ESPN College Football

The poking, prodding, interviews and drills have wrapped up at the NFL combine in Indianapolis. Now let's take a quick look at who stood out from the ACC during the all-important event.

• The defensive backs were the last group to go, wrapping up Tuesday. And there were some pretty good performances. Miami cornerback Brandon McGee posted one of the fastest 40 times at the combine, running a 4.40 to rank him No. 13 among all participants. He also was a top performer in the bench press and 20-yard shuttle run. Those numbers will not do anything but help his draft stock.
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AP Photo/Dave MartinNC State cornerback David Amerson showed off his speed at the NFL combine, clocking a 4.44 in the 40-yard dash.
• NC State cornerback David Amerson was out to prove himself at the combine after an up-and-down 2012 season. He definitely opened eyes with his performance, which NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock described as "excellent." Amerson ran a 4.44 in the 40 and was also a top performer in the vertical jump.
• Those two guys were not the only fast defensive backs at the combine. Of the players with the top 15 times at the position, six have ACC ties. Rod Sweeting of Georgia Tech (4.42), Shamarko Thomas of Syracuse (4.42), Xavier Rhodes of Florida State (4.43) and Earl Wolff of NC State (4.44) were among the fastest.
• Speaking of Rhodes, his vertical leap was incredibly impressive, at 40.5 inches to tie for first among all defensive backs and rank No. 3 overall. He also was a top performer in the broad jump, and certainly helped himself with his day. So did Thomas, one of the most underrated players in college football last year. Though Thomas made some headlines after he fell at the end of his 40, he had a huge day. He also leaped 40.5 inches and was a top performer in the 20-yard shuttle and broad jump.
• The ACC had several top performers in the bench press as well. Wake Forest fullback Tommy Bohanon tied for No. 4 overall with 36 reps and was also a top performer in the vertical jump and 60-yard shuttle. Also in the top 15 overall for bench: North Carolina guard Jonathan Cooper (35), NC State guard Zach Allen (32) and Virginia Tech offensive tackle Vinston Painter (32). Speaking of Cooper, ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay said the lineman "had one of the more impressive workouts."
• Florida State quarterback EJ Manuel had a nice combine himself, though he was inconsistent with his throws. Manuel was a top performer in the broad jump, ranking No. 3 among all quarterbacks after jumping 9 feet, 10 inches. He also was a top performer in the 40 (4.65), vertical jump (34), 3-cone drill (7.08) and 20-yard shuttle (4.21) to rank among the top 5 in each category.
• The folks at Scouts Inc. had this to say about Clemson receiver DeAndre Hopkins, a top performer at his position in the bench press and vertical jump (36): "His 4.57 in the 40 is about what we expected. His game is more about being physical, though, and Hopkins showed good ball skills. He is was one of the most natural pass-catchers on the field, with good focus in the gauntlet drill and the ability to extend fully for balls." He's got a second-round grade.
• Virginia Tech receiver Marcus Davis put up some good numbers as well, topping his position with a vertical jump of 39.5 inches, while also posting good numbers in the 40 (4.56) and bench press (19 reps). It's never been about physical talent for Davis, so the numbers aren't much of a surprise. He has to put it all together on the field.
• Now for running back: North Carolina's Giovani Bernard was a top performer in various categories. He ran a 4.53 in the 40; and was a top performer in the 20-yard shuttle and 60-yard shuttle. Miami running back Mike James also put up some good numbers.

An already unproven group of Virginia Tech wide receivers took a major hit Thursday with the news that senior D.J. Coles is out for the season with a knee injury.

The Hokies went into the season without their top two receivers from a year ago in Danny Coale and Jarrett Boykin, so you can bet there is an even greater sense of urgency for somebody to step up with Coles now out of the mix, too. Marcus Davis and Dyrell Roberts are the first two names that come to mind, given their experience in the offense.

Davis and Roberts took the most snaps against the Yellow Jackets among all receivers -- but Roberts only had two catches for 5 yards; Davis had six catches for 82 yards. Davis did hurt his shoulder in the game but should be available Saturday against Austin Peay. Those two players are the more known commodities.

But there are two other players to keep an eye on after their performances against the Yellow Jackets.

Redshirt freshman Demitri Knowles had a beautiful 42-yard touchdown catch in the corner of the end zone -- and it just so happened to be the first reception of his entire career. He only saw three snaps at receiver but that should change moving forward.

Then you have Corey Fuller, who had the hands down best night among all receivers, and graded out the highest among all players at his position. Fuller set career highs in receptions (five) and yards (82), and had a critical 23-yard reception on fourth down late in the game that allowed the Hokies to send the game into overtime. He also recovered a fumble by Davis that preserved a drive in which Virginia Tech eventually scored a touchdown.

Fuller transferred to Virginia Tech in 2010 from Kansas to join his brother, cornerback Kyle Fuller. Corey Fuller actually starred on the Kansas track and field team, competing as a sprinter, triple jumper and long jumper. But he decided to focus on football with the Hokies and has really done a nice job transforming himself into a receiver, playing the flanker spot that Coles also plays.

Last year, Fuller only played in six games. But that is sure to change after his performance Monday night.

"He's really developing into a football guy," coach Frank Beamer said Wednesday on the ACC coaches call. "I think he's got great speed, but he's playing the game the way it needs to be played. Had a pro scout ask about him the other day. I'm really proud of the way he's come along. Looks like to me he's going to have a bright future."

Virginia Tech receivers Dyrell Roberts and Marcus Davis know what is at stake this season. They know Danny Coale and Jarrett Boykin are gone. They know all eyes will squarely be fixed on them to step up and make their own name.

So you understand why they feel a growing sense of urgency headed into this season. Both are seniors, and understand this is their final shot to make an impact. For Roberts, that urgency has taken on greater meaning after missing parts of the last two seasons with injury.

For Davis, that urgency has taken on greater meaning knowing he has yet to live up to his full potential.

"I’m taking this as an opportunity to show not only fans but the coaches and everybody else that even though we lost those guys, there’s still something here," Davis said in a recent phone interview. "There is something special we can do here."

Davis goes into the season as one of the top returning receivers, after setting career highs with 30 receptions for 510 yards and five touchdowns. D.J. Coles returns as well, after catching 36 passes for 480 yards and three touchdowns. But he has been slowed by a knee injury and could miss some time this season. That leaves Davis as the No. 1 target for Logan Thomas.

There is no question Davis has what it takes to be the go-to guy. He is big, athletic and known for making plays down the field. Last year, he averaged 17 yards per catch, tops on the team and among the best in the nation. But there have been various times throughout his career when he has lacked the motivation to get up for every single game. He has spent his offseason improving his mind-set, to be sure that he will be prepared every time the ball is snapped.

"I focused a lot on just being consistent, how I approach things, how I approach practice, how I approach the weight room," Davis said. "Some games you can’t get up for, and so I changed my approach to have my focus on everything so I won’t have to worry about getting myself motivated to play a game. I have to leave everything out on the field because I won't get a second chance."

Learning from Coale and Boykin helped him mature. And knowing he is the No. 1 receiver also has forced him to change his mind-set as well.

"I just have to put it together and do it now because I don’t have that in the back of my mind -- if I mess up I’m going to come out," Davis said. "I know what I have to do. I think people are going to see that I can make plays not only down the field but also in the short passing game and in my blocking game."

A huge opportunity awaits Roberts as well. Last season, he only played in three games before breaking his arm on a kickoff return against Arkansas State. The year before that, his season ended when he needed surgery on his thigh. Roberts is more than eager to get onto the football field and actually play in a game because of what he had endure the last two years.

"I'm up for the challenge," Roberts said. "I talk to my coaches a lot, they tell me they think I can play a big role and things like that. I think that's every player's dream to have your role increase in the offense. I've been around for a while, I've been in a lot of big games, but it's a dream come true to know your role is going to increase this year. That gives me motivation to push myself to go even harder and get better at the little things. You can never feel you've arrived because there's always something you can get better at."

Given his increased role in the offense, you will probably be hearing more about Roberts. But there is one thing about him you may not know. He has a black dog that is mix a between a bichon frise and a poodle. Her name is Dymond, spelled that way after Roberts' first name, of course. He has had the dog for three years now, and Roberts says around the football team, "She has become a household name."

Now it is time for Roberts and Davis to become household names as well.

We’ve already taken a look at what the recruiting needs were for the Atlantic Division. Let’s shift our attention to the Coastal Division. Here’s a look at where each school’s biggest holes will be in 2012 or are anticipated to be in the near future:

DUKE


Offensive skill positions: After last year’s rare class that didn’t include either a quarterback or running back, both positions are needed in this group. Quarterback Thomas Sirk -- the MVP of the 57th annual Florida Athletic Coaches Association North-South All-Star Football Classic last December -- has already enrolled in school while Shaquille Powell -- a PARADE All-American running back from Las Vegas -- has committed to the program. In addition, with David Cutcliffe’s offense, wide receivers and tight ends also are a priority.

Kicker: Will Snyderwine, who earned first team All-America honors as a junior before struggling through a sub-par season in 2011, graduated, but Duke has a commitment from Ohio native Ross Martin, considered the No. 2 placekicking prospect in the country by ESPN.com.

Safety: With the transition to a 4-2-5 alignment that utilizes three safeties, this becomes an annual point of emphasis. The Blue Devils lose All-American Matt Daniels to graduation.

GEORGIA TECH


Defensive line: This is the most glaring need in the current class. The Yellow Jackets have to replace senior starters Logan Walls (DT) and Jason Peters (DE), but return Izaan Cross (DE) and solid backups T.J. Barnes (DT), Emmanuel Dieke (DE) and Euclid Cummings (DE). The Jackets are expected to sign about 18 players in this year’s class, and five of them should be defensive linemen.

Wide receiver:This is another glaring need after the departures of Stephen Hill, who decided to leave early for the NFL draft, and Tyler Melton. Darren Waller and Jeff Greene, who both played last season as true freshmen, have lots of potential, but the position still needs depth.


MIAMI

Defensive backs: There’s still a lot of depth with this group, and the return of Ray-Ray Armstrong and Vaughn Telemaque helps, but the Canes have to replace two starters in the secondary and have six commits in the current class to help do that.

Defensive line: The Canes have to replace Adewale Ojomo, Micanor Regis, Andrew Smith and Olivier Vernon from last year’s two-deep. The defensive end position was a particular focus in this class.

Receiver: This position lost a lot with the departures of Tommy Streeter, LaRon Byrd and Travis Benjamin. Allen Hurns is now the veteran of the group, along with redshirt senior Kendal Thompkins. There are five receivers currently committed in this class.

Quarterback: Beyond Stephen Morris, Miami has a lot of questions at the position and not a lot of experience. True freshmen Gray Crow and Preston Dewey are already on the roster, along with redshirt sophomore Ryan Williams.

NORTH CAROLINA

Defensive line: This is one of the biggest areas of concern after the departures of Quinton Coples and Tydreke Powell.

Receivers: Larry Fedora’s offense will make good use of this group, but he needs to replace standout Dwight Jones.

Linebackers: This group was thin to begin with in 2011, and now the Heels need to replace outgoing senior Zach Brown. Kevin Reddick is now the main man.

Safety: UNC will have to replace two starters in Matt Merletti, Charles Brown and Jonathan Smith, so this position will have to be rebuilt for the future.

VIRGINIA

Defensive back: This should be the main priority in this class. The Cavaliers will lose four DBs, including two starting safeties in Rodney McCleod and Corey Mosley, and standout cornerback Chase Minnifield. They’ll also miss Dom Joseph, who came in for the nickel packages. Demetrious Nicholson, who started as a true freshman last year, is suddenly the veteran of the group.

Offensive line: The Hoos will have to replace their starting center and left guard. Redshirt freshman center Cody Wallace could get a promotion, and sophomore right guard Luke Bowanko started in the bowl game. They’ve got some big bodies waiting in the wings, but they’ll have some questions to answer here this spring.

Kickers: This position needs to be rebuilt, as the Cavaliers lose Robert Randolph, who finished sixth all time in scoring at UVa, kickoff specialist Chris Hinkebein, and four-year punter Jimmy Howell. The position is wide open heading into the spring.

VIRGINIA TECH

Running back: This one is a no-brainer, as the Hokies have lost four players here in the past two years. David Wilson and his backup, Josh Oglesby, were the latest to depart, and Tony Gregory just had ACL surgery and is out for the spring. The staff likes Michael Holmes, who redshirted last year, and J.C. Coleman enrolled last week.

Receiver: The Hokies will miss Danny Coale and Jarrett Boykin, and next year’s class has three seniors in Dyrell Roberts, D.J. Coles, and Marcus Davis. The future of the position is young, and the staff is still going after several uncommitted players pretty hard.

Defensive line: This year’s class already includes at least five committed defensive linemen, and the Hokies will be particularly thin at noseguard. They had some players graduate early who didn’t play a lot, but at least provided depth.

Linebacker:The Hokies have four committed, and are still chasing another just to build the depth. The staff missed on some recruits at this position last year and would like to make up for it in this class.

You asked, I answered. Readers (particularly @AsylumGodfather) were calling for more position rankings, so the receivers are up next. This could be the strongest position group in the conference, and one of the more difficult to rank, so I looked back on a few stats to help me separate them, including how some of these guys did against their best competition (i.e. Danny Coale versus FSU, wow). Here’s the final verdict of which teams in the ACC have the best combination of depth and talent:

1. Virginia Tech: With Jarrett Boykin and Coale returning, the Hokies’ passing game has a chance to flourish this fall. Boykin, Coale and Dyrell Roberts were the team’s top three receivers last year for the second straight season, combining for 113 catches, 1,882 yards and 11 touchdowns. Add to that Marcus Davis, D.J. Coles, E.L. Smiling -- it’s a bottomless cup of depth and talent.

2. Duke: Conner Vernon has 128 catches in his first two collegiate seasons and Donovan Varner ranked fourth in the ACC in pass receptions (60) and seventh in yardage (736). Their combined 274 receptions are the most of any active duo in the ACC. They are the top two returning leaders in catches per game, and Vernon is the ACC’s returning leader in receiving yards per game. The Blue Devils also have sophomore Brandon Braxton (14 catches), who could make a name for himself as the third option this year.

3. Florida State: Every Seminole who caught a pass last season returns. Bert Reed, Taiwan Easterling and Rodney Smith return with a combined 50 career starts. Reed ranks second among all returning ACC receivers with 141 career receptions. Willie Haulstead had 38 catches last season, Smith had 31, and there’s plenty of rising talent like Christian Green.

4. North Carolina: Like Florida State, North Carolina returns all of its receivers, including two who redshirted last season. Dwight Jones, who had 946 yards and 62 receptions, leads the group, but Erik Highsmith (25 catches, 348 yards and three touchdowns) must be accounted for as well. Defenses also can’t forget about Jheranie Boyd, who is a deep threat.

5. Miami: The Canes will miss the production of Leonard Hankerson, but they don’t have to if one or two of the other players show more consistency. Travis Benjamin has big-play capabilities and averaged 17.3 yards on his 43 catches last season. There is no shortage of other options with LaRon Byrd, Aldarius Johnson, Tommy Streeter, Allen Hurns and Kendal Thompkins. Which one will rise to the occasion?

6. Clemson: It was the DeAndre Hopkins show last season, and he should again highlight the Tigers’ passing game. As a true freshman, Hopkins had 52 catches, the most by a first-year player in school history. Jaron Brown returns with 10 career starts, and the Tigers also have Marquan Jones (21 catches) and Bryce McNeal (19).

7. Maryland: The Terps have to replace their top two receivers from a year ago in Torrey Smith and Adrian Cannon, and no clear frontrunners emerged this spring. Quintin McCree leads all returners with 16 catches, followed by Kevin Dorsey (15), Ronnie Tyler (13), Kerry Boykins (10), and Tony Logan.

8. Boston College: True freshman Bobby Swigert led the Eagles last year with 39 catches and four touchdowns in five starts. The Eagles are hoping to get a significant boost from the return of Colin Larmond Jr., who missed all of last season with a knee injury, but the young group should be better regardless because of the experience gained last season.

9. Virginia: The Cavaliers will miss Dontrelle Inman, who averaged 16 yards per catch on 51 receptions, but returning starter Kris Burd finished fifth in the ACC last season in pass receptions (58). The group will also get a boost from the return of Tim Smith, who missed almost all of last season with an injury, and Matt Snyder (30 catches) and Ray Keys (three catches).

10. NC State: NC State has to replace its top two receivers from a year ago, and T.J. Graham is the team’s leading returning receiver with 25 catches. Steven Howard, Jay Smith and Quintin Payton all have experience, and redshirt freshman Bryan Underwood, Tobias Palmer and Everett Proctor have also been competing for playing time.

11. Wake Forest: Chris Givens (35 catches, 13.7 average), Michael Campanaro (10 catches) and Danny Dembry are the lead candidates to start, but the Deacs are missing a spark like Kenny Moore (2007) and D.J. Boldin (2008) provided. There were too many dropped passes in the spring game, so this group has some work to do in summer camp.

12. Georgia Tech: Yes, Georgia Tech throws the ball, just not often enough or efficiently enough to be anywhere but last place on this list. Stephen Hill led the Jackets last year with 15 catches for 291 yards and three touchdowns. He should show progress this fall now that there’s no pressure on him to be the next Demaryius Thomas. If he doesn’t show more consistency, the Jackets could turn to Daniel McKayhan, Tyler Melton or Jeremy Moore.

Here’s your instant replay of Week 11 and fast forward to Week 12:

The good: The Atlantic Division. One week after all of the frontrunners lost, Maryland, NC State and Florida State each rebounded with wins to make this race worth watching. Maryland and NC State left no doubt they were the better teams against Virginia and Wake Forest, respectively, and FSU dug deep after two heart breakers to beat Clemson with a game-winning field goal as time expired.

The bad: Virginia’s penalties. The Cavaliers are tied for 114th in the nation in fewest penalties per game (8.4) and only four teams have more. Virginia had 16 penalties for 145 yards in its 42-23 loss to Maryland on Saturday. “There were a lot of holds on that team, both up front and in the back so I think the officials did as well as they could with that,” Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen told reporters after the game. That came one week after Virginia racked up 11 penalties for 103 yards in a 55-48 loss to Duke.

The ugly: Clemson’s kicking game. It’s hard not to feel bad for Chandler Catanzaro. It’s not like he doesn’t want to make these field goals. In fact, his 29-yard kick with 53 seconds remaining tied the game. And his 22-yard field goal midway through the second quarter gave Clemson a 10-3 lead. But he also had one blocked and missed another, and in a three-point game, those misses add up. Clemson is 7 of 14 on field goals this year.

The emerging: Virginia Tech wide receiver Marcus Davis. He caught two third-quarter touchdown passes to help the Hokies to a 26-10 win at North Carolina. Davis really rose to the occasion with receiver Dyrell Roberts out with a thigh injury. He finished with four catches for 81 yards and two touchdowns. It was the first time the sophomore had seen any meaningful playing time and he made the most of it.

The “gassed.” UNC tailback Anthony Elzy. According to the Raleigh News & Observer, the disappearance of Elzy in the third quarter against Virginia Tech was explained away by Elzy being “gassed,” coach Butch Davis said. Gassed? With the Coastal Division on the line?

The undecided: NC State quarterback Russell Wilson. He’s not sure if he’s returning for his final year of eligibility or joining the Colorado Rockies, but if Saturday was his final game in Carter-Finley Stadium, he went out with a bang. Wilson was honored on senior day and then passed for two touchdowns and ran for two more in the 38-3 win over Wake Forest.

Top three games of Week 12

Florida State at Maryland -- This is the most meaningful game Maryland has played since, well, since it played Florida State for the division lead on Nov. 23, 2008. The Terps lost 37-3 in their most lopsided loss of the year, and sent BC to the title game the following week with a loss in Chestnut Hill. Once again they control their own destiny and could win the Atlantic Division title with two more wins. The Terps’ offensive line has been playing well, and they held their own in a close loss to Miami, but once again will face a true challenge up front.

Virginia Tech at Miami -- This is Miami’s final chance to make a statement this year, as the Canes’ only hope at winning the Coastal Division depends on a win against the Hokies. Virginia Tech, however, needs to win just one more game to clinch the division title. The Hokies lost the last time they played at Miami, and the Canes will be looking for redemption after last year’s meltdown in Blacksburg.

NC State at North Carolina -- This is a passionate rivalry game, and while UNC is out of the championship race, it can still take solace -- and probably a lot of enjoyment -- in playing the role of spoiler. NC State can’t afford to lose another conference game, regardless of if it’s an interdivisional matchup. Tom O’Brien has had the edge over Butch Davis the past three years, but this season, a trip to Charlotte is on the line. This should be a great game but it comes in third because UNC is no longer a factor in the conference race.

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- In the first half, it was impossible to tell who was the best team in the ACC. It certainly didn't look like Virginia Tech.

Now, as the Hokies lead 26-10 late in the third quarter, they have continued to remind us that their forte is making comebacks. If Virginia Tech hangs onto this lead, it will be the fifth time the Hokies have trailed this year and the fourth time they have won -- not including their 0-2 start to the season.

The difference in this half has been Virginia Tech's defense, lack of production from Anthony Elzy, the Hokies' ability to score touchdowns in the red zone, and receiver Marcus Davis. Davis has four catches for 81 yards and two touchdowns.

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- With Virginia Tech receiver Dyrell Roberts out with a thigh injury, the Hokies needed somebody else to step up at receiver, and on the Hokies' first drive of the second half, Marcus Davis rose to the occasion to give Virginia Tech their first lead and first touchdown of the game.

The Hokies are up 16-10 thanks in large part to the big-play capabilities of Davis, a young, talented player whose best is yet to come. He took a screen pass down the left sideline for 46 yards, thanks to a nice block by Danny Coale, and he capped the drive with an 11-yard touchdown pass. It was the first time tonight the Hokies were able to get into the end zone once inside the 20.

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. -- Texas will be without two defensive backups in Thursday night's Citi BCS National Championship Game after one was ruled ineligible and the other will transfer from school after a recent arrest.

Texas coach Mack Brown announced when his team arrived that backup defensive end Russell Carter would be ineligible for the national championship game after struggling in a recent final. Brown said Carter should rejoin the team for spring practice.

Carter had played nine games this season with three solo tackles, two assists and one tackle for a loss.

Freshman defensive back Marcus Davis, who was suspended from the team in late November, will be transferring. Davis played eight games but was suspended after his arrest Nov. 28 in Pearland, Texas, on misdemeanor charges of driving while intoxicated and possession of a controlled substance.

Davis played in eight games this season, producing 10 tackles, one sack and one tackle for a loss.

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

Around the ACC we go ...

Former Wake Forest backup quarterback Brett Hodges will transfer to UCF and is eligible to compete for the starting job immediately. How? By using the same NCAA transfer rule Duke guard Greg Paulus will have to use if he wants to be an FBS quarterback, too. 

At Virginia Tech, Marcus Davis might not have been ready to be the No. 2 quarterback, but quarterbacks coach Mike O'Cain thinks Davis is a more talented athlete than Ju-Ju Clayton.

Here are five questions Maryland still needs to answer on defense.

Bobby Bowden's spring tour has begun, and Andrew Carter of the Orlando Sentinel has the play-by-play.

And two leftovers for you ...

Thanks to one reader for providing this link on Monday: Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen wasn't shy about his feelings regarding the NCAA sanctions FSU is facing. Friedgen's take? Bowden should vacate the wins.

How much could fans tell about Virginia's new spread offense from its spring game? Not much, and that was exactly how coach Al Groh wanted it.