ESPN College Football

We continue our team position rankings with the linebackers. This position was one of the hardest hit in the league with the number of quality players who are gone. You could probably interchange teams 2-7 in the rankings, depending on your point of view. So who is going to step up? Let's peer into the crystal ball.

1. South Florida. Sam Barrington and DeDe Lattimore form the best linebacking duo in the league, helping put the Bulls into the top spot. By no means have they fully arrived -- plenty of room for improvement here. What also helps with the ranking is depth. Reshard Cliett had a nice spring, after coming into USF as a safety. Junior college transfer Mike Juene was in for spring and also has raised expectations. Mike Lanaris and Curtis Weatherspoon should be important contributors as well.

2. Connecticut. The strength of the team is on defense, but if there is one group on this unit that has the biggest questions it is linebacker. There is no disputing Sio Moore is one of the best in the league. But the Huskies lost four-year starters Lawrence Wilson and Scott Lutrus. Jory Johnson, Jerome Williams, Mike Osiecki and Yawin Smallwood are all in the mix, but there is no question this group is much more inexperienced than a year ago. Still, Moore makes this a top-tier group.

3. Louisville. The Cardinals lose Brandon Heath and a few other players who brought valuable experience. But Daniel Brown and Dexter Heyman are experienced starters who will anchor this unit. The Cardinals took a hit when Brandon Golson reportedly decided to transfer, so they are going to need to work on some depth.

4. Rutgers. Some players moved around during the spring -- Manny Abreu moved from strongside linebacker to defensive end, and Khaseem Greene moved from safety to weakside linebacker. These moves should make the defense better. Steve Beauharnais switched back to the strong side from the middle, a move that should benefit him. Ka'Lial Glaud is now penciled in to start in the middle. Marvin Booker had a good spring as well. Depth is an issue and true freshman Quentin Gause and Kevin Snyder could play. But this group should be better.

5. West Virginia. Najee Goode is a proven big-time player, but there were some huge losses for this unit. Anthony Leonard, JT Thomas and Pat Lazear are all gone. Junior college transfer Josh Francis and Casey Vance are competing on the weakside and Doug Rigg, Tyler Anderson and Donovan Miles on the strong side. Francis would add athleticism to the group, but first he has to win the starting job.

6. Pittsburgh. The Panthers are transitioning to a 3-4 and experimented plenty during the spring with various combinations. They have experience, with the top seven linebackers on the team returning. Plus Brandon Lindsey is going to play more of a hybrid defensive end/linebacker role. But this was one of the worst units on the team last season. Max Gruder and Greg Williams have to be better for this unit to be ranked higher.

7. Syracuse. The Orange lose not only two of their best players, but two of their biggest leaders in Doug Hogue and Derrell Smith. Smith led the team in tackles, and Hogue was right behind him, making linebacker one of the biggest question marks on this team heading into the season. Two other contributors, Malcolm Cater and Brice Hawkes, were kicked off the team. That leaves sophmore Marquis Spruill as the only player with significant playing time among the linebackers, and he moved to a new position in the middle. Early enrollee Dyshawn Davis, a receiver in high school, is penciled in to start so that should tell you where this group is headed into the fall.

8. Cincinnati. JK Schaffer is one of the best in the Big East, but depth here is a concern. Walter Stewart has moved to defensive end, leaving a hole at one of the linebacker spots. True freshmen Nick Temple and Dwight Jackson were in for spring practice are expected to compete for starting jobs. This unit was not very good last year and undersized, making it the group with the most to prove in 2011.

Previous rankings

• Offensive line
• Receiver
• Running back
• Tight end
• Quarterback
• Defensive line

We continue our look at Big East title chances for each team in the league. Up next: USF. There are plenty of reasons to believe the Bulls could win the league this year. Skip Holtz has a history of doing well in Year 2, B.J. Daniels has the potential to have a breakout season, the defense returns Sam Barrington and DeDe Lattimore and they get West Virginia at home to close the season.

Why USF will win the league title

1. B.J. Daniels takes charge. Holtz expects much out of Daniels this season after seeing improvement at the end of the year. Daniels was bowl MVP against Clemson, going 20-of-27 for 189 yards with two touchdowns and one interception and ran for another. Holtz saw a continuing progression into spring football and believes the time is now for a breakout season. "B.J. is not only starting to pick up the offense, this was his first year going through spring practice in the same offense he ran the fall before," Holtz said. "Watching him take the next step in growing through that, I use the analogy all the time: He’s taken French I, Latin and Spanish I and now he’s going into Spanish II. To see the steps he’s taken has been exciting."

2. Better running back production. USF has not had a 1,000-yard rusher since 2005, but hopes are high for that to change this season with the addition of Colorado transfer Darrell Scott. Dontae Aycock also is eligible after transferring in from Auburn, and you also have second-leading rusher Demetris Murray returning. Marcus Shaw is back, too. This position has depth and could be one of strength.

3. Solid D. USF returns six starters on defense and should be stronger at each position. Big things are projected for defensive end Ryne Giddins. Lattimore and Barrington anchor the linebacker group after combining for 134 tackles last season, and Mike Jeune and Reshard Cliett provide excellent depth. The secondary returns three of four starters, including Jon Lejiste. This unit could be the best in the league.

Why USF won't win the league title

1. Daniels regresses. What if Daniels takes a step back and does not continue to improve the way he should? Then USF will be in big trouble. What the Bulls need most out of him is consistency, and he has yet to show that during a full season. A.J. Love and Sterling Griffin are back from injuries, so that should help, but the pressure to get the passing game going and efficient rests on Daniels, who ended last season with 13 interceptions to 11 touchdowns and a completion percentage of 58.

2. Inexperience. Yes, the Bulls only lose 15 letter winners, but a majority of those were starters. Only 11 starters return, and USF loses big-time contributors in leading tackler Jacquain Williams, leading rusher Moise Plancher, leading receiver Dontavia Bogan, Terrell McClain, Mistral Raymond, Sampson Genus and Jacob Sims. The offensive line only has two starters returning and is going to rely on a redshirt freshman at one of the tackle positions.

3. Schedule. USF has had a history of losing games late in the season and has to turn that trend around in order to have a shot at winning its first conference title. The last time the Bulls posted a winning record in their final four games was 2007. The Bulls do close the season with three home games, so that is a positive. But on the other hand, they only get three conference games at home. Its first conference game is at Pittsburgh, quite an early season test.

Previously featured:

• West Virginia

I got the following question in my chat on Wednesday and wanted to answer it but knew I needed more time to think about it than the rapid fire nature of those chats allows:

John (Tampa, FL): If you could create an ultimate Big East team for next season taking a group from the schools (USF - DL, WVU - DB, UCONN - OL, etc.) what would your team look like?

As Barney Stinson would say, challenge accepted. Now that I've had a day to assemble my thoughts, it's time to assemble my team. As John's rules indicated, I can choose an entire position group from each Big East team, and I want to make sure my squad is as cohesive as possible. Here's how I would shape my Big East super team:

Quarterback: West Virginia

I want Geno Smith running my team, plain and simple. I realize there isn't much experienced depth behind him. But how many Big East teams have experienced backup QBs? Hardly any.

Running back: Louisville

This is going to be a controversial pick, but hear me out. I would be using a spread offense, so I would want a couple of quick backs. I also want two proven guys here. While I'd love to have Ray Graham or Isaiah Pead, they don't have much behind them right now. West Virginia has a stable of backs, but none have stood out. USF has potential but no home-run hitters. Rutgers could be a good choice if Savon Huggins is as good as advertised, but who knows? So I'm rolling with the Cardinals' tandem of Jeremy Wright and Victor Anderson, both of whom I like to have good years if healthy.

Wide receivers: Rutgers


I've long been obsessed with tall receivers, probably far more so than I should. So that's why I'm going with the Scarlet Knights, who bring me Mark Harrison (6-foot-3), Mohamed Sanu (6-2), Tim Wright (6-4) and Brandon Coleman (6-6), plus tight end D.C. Jefferson (6-6), whom I'd find a way to use in my spread. Your 5-foot-9 cornerbacks should be afraid, very afraid.

Offensive line: Connecticut

The Huskies might not have exactly the right kind of offensive line for my offensive scheme, but they've been so good for so long that this is almost a no-brainer. And I'm hoping UConn offensive line coach Mike Foley comes along in the deal.

Defensive line: Pittsburgh

This is the toughest call on the board, as I believe defensive line is the strongest position in the Big East for 2011. I could have chosen South Florida, which has been producing solid and deep D-lines for years now. But there are no stars -- yet -- on that Bulls line. It was also tough to overlook UConn, which is deep and talented with guys like Jesse Joseph and Kendall Reyes, as well as West Virginia (Bruce Irvin, Julian Miller) and Syracuse (Chandler Jones, Mikhail Marinovich). In the end, I choose Pitt because of the overall depth of this unit. I'm playing a 4-3 on defense, so I'd line up Brandon Lindsey at defensive end, with Myles Caragein and Chas Alecxih at tackles. Then I'd still have Aaron Donald, Bryan Murphy, Tyrone Ezell, Khaynin Mosley-Smith and others to work with. We're coming after your quarterback.

Linebacker: South Florida

I want a fast, athletic defense with linebackers who can really run. And I like the way the Bulls fit my plan here. Returning starters Sam Barrington and DeDe Lattimore can make plays all over the place, and guys like Reshard Cliett and Mike Jeune will get after you.

Cornerbacks: Connecticut

Blidi Wreh-Wilson is one of the best cornerbacks in the league, and Dwayne Gratz isn't too shabby, either. Both have lots of experience in this league as well. Plus, just about every backup who saw time last season returns in 2011. I know I can count on these guys when I call for the blitz.

Safeties: Syracuse

I'll take the Thomas boys, Phillip and Shamarko. (And I'll have more on Phillip Thomas in an upcoming blog post). These guys have been playing next to each other for two years, are both good tacklers and in my mind are the best safety tandem in the league.

Specialists: Connecticut

My team is going to be so good that we're not going to need to kick many long field goals, but I'll take Dave Teggart's rocket-launcher of a leg just in case. And if Nick Williams can maintain his ridiculous 35-yard kick return average from last year, my offense is going to have great field position most of the time.

So there's my super team. I'm already booking some hotel rooms for the Orange Bowl for these guys. What do you think?

Onward we march with the Hope and Concern series, looking at each Big East team's top reasons for optimism and pessimism in the 2011 season. We've reached the South Florida Bulls.

Biggest reason for hope: Defensive depth

If you asked a casual, non-Big East-centric college football fan to name one South Florida defensive player, you'd probably be greeted by a blank stare. Skip Holtz called this a no-name defense last year, and that side of the ball lost arguably its top player last year in NFL draftee Terrell McClain. So why is this listed as the biggest reason for hope? Because the Bulls still have a whole lot to work with on defense. As usual, the defensive line is well stocked all over, with potential breakout years by ends Patrick Hampton and Ryne Giddins. The team needs to find some reliable backups at defensive tackle but has many candidates. Linebacker is in good shape with Sam Barrington and DeDe Lattimore returning as starters, and guys like Mike Jeune, Reshard Cliett stepping up this spring. And the Bulls have all of their top safeties and a returning starter at cornerback. Add all of that up plus whatever contributions some fresh faces can offer, and defensive coordinator Mark Snyder should have the talent to challenge opposing offenses.

Biggest reason for concern: The passing game

The running game will likely improve from last year with the addition of Colorado transfer Darrell Scott and the return of Demetris Murray. But the Bulls probably are only going as far as their passing game goes. It was often brutal at times last season, thanks both to inexperience at the receiver position and poor decision making by quarterback B.J. Daniels, as USF finished ahead of only UConn in passing yards per game. Another year in the system should help Daniels grow and show the poise he did in the Meineke Car Care Bowl against Clemson, but the receivers did not take a step forward this spring to Holtz's disappointment. Perhaps A.J. Love and Sterling Griffin can add more if they continue to heal from injuries, and Terrence Mitchell looks like a future difference-maker. It's difficult to win in college football without a passable passing game, and South Florida won't live up to its potential until that part of its game comes along for the ride.

2010 overall record: 8-5
2010 conference record: 3-4, tied for fifth in Big East

Returning starters:

Offense: 4. Defense: 6. Punter/kicker: 2.

Top returners:

QB B.J. Daniels, RB Demetris Murray, LB Sam Barrington, LB DeDe Lattimore, WR A.J. Love, S Jon Lejiste

Key losses:

C Sampson Genus, DT Terrell McClain, RB Mo Plancher, WR Dontavia Bogan, LB Jacquian Williams, CB Mistral Raymond

2010 statistical leaders (* returners)

Rushing: Mo Plancher (793 yards)
Passing: B.J. Daniels* (1,685 yards)
Receiving: Dontavia Bogan (685 yards)
Tackles: Jacquian Williams (71)
Sacks: Jon Lejiste* and Craig Marshall (4)
Interceptions: Jerrell Young* (3)

Spring answers

1. Quarterback security: At this time last spring, South Florida had B.J. Daniels and no other quarterbacks who had taken a college snap. Head coach Skip Holtz said he would make it an open competition this spring between Daniels and former walk-on Bobby Eveld, but Daniels mostly carried over his solid play from the Meineke Car Care Bowl to hold onto the starting spot. And now the Bulls know they can rely on Eveld, and freshman Matt Floyd showed some good things this spring. Holtz goes into his second year in Tampa feeling much better about his quarterback position.

2. Ground gains: USF was really a run-first offense last year and should be even better running the ball in 2011. Demetris Murray was a co-starter last year and kept his grip on the No. 1 tailback job after a solid spring. Colorado transfer Darrell Scott had a nagging hamstring injury but flashed the talent that once made him the nation's most sought-after tailback recruit. Add in Auburn transfer Dontae Aycock and Marcus Shaw, and the Bulls have depth and versatility in the backfield.

3. Solid back seven: South Florida has churned out pro prospects at linebacker and defensive back of late, and that again looks to be an area of strength this season. The Bulls bring back all four of their top safeties, led by veterans Jon Lejiste and Jerrell Young, plus experienced corners in Kayvon Webster and Quenton Washington. Starters Sam Barrington and DeDe Lattimore return at linebacker, and there's good depth with Mike Lanaris, Curtis Weatherspoon and the spring emergence of Reshard Cliett and Mike Jeune.

Fall questions

1. Catch me if you can: Daniels' passing numbers looked bad at times in the spring, and Holtz often blamed the receivers. The Bulls weren't very good in the passing game last year and lost leading receiver Dontavia Bogan to graduation. A.J. Love and Sterling Griffin struggled to get all the way back from last year's injuries. Sophomore Terrence Mitchell looked like a promising playmaker on occasion, but overall the group needs to get a whole lot better this summer.

2. Offensive line concerns: South Florida has to replace All-Big East center Sampson Genus and both starting tackles from last season. Some veterans are still around, like Mark Popek, Jeremiah Warren and Chaz Hine, and redshirt freshman Quinterrius Eatmon locked up the right tackle job with a good spring. Still, this group needs to jell this summer and find some more depth behind the starters.

3. Defensive tackle depth: The coaching staff feels good about the defensive ends, but there are still some questions on the interior after losing third-round NFL pick Terrell McClain. Cory Grissom and Keith McCaskill are veterans at the inside positions and should be fine at starter; the Bulls would like more depth behind them. They would love to see a young player like Todd Chandler or even incoming freshman Elkino Watson step up during fall camp to solidify the rotation there.

South Florida, which wrapped up its spring practice last weekend, has issued its post-spring two-deep. You can find it here.

Don't go too crazy over it, because there is still a long time before the season begins. But this tells you how Skip Holtz and his staff feel about the team coming out of spring.

The notable changes include Terrence Mitchell taking over as a starting receiver ahead of Sterling Griffin, and Sam Barrington back at middle linebacker, with Reshard Cliett and Curtis Weatherspoon listed as co-starters at the strongside linebacker spot. Anthony Hill has moved from defensive tackle to backup defensive end. Demetris Murray is listed as the starting tailback ahead of Darrell Scott, with Auburn transfer Dontae Aycock failing to crack the two deep.

The final recruiting weekend before Wednesday's signing day has concluded. Here's a rundown of some developments at various Big East schools over the weekend:

Cincinnati

To no one's real surprise, the Bearcats officially lost quarterback Luke Massa to Notre Dame and former Cincinnati coach Brian Kelly. Massa had been committed since the summer. In the good news department, they picked up three-star receiver Anthony McClung, who had been committed to Louisville. McClung is a teammate of current Cincinnati pledge and fellow receiver Dyjuan Lewis.

Connecticut

UConn gained a commitment from 6-foot-5 Pennsylvania defensive end B.J. McBryde, who was also being recruited by Penn State.

Louisville

New coach Charlie Strong dipped back into the Florida well again, this time landing four-star outside linebacker Deon Rogers of Port St. Lucie, who decommitted from Georgia. Rogers also considered Florida State, LSU and Ohio State.

Strong now has four four-star recruits from Florida on board.

Rutgers

The Scarlet Knights gained a couple of new commitments over the weekend. Offensive tackle Rob Forst (6-5, 255) dropped Delaware for a chance to play with his older brother, Art. Running back Jawan Jamison, a 5-foot-8, 205-pounder from Jacksonville, Fla., also committed over offers from Clemson and others.

South Florida

It was a busy weekend for new Bulls coach Skip Holtz and his staff.

South Florida gained a pledge from 6-foot-5 quarterback Jamius Gunsby of LaGrange, Ga. He was also offered by Florida and Kentucky. Gunsby is rated as the 69th-best quarterback in the class by Scouts Inc.

The Bulls pulled a scholarship offer from Bradenton, Fla., quarterback Brion Carnes, who wound up committing to Western Kentucky.

South Florida has picked up safety Reshard Cliett from Thomasville, Ga.

West Virginia

Three-star linebacker John Propst, who had committed to West Virginia in June, switched his allegiance to Tennessee.