bad record," Cutcliffe said. "I'm certainly anxious to see how we respond this season."
That's one question facing the Blue Devils. Here are three more to ponder as Duke starts practice this afternoon:
1. Who will become the vocal and emotional leader of the defense, replacing the ACC's leading tackler in linebacker Michael Tauiliili? The frontrunners are Vincent Rey, who finished fifth in the ACC in tackles and averaged 9.1 per game, and Vince Oghobaase. The dark horse could be safety Matt Daniels, who is only a sophomore, but has the intangibles.
2. Will Duke go bowling? Considering the Blue Devils have to win seven games to accomplish that feat this year, it's going to be difficult. Because Duke scheduled two FCS schools in Richmond and NC Central, only one of them counts toward bowl eligibility. The Blue Devils could start the nonconference schedule 3-1, which means they'd need to find four ACC wins. Considering Duke has won just four ACC games in the past six seasons combined, the program would have to improve quickly for that to happen this year.
3. Will running back Re'quan Boyette regain his old form? Boyette missed all of 2008 with a knee injury, but he was Duke's leading rusher in both 2006 and 2007. When he's at his best, Boyette can run inside and outside the tackles, and he can also make catches out of the backfield. This spring Cutcliffe said Boyette looked like an "all-star," and they'll need him to be. Boyette is one of 11 active running backs in the ACC with more than 1,000 career rushing yards (1,072) entering the season.
Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich
This would be an entirely different list if the top two linebackers in the league -- Mark Herzlich and Nate Irving -- weren't sidelined right now. There are still a lot of standout linebackers in the conference, but this season just won't be the same without those two guys, not that Irving's return has been completely ruled out yet. Having spoken with NC State defensive coordinator Mike Archer Wednesday, though, it's simply a miracle that Irving is even alive. In looking at the rest of the conference, it's tough to find teams that are deep at this position. It's a question mark for a lot of teams, and there's a lot of inexperience.
Here's a shot at ranking the best linebacking corps in the ACC:
1. Miami -- Sean Spence was one of the hardest hitters in the conference as a true freshman and will only be better this year, but the key to this group will probably be the return of a healthy Colin McCarthy, who injured his shoulder in the first half of the season last year. Darryl Sharpton, Arthur Brown and Jordan Futch still have something to prove.
2. North Carolina -- Quan Sturdivant and Bruce Carter started every game last year, and there are high expectations for sophomore Zach Brown. Sturdivant led the nation with 87 solo tackles last year and ranked third in the ACC in total tackles per game. This is one of the deepest groups the Tar Heels have had recently, but they are lacking some experience.
3. Virginia Tech -- Cam Martin and Cody Grimm combined to play all but nine plays at the whip linebacker spot, but they've got to replace Purnell Sturdivant and Brett Warren. Barquell Rivers proved he's up to the task when he filled in in the Orange Bowl, and Jake Johnson will have an increased role, too. There's a lot of potential in this group.
4. Clemson -- The Tigers return two starters plus a third player with starting experience. Kavell Connor started all 13 games last year and was the team's top tackler with 125. Brandon Maye had an impressive season as a redshirt freshman, and finished with 87 tackles. Scotty Cooper was a part-time starter at strongside linebacker.
5. Georgia Tech -- Even with Kyle Jackson possibly out for the whole summer with an injured right foot, the Yellow Jackets till have plenty of depth with Sedric Griffin, Brad Jefferson, Anthony Barnes and Steven Sylvester. Barnes and Jefferson are both finally healthy after injury-plagued seasons and there should be good competition for starting jobs. This group can't afford anymore injuries though.
6. Florida State -- With the graduation of Derek Nicholson and Toddrick Verdell, the Noles lose their top two tacklers. Dekoda Watson will be back from elbow surgery this spring, but it's a young group counting on sophomores like Nigel Bradham and Nigel Carr. Junior Kendall Smith is the only other upperclassman on the two-deep roster.
7. Maryland -- Alex Wujciak could be a star at this position for the Terps, and he'll definitely need to be a leader there this fall. Maryland lost four linebackers who combined to play 144 games and 54 starts. Adrian Moten is one of the few experienced faces in the group, and he earned his first start last year in the Humanitarian Bowl.
8. Duke -- The Blue Devils have to replace the ACC's leading tackler in Michael Tauiliili, but they've still got Vincent Rey, who made 109 tackles last year. The problem is, Rey is the only experienced linebacker they've got. Competition remains among Damian Thornton, Abraham Kromah, and Adam Banks.
9. NC State -- It's not clear when Nate Irving will return, but for as long as he's out, the Wolfpack will be missing their best player on both sides of the ball. The Pack still have senior Ray Michel, who is a returning starter in the middle, and Dwayne Maddox started in place of Irving when he was out last year. But this is an entirely different group -- and defense -- without Irving.
10. Boston College -- The Eagles' linebacking corps took a huge hit when Mark Herzlich was diagnosed with cancer, and they still don't know when Mike McLaughlin will be cleared to play from a torn Achilles. BC has a reputation for its defense, so odds are this group will be OK, but there are too many unknowns right now.
11. Wake Forest -- All three starters from last year are gone, and the Demon Deacons have big shoes to fill after the departure of Butkus Award winner Aaron Curry. It's going to have to be a group effort, but there's still some athleticism and depth to work with. Matt Woodlief and Hunter Haynes are the most experienced players retuning.
12. Virginia -- The Cavaliers graduated the veteran group of Jon Copper, Clint Sintim and Antonio Appleby, and because they were so good, their backups didn't see much playing time. This group is the feature in Al Groh's 3-4 defense, and it's going to have a whole new look. There were good reports about Steve Greer this spring, and Groh said Greer tried to mimic his game after Copper, which is reason for hope.
Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich
Finally, a bold prediction ...
DUKE
1. Re'quan Boyette will be the difference in more than one ACC win. Duke's leading rusher in both 2006 and 2007 will play for the first time since his knee surgery last August. He received a medical redshirt and begins his final season at Duke ranking 11th among active players in the ACC with 1,072 career rushing yards. With the departure of standout wide receiver Eron Riley, the running game is going to have to take some of the pressure off of the young new wideouts and Boyette's return can do that.
2. The "Vinnys" will be among the best defenders in the league. Linebacker Vincent Rey and defensive tackle Vince Oghobaase will get the recognition they deserve this year. Oghobaase ranks second in both career tackles for loss (29.0) and quarterback sacks (11.5), trailing only NC State's Willie Young (32.0 and 12.5). Rey enters his final season with the Blue Devils as the only active player in the ACC with multiple 100-tackle seasons. He made 111 as a sophomore before totalling 109 tackles last year.
3. Duke will upset North Carolina on Nov. 7 in Chapel Hill. It's quite possible that Duke will enter that game with back-to-back wins over Maryland and Virginia, while the Tar Heels will be coming off tough games against Florida State and a road trip to Virginia Tech. It's a prime time for an upset, and Duke has what it takes to do it, beginning with the quarterback and the coach.
Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich
It's going to happen this year -- somebody in the ACC (besides Virginia) is going to lose to Duke, and it's going to be a very humbling experience.
There have been some pretty impressive physical transformations since David Cutcliffe and strength and conditioning coach Noel Durfey arrived in Durham. Take, for example, linebacker Vincent Rey. He went from 255 pounds and 18 percent body fat to 245 pounds and 8 percent body fat. That's like trading a rumbling Ford pick-up for the muscle and speed of a Mustang.
Duke won four games last year and matched its win total of the previous four seasons combined. Congrats. The next step is to win more than one ACC game. With quarterback Thaddeus Lewis now a senior, and the return of Re'quan Boyette at running back, plus several standouts like Rey on defense, the pieces are in place for Duke to do that. Because the Blue Devils have two FCS teams on their schedule, they'll need seven wins to become bowl eligible. That's too much to expect in Year 2 under Cutcliffe, but more than one ACC win is not.
The question is, who will be the first to go down?
I'm going to rule out Miami and Virginia Tech. The Hokies will have far too much on the line and should want to redeem themselves from last year's embarrassing home performance. Duke will have to travel to Miami and that's a program that has a different caliber athlete on its roster, despite the progress Duke has made in the weight room and in its recent recruiting.
Here's where it gets interesting.
NC State, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia Tech and Wake Forest are all possible wins for Duke. The Blue Devils took Wake Forest to overtime last year before losing 33-30 in Winston-Salem. They lost to NC State by 10 points, and to UNC by eight, but both of those are "road" trips this year. Duke had won three of its first four games before being romped by Georgia Tech, 27-0. Odds are the Blue Devils learned a lesson there. And Duke beat a bad Virginia team 31-3. This year Duke has to go to Charlottesville where the Cavaliers will do everything they can to prevent that from happening again.
So ...
Here's the final order of teams, from the most to the least likely to fall to Duke this year:
Wake Forest
Maryland
Virginia (it's still possible)
North Carolina (crazy things happen in rivalry games)
NC State
Georgia Tech
ACC wins: 3
Season win total: 6
Counting down the ACC's top 30 players: Also considered
Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich
Agree or disagree with it, the ACC's top 30 Players for 2009 was a fun project, and I hope you enjoyed it. I might do another one at the end of the season to give these players a chance to prove me wrong -- or right.
There were tons of other players across the conference who were considered. Virginia Tech fans are wondering why quarterback Tyrod Taylor's name isn't on the list. Well, Taylor still has a lot to prove. He's got what it takes in the potential category -- the receivers and offensive linemen should be better this fall, and so should Taylor. But he comes up short in the past performance category, despite his 13-2 record as a starter.
His performance against Duke -- supposedly lowly Duke -- stuck with me when comprising this list. Taylor completed 2 of 5 passes for 15 yards and two interceptions at home against the Blue Devils. If that's a top-30 player, then I left out a lot of athletes. If it weren't for Macho Harris, the Hokies would have lost that game. It takes more than just quick feet to win football games, and Taylor's performance in losses to Boston College and Miami last year are evidence of that. He scored two rushing touchdowns against the Canes, and got his third career 100-yard rushing game against the Eagles, but he completed just 12 of 17 passes for 90 yards and an interception.
Taylor is a quarterback whose name doesn't appear among the ACC's leaders in passing efficiency or passing yards per game, but young receivers had a lot to do with that and he was able to compensate some with his feet. He was the No. 9 rusher in the conference with 61.5 yards per game, but two touchdowns and seven interceptions didn't cut it for this list.
Maybe next year.
In addition to Taylor, here are the other players who were considered (in no particular order):
Ras-I Dowling, CB, Virginia
Matt Tennant, OL, Boston College
Kendric Burney, DB, North Carolina
Deunta Williams, S, North Carolina
Marvin Austin, DL, North Carolina
Ricky Sapp, DL, Clemson,
T.J. Yates, QB, North Carolina,
Boo Robinson, DL, Wake Forest
Brandon Ghee, DB, Wake Forest,
Jason Fox, OL, Miami
Orlando Franklin, OL, Miami
Graig Cooper, RB, Miami
Travis Benjamin, WR, Miami
Bruce Campbell, OL, Maryland
Alex Wujciak, LB, Maryland
Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland
Roddy Jones, RB, Georgia Tech
Demaryius Thomas, WR, Georgia Tech
Alan-Michael Cash, DL, NC State
Ted Larsen, C, NC State
Allen Bailey, DL, Miami
Ryan McMahon, OL, Florida State
Andrew Datko, OL, Florida State
Markus White, DL, Florida State
Patrick Robinson, DB, Florida State
Jermaine Thomas, RB, Florida State
Mark Herzlich, LB, Boston College
Vincent Rey, LB, Duke
Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich
Spring ball is over. Spring meetings are over. Some positions have been won, others are still up for grabs. Let's see how the past two months shook up the pre-spring power rankings:
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| John David Mercer/US Presswire | |
| Virginia Tech's Tyrod Taylor (5) returns after throwing for 1,036 yards last season. |
1. Virginia Tech -- The Hokies stayed at the top, as they improved up front and solved their backup quarterback question. Ryan Williams also made a name for himself this spring and proved more than capable of adding to an already talented backfield. Kicker might be the biggest question.
2. NC State -- The development of Mike Glennon gives the Wolfpack a dependable backup, and the defense has continued the progress it was making in the last half of the season. Tailback Toney Baker's return will give the offense another boost. NC State has answers in all three phases of the game heading into Tom O'Brien's third season.
3. Florida State -- The offensive line and the young, talented running backs are going to carry this team. Backup quarterback E.J. Manuel didn't practice, the suspension of Rod Owens was another hit to an already troubled receiving corps, and Corey Surrency was denied another year of eligibility.
4. Georgia Tech -- The Jackets still have too many questions up front on both sides of the ball, and injuries this spring on the offensive line didn't help matters. All of their skill players return, but legitimate concerns remain about how well they'll fare in the trenches.
5. Miami -- The Hurricanes made progress and Jacory Harris has become a true leader. They also picked up a new tight end in Jimmy Graham and named a backup quarterback in Taylor Cook (at least for now). It's still a young team, though, and Miami has two new coordinators, including its third defensive coordinator in as many seasons.
6. North Carolina -- The young receivers still remain a huge question, as does the durability of quarterback T.J. Yates. Jamal Womble, the third-string running back, will be a strong addition, and Greg Little stepped up at receiver, but the defense will be the strength of this team.
7. Clemson -- The roster is still loaded with talent, and the Tigers will be better up front, but they still don't know who their starting quarterback will be. They also need another receiver besides Jacoby Ford to step up. First-year defensive coordinator Kevin Steele will have the already-stingy defense looking even better.
8. Maryland -- Those within College Park were very excited about Don Brown's new defensive scheme, and there were nine young wide receivers who each had their impressive moments. Can senior quarterback Chris Turner be more consistent, and how will the Terps fare in the equivalent of a 10 p.m. ET kickoff (at Cal)?
9. Wake Forest -- The Demon Deacons found a few answers on defense, but there's no substitute for game experience. This should be a breakout year for Riley Skinner, and several options emerged at wide receiver. They have to keep Skinner healthy, and the Deacs have an offensive line capable of it.
10. Duke -- The Blue Devils have one of the best quarterbacks in the ACC, and Thaddeus Lewis became more confident in the young receivers he was throwing to as the spring progressed. The return of Re'quan Boyette will make the offense a little scarier. Linebacker Vincent Rey has made tremendous physical strides.
11. Boston College -- There's still no answer at quarterback, and the Eagles suffered the devastating news that ACC Defensive Player of the Year Mark Herzlich has cancer. BC still has an excellent supporting cast, but nobody to lead it.
12. Virginia -- The Cavaliers lost a lot of talent on both sides of the ball, and are in the midst of a huge transition phase offensively. That's not to say there aren't any playmakers on the roster, and Gregg Brandon was an excellent hire as offensive coordinator, but progress this spring was slow.
Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich
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Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich
Things just aren't looking good for the Florida State receivers. In Monday's scrimmage, though, Bert Reed played like he's going to have to this fall, and Jimbo Fisher was pleased with the offense.
While FSU is losing receivers, Virginia Tech is getting them back. Here's a video clip of Brandon Dillard, who was sorely missed last year.
Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson thinks Marcus Wright can help the Jackets at A-back this fall. The AJC gives you the scoop on six redshirt freshmen at Georgia Tech who could also have an impact this fall.
Clemson first-year defensive coordinator, Kevin Steele, is already thinking outside the box with the Tigers' linebackers.
Speaking of linebackers, Duke's Vincent Rey wasn't highly recruited, but he's made a name for himself nonetheless.
Patrick Stevens of the Washington Times did a Q&A with the Terps' new special teams coordinator and tight ends coach, Charles Bankins.
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.
