Tuesday June 17, 2008

Ryan Update / ACC Quarterbacks

Ryan Update
We have so many new readers of the blog because if Ryan's updates so I think I need to give a quick update first each day.

Actually there is not much to report today. Ryan had a long day yesterday because he had his eyes open for about 12 straight hours. He had physical therapy and that always wears him out but he stayed awake longer Monday.

Ryan's burns and cuts look better each day. The medical staff does a great job of changing his dressings and they say he will have very few scars. So far he has also been able to fight off any infections.

We are hopeful to get good news back from Ryan's EEG and MRI this week. He had the EEG on Monday but we haven't heard the results.

We are very confident Ryan will have a full recovery but it will be a long road. I thank you for your prayers for him and ask you continue to pray for him.

ACC Quarterbacks
1. Clemson
Starter: Cullen Harper (282-433-2991-27-6) had an incredible junior season and enters this year as the top quarterback in the ACC. Harper has a chance to break more school records.
Depth: Willy Korn (8-11-100-1-0) is the back up and the staff feels very comfortable in his abilities. Korn has all of the tools plus he is a tremendous leader.
The Future: Kyle Parker had such an outstanding freshman season in baseball so his football future may be a little more cloudy.

2. Virginia Tech
Starter:Sean Glennon (143-235-1796-12-5) won the starting job but lost it only to regain it again last year. He is more experienced than Taylor and was more productive. Glennon played well in the spring and secured his role as the starter.
Depth:Tyrod Taylor (72-134-927-5-3) played very well at times as a true freshman but he showed his inexperience at times. He is one of the nation's biggest threats when he escapes the pocket. Look for improvement as he gets more experience.
The Future:Taylor is the future but Marcus Davis may provide some push later.

3. Duke
Starter:Thaddeus Lewis (199-360-2430-21-10) is one of the best quarterbacks in the country that no one knows about. He has gotten off to a fantastic start to his career. I think he is perhaps the most underrated player in the conference.
Depth:Zack Asack looked good as freshman but he was suspended and Lewis took advantage of the opportunity. I still think he is a top notch quarterback in this league.
The Future:Sean Renfree was the marquee name in Cutcliffe's first signing class. He had major offers from power schools.

4. Wake Forest
Starter:Riley Skinner (236-326-2204-12-13) may have had a better freshman season when he led the Deacs to the ACC title. Last year he made more mistakes. He is very experienced and I think he will rebound in 2008.
Depth:Brett Hodges (43-66-359-1-3) played more in 2006 than last year but he is a solid and dependable back up. Hodges can get you through a game.
The Future:Skyler Jones is an athletic quarterback that red-shirted last season but gets good reviews.

5. FSU
Starter:Drew Weatherford (181-318-2049-9-3) has not been able to get the Seminoles offense in gear. I think he holds onto the football too long and he makes poor decisions at times. It has been a few years since the Noles' QBs have struck fear in opponents.
Depth:Christian Ponder received a lot of snaps in the spring and he showed some signs of being ready to take over the offense.
The Future:E. J. Manuel might be the answer the Noles have been looking for. He is a terrific athlete that can hurt defenses with his arm and legs.

6. North Carolina
Starter:T.J. Yates (218-365-2655-14-18) played OK for a freshman last season. He will have to cut down on his mistakes but he grew up in the second half of the year. Look for a better 2008 campaign.
Depth:Cameron Sexton was beaten out by Yates and he should take another step back with Mike Paulus now in line.
The Future:Yates is just a sophomore but some believe Paulus will eventually take over as the starter. The 6-5, 215-pounder looks like an NFL signal caller.

7. Virginia
Starter:Peter Lalich (35-61-321-2-1) looked OK in his true freshman season. He is a totally different style quarterback than Jameel Sewell but there should be little drop off here.
Depth:Scott Deke is a senior with little experience but he decided to return to play the role of backup.
The Future:Riko Smalls was the only quarterback signed in this past class so the staff would like to red-shirt him this season.

8. N.C. State
Starter:Daniel Evans (194-339-2030-12-13) did not have a bad season last year but he does not have a huge upside either. He will always have to battle to keep his job but he can be serviceable.
Depth:Harrison Beck (85-160-903-2-9) had too many picks to be counted on last year.
The Future:Sean Glennon looked terrific in the Under Armor All-Star game and is by far the most talented of the group. I would n ot be surprised to see the true freshman win the job.

9. Miami
Starter:Robert Marve was a highly regarded prospect coming out of high school but he was injured in a car wreck and missed last season. Miami is waiting for a QB to improve their productivity.
Depth:Cannon Smith is a freshman that came in the spring and got reps.
The Future:Jacory Harris is another freshman that came in the spring. He could compete this season because the Canes are so unsettled here.

10. Georgia Tech
Starter:Josh Nesbitt (5-13-93-1-2) played sparingly last season but the new offense suits his skills. It will be fun to watch this offense as it will put Nesbitt in position to make plays.
Depth:Calvin Booker transferred in from Auburn and was the back up a year ago.
The Future:Because of the new offense, newcomers like Jaybo Shaw may have a chance to play early.

11. Maryland
Starter:Josh Portis transferred in from Florida but was not able to play again last season. Who knows how he will respond but he has to beat out Chris Turner and Jordan Steffy.
Depth:Turner (153-241-1958-7-7) played well at times last season but he is not the type of signal caller Friedgen is used to. Steffy was highly recruited but has not produced to date.
The Future:Tyler Bass is a big, strong pocket passer who will most likely red-shirt this season.

12. Boston College
Starter:Chris Crane (2-4-28-0-0) is a senior who has very little experience. It will be interesting to see how he will progress under offensive coordinator, Steve Logan. You can't help but to believe this will be a tough year as he tries to take over for Matt Ryan.
Depth:Dominique Davis can run a little different style offense and don't be surprised to see him early.
The Future:Davis is a red-shirt freshman but the Eagles also signed JUCO Codi Boek to help right away.

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