Wednesday July 12, 2006

ACC Linebacker Rankings

1. Florida State
No one has signed better linebacker talent in recent years than FSU. But for some reason the linebackers have not turned out to be the dominant group, as I would have thought. This group must replace A.J. Nicholson and Ernie Sims. However, I think Lawrence Timmons, Derek Nicholson, Jae Thaxton and Geno Hayes may be more talented. Buster Davis is a good player but I am not sure he is the great player he is cracked up to be.

2. Clemson
For complete analysis of the Clemson linebackers see Tuesday’s blog.

3. Virginia Tech
Perhaps the best linebacker duo in the country is Vince Hall and Xavier Adibi. This pair is very difficult to prepare for and the key to Bid Foster’s defense. The rest of this group is solid but Hall and Adibi’s health is very important for this group.

4. Miami
The Canes are strong on the outside but lack experience at middle linebacker. The outside linebackers include NFL talent like Willie Williams, Tavares Gooden and Jon Beason. Replacing the talented Rocky McIntosh will not be a major factor. Williams has not been working out with the team this summer and may not be back with the team this year. He has asked for his release from the school. In the middle, I expect Glenn Cook and Darryl Sharpton to battle. This will be the key to see if the Canes can regain their usual form with this unit.

5. Boston College
The Eagles lose two starters here but return the team’s best player in two-way star Brian Toal. Toal is one of the nation’s toughest players but he is recovering from a neck injury. Jolonn Dunbar takes over at middle linebacker and should be solid.

6. Wake Forest
Last season Jonathan Abbate killed the Tigers in the first half and was the difference in the game. He is a hard-nosed middle linebacker who tackles very well. Aaron Curry returns and should have another good season. This is a deep and talented group that should be considered the strength of the defense for the Deacs.

7. Georgia Tech
KaMichael Hall and Phillip Wheeler return as starters at linebacker for Tech. They must replace Gerris Wilkerson but there is talent here. Wheeler will move to middle linebacker and Hall is one of the top outside backers in the ACC.

8. North Carolina
Larry Edwards is the superstar of this unit. He is another of the top outside linebackers in the league. True freshman Jarrell Miller has that kind of talent and may be the best freshman backer in the ACC. The rest of this group is unproven. Durell Mapp, Chase Rice, Garrett White, Victor Worsley and Martel Thatch will battle for playing time.

9. Maryland
D’Qwell Jackson is gone and Wesley Jefferson will replace him. Jefferson is a very good player but lacks Jackson’s experience. David Holloway and Erin Jackson should be the other starters for a decent group.

10. Virginia
Kai Parham and Ahmad Brooks are gone and so is their experience. Clint Sintum was very good as a freshman last season. Antonjo Appleby played as a true freshman. In fact the Cavs may start three sophomores this season.

11. NC State
The Wolfpack lose Stephen Tullock and Oliver Hoyte so only LeRue Rumph returns as a starter. Pat Lowery will be the key, as he will take over at middle linebacker. Reggie Davis is a former running back that has moved to the defense. This group is a big question mark heading into the 2006 campaign.

12. Duke
Mike Brown Tuailiili led all freshmen in tackles last season. He is a player that makes plays between the tackles. The rest of the linebacker corps is untested and unproven. Jeremy Edwards is perhaps the most athletic of the outside linebackers.

In summary, I think at least seven schools in the ACC could consider their linebackers to be a strength this season. There are a lot of very talented players at this position in the conference.

Jarrett Foster
It has been a tough few days in Clemson. This community is still in shock. For those that are not around I wanted to give you a sense of the atmosphere here. People are in shock. Jarrett knew so many people and touched so many people. I have been flooded with e-mails from his friends. I will publish a couple of those e-mails on Friday. My only hope is that somehow his family and friends will go through the grieving process completely and one day find peace.

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