More Jackets To Leave The Hive?

Three days after Georgia Tech junior wide receiver Demaryius Thomas declared for the NFL Draft, Yellow Jackets Morgan Burnett, Jonathan Dwyer and Derrick Morgan will meet with the media.

At 1:00 on Monday, the University will make trio of juniors available to the media. It would not be a surprise if all three followed the lead of Thomas and give up their final year of eligibility for the chance to play on Sundays.

Morgan is projected as a potential top ten pick should he decide to make the jump. The defensive end is coming a spectacular season in which he recorded 55 tackles, 18.5 tackles for a loss, 12.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumbles recoveries on his way to ACC Defensive Player of the Year honors.

Joining Thomas and Morgan on the All-ACC first team was Dwyer, who ran for 1,395 yards to lead the team. He found the end zone 14 times as a junior and averaged 5.9 yards per carry. Burnett was a second team All ACC selection after snagging four interceptions to lead the Yellow Jackets. The safety registering 85 tackles (four tackles).

Dwyer is a potential first round pick and would be competing with fellow underclassman Jahvid Best and Ryan Mathews to be the number two running back prospect after Clemson’s C.J. Spiller. Like Thomas, Burnett is more likely to go in round number two should he decide he is ready to play in the league where they play for pay.

Georgia Tech is coming off of an 11-3 season, which included an ACC title. The Ramblin' Wreck defeated the Clemson Tigers in the ACC Championship game 39-34 before falling 24-14 to the Iowa Hawkeyes in the 2010 Orange Bowl.

Check for updates on this story.

Photo Courtesy of Georgia Tech Sports Information Office

One On One: HOFer Patrick Swilling, Georgia Tech

Talk about the honor of being with this class.

As a young kid, when you play high school and college football you’re thankful for the opportunity to even play. You never think you’ll be sitting here in New York City being inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, where I think there have only been 15-1,600 players in the history of football to be inducted. For me and my family and Georgia Tech it’s a great day. To represent such a prestigious university…and you look at John Heisman and all the great players from Georgia Tech over the years and the great careers they had and what it just means….it’s humbling and a great experience for me and my family.

How about your Yellow Jackets? ACC champs going to a BCS bowl.

Our team is great. To get into the FedEx Orange Bowl is just wonderful. They fought for it and played a great Clemson team. I’ve never seen such a slugfest in my life like this past Saturday night. It just shows that Georgia Tech is back to the prominence where it was and if we go out and win this game, hopefully we wind up in the top five. It’s great for Georgia Tech and the whole family.

Were you happy you didn’t have to be out there chasing around C.J. Spiller?

I’ll tell you what—I was happy it was over when it was. That kid could have run for 500 yards, or more.

Derrick Morgan has done well and really exploded on the scene this past season. Talk about how impressive he is.

I spoke with him at the Virginia Tech game and I told him to keep playing hard. At that position you can be very talented, but it’s the guys who keep running to the edge, who go to the edge and run hard and play hard, that’s how you sack the quarterback and keep your engine going and become a great player. This kid has the ability to make it at the next level in the NFL with some better coaching on how to get to the edge and how to do different things with his hands. He’s going to be one of the best players, I think, in the NFL one of these days if he keeps preparing and working hard. It was good to see the year that he had and I’m looking forward to seeing him against Iowa. The kid had a great year and I think his football career is just getting started.

What’s the toughest part and secret to making the transition from college defensive end to outside linebacker it in the NFL?

I don’t know if there’s a secret. You look at some guys like myself, Charles Haley, and a few other guys who were tweeners. I think you really have to work hard when you’re one of those guys because it’s difficult for coaches to try and figure out, “Where exactly do I put this guy? Where does he fit in?” I was fortunate to have Jim Mora in that group. I was kind of a hybrid because I could rush the passer and I just worked hard at the linebacker portion of it even though we didn’t drop much, but I was pretty good at it. In the offseason I worked hard at it, learning coverages and learning where to be. I think it helped my career, but you get guys like myself who are 6’4” 245-250 pounds, who are a little too big to be a linebacker, but a little bit too small to be a big time defensive end. I was fortunate; I lost a little weight and got stronger so I could do both. To these guys who are tweeners—you have to figure out what exactly you need to do to get better and fit into that mold where the coach has to put you there. But I’ve seen a lot of guys who have struggled. It’s very difficult when you are a tweener to make the transition.

Is there uncertainty when asked to do something you’ve never been asked to do before?

I think there is and I think unless you’re willing to work really hard in the offseason to get better at what you’re not good at as a tweener, it becomes even more difficult. I could rush the passer, but they were concerned about my ability to drop back into coverage. So I spent the offseason with some guys down in Atlanta, every year, studying pass coverage. The whole point is: you have to work at the things you’re not good at to be a complete player in the NFL.

What about Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh for the Heisman?

That’s an offensive award.

Who’s got your vote for the Heisman?

Spiller had a great year. I think it’s probably going to come down to one of those running backs and I wouldn’t be surprised if (Mark) Ingram at Alabama or Spiller at Clemson won.

Would you give it to Ingram?

I would, considering the success that Alabama’s had.

What do you think Tim Tebow will play in the NFL? Do you think he’s going to be a quarterback at the next level?

I think he could be a quarterback. If I was an NFL coach or offensive coordinator I would definitely take him because you look at what he can do. The concern is whether he can stay healthy in the NFL running the football. You look at his delivery as a quarterback and you see that he has a tendency to lay that ball back a little bit too low. Is he athletic enough to play in the NFL? Yes, because he’s a guy who can run the ball. Can you imagine what you could do with him in the Wildcat? He could really run the Wildcat. You’re talking about throwing, running, and passing so I think he could bring another dimension to an offense.

What are your thoughts on the NFL asking players to be honest when it comes to concussions and the symptoms that can occur?

I’m going to be honest with you; you can't make a club in the tub. If you’re hurt and can’t play, you’re not going to have a long career. I think you’re asking too much of players to not be tough guys. The NFL is a tough sport and I think the league, unfortunately, has softened the sport. There’s too much protection of certain people. This is football. This is not some other sport. I look at some of the penalties on these hits and things of this nature, I mean, come on guys…we play football for a living! I think the NFL has hurt the sport with all of this stuff. I like protection of players who have had multiple concussions, but let football players be tough guys…that’s what we are.

Photo Courtesy of the National Football Foundation

HOF Spotlight: Pat Swilling, Georgia Tech

The Georgia Tech legend spoke to CFI Founder at the 2009 HOF Induction at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City. Pay Swilling gave some interesting insight on the transition from defensive end to outside linebacker, as well as his thoughts on the state of the NFL (TOO SOFT!!). He also talked about being inducted to the HOF, his Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets winning the ACC, Jacket's defensive end Derrick Morgan and Clemson's C.J. Spiller.

Click to Listen Now

Photo Courtesy of the National Football Foundation

CFI Countdown: #9 Virginia Tech Hokies

2008 Record: 10-4 (ACC 5-3)
Bowl Game: Won Orange Bowl vs. Cincinnati 20-7
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia
Stadium: Lane Stadium (65,115)
Head Coach: Frank Beamer
Overall: 177-112-4 (29th season)
@ Virginia Tech 177-89-2 (23rd season)
Link to Va. Tech Football Page

Beamerball has been very, very good to the Hokie faithful, particularly over the last five seasons. Virginia Tech has alternated between 10 and 11 wins including three ACC titles and an Orange Bowl victory last season, yet people still talk about Florida St. and Miami like they are the premier programs of the ACC. Despite the reputations of their conference rivals, it’s hard to argue against Virginia Tech being that premier team…especially if they capture another conference crown this season.

When the Hokies Have the Ball

Offensive Coordinator: Bryan Stinespring (4th season)
Scheme: Pro Style Offense
Starters Returning: Seven
Key Losses: C Ryan Shuman, OG Nick Marshman, QB Sean Glennon, RB Darren Evans (Injured)

Junior Tyrod Taylor is back at quarterback. He still possesses a great deal of potential, but it just that—potential. The jury is still out when it comes to his passing skills, but no one can argue with his ability to run the football—he is a legitimate playmaker in the open field. However, they can’t live with Taylor throwing just two touchdown passes in 2009 as he did last season. Taylor should benefit from the experience he gained last season, as well as the fact that he no longer has to look over his shoulder whenever he makes a mistake now that Sean Glennon is gone. The Hokies were very inexperienced at wide receiver last season, but sophomores Jarrett Boykin, Danny Coale, and Dyrell Roberts all received seasoning by being thrown to the fire and should form the nucleus of a solid receiving corps for years to come. Tight end Greg “Wild Turkey” Boone is an impressive athlete for a man of his size. With both tackles back, senior Ed Wang and sophomore Blake DeChristopher, the line should be solid from right to left. DeChristopher has All-American potential. Guard Sergio Render is an All-American candidate himself, having been a contributor in Blacksburg since day one. What was supposed to be a position of strength has turned into a major question mark heading into the season as the Hokies suffered a devastating loss when sophomore tailback Darren Evans went down for the season with a knee injury. The bruising back was a proven commodity. His backup, sophomore Josh Oglesby, is dealing with both a foot infection and a sore hamstring, while senior Kenny Lewis is still working his way back from a torn Achilles tendon. That leaves talented red-shirt freshman Ryan Williams as the man heading into the season.

Top Pro Prospects: 1) OT Black DeChristopher (SO), 2) OT Ed Wang (SR), 3) OG Sergio Render (SR)

When the Other Team Has the Ball

Defensive Coordinator: Bud Foster (15th season)
Scheme: 4-3
Starters Returning: Seven
Key Losses: CB Victor “Macho” Harris, DE Orion Martin, LB Brett Warren, LB Purnell Sturdivant

It should come as no surprise that the school that some are starting to call “DB-U” has a stellar secondary. Stephen Virgil stepped in very nicely for the departed Brandon Flowers last season and this year he takes over at the “boundry” corner for Macho Harris. Virgil is very solid in coverage and has excellent ball skills. There are high hopes for speedy junior Rashad Carmichael on the other side. At one safety spot senior Kam Chancellor is a potential stud, possessing prototypical size and speed. He improved as his junior season went on, showing a better understanding of the game to go along with his vast physical abilities. They are solid at the other safety position as well, with senior Dorian Porch and junior Davon Morgan competing for playing time. They must replace two linebackers, but should be fine with sophomore Barquell Rivers ready to step in and shine. The defensive line is led by all-world pass rusher junior Jason Worilds, who is a speed demon coming off the edge. The rest of the line is solid, but nothing special. It would be nice if another playmaker emerged to complement Worilds.

Top Pro Prospects: 1) S Kam Chancellor (SR), 2) DE Jason Worilds (JR), 3) CB Stephan Virgil (SR)

The Schedule

Out of conference, the Hokies kick off their schedule with Alabama in week one. A win against the Crimson Tide would vault them right into national title contention. They also host Nebraska and make a trip to East Carolina, which is one of their most dangerous games as it comes in November and is sandwiched by a pair of ACC games. In conference, they visit Georgia Tech but host North Carolina—those are their top two challengers in the Coastal Division. Other games to watch include home games against Miami and North Carolina St., as well as visits to Maryland and Virginia to close out the season.

Pivotal Point

You can almost always go with the quarterback. While the Hokies proved last season that they can win the ACC and even a BCS Bowl with shaky quarterback play, it will be a deeper and tougher conference this season. As stated earlier, Taylor must do better than two touchdowns for Tech to fulfill their potential. He has been incredibly inconsistent as a passer and at times, downright dismal. In his defense, he came to Blacksburg very raw and was forced into the fire far before he should have been. If he can make significant progress and become an all-around threat—a big “if”—the Hokies could be one of the best teams in the nation, not just the ACC.

CFI Final Analysis

The Hokies are due to win 11 games in 2009 if the five-year trend is to continue, and that sounds about right. Alabama is a tough way to start the season and it will not be easy to run through the ACC unscathed—not this season. The defense should again be among the best in the nation, with playmakers on the line, the linebacking corps, and in the secondary. But the passing game has a lot to prove and now they are searching for answers at running back as well. It should be another typical Beamer season, which should have them playing on New Year’s Day (or the second).

College Football Insiders Top 25 Countdown:
The Next 25 (26-50) Plus 18 Bowl Teams
#25 West Virginia Mounainteers
#24 Tennessee Volunteers
#23 Clemson Tigers
#22 Pittsburgh Panthers
#21 Michigan St. Spartans
#20 Utah Utes
#19 Oregon Ducks
#18 Florida St. Seminoles
#17 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
#16 Boise St. Broncos
#15 North Carolina Tar Heels
#14 Penn St. Nittany Lions
#13 Mississippi Rebels
#12 Oklahoma St. Cowboys
#11 California Golden Bears
#10 Iowa Hawkeyes

Photos Courtesy of David Knachel, Virginia Tech Athletics Communications

CFI Countdown: #15 North Carolina Tar Heels

2008 Record: 8-5 (AAC: 4-4)
Bowl Game: Lost Meineke Car Care Bowl to West Virginia 31-30
Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Stadium: Kenan Memorial Stadium (60,000)
Head Coach: Butch Davis
Overall: 63-33 (9th season)
@ North Carolina: 12-13 (3rd season)
Link to UNC Football Page

After going 4-8 in Butch Davis’ first season back in college football after a stint with the Cleveland Browns, the architect of the great Miami teams from earlier this decade began building the foundation in Chapel Hill. Davis reversed the 4-8 record of 2007 to 8-4 in 2008 (in the regular season), and you can expect steady improvement from the Tar Heels under Davis until they become national title contenders.

When the Heels Have the Ball

Offensive Coordinator: John Shoop (3rd season)
Scheme: Pro Style
Starters Returning: Six
Key Losses: WR Hakeem Nicks, WR Brandon Tate, WR Brooks Foster, TE Richard Quinn, OT Garrett Reynolds, OG Calvin Darity

Junior T. J. Yates made strides as quarterback in his sophomore season and he should continue to improve as a junior. As important as his ability to read defenses and make decisions under pressure is, staying on the field is the key for Yates and the Heels, especially with backup Cameron Sexton having transferred in the off-season. They will also have to deal with losing the explosive pass catching troika of Hakeem Nicks, Brandon Tate, and Brooks Foster to the NFL, as well as the loss of starting tight end Richard Quinn. Former tailback Greg Little appears ready to break out as their number one target, sophomore Dwight Jones has oodles of talent, and tight end Zack Pianalto is primed to step into the starting lineup, so Yates won’t be alone as the Heels try to improve their passing attack. On the ground, they have found the answer to their woes in junior Shaun Draughn, who was impressive down the stretch last season. Fellow junior Ryan Houston is a barreling 250-pounder who provides punch and excels in short-yardage situations. The line returns three starters, including senior left tackle Kyle Jolly, who has 25 starts under his belt, and senior center Lowell Dyer. As a unit there is room for improvement along the offensive line.

Top Pro Prospects: 1) RB Shaun Draughn (JR), 2) WR Greg Little (JR), 3) TE Zack Pianalto (JR)

When the Other Team Has the Ball

Defensive Coordinator: Everett Withers (2nd season)
Scheme: 4-3
Starters Returning: Nine
Key Losses: S Trimane Goddard, LB Mark Paschal

It is no exaggeration to say nine of the Tar Heels starting 11 will one day hear their name called at the NFL Draft. Linemen Robert Quinn, Marvin Austin, and Tydreke Powell (backup); linebackers Quan Sturdivant, Bruce Carter, and Zach Brown; and safety Deunta Williams all have day one talent and none is a senior. The linebacking corps of juniors Carter and Sturdivant, and sophomore Brown may be the fastest unit in the country. It will be a challenge for any back to get by the trio, particularly the sure-tacking Sturdivant. Carter is also a kick-blocking machine. Williams leads the secondary with junior Kendric Burney developing into a solid coverman. What could allow this defense to take the next step is the defensive line. The three seniors—end E. J. Wilson, as well as tackles Cam Thomas and Aleric Mullins—are solid, but it’s the kids who could be special. Quinn should be a pass-rushing demon from his end position, with sophomores Michael McAdoo and Quinton Coples each capable of contributing off the bench. The two players who ultimately may end up having the most impact are Austin, a junior, and his backup, the sophomore Powell. The 300-pounders move in a way that 300-pounders just aren’t supposed to move. If they turn the corner as players, all bets are off when taking on this defense.

Top Pro Prospects: 1) DT Marvin Austin (JR), 2) LB Quan Sturdivant (JR), 3) DE Robert Quinn (SO)

The Schedule

The Tar Heels face an uphill battle in the Coastal Division race as they not only have to visit Blacksburg to take on ACC favorite Virginia Tech, they must face the other top challenger, Georgia Tech, on the road. UNC also closes out the season with back-to-back road games, the finale in Raleigh against in-state rival North Carolina St. They should be able to handle their out of conference slate, although they would be wise to be wary of East Carolina. Not only did the Pirates knock off Virginia Tech and West Virginia last season, they handled the Heels in Davis’ first season.

Pivotal Point

Finish…finish…finish. In the very-tight ACC, the ability to win close games will likely decide which teams advance to the ACC Championship Game. Other than the 41-10 beating at home to NC State, UNC’s other four losses came by a combined total of nine points. They dropped a three-point contest to Virginia Tech, blowing a 17-3 third quarter lead after Yates went down. Their second loss came in overtime at Virginia (16-13) after giving up the game-tying touchdown in the final minute of regulation, and their third loss was by two points at Maryland (17-15), on a Terps’ field goal in the game’s waning moments. Finally, they lost their bowl game by a single point (31-30) to West Virginia after taking a 30-24 lead into the fourth quarter. Even in 2007, six of their eight losses came by a touchdown or less.

CFI Final Analysis

The defense is almost there, and it’s already one of the best in the ACC, perhaps the nation. If they can do a better job of getting to the opposing quarterback and protecting fourth quarter leads they will be at a championship level. The offense is a little further away. They don’t have to be prolific, but if they can keep Yates healthy, protect the football, and help keep the defense off the field for long stretches they may arrive ahead of the schedule. They’re not yet in the National Championship picture, but a run at the ACC title is not out of reach. One thing is clear—Butch Davis is building something special.

College Football Insiders Top 25 Countdown:
The Next 25 (26-50) Plus 18 Bowl Teams
#25 West Virginia Mounainteers
#24 Tennessee Volunteers
#23 Clemson Tigers
#22 Pittsburgh Panthers
#21 Michigan St. Spartans
#20 Utah Utes
#19 Oregon Ducks
#18 Florida St. Seminoles
#17 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
#16 Boise St. Broncos

Photo Credit: UNC Athletic Communications

CFI Countdown: #17 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

2008 Record: 9-4 (ACC: 5-3)
Bowl Game: Lost Chick-fil-A Bowl to LSU 38-3
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Stadium: Bobby Dodd Stadium (55,000)
Head Coach: Paul Johnson
Overall: 116-43 (13th season)
@ Georgia Tech: 9-4 (2nd season)
Link to Ga. Tech Football Page

The assumption many in the media are making is that a team that exceeded expectations with nine wins in their first season under a new head coach and new system will improve simply by showing up in year two. That isn’t always the case. That is not to say that Coach Paul Johnson or stars Jonathan Dwyer and Morgan Burnett have any such ideas—because they don’t. With expectations comes added pressure and it also means a win over the Ramblin’ Wreck is a feather in the cap of their foes. It will be interesting to see which direction the Jackets go.

When the Yellow Jackets Have the Ball

Offensive Coordinator: Paul Johnson (2nd season)
Scheme: Spread (Triple) Option
Starters Returning: Nine
Key Losses: OT Andrew Gardner

No one in the ACC can match the firepower Tech brings in the offensive backfield led by junior Jonathan Dwyer. The ACC’s leading rusher from a year ago has both the ability to bulldoze defenders and blaze his way for a big run—he’s been a perfect fit as Coach Johnson’s B-back in the option attack. Dwyer was devastatingly effective, averaging seven yards per carry. A perfect complement emerged in sophomore Roddy Jones who rushed for 690 yards despite only 81 carries. Adding to the depth is the powerful Anthony Allen, a junior transfer from Louisville. Running the show is junior quarterback Josh Nesbitt who was very adept at running the ball and leading the option—a point guard who could dish or keep it. If they are to take the next step and win the ACC title (as ACC Insider Brian Palmese has predicted), Nesbitt will have to become a better all-around player, which means he has to improve his passing. Last season, the junior completed only 43.9 percent of his passes for two scores (five interceptions), which isn’t going to cut it. He has a legit number one receiver in 6’ 3” junior wide out Demaryius Thomas. The offensive line is also in question—they lost two starters, but have the entire line intact from impressive wins over Georgia and Miami (as well as a thrashing at the hands of LSU). Even though they ran the ball well, the line doesn’t possess the quickness and athleticism Johnson typically craves.

Top Pro Prospects: 1) RB Jonathan Dwyer (JR), 2) WR Demaryius Thomas (JR), 3) OG Joseph Gilbert (SO)

When the Other Team Has the Ball

Defensive Coordinator: Dave Wommack (2nd season)
Scheme: 4-3/4-2-5
Starters Returning: Eight
Key Losses: DE Michael Johnson, DT Darryl Richard, DT Vance Walker, LB Tony Clark, CB Jahi Word-Daniels

With so much focus on the offense, the amount of playmakers Tech has on defense often gets overlooked. Gone are starters Darryl Richard and Vance Walker at tackle, as well as electrifying end Michael Johnson. It will be nearly impossible to replace their production, but junior end Derrick Morgan isn’t a bad start. He needs to prove he is ready to be the man and that he wasn’t a product of the attention the seniors received. They should be fine at linebacker where they are healthy and deep, led by talented sophomore Kyle Jefferson and senior Sedric Griffin. But the strength of the defense lies at the safety position. Strong safety Morgan Burnett is an instinctive player with phenomenal ball skills which allow him to contribute against both the run and the pass. Fellow junior Dominique Reese and sophomore Cooper Taylor are talented in their own right. Don’t be surprised to see all three on the field at the same time. They should be solid, not spectacular, at cornerback.

Top Pro Prospects: 1) SS Morgan Burnett (JR), 2) DE Derrick Morgan (JR), 3) LB Kyle Jackson (SO)

The Schedule

For the most part, the Jackets can’t have too many complaints when it comes to the schedule. First and foremost they play both Virginia Tech and North Carolina—their most likely challengers for the Coastal Division crown (and two of their three conference losses in 2008)—in Bobby Dodd Stadium. They also host Georgia in the finale and Clemson on Thursday night in week two. In addition to Clemson, they play Florida St. from the Atlantic Division and that one is on the road, where they’ve never beaten the ‘Noles. And let’s not forget that Thursday night trip to South Beach to take on the rising ‘Canes.

Pivotal Point

A balanced attack would go a long way towards seeing the Ramblin’ Wreck beat out the Hokies and the Heels and make it to the ACC Championship Game. Does Nesbitt have it in him? His 43.9 percent completion rate, two touchdowns and 73.5 yards per game last season were down right anemic. The irony is many questioned whether a Chan Gailey recruited quarterback could play effectively for Bobby Johnson. Nesbitt has a decent enough arm, but can he be accurate enough, even with teams focusing on the run? Another reason the Jackets need to be more balanced is that being so run dominate ignores their second most talented offensive player in Thomas. He’s is a big target who can go up and get the football with the potential to be an explosive playmaker—see Duke, October 4th, when Thomas went off for 230 yards (over a third of his sophomore production).

CFI Final Analysis

The offense may get better with another year under their belt in Johnson’s flex offense, but let’s not forget the defense is in a transition period as well, which was eased last season with three impact seniors along the defensive line. With three new starters and no more John Tenuta blitzes can they create the same havoc, and how will that impact the back seven? Don’t fret Techsters, your Jackets won’t take a step back, but a step forward won’t be automatic.



College Football Insiders Top 25 Countdown:
The Next 25 (26-50) Plus 18 Bowl Teams
#25 West Virginia Mounainteers
#24 Tennessee Volunteers
#23 Clemson Tigers
#22 Pittsburgh Panthers
#21 Michigan St. Spartans
#20 Utah Utes
#19 Oregon Ducks
#18 Florida St. Seminoles

Contact Daniel Mogollon via email dan@collegefootballinsiders.com

Photo Credit: Georgia Tech Sports Information Office

CFI Countdown: #23 Clemson Tigers

2008 Record: 7-6 (ACC: 4-4)
Bowl Game: Lost Gator Bowl to Nebraska 26-21
Location: Clemson, South Carolina
Stadium: Clemson Memorial Stadium (80,301)
Head Coach: Dabo Swinney
Overall: 4-3 (2nd season)
@ Clemson: 4-3 (2nd season)
Link to Clemson Football Page

Even though they’ve lost some serious offensive firepower from last season’s team, the Clemson Tigers still possess talent galore. That talent has many in South Carolina thinking this could be the year they finally reclaim the ACC championship. Wait…have you heard that before? The reality is that after the disappointing season to top all disappointing seasons in 2008, expectations are actually somewhat tempered for the Tigers in 2009, which might turn out to be just what these Cats need.

When the Tigers Have the Ball

Offensive Coordinator: Billy Napier (2nd Season)
Scheme: Multiple
Starters Returning: Seven
Key Losses: QB Cullen Harper, RB James Davis, WR Aaron Kelly, WR Tyler Grisham

It is downright inconceivable that with James Davis and C. J. Spiller in the same backfield, the Clemson Tigers had one of the worst rushing seasons in school history. But that’s what happened. Spiller is capable of taking one to the house whenever he touches the football—both on the ground and through the air. He is shifty, strong and owns breakaway speed. However, even with Davis now playing on Sundays, Spiller will have to share carries as sophomore Jamie Harper appears ready for a breakout season of his own. Replacing the ACC’s all-time leading receiver in Aaron Kelly won’t be as easy. The speedy Jacoby Ford can stretch the field and make things happen after the catch, but there is not much after him in terms of proven commodities. Whoever ends up taking the majority of the snaps—freshman Kyle Parker or sophomore Willy Korn—the Tigers are expected to get improved play from the quarterback position after Cullen Harper’s disappointing senior campaign. While both are talented, Coach Swinney would be wise to settle on one. Making both the passing and rushing attacks better in 2009 will be an improved offensive line. Senior guard Thomas Austin leads the way with a talented trio of sophomores—center Mason Cloy, guard Antoine McClain and tackle Landon Walker—playing a big role as well.

Top Pro Prospects: 1) RB C.J. Spiller (SR), 2) OG/C Thomas Austin (SR), 3)
WR Jacoby Ford (SR)

When the Other Team Has the Ball

Defensive Coordinator: Kevin Steele (1st Season)
Scheme: 4-3
Starters Returning: Eight
Key Losses: DT Dorrell Scott, S Michael Hamlin, S Chris Clemons

The Tigers possess potentially the best tandem of ends in the nation. Of course, when it comes to Clemson, there are qualifiers attached: Explosive senior Ricky Sapp must fully recover from tearing his ACL last season, and super sophomore Da’Quan Bowers needs to build on his Gator Bowl performance from his true freshman season. Both players have the type of raw athleticism to dominate and command double teams on an every-down basis, which should open things up for 300-pounders Jarvis Jenkins and Brandon Thompson in the middle. If they can get consistent pressure on the quarterback, it will also make a deep and talented secondary that much more effective. Seniors Chris Chancellor and Crezdon Butler form a great duo at the corner position, while junior strong safety DeAndre McDaniel should make a seamless transition from linebacker. They are a bit thin at linebacker, although sophomore Brandon Maye looks like a perennial All-ACC performer.

Top Pro Prospects: 1) DE Da’Quan Bowers (SO), 2) HYB Ricky Sapp (SR), 3) SS DeAndre McDaniel (JR)

The Schedule

None of their road games will be easy—Georgia Tech, Maryland, Miami, North Carolina St. and South Carolina—as all five come against bowl teams from 2008 that should be as good or better this season. Out of conference they play host to BCS Buster TCU in September to go along with their season finale in Columbia. On the flip side, they host Coastal Division favorites Florida St. and avoid both Virginia Tech and North Carolina from the Atlantic Division.

Pivotal Point

It’s time to coach ’em up! Clemson has not won a conference title or reached double figures in wins since 1991. A lack of talent hasn’t been the reason, but if it’s not a matter of talent, then what is it? The people around Clemson have been screaming for years about the coaching, and maybe they’re right. This is year they will be led by Dabo Swinney, who is in his first full season and has a lot to prove despite somewhat righting a sinking ship in 2008. It was a risky move by the Tigers. Billy Napier is in his first full season as offensive coordinator and Kevin Steele is a new defensive coordinator. How quickly they plant their imprint is vital. If they can get this club to play smart, disciplined, and consistently, Clemson may actually exceed expectations.

CFI Final Analysis

It is hard to believe that Clemson—once the perennial power of the ACC—has not won a conference crown since 1991 and is still looking to make their first ACC Championshihttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifp game since the split to two divisions. They were within minutes of doing so in 2007 before they were burned by Matty Ice (Matt Ryan) and Boston College late in the season. Last year it was over before it started, as Alabama thrashed the Tigers in the opener. They won’t vanquish all the demons this season, but they’ll be better than expected…which is a step in the right direction.

College Football Insiders Top 25 Countdown:
#25 West Virginia Mounainteers
#24 Tennessee Volunteers

Contact Daniel Mogollon via email dan@collegefootballinsiders.com

Photo Credit: Clemson SID

Player Profile: Macho Harris Virginia Tech CB

Pros: Harris is a natural football player and is solid at most aspects of the game. He has great instincts and awareness on the field; a solid all-around corner that loves to make big hits on receivers and running backs. He looks extremely comfortable in zone and reads the quarterback very well. Even though he does not have great acceleration, Harris shows big-time playing making ability with the ball in his hands. He is elusive and makes quick, fluid cuts with great vision. He is a dangerous return man that has experience playing wide receiver.

Cons: He lacks the open field speed scouts love corners to have. He can be overly aggressive both in coverage and tackling. Will jump short routes he shouldn’t, and often goes for the knock out hit instead of the sure tackle. Definitely needs to play in a zone coverage scheme. He could end up being moved to free safety due to his lack of speed and quickness in coverage.

Scouts Take: Harris is a gifted playmaker, racking up 15 interceptions over the last three years at Virginia Tech. He plays with the swagger and knowledge NFL teams love defensive backs to have, and opposing teams fear. Despite his lack of speed, the former Hokie is comfortable with the ball in his hands and will at least get a shot as a returner—a potentially dynamic playmaker. If he is put in the right defensive scheme, he could develop into a star corner for his NFL team. If he struggles at corner, he has the ability to move to free safety and could be a ball-hawk. Harris has second-round ability, but could fall to later rounds because of his lack of measurables. The team that drafts him will have some work to do and decisions to make, but they will be getting one of the best all-around defensive backs in this draft.

Photo Credit: David Knachel, Virginia Tech Athletics Communications

Q&A: Ron Brace, DT, Boston College

Boston College defensive tackle Ron Brace interviewed on All Access Football Radio's Football Friday Show with Ralph Mancini, Daniel Mogollon and Rodney Towe in our Defensive Linemen Special on March 27, 2009

A lot of people are projecting you to be a 3-4 nose tackle. Is that a position that you look forward to playing, being in that phone booth and being hit by multiple linemen coming from every direction—is that something you are looking forward to?

Brace: I think I’m definitely getting ready for it. I mean, I think I’ve been ready for it throughout college. Now I just have to make that transition over to the pros next year. So it’s a position I’m used to playing. I got to play a lot of the one technique and sometimes at zero tech. So it’s not a position I’m unfamiliar with so I have no problem playing that.

You and B.J. Raji made a great team. Going forward, is there anyone in the NFL that reminds you of B.J., the way they play?

Brace: B.J. is as effective in the run as he is in the pass. Probably a shorter Albert Haynesworth, maybe, because he has that pass threat in him.

Basically that’s the same thing B.J. said a few weeks ago. Ron, right now are you doing any private workouts and if so, who with? And do you have any coming up?

Brace: I only had one private workout so far, with the Denver Broncos. Me and B.J. had it on the same day and that was the last private workout. Right now I’m getting ready for two visits. I have one with the Bucs and another one with the Saints.

You have shown a great first step and good hand technique. You can gain penetration in the gap. In your opinion, what is the most important quality or attribute to becoming a star nose tackle or defensive tackle?

Brace: I think the thing is, you have to be real polished in your technique. When you get to the league everyone is talented, so it comes down to who has the right technique. I think having a really good, sound technique basically is the key to becoming a good pass rusher. That’s what I find myself working on in the off-season, watching film of myself. I need to use my hands more as weapons. I think that’s what separates the normal d-tackle from the elite d-tackle.

Also off the field Ron, I understand you do some work with troubled youth in your community. What are some of the lessons you try to impart to the kids who are in tough situations?

Brace: I just tell them, basically, to make the right decision in life. Everybody knows deep down what the right decision is. Basically, if you have to second guess something, you know you shouldn’t be doing it. I try to leave the message to as many kids as possible, especially kids my brother's age, kids that are just getting out of high school.

Also, do you see yourself as a role model for kids, or is that too heavy of a cross to bear?

Brace: Nobody can really choose to be a role model. It’s usually something that somebody’s just given because they have a younger person who looks up to them. I definitely like to see myself as a role model because I have three younger brothers who actually look up to me. So I’m already a role model and I have to keep my head on straight. That’s also what has helped me out in the long run.

You mentioned three younger brothers. Any future football players coming down the pike?

Brace: I've got two younger brothers that are leaving high school. One is in Detroit playing football and the other one is in Springfield. One of them is going to Wayne State and the other one is looking at prep schools right now.

Do they follow in your footsteps in terms of being big guys? Are they defensive linemen?

Brace: No. One of them is actually about my height but he’s real slim, he lives out in Detroit. My other one is a real short guy because he has a different mother, so he didn’t get that tall.

So you got the size from mom then?

Brace: Yeah. I think it’s just a combination of my mom and dad helping me out with the size and strength part.

Let me ask you—we were talking cartoons with Ziggy (Hood) who was named after a cartoon. You mentioned when we spoke earlier in this draft process that you like to do art and watch cartoons because you like the artistic part of it. These days, when you're trying to kill some time or trying to rest up from a workout, what cartoons are you checking out?

Brace: SpongeBob.

(Laughs) Is that the only one? To be honest, man, my wife likes SpongeBob and my daughter, who is two and a half, she loves SpongeBob too. So I’ve become tired of SpongeBob! They watch it over and over and over again, so I run out of the room if it’s on. They killed it for me already. Any other guys you are into?

Brace: Really, I say SpongeBob right now because the hotel I’m staying in just has Nickelodeon. Usually I watch a lot of different types of cartoons. Anything from old Rugrats to Batman cartoons.

That’s good stuff. Now I know my man down there in Miami, Bryan Spector who’s producing the Big O Show and a new host on All Access Football Radio, said he can get you to sing the SpongeBob SquarePants song. If you get drafted by the Dolphins are you going to do that?

Brace: (Laughs) Yeah, that’s a fact. I told him I’d do that.

We've got to figure something out then, where we could get you to do that. What could we put out there that would get you to come on our air and sing it?

Brace: That’s a good question. I’d have to think about that. (pause) I don’t know. I’ll let you come up with that and get back to me on that.

How about this—if you get drafted before the Dolphins pick at 24, you come on our show and sing SpongeBob with us? It's win-win.

Brace: I’ll do that. SpongeBob, you don’t have another request? You just want SpongeBob.

Well, I don’t know. What else could you do, give us your range.

Brace: I usually just do the SpongeBob one because they think it's funny to hear the that song. What’s a cartoon theme song you like?

You know anything from Bob the Builder? (Laughs) That’s one of my favorites. I watch that with my little nephew all the time. Okay, let’s get back to football. Tell us about your man Mark Herzlich, a linebacker I like a lot who is going back to school. What should we expect from him next season at BC?

Brace: I think you can come to expect big things from him this coming season. He has a tremendous work ethic. I see nothing but the sky as the limit for him. I’m also glad to see he decided to stay in school for his fourth year because a lot of kids don’t stay and earn their degree. So I think it’s a good sign of character, him coming back to finish out his last year of football for BC.

Also, I want to ask you—you met with a number of NFL people in these past couple of months. One of those meetings that really stood out was the one you had with Mean Joe Green. Can you describe how that went?

Brace: I just remember we saw Mean Joe while I was heading to the Steelers room at the Combine. I was just meeting everybody that was there that time in the room. I can’t remember what Mean Joe asked me, specifically. I just remember my initial reaction when I realized it was Mean Joe Green.

Alright, Ron. Before we let you get out of here we like to do something we call three-and-out. We are going to ask you three quick questions. Ready?

Brace: Yep.

First down: Favorite uniform in the NFL?

Brace: Favorite uniform in the NFL? I’d say the Falcons right now for some reason.

Second down: Ron, baseball season is a couple of weeks away. Who is your favorite baseball player of all time?

Brace: Since I’m not really that big of a baseball fan, I got two people I kind of like right now. Barry Bonds and Big Poppi (David Ortiz).

I like it when they call me Big Poppi. (Laughs)

Brace: (Laughs)

OK, third down: Which competition would you do better in—Dancing With the Stars or American Idol?

Brace: I think I would be good at Dancing With the Stars. I don’t have a chance on American Idol.

Photo Credit: College Press Box (Boston College)

Player Profile: Hakeem Nick North Carolina WR

Pros: Nicks has incredible hands and can catch any pass thrown his way—if the ball is within arms reach, it’s his. Not only does he make the catch, he immediately turns up field and looks to score. He is strong and can break several tackles in only a few steps. This former Tar Heels is one of the toughest receivers to bring down. He looks very smooth, both in routes and when running with the ball. With great vision and field awareness he has the ability to cut back and turn a short catch into a long gain. He might be the best all around receiver in a stacked class when it comes to hands, route running, blocking, and running after the catch. He is a physical player with great agility and awareness.

Cons: Hicks is not extremely fast and will struggle to gain separation against the extremely quick corners in the NFL. He doesn’t have the explosion that the other first round receiving prospects possess so he won’t consistently be a down the field threat, which could limit his big play potential. He could play harder at times and often looks to rely strictly on ability.

Scouts Take: Hicks was very productive at North Carolina and is the best of the three Tar Heel receivers entering the draft. He had 1,222 yards and 12 touchdowns last season, and saved the best performance of his career for the last game he played, against West Virginia in the Meineke Car Care Bowl. He made two unbelievable catches and finished the game with eight catches, 217 yards, and three touchdowns. After the game, Nicks flew up the draft boards and now looks to land in the mid-first or very early second round. With so many teams from 20 to 32 needing a solid possession receiver that can make plays, Nicks should play well and earn a starting role on a good team. He says he tries to play like the Cards' Anquan Boldin and it definitely shows with his great hands and ability to break tackles. He isn’t the homerun threat that Darius Heyward-Bey, Percy Harvin or Jeremy Maclin are, but he makes up for it by running great routes and playing with a tough, hard nosed mentality. He could be anywhere from the fourth to sixth receiver taken, but that doesn’t mean he can’t have the biggest impact of all as a rookie.

Photo Credit: College Press Box (UNC)

Q&A: Morgan Burnett, Safety, Georgia Tech

How was your first day of spring practice?

Burnett: It went pretty good. Everyone was pumped and excited to be back out there practicing.

What have you been doing since your bowl game to the start of spring?

Burnett: We're just looking back at the bowl game, it helps motivate us running into spring. We look at the spring as a new 2009 Georgia Tech football team so we forget about everything that happened last year.

How about off the field? What do you do to keep busy in the off-season besides football and classes?

Burnett: Pretty much hang out with Joshua Nesbitt and just rest up, really, and get ready for the spring and ready for working out and classes.

Do you follow any of the sports teams in Atlanta? Are you a big sports fan?

Burnett: I like sports, I like watching the NBA. I like to follow LeBron James to see what he’s doing every night.

So you prefer LeBron over the hometown Hawks then?

Burnett: Yeah, I’ll go with LeBron.

What do you think of the pre-game celebration the Cavs do with the pictures?

Burnett: Yeah I like that, I like to see them having fun out there and it's entertainment.

Are you going to try and incorporate something like that in the secondary or would Coach Johnson not be too happy about that?

Burnett: No not a whole lot. In the locker room we have two team clowns in Brad Jefferson and Joshua Nesbitt and they put on some good shows in the locker room. (Laughing in the background)

Give us an example, what’s something that had you rolling on the floor?

Burnett: I caught them before, doing some singing and dance routines in the locker room. (Laughing in the background)

Do they know they’re being funny or do they really think they have some talent?

Burnett: They can’t really sing, but you can’t really tell them that. They think they’re better than Beyonce.

Let's talk about your game a little bit. When coaches and teammates talk about you, they seem to talk about your instincts. Do you think that’s a strength of your game?

Burnett: Yeah, I think that’s a strength, just having a nose for the football. The coaches drill us to play hard every play and every down.

Is “instincts” something that comes easy to you, or is that more about hard work and film study?

Burnett: It comes from both, natural and film study. Just fly to the ball wherever the ball is...just fly to the ball.

Last season you went from 2.5 TFLs as a freshman to seven—is that something you were working on, or was that more a product of the new defensive scheme?

Burnett: It’s just sometimes the defensive scheme for that week, wherever the coach wants to put me, I just try my best to work hard at it and my main goal is to get better each year.

What’s something you are focusing on improving this spring?

Burnett: I’m focusing on just getting better all-around; my whole game. From tackling, coverage, playing with my eyes, and knowing my assignments.

Could you clarify what “playing with your eyes” means for those who don’t know?

Burnett: Just basically studying my "keys", watching my "keys" (assignments) and not letting my eyes roam around or get lost during the play.

So don’t get caught peaking, right?

Burnett: Yeah.

You have 10 career interceptions and two years of eligibility remaining. Alphonso Smith broke the ACC record with his 21st career interception last season. Is that a goal of yours?

Burnett: That’s a goal, but my main goal is to help the team out the best way I can and just play my game and let the rest just come along with just having a great season and being on a great team.

Let’s go back to last season…your last two games went from one end of the spectrum to the other. What was bigger, was it the high from beating Georgia or the low from losing to LSU?

Burnett: The bigger is losing to LSU because that’s the last impression that the nation has of Georgia Tech. So that’s what gives us motivation because that was our last game of the season and we lost the last game.

Let me ask you about a couple of your teammates. What’s tougher—bringing down the 228-pound Jonathan Dwyer or going up for a jump ball against the 6’3 Demaryius Thomas?

Burnett: Oh...they both are tough. Hopefully luck's on your side that day.

So in general you must be happy not going against those guys as well as that triple option offense.

Burnett: Yeah, it’s a good thing that they’re on our team. As a defense, the offense helps us out and makes us tougher going against the triple option, so they helped us out a whole lot.

You played quarterback in high school. Would you enjoy running this offense or were you more of a spread guy?

Burnett: When I was a quarterback I ran a little bit of option, but I was better out of the spread. I could just throw the ball down and run.

Let me ask you about a former teammate in Michael Johnson, a player who has been critiqued, and I believe you’ve defended him. What can tell us about Michael on and off the field?

Burnett: Michael Johnson is a great athlete on the field and a great person off the field. So he’s a good guy to be around and he’s a great leader on our team so he said he knows what to pick up on for the spring.

What about Derrick Morgan? What do you expect from him this season and do you think he’s ready to step up to the challenge?

Burnett: Yeah, he’s ready and we have a lot of great young defensive linemen coming in that are anxious and ready to play. Derrick Morgan is a great leader towards them so we’ll be alright.

Give us a name of somebody we should be looking out for emerging from that defensive line, somebody the fans out there maybe don’t know yet.

Burnett: You really don’t know yet, but T.J. Barnes (red-shirt freshman defensive tackle) has been doing very well out there.

Over the last seven games last season you faced some of the best receivers in the country—Aaron Kelly, Kevin Ogletree, Greg Carr, Hakeem Nicks, Brooks Foster, Mohammed Massaquoi and Demetrius Byrd, among others. Who was the toughest guy you faced?

Burnett: I would have to say Hakeem Nicks; he’s one of the best receivers.

What made him so tough from a safety’s perspective?

Burnett: He had very good hands, ran good routes, and he has a nose for the football and when the ball's in the air he feels like that’s his ball and he’s going to try his best to come down with it.

How about Matthew Stafford? How does his arm compare to other quarterbacks you’ve faced?

Burnett: Matthew Stafford is a great quarterback, very strong arm and it seemed like every throw he made was right on the money.

Not every pass was on the money, there was one that you snagged.

Burnett: (Laughs) Yeah, the interception.

You did get a pick six on Stafford…do you ever go on You-Tube to check that out?

Burnett: Yeah, I've seen it a couple times on YouTube.

Did people send that to you or did you go on your own?

Burnett: No, somebody sent it to me.

Time for three-and-out: Do you follow anybody’s Twitter?

Burnett: Tweeter what’s that?

Twitter.

Burnett: Oh...No.

Who was your favorite player when you were growing up as a kid?

Burnett: Football player?

Football or basketball, either one.

Burnett: Football player I would have to say Brett Favre.

Biggie or Tupac?

Burnett: Tupac.

Photo Credit: Georgia Tech Sports Information Office

Q&A: Tom O'Brien, HC, NC State

North Carolina State headman Tom O'Brien, who is entering his third season as the head coach of the Wolfpack, joined College Football Insiders Founder Daniel Mogollon in this Coaches Corner on CFI Radio.

With us today is headman Tom O'Brien of the North Carolina St. Wolfpack. How are you today?

O'Brien: I'm doing great Daniel. How are you?

I'm doing great. Spring is upon us and teams are starting to hit the field and put the pads on. But before we get to the college season, let's talk a little draft and some of the guys leaving the program. Lets start with running back Andre Brown, a player who has really impressed while going through this draft process with his size and speed combination. What’s his potential at the next level? Could he be a full time back?

O’Brien: I think he certainly could. His potential is unlimited. We’ve only been here two years and actually he missed the last six games of our first year with an injury. He’s certainly made tremendous strides this year. He can play whether it’s first, second or third down—he can be that back. He has size and he has speed to take that pounding at the next level. So I think he would be a great addition to someone’s team.

Let me ask you—why he hasn’t been able to breakout at the college level? Last season he had a career-high with 766 yards while a lot of the other backs that are compared to him had about 1,500 yards. Is it a matter of durability?

O’Brien: Like I said last year, he only played six games and then he came into a new system. One thing about our backs is we rotate backs. We had two kids, him and Jamelle Eugene. Both of them split time and if you look at the number of plays he played and take into account the yards and production he had it will probably be as good as in the country.

Fair enough, coach. How about tight end Anthony Hill who has dealt with injuries. He was out your entire first season as a head coach—how healthy was he this past season?

O’Brien: Well, he got hurt the first game of the year.

Right.

O’Brien: Then missed the next four or five, but once he came back he steadily made a lot progress. He got much better as the year went on for us. Certainly I think he carried that forward when he had the opportunity to go down and play in the Senior Bowl. I think for both kids the future is ahead of them and they're going to be good players, and good players for a long time.

How about a pair of your former players from Boston College. When you recruited defensive tackles B.J. Raji and Ron Brace did you envision them both being day one picks, possibly first rounders, with Raji possibly going as high as the top five?

O’Brien: I don’t think you envision them like that signing them out of high school. But certainly when he (Raji) got to campus and we saw the ability he had, we knew that if he worked extremely hard and did his due-diligence and got himself in shape and ready to play, that certainly he had the potential to do it. So it’s very gratifying for us to see. You know he spent four or five years at BC because he had to sit out a year. He worked extremely hard to get to that position. Ron Brace was a big kid and same thing coming out high school. He always had the quickness and is very light on his feet for a guy that came in at around 378 pounds. So he’s cut his weight down to get where he is and also worked extremely hard. Those are two pretty good prospects at the defensive tackle position.

I’m sure you will happy you won’t have to face them in the ACC? Is that right?

O’Brien: You're not kidding. (Laughs)

Another duo that I think you will be pretty happy not to face is that pair out of Wake Forest, Aaron Curry and Alfonso Smith. Were they as good as any two defenders that you faced?

O’Brien: They certainly were this year, and Alfonso caused us a lot of problems, even when I was with Boston College. He has a tremendous knack for reading plays and anticipating where the ball's going to be. Curry certainly got better. He’s a guy that got better by leaps and bounds each year. He’s played his way into certainly being a first day guy and he’s a great player also.

How about some of the wide receivers you've faced? You played against a lot of the top guys. Kenny McKinley, Taurus Johnson, Greg Carr, (Darius) Heyward-Bey, Hakeem Nicks and (Brooks) Foster at North Carolina, and then in the Bowl game Kenny Britt and Tiquan Underwood. Who is the toughest receiver you faced?

O’Brien: I think Heyward-Bey. We were very lucky to get him on a rainy day. He and Kenny Britt against us probably going into the game because they are big guys and I mean, they are big receivers and they can run. And they can out muscle you to the ball, let alone out run you and run by you. I think those are the two kids that stood out the most for me.

It’s kind of funny, coach, to me that supposedly the ACC was down this past season. It seems like there was a decent amount of talent coming out of the ACC wasn't there?

O’Brien: I think there was. I think as the year went on, you get that label from the first week of the year. But I think that people should wait until the end of the year to see how things shake out. I think we proved ourselves as the year went on.

Coach O’Brien has a record of 86-59 which included a impressive eight-game winning streak in bowl games while at Boston College. Coach, last year's team made a bowl game after you went 5-7 (in 2007). I think a lot of time the assumption is, “OK, they are going in the right direction”. But you just don’t show up on the field and get better. What do you do in the spring, right now, to make sure that you continue that progression come fall?

O’Brien: Well, I think we are getting better and certainly we improved as the year went on. Getting that bowl was a big thing in our second season and having a opportunity to go to a bowl. We have had our best strength and conditioning in the three years that we have been here. Kids have made big strides, not only numbers wise but certainly in playing explosive football. Those are things that we measure, and we start spring practice today so we have to get better football players. We lost some really good players, which we talked about, like Andre Brown and Anthony Hill, but now it’s time for some of these young guys recruited the last couple of years to step up and this is there time to grab a job and be players for us as we go forward.

I don't want to bring up bad memories, but how disappointing was that Bowl loss to Rutgers? It appeared that if your quarterback Russell Wilson didn't go down, you guys were in control of that game...

O’Brien: Well, injuries are part of the game. Certainly we had more than our fair share last year, but you know we'll have less than our fair share this coming season. It certainly wasn’t the ending we wanted, but losing our quarterback in the first half with a minute to in the game, we had the football with a chance to score a touchdown and win the game. So it’s the best we could of hoped for.

Lets shift to the 2009 Wolfpack…has quarterback Russell Wilson been cleared for spring duties yet?

O’Brien: Well he’ll be cleared this weekend cause we're in helmets. But he hasn’t been cleared for any full contact. Twelve weeks from the injury will be next Monday (Mar. 23) and I think the doctors are going to look at him through the two practices this weekend and if he feels comfortable, then we’ll get him back for full status on Monday.

Wilson is a two-sport standout and will also be getting on the baseball diamond. How much of spring practice will he miss?

O’Brien: Yeah, he’s going to miss some practices. He’s going to miss one day a week. He’s going to practice football twice a week then he’s going to miss one of our three practices a week to go play baseball.

Is there any concern from a coach's perspective? Some coaches don’t like their players to play another sport…

O’Brien: No. That was the agreement between Russell and the school before he came in. Last year he did football first, then played baseball. We're working in a little bit more baseball this year and we will address the issue each and every year to see what’s best and certainly with his injury, we're going to take care of him this spring and we're going to make sure we don’t do anything to get him hurt. In baseball, they promised him he’s going to start but if he’s going to sit on the bench then he can come back and practice some more football. But if he’s out there starting like they promised, then he will be the starting center fielder or third baseman. But if he can help out baseball team, I am not adverse to that.

Will you go and check out any baseball games this spring?

O’Brien: Yeah, I go to all sports on campus when I get the opportunity...mens, womens...I support everybody here at State.

Does any of his baseball training translate to his football game? Any benefits to his playing baseball?

O’Brien: I don’t know if it translates to football. But certainly his future may be in baseball someday so with that in mind we have to do what’s best for Russell and our football program. So we have our agreement worked out and I’m sure we will sit down and discuss his status next season.

How about Mike Glennon? He was a highly touted kid coming in.

O’Brien: Well I love competition, not only at the quarterback spot, but at any position. So, as I told the team yesterday, we don’t do a depth chart until we get ready to play South Carolina. We will have a organizational chart and if you're listed two or three on the chart, then your job everyday is to tell the guy ahead of you that you're going to take his job away from him. I expect Michael to compete for the quarterback job and he’s very talented individual. It will be a very interesting spring and fall camp.

So we won’t use the C word, “controversy”, but we can use the C word, “competition”, at the quarterback position this off season.

O’Brien: Absolutely. That way we have better quarterbacks this fall.

Makes sense to me for sure. Sometimes it can be a touchy situation—guys like that didn’t come to Raleigh to hold a clipboard. Are you worried about keeping them both happy, or do you say, “It’s my job to win games”?

O’Brien: Their job is prove to me who the starter is.

OK.

O’Brien: They make the decision for me and if they're not the quarterback they have no one to blame but themselves. That's the way I look at it and we'll go from there.

Your losing Andre Brown, Jamelle Eugene isn't healthy, while Tony Baker looks like he's 100 percent. Is this the time for him to show you what he can do?

O’Brien: Well, I think it’s a big spring for Tony Baker. He got hurt the first game two years ago, my first year here, and hasn’t played since. Certainly it’s been a long rehab, it’s been a severe injury. And had surgery (again) in September (of 2008) when he tried to come back and play. He hasn’t been in pads since August of 2007. So this is a big spring for him. If he’s back to 100 percent, which he has been, and has done the strength and conditioning area of it since we’ve come back to school on January 8th till now, then he'll be a contributor. But If he can get back to form—because he was our starter in the first game when we came here two years ago—so this is a big spring for him and out football team. So if he can get back to form he'll get slotted with Jamelle Eugene and if those guys can do the rotation, that would be great for us. Brandon Barnes, a red-shirt freshman, is a very talented individual and he’ll get more work this spring. James Washington signed with us and came in early, he's a kid out of Florida who has really impressed everyone with his athleticism and has his numbers—doing all the runs and jumps and lifts. Then we have Curtis Underwood who's been around the program for two years backing up and (has) played. It's a lot of work for those four kids and we'll shuffle the deck and once again—your C word competition comes out and we'll see who's best.

Thanks for giving us some time on this busy morning with spring about to begin and I know you also are going to be the grand marshal of the St. Patrick's Day parade (delayed because of rain).

O'Brien: I will do that tomorrow...double-duty tomorrow.

Photo Credit: Brian Utesch, Gene Galin & Peyton Williams (NC State)