Tuesday July 17, 2007

ACC Tight End Rankings

ACC Tight End Rankings
1. Maryland
The Starter-Joey Haynos is a 6-8, 260-pound monster. When he breaks the huddle you don’t have to try to find this big target. Last year he had 37 receptions for 369 yards and three touchdowns.
The Depth-Dan Gronkowski is a co-starter and another huge body. This 6-6, 265-pounder excels more in the running game and is not the receiving threat that Haynos has become.
The Future-Devonte Campbell is one of the stars of the Terps’ recruiting class.

2. Virginia
The Starter-Tom Santi is a future NFL tight end that can stretch the field in the passing game. He had 29 receptions for 253 yards last season. The Cavs play four tight ends each week but Santi is the best of the bunch.
The Depth-Jonathan Stupar is one of the five or six best tight ends in the league. He is a threat on third down. John Phillips is another quality tight end that should see reps in this offense.
The Future-Joe Torchia is a red-shirt freshman that the staff sees breaking into the rotation.

3. NC State
The Starter-Anthony Hill is a highly thought of tight end but he suffered from a case of the drops in 2006. State looked to Hill often and he did have 45 catches for 478 yards a year ago but O’Brien is looking for more consistency. Hill has the biggest upside of any tight end in the league.
The Depth-Marcus Stone was a failure at quarterback so he has moved to tight end.
The Future-George Bryan was one of the best looking prospects we saw at last year’s Shrine Bowl. He looks like an offensive lineman but runs like a tight end.

4. Miami
The Starter-DajLeon Farr is replacing one of the nation’s top tight ends in Greg Olsen. Farr was a highly recruited kid but I am not sure what his new role will be considering the new staff in Miami.
The Depth-Chris Zellner is a terrific blocker. He is a solid tight end that is one of the most dependable Canes.
The Future-Derrick Epps played as a true freshman and should see more reps this season. Some feel he will be the next in line of the Canes great tradition at tight end.

5. Virginia Tech
The Starter- Sam Wheeler played as a true freshman last season and made a good impression on the Hokie staff. His 13 receptions for 199 yards and two touchdowns should increase this season.
The Depth- Greg Boone was another freshman that enjoyed a good season. He is a former quarterback that some feel will have a chance to beat out Wheeler as the season goes on.
The Future-Andre Smith is a red-shirt freshman that should be in the mix. Tech has traditionally played several tight ends and Smith looks break into the lineup.

6. Florida State
The Starter-Charlie Graham replaces Brandon Warren who was one of the best tight ends in America last season as a freshman. Warren has left FSU and Graham lacks his talent but is a solid blocker.
The Depth-D.J. Norris is a former defensive end that has moved to the other side of the ball. Norris was not athletic enough to rush the passer but he should be better suited for tight end.
The Future-Jonathan Hannah was one of the highest rated tight ends in the country coming out of high school but for whatever reason it never worked for him at South Carolina.

7. Wake Forest
The Starter-Zac Selmon is Wake Forest in that he is solid and consistent but does nothing spectacular. He is part of perhaps the most experienced group of tight ends in the ACC.
The Depth-John Tereshinksi is an athletic tight end that actually stretches the field more than Selmon.
The Future-Ted Randolph and Cameron Ford are two very good freshmen. I saw Ford often in high school and think he will be a terrific pass receiving tight end.

8. Boston College
The Starter-Ryan Thompson is a very good tight end but I am not sure how he will be used in the new offense. He is the best of the blockers in this group at BC.
The Depth-Ryan Purvis had 29 receptions for 381 yards and two scores a year ago. Jon Loyte transferred from Vanderbilt and brings depth to the position.
The Future-Lars Anderson and Jordan McMichael are two freshmen that should red-shirt this season.

9. Clemson-See Monday’s blog for in-depth information on Clemson tight ends.

10. North Carolina
The Starter-Richard Quinn was not as highly rated as Jacobs coming out of high school but he is more physically ready to play than the freshman.
The Depth-Vince Jacobs needed his red-shirt season last year in order to get stronger but his upside is the highest of any Tar Heel.
The Future-North Carolina has an early commitment from Randy White from Virginia for the class of 2008.

11. Georgia Tech
The Starter-Colin Peek had a very good spring so his expectations have risen. He is a big body that showcased versatility according to observers in Atlanta.
The Depth-Austin Barrack red-shirted as a freshman and is not as big as Peek but he will have a chance to compete for playing time behind Peek.
The Future-Jeff Lentz also red-shirted a year ago but he has a longer way to go than others ahead of him.

12. Duke
The Starter-Nick Stephenow is a returning starter and a solid performer for the Devils but he is not a strength compared to others on offense.
The Depth-Norman Gee actually started a couple of games a year ago and he should battle Huffman for the starter’s position after Stephenow graduates.
The Future-Brett Huffman is a big tight end body that red-shirted a year ago.

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