ESPN.com - FSU motivated by last year's fall from the top

ESPN.com: College Football

Monday, April 29, 2002
Updated: May 31, 12:10 PM ET
FSU motivated by last year's fall from the top

By Brad Edwards
Special to ESPN.com

Last year, Maryland shocked most of the country by ending Florida State's nine-year reign over the Atlantic Coast Conference. Do Ralph Friedgen's Terps have what it takes to repeat, or will 2001 prove to be just a bump in the road for the Seminole dynasty?

Clemson Tigers

2001 overall record: 7-5
Conference record: 4-4

Returning starters
Offense: 4
Defense: 8
Specialists: 2

2001 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Woodrow Dantzler (1,061 yds)
Passing: Woodrow Dantzler (2,578 yds)
Receiving: Derrick Hamilton* (684 yds)
Tackles: Chad Carson (137)
Sacks: Bryant McNeal* (8)
Interceptions: Charles Hafley (4)


	18 Nov 2000: Head Coach Tommy Bowden of the Clemson Tigers discusses the play during the game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at the Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina. The Tigers defeated the Gamecocks 16-14.

What's new
For the first time since Tommy Bowden became head coach at Clemson, he does not have Woodrow Dantzler available at quarterback. Dantzler's versatility had shaped the Tigers' offense in recent years, but Bowden should change things a little bit with Willie Simmons behind center. Simmons is a good runner, but don't expect him to approach 1,000 yards on the ground. This offense should more closely resemble the one run by Shaun King in Bowden's years at Tulane.

Battling it out
Four-year starting tailback Travis Zachery has departed, and there is a lot of competition to take his place. Three proven performers are in the mix. Bernard Rambert showed his skills in Humanitarian Bowl (101 rushing yards, 77 receiving yards), while Chad Jasmin had 83 yards rushing in the bowl and followed it up with three TDs in the spring game. The third back is Keith Kelly, who averaged 5.0 per carry as a true freshman before redshirting last year.

Eye catcher: LB Leroy Hill
Hill played well in a reserve outside linebacker role as a true freshman, totaling 31 tackles between defense and special teams. He showed great speed and instincts in spring drills, highlighted by a 12-tackle performance in the spring game. Hill will compete with Eric Sampson for the starting job this fall.

Budding star: WR Derrick Hamilton
Hamilton is a big receiver (6-foot-4, 200 pounds) who can hurt an opponent in many ways. He uses his size across the middle but also has the speed to make long gains -- both in the passing game and as a kick returner. He led the team with 53 catches last year and almost led the nation in kickoff returns, ranking third at 32 yards per attempt. Hamilton's name should become better known this season now that less attention is on the QB position.

Duke Blue Devils

2001 overall record: 0-11
Conference record: 0-8

Returning starters
Offense: 6
Defense: 7
Specialists: 2

2001 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Chris Douglas* (841 yds)
Passing: D. Bryant* (2,454 yds)
Receiving: Ben Erdeljac (684 yds)
Tackles: Ryan Fowler* (127)
Sacks: Ryan Fowler* (3)
Interceptions: 7 players with 1 each

What's new
There's a bit of a change on the defensive side of the ball with new coordinator Ted Roof coming in from Georgia Tech. Some players have been moved to new positions in an effort to get the best 11 on the field, and it seemed to make a difference in spring drills. Roof uses the same 4-3 base alignment but should give offenses a few more looks than Duke has in recent years.

Battling it out
At strong safety, the incumbent is Anthony Roberts, but he is receiving a strong challenge from sophomore Alex Green. Green recorded 36 tackles as a true freshman last year, seeing action at both safety spots. That experience translated into a strong showing in spring practice, which helped Green emerge at the top of the depth chart entering the summer.

Eye catcher: DE Micah Harris
Harris made 31 tackles last year as a true freshman outside linebacker but was one of the players asked to make a position change this spring. He performed well in his new spot and showed good instincts as a pass rusher (had one sack in the spring game). He is a leading candidate to assume the vacated starting spot at end and helped his cause by adding a little bit of weight over the summer.

Budding star: WR Khary Sharp
Only a sophomore, Sharp is one of the fastest players on the team and provides a valuable deep threat for the offense. In his freshman season, he had only two receptions over his first four games but closed strong with 21 catches over the final seven -- including five in the season finale versus Clemson that included his first two TD grabs. Spring practice indicated that Sharp is continuing to improve, and he should be a major factor in 2002.

Florida State Seminoles

2001 overall record: 8-4
Conference record: 6-2

Returning starters
Offense: 7
Defense: 8
Specialists: 2

2001 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Greg Jones* (713 yds)
Passing: Chris Rix* (2,734 yds)
Receiving: Javon Walker (944 yds)
Tackles: Bradley Jennings (121)
Sacks: Alonzo Jackson* (5)
Interceptions: Michael Boulware* and Chris Hope (3 each)

What's new
For the first time since FSU began playing ACC football in 1992, the Seminoles are not entering the season as defending champions of the conference. Needless to say, that fact serves as sufficient motivation for this year's squad. Another change is that, so far, the 'Noles are healthy and have avoided the injury bug that decimated last season's roster. At full strength, this team will be expected to contend for another national title.

Battling it out
Technically, six starters return on the offensive line, which means one might be forced to enter the season as a reserve. Todd Williams started the first 10 games at strong side tackle last season, but he was moved to the other end to replace injured Brett Williams for the final two regular-season games. Ray Willis assumed that starting spot on the strong side and held on to it after Brett Williams returned to his position for the Gator Bowl. Willis is still listed as the starter, but the coaches say Todd Williams had a great spring.

Eye catcher: FS Kyler Hall
Hall played on special teams last year as a true freshman and earned a reputation as a big hitter. He finished the season with nine tackles, one sack, a blocked punt and a TD scored off a blocked punt recovery. He made six tackles in the FSU spring game and is now listed as the starter at the free safety spot vacated by Chris Hope.

Budding star: LB Michael Boulware
As a sophomore, Boulware (brother of former FSU star and current Baltimore Raven Peter) started at strong side linebacker and recorded 81 tackles (4th on team), six tackles for loss, three sacks and two fumble recoveries (including a 73-yd TD vs. Miami). With the departure of seniors Bradley Jennings, Abdual Howard and Chris Hope, expect Boulware to become the most active and visible player on the defense. He led the team with eight tackles in the spring game.

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

2001 overall record: 8-5
Conference record: 4-4

Returning starters
Offense: 5
Defense: 9
Specialists: 2

2001 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Joe Burns (1,165 yds)
Passing: George Godsey (3,085 yds)
Receiving: Kelly Campbell (708 yds)
Tackles: Keyaron Fox* (96)
Sacks: Greg Gathers* (10)
Interceptions: Marvious Hester* and Jeremy Muyres* (3 each)

What's new
After an interesting month of December, Chan Gailey was named the new head coach at Georgia Tech and brought seven new assistants. Gailey, despite an offensive coaching background, retained Bill O'Brien as offensive coordinator, so expect to see some similarities in scheme despite the loss of the rushing, passing and receiving leaders from last season.

Battling it out
The headliner is at QB between A.J. Suggs and Damarius Bilbo. Both players sat out last season -- Suggs as a transfer from Tennessee, where he played in seven games with 5 TD passes, and Bilbo as a first-year redshirt. Last year's backup, Andy Hall, decided to transfer during spring practice, which left this as a two-man competition. The coaches see almost no separation between them after spring drills and expect the decision to be a tough one in the fall. Gailey has said he would be open to playing both quarterbacks.

Eye catcher: RB Tony Hollings
Hollings played safety in his first two seasons at Tech but was moved to tailback this spring as part of an attempt to find some bodies to help replace Joe Burns. He received considerable action in spring workouts because of injuries to other running backs and performed well enough to give himself a good shot at the starting job. Hollings led the team in the spring game with 16 carries for 72 yards.

Budding star: LB Daryl Smith
Smith missed three-and-a-half games last year with an elbow injury but still had 59 tackles (6th on team), seven tackles for loss and three sacks. He showed flashes of dominance as a true freshman (leading the team with 96 tackles) and performed at that level again this spring with a clean bill of health. Smith and Greg Gathers will be big playmakers on a defense that returns nine starters.

Maryland Terrapins

2001 overall record: 10-2
Conference record: 7-1

Returning starters
Offense: 8
Defense: 5
Specialists: 2

2001 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Bruce Perry* (1,242 yds)
Passing: Shaun Hill (2,380 yds)
Receiving: Guilian Gary (727 yds)
Tackles: E.J. Henderson* (150)
Sacks: E.J. Henderson* (6)
Interceptions: Tony Jackson (6)


	Ralph Friedgen is called the Fridge, and his dad (who played with Vince Lombardi) was known as the Icebox.

What's new
After having not placed in the conference's top three in 15 straight years, the Terrapins shocked the country by winning the ACC title last season. Don't expect them to sneak up on anyone in 2002. Maryland isn't used to being circled as a big game on opponents' schedules, so they'll have to adjust to that new role this fall.

Battling it out
The most important competition was for the starting quarterback job, and the race was close between sophomores Chris Kelley and Scott McBrien. Kelley had a slight lead before tearing his ACL in the spring game -- the third knee injury he has suffered since finishing high school. McBrien, a transfer from West Virginia, will now likely be the starter for the Terps. He does have some experience at the college level, playing in 10 games and starting once for the Mountaineers as a freshman.

Eye catcher: WR Latrez Harrison
The rising junior has played in 10 games at quarterback for Maryland but was moved to receiver last December during Orange Bowl preparation. His understanding of the offense certainly eased the transition and he has made great strides in the short amount of time at his new position. Harrison (6-3, 217) has great size and is one of the best athletes on the team. He looked good in spring scrimmages and should be a key element in the passing game this fall.

Budding star: DB Madieu Williams
Williams transferred from Towson and entered Maryland as a walk-on in January of 2001. By the end of spring practice, he had earned a scholarship. He had to sit out last season under transfer rules but drew plenty of attention on the scout team. Friedgen compares Williams (6-1) to former Maryland and current Steelers DB Chad Scott. He is slated at free safety but can play corner, as well.

North Carolina Tar Heels
2001 overall record: 8-5
Conference record: 5-3

Returning starters
Offense: 7
Defense: 3
Specialists: 1

2001 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Andre Williams* (520 yds)
Passing: Darian Durant* (1,843 yds)
Receiving: Sam Aiken* (789 yds)
Tackles: David Thornton (131)
Sacks: Julius Peppers (9.5)
Interceptions: Julius Peppers (3)

What's new
Last year, it was a new coaching staff. This year, UNC will have a new defense. Only three starters return from the unit that allowed the fewest yards in the ACC and had five players drafted by the NFL. While all of these new faces learn to play together, the Tar Heel offense may need to carry the team through the early part of the season.

Battling it out
Because all three starting linebackers will be new, the spot in the middle will be extremely important to the success of the defense. Senior walk-on Sean Williams, who has played primarily on special teams in his career, entered the spring as the leader to replace David Thornton. Williams received quite a challenge from redshirt freshman Doug Justice, however, and the competition looks like a toss-up entering the fall.

Eye catcher: WR Jarwarski Pollock
The 5-8, 166-pound sophomore was ineligible to play as a partial qualifier last year but regularly caught the eyes of the coaching staff in practice. He emerged as one of the most exciting players on the team during spring drills and finished with six catches for 100 yards in the spring game, including a 42-yard TD. He should see action in the rotation at receiver and could have an immediate impact as a punt returner.

Budding star: FS Dexter Reid
Reid started every game last season but hasn't yet received the attention or accolades that have gone to several of his teammates. That could change this year. He is a hard hitter with good hands who had 99 tackles and two interceptions in 2001. If nothing else, an inexperienced front seven may provide him with more opportunities to make plays at safety.

N.C. State Wolfpack

2001 overall record: 7-5
Conference record: 4-4

Returning starters
Offense: 6
Defense: 6
Specialists: 2

2001 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Ray Robinson (733 yds)
Passing: Philip Rivers* (2,586 yds)
Receiving: Bryan Peterson* (657 yds)
Tackles: Levar Fisher (147)
Sacks: Terrance Chapman* (7)
Interceptions: Brian Williams (3)

What's new
Defensive coordinator Buddy Green left for the same job at Navy, and defensive line coach Cary Godette is not back either. The Wolfpack are currently one coach short on the defensive side and still without a coordinator. But head coach Chuck Amato's background is as a defensive coach, so he will likely become more involved in the organization of the defense this season. It is uncertain whether the title of coordinator will be assigned.

Battling it out
The hot spot is defensive end, where four seniors are competing for the two starting positions. Shawn Price and Terrance Chapman seem to make the most big plays, but George Anderson shared the team lead with both of them last season in tackles for loss. Drew Wimsatt is the fourth senior in the mix, and he was also a presence in opposing backfields a year ago. All should play, but Amato is looking for consistency to determine his starters.

Eye catcher: SS Andre Maddox
Maddox played in 10 games as a freshman last year -- mostly on special teams -- and recorded 13 tackles. He showed great progress, however, and played 30 snaps in the bowl game after seeing just 80 in all of the regular season. His speed and attitude both proved to be assets at the rover position in the spring, and he is now challenging senior Julius Patterson for his starting job.

Budding star: MLB Dantonio Burnette
After playing in the shadow of Levar Fisher for the last few years, Burnette figures to finally get enough attention to match his level of production. His 114 tackles last season were second on the team, and he has recorded more than 100 tackles in each of his first three years. He is a hard hitter at only 5-10 and is nicknamed "Thunda Dan" by his teammates. Burnette should finish his career as one of the top-three tacklers in school history.

Virginia Cavaliers

2001 overall record: 5-7
Conference record: 3-5

Returning starters
Offense: 7
Defense: 6
Specialists: 0

2001 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Alvin Pearman* (371 yds)
Passing: Matt Schaub* (1,524 yds)
Receiving: Billy McMullen* (1,060 yds)
Tackles: Angelo Crowell* (144)
Sacks: Darryl Sanders (5)
Interceptions: Shernard Newby* (5)

What's new
For the first time in school history, the Cavaliers will play a 13-game regular season. They open with Colorado State in the Jim Thorpe Classic on Aug. 22, which is also the earliest date by which they have ever opened a schedule. Nine of the 13 games will be played against teams that were in a bowl last year, and their first three opponents (CSU, Florida State and South Carolina) all won a bowl game.

Battling it out
Most starting spots seem to be set coming out of spring drills, so the main competition should be for key reserve spots. More than half of the incoming signing class is expected to challenge upperclassmen for playing time this fall, and there should be a number of new faces on the field by September.

Eye catcher: DE Chris Canty
The sophomore has great size (6-7, 270) and has shown the ability to make big plays. He had 23 tackles as a reserve last season. Canty is a formidable pass rusher and was very active in spring drills before breaking his leg about halfway through the sessions. He is expected to make a complete recovery, however, and is projected as a starter for this fall.

Budding star: OL Kevin Bailey
Head coach Al Groh says Bailey is the best left tackle and the best center on the team. The coaches are still undecided as to which spot he will play, though, and that will likely depend on the development of other linemen. Bailey started 11 games last year as a sophomore (eight at tackle and three at center) and was a key contributor as a freshman. He should be one of the top linemen in the ACC in 2002.

Wake Forest Demon Deacons
2001 overall record: 6-5
Conference record: 3-5

Returning starters
Offense: 8
Defense: 8
Specialists: 1

2001 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Tarence Williams* (1,018 yds)
Passing: James MacPherson* (1,555 yds)
Receiving: Jason Anderson* (472 yds)
Tackles: Marquis Hopkins (125 )
Sacks: Calvin Pace* (10)
Interceptions: Kellen Brantley* and Marcus McGruder* (3 each)

What's new
In a word: confidence. Last year's Deacs had gone 2-9 the previous season and were just getting to know a new head coach. Now, coming off a successful 6-5 campaign, 16 starters are back along with the entire coaching staff. Road wins at East Carolina, Virginia and North Carolina in 2001 were a springboard that has this team talking about a bowl appearance in 2002.

Battling it out
This spring, Anthony Young was moved to receiver from quarterback, where he had started 10 games over the past two years. He quickly regained familiarity with the position he played in high school and established himself as a contender to start at the second wideout spot, which is currently held by Fabian Davis. Davis had 24 catches with two touchdowns last season.

Eye catcher: LB Jamie Scott
At this time last year, Scott was a running back. But when new coach Jim Grobe suggested he could see more playing time at linebacker, Scott took him up on the offer. He made 31 tackles between his time on defense and special teams last season, and has since gotten bigger and better. He currently projects to start on the inside, where the team lost leading tackler Marquis Hopkins to graduation.

Budding star: WR Jason Anderson
Anderson was the best receiver on the team as a freshman and made numerous big plays in crucial moments to help spur the upsets over ECU, Virginia and UNC. He has size (6-3) and speed and should become one of the better receivers in a conference that has plenty of talent at that position.

Brad Edwards researches college football for ESPN and is a contributor to ESPN.com throughout the year.