ACC Conference
2009 Boston College Eagles
2008 Record: (9-5, 5-3)
Coach: Frank Spaziani, 1st year (1-0)
Off. Coordinator: Gary Tranquill (1st year)
Def. Coordinator: Bill McGovern (1st year)
Returning Starters: 15 (6 offense, 7 defense, punter, kicker)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: No
Offense: What a mess. Head coach Jeff Jagodzinksi left over the winter following a squabble with AD Gene DeFillipo. After two years of taking the Eagles to two straight Atlantic Division titles, he was dismissed and now is the offensive coordinator with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That meant defensive coordinator Frank Spaziani would get the job, but he has to replace his quarterback, Dominique Davis, who was suspended academically and kicked out of school. With Chris Crane graduating, that means that junior college transfer Codi Boek, who moved to fullback last year before returning to quarterback in the spring and redshirt freshman Justin Tuggle will battle it out. At least the ofensive line is mainly intact with four starters returning, led by left tackle Anthony Castonzo. Sophomore RB Montel Harris returns after rushing for 900 yards with five TDs. They’ll definitely have to rely on the ground attack this year.
Defense: The Eagles have to replace the two best defensive tackles in football last year in B.J. Raji and Ron Brace, who move on to the NFL. The leader of the defense is senior linebacker Mark Herzlich, who led the team with 110 tackles and had six interceptions with three sacks. However, in May it was discovered that Herzlich had Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare form of cancer found in bone or soft tissue. His status is unknown for the season and when you consider all the losses due to graduation, coaches changing roles and other issues, this is the biggest loss of them all if he isn’t able to play.
Outlook: What a tough situation for the 61-year old Spaziani. He hired two new coordinators in Bill McGovern (defense) and veteran Gary Tranquill (offense). They’ll need to control the clock and possess the football, because they don’t want to make it an aerial game this year.
2009 Clemson Tigers
2008 Record: (7-6, 4-4)
Coach: Debo Swinney, 2nd year (4-3)
Off. Coordinator: Billy Napier (2nd year)
Def. Coordinator: Ron West (1st year), Kevin Steele (1st year)
Returning Starters: 15 (7 offense, 8 defense)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: No
Offense: Coach Dabo Swinnery enters his first full season with several questions. It starts at quarterback as they have to replace Cullen Harper is gone so Willy Korn, who threw for 216 yards last season, Kyle Parker and Michael Wade will take over. At running back, C.J. Spiller, who shared time with James Davis last year, but still managed to rush for 629 yards, takes over full-time. The offensive line returns five regulars, but they 103rd in the nation in pass protection. They should improve this season. Senior All-ACC center Thomas Austin is expected to move to guard, while sophomore Mason Cloy, a Freshman All-American last season, is expected to take over at center. At receiver, they have to replace Aaron Kelly, the ACC’s all-time leader (232) in receptions. Jacoby Ford, who caught 55 passes last season for 710 yards and four scores, becomes the primary target. With Harper gone, expect the Tigers to lean on the run this season.
Defense: The Tigers have to get more pressure on the quarterback. The barely tallied one sack per game last season and no individual recorded more than two on the entire season. Eight starters return on defense, including cornerbacks Chris Chancellor and Crezdon Butler. LB Kavil Conner had a superb junior season and led the team with 125 total tackles. The linebacking corps should be the strength of the defense. The key will be the performance of the defensive line and whether they can figure out a way to get to the quarterback.
Outlook: Head coach Tommy Bowden was let go last season because the players couldn’t get the job done. Last season, Harper was the main culprit. This season, they can improve that position if Korn can live up to his reputation after being named Player of the Year in South Carolina as a junior and senior.
2009 Duke Blue Devils
2008 Record: (4-8, 1-7)
Coach: David Cutcliffe (4-8 at Duke, 48-37 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Matt Luke (2nd year)
Def. Coordinator: Kurt Roper (2nd year)
Returning Starters: 12 (5 offense, 5 defense, kicker, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Thad Lewis)
Offense: Duke made great strides in David Cutcliffe’s first season and would like to take another step. That will be tough with just five starters returning on offense. Fortunately they have Thad Lewis returning at quarterback. Lewis threw for 2,171 yards last year and earned second-team All-ACC honors. Big-play receiver Eron Riley has graduated and they’ll need sophomore Johnny Williams (30 catches) and sophomore Donovan Varner (21 catches) to step up. The offensive line returns just two starters and that’s the entire key to an offense that couldn’t run the ball with any consistency last year. Senior Re’quan Boyette’s return from a knee injury should give a lift to a medicore running game. Boyette had to redshirt last season after suffering a knee injury in preseason practice.
Defense: The Blue Devils really improved their defense last season, allowing 23.4ppg. They held three opponents under 10 points for the first time since 1976. This season, they have to replace six starters on defense, including two on the line. Fortunately, big senior Vince Oghobaase (6-6, 300) is back to clog the middle. He also managed six sacks last season, but the rest of the defensive returners recorded just 8.5. Senior LB Vincent Rey, who recordded 109 tackles last season, leads the linebacking corps. He’ll put up even bigger numbers with LB Michael Tauiliili gone. The rest of the linebackers and secondary could be an issue. The return two of the four defensive backs.
Outlook: The lack of proven playmakers on both sides of the ball will prevent them from making a bowl game this year. But Duke is on the right track with Cutcliffe at the helm. Lewis will make them competitive and they have some good players on defense. Just not enough to compete with the rest of the Coastal Division.
2009 Florida State Seminoles
2008 Record: (9-4, 5-3)
Coach: Bobby Bowden, 34th year (309-91-4 at Florida St; 382-123-4 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Jimbo Fisher (3rd year)
Def. Coordinator: Mickey Andrews (26th year)
Returning Starters: 13, (8 offense, 4 defense)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Christian Ponder)
Offense: Christian Ponder returns at quarterback, but he’ll be pushed by redshirt freshman E.J. Manuel, who missed most of the spring with a broken finger. Ponder struggled with 13 picks, but also became the first FSU qb to rush for more than 400 yards since Charlie Ward back in 1992. They also return all five starters on the offensive line. Their running game should improve. The running game has to improve as Jermaine Thomas returns as the leading rusher (482 yards). The top returning receiver, Taiwan Easterling, missed all of the spring with an injury. They always seem to find athletes here, but due to suspensions and off-the-field issues, they’ve lacked consistency.
Defense: The top player returning on defense is cornerback Patrick Robinson, who was named MVP of the spring drills. They return two on the defensive line, but have to replace two of the linebackers, including their top two tacklers of last season. They also must find new kickers and punters.
Outlook: Bobby Bowden returns for his 34th year amid more controversy, but he should have another strong team in a weak ACC Atlantic Division. They face teams like BYU, South Florida and Boston College early on, so they will be tested early. The key will be the performance of Ponder, who showed flashes of brilliance last year.
2009 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
2008 Record: (9-4, 5-3)
Coach: Paul Johnson 2nd year (9-4 at Georgia Tech, 116-43 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Paul Johnson (2nd year)
Def. Coordinator: Dave Wommack (2nd year)
Returning Starters: 19 (9 offense, 8 defense, punter, kicker)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Josh Nesbitt)
Offense: Paul Johnson worked his magic in his first year with the triple option. Now he’s building a foundation, but would like to improve a passing offense that ranked 116th out of 119 teams in passing. Junior QB Josh Nesbitt (6-1, 215) returns after running 693 yards, but completed just 43.9 percent of his passes with only two TDs. Junior RB Jonathan Dwyer (6-0, 228) is also back after an outstading season, after running for 1,395 yards with 12 TDs. Sophomore Roddy Jones also returns to give them a speedier option. At wide receiver, Demaryrius Thomas (6-3, 229) is the main target and also a strong blocker. The offensive line is the main concern. They lose both tackles, including All-ACC honoree Andrew Gardner to graduation.
Defense: The Yellow Jackets had a sturdy defense last year, but they lose DE Michael Johnson (9 sacks, 17.5 TFLs) and both defensive tackles. They return just one starter on the D-line (Derrick Morgan) and will be hard-pressed to repeat last year’s Top 25 defense. They do return the back seven as all the starting linebackers and secondary return. The top returner is safety Morgan Burnett (7 INTs), a second-team All-American last year who also led the team in tackles. Anthony Barnes, Sedric Griffin and Kyle Jackson return at linebacker.
Outlook: On offense, they’ll go as far as their offensive line takes them. Morgan will get double-teamed this year, so they’ll need somebody on other side to step up. The linebackers will have to carry the defense, but with Johnson at the helm, it’s hard to deny Tech have a chance to win the ACC.
2009 Maryland Terrapins
2008 Record: (8-5, 4-4)
Coach: Ralph Friedgen, 9th year (64-36 at Maryland, overall)
Off. Coordinator: James Franklin (2nd year)
Def. Coordinator: Don Brown (1st year)
Returning Starters: 11 (6 offense, 4 defense, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Chris Turner)
Offense: Maryland returns starting quarterback Chris Turner, now a senior and junior running back Da’Rel Scott. Turner, though erratic at times, led the Terps to 193.5 passing yards per game. Scott rushed for 1,133 yards and made first-team All-ACC. At receiver, Darrius Heyward-Bey left for the NFL, but they still have plenty of speed in the receiving corps with Torrey Smith, Emani Lee-Odai and LaQuan Williams returning. Smith, who was a freshman last season, set the ACC record for kick-return yardage in a single season. They are talented at the skill positions, but the offensive line is the major question mark with just two starters returning. They’ll build around big junior Bruce Campbell (6-7, 310) and senior center Phil Costa (6-3, 300).
Defense: The defense is they key to the whole team with new coordinator Don Brown, who coached 1-AA Massachusetts last season, taking the reigns. He has just one starting linebacker returning in second-team All-ACC pick Alex Wujciak (133 tackles). They lose seven starters overall on defense though their defensive line has experience. They move to a more conventional 4-3 defense and will need production from defensive ends (Sr.) Jared Harrell and sophomore Derek Drummond (6-4, 250). The secondary should be the strength as corners Anthony Wiseman, Nolan Caroll and Jamari McCullough are capable, but without a pass rush, they’ll be vulnerable.
Outlook: The “Fridge” now almost 100 pounds lighter, will have his work cut out this season to try and get this team past a minor bowl. The offensive and defensive lines are the biggest question marks and without production from those positions, you really can’t go too far.
2009 Miami-Florida Hurricanes
2008 Record: (7-6, 4-4)
Coach: Randy Shannon, 3rd year (12-13)
Off. Coordinator: Mark Whipple (1st year)
Def. Coordinator: John Lovett (1st year)
Returning Starters: 14 (6 offense, 6 defense, punter, kicker)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: No
Offense: Randy Shannon is getting desperate to find an offense that will click. He fired Patrick Nix and hired Mark Whipple, a former quarterback’s coach with Pittsburgh. He now becomes the fifth Hurricanes’ offensive coordinator in five years. The quarterback job goes to sophomore Jacory Haris with Robert Marve transferring. Harris had respectable numbers (1,195 yds, 12 TDs) and has the size and the arm to be very good. At running back, Graig Cooper, who rushed for 841 yards last season, returns. Miami has some speedy receivers, but no real gamebraker. Soph. Aldarius Johnson is the top returning receiver with 332 yards. The offensive line has three returning starters, including senior LF Jason Fox, but lacks depth.
Defense: The Canes returns six starters on defense, but just one on the defensive line. New coordinator John Lovett has to find a pass rush and more playmakers in the secondary. The Hurricanes recorded just four picks last season, two by the secondary. The line should be solid because Shannon likes to rotate players. At linebacker, sophomore Sean Spence (6-0, 211), who was named the ACC’s Defensive Rookie of the Year, who had 7.5 tackles for loss last year. The secondary needs to step up this year and gets a lift with senior SS Randy Phillips back from a knee injury. At least they have a very strong kicker in Matt Bosher, who made 18 of 20 kicks last season and also averaged 40.3 yards per punt.
Outlook: Shannon is trying to get the Canes back to the days of them being contenders, but it’s not going to happen overnight. Miami opens against Florida State on the road, then hosts Georgia Tech, plays at Virginia Tech and hosts Oklahoma. Unreal opening schedule. To get the next level, they need
2009 North Carolina Tar Heels
2008 Record: (8-5, 4-4)
Coach: Butch Davis, 3rd year (12-13)
Off. Coordinator: John Shoop (3rd year)
Def. Coordinator: Everett Withers (2nd year)
Returning Starters: 16 (6 offense, 9 defense, kicker)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Tyler Yates)
Offense: The Tar Heels return junior starting quarterback Tyler Yates, who threw for 1,168 yards last year. He was hampered by injuries his first two seasons and in the spring, sprained his thumb playing Ultimate Frisbee. If he’s healthy, he should have a big season. However, his top three receivers-Hakeem Nicks, Brooks Foster and Brandon Tate-are off to the NFL. Junior Greg Little is the only experienced wideout returning. At running back, junior Shaun Draughn, who rushed for 866 yards, is back. He’s adequate, but the rushing game is a major concern. They’ll need the former safety to be more productive this season as the offense will have to rely more on the running game. The offensive line must replace its left guard and tackle.
Defense: The defense allowed 21.2 points per game last year, while the offense produced 27.7 ppg. That may change this year, so the defense will have to be more stout, especially against the run, as they allowed 122.6 ypg last year. The entire defensive line returns led by Marvin Austin, but they have to produce more than the five combined sacks last year. They have some of the fastest linebackers in the nation, headed by freshman Zach Brown, who ran a ridiculous 4.26 40 in the spring. Junior LB Quan Sturdivant is the leading returning tackler with 122. The secondary loses Trimane Goddard, but should be solid at corner.
Outlook: Butch Davis brought the Tar Heels back to a bowl game for the first time in four years. Now the goal will be to win one after they lost to West Virginia in the Meineke Bowl. They’ll need a healthy Yates to lead a team that lost three talented receivers and will have to spread the ball out to the running backs and tight ends.
2009 North Carolina State
2008 Record: (6-7, 4-4)
Coach: Tom O’Brien, 3rd year (11-14 at NC State, 86-59 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Dana Bible (3rd year)
Def. Coordinator: Mike Archer (3rd year)
Returning Starters: 15 (7 offense, 7 defense, kicker)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Russell Wilson)
Offense: Russell Watson returns after a sterling freshman campaign. He threw for 1,955 yards, tossed for 17 TD passes (just one interception) and became the first freshman to be named a first-team All-ACC quarterback. The sky is the limit for Wilson, who can run and pass, and led the team by winning their last four regular-season games to earn an invitation to play in the Papajohns.com Bowl. They have to replace Andre Brown at running back as seniors Toney Baker and Jamelle Eugene will battle it out for time. At receiver, NC State is led by Owen Spencer (31 catches, 691 yards) and a solid group of receivers. Three starters return on the offensive line that allowed the Pack to averaged 329.2 yards per game and was efficient in the red zone. They tied for eighth nationally in red-zone offensive efficiency, scoring 91 percent of the time.
Defense: The Wolfpack’s defense improved as the season went on last year, especially against the run. In their first eight games, they allowed 170.1 yards per game on the ground; its final five they allowed just 97.6. The front seven should be pretty strong this year with LB Nate Irvin, who had four picks last year and Ray Michael (85 tackles), returning to lead the way. The secondary returns corner DeAndre Morgan, who started 10 games and safety Justin Byers, who started eight.
Outlook: Tom O’Brien has averaged winning 7.6 games over his 10 seasons at Boston College, so he knows how to get it done. With Wilson only getting better as he matures, the Wolfpack could surprise some people. But questions at running back, receiver and shaky secondary could be their undoing.
2009 Virginia Cavaliers
2008 Record: (5-7, 3-5)
Coach: Al Groh (56-44 at Virginia, 82-84 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Gregg Brandon (1st year)
Def. Coordinator: Al Groh (9th year)
Returning Starters: 13 (6 offense, 5 defense, punter, kicker)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: No
Offense: Al Groh is back as head coach at Virginia for the ninth season, but there might not be a 10th if he has another 5-7 season. There are changes this season, as Mike Groh, Al’s son, stepped down as offensive coordinator after Virginia finished 114th nationally (16.1ppg) in 2008. Former Bowling Green head coach Gregg Brandon takes over as the offensive coordinator and has installed a spread offense. Fortunately, Jameel Sewell returns as starting quarterback, after missing last season because he was academically inelgible. He’ll be complemented by senior Vic Hall (5-9, 190), who may even starter after showing explosivenes last year in a Wildcat role against Virginia Tech in the 2008 finale. At running back, senior Mikell Simpson is back after rushing for just 262 yards last year. The top receiver is sophomore Jared Green (12 for 144 yards), which shows you the inexperience that is returning. On the offensive line, the Cavs return four starters including RT Will Barker (6-7, 315).
Defense: Groh’s defense will need the linebacking corps to hold up after losing three good ones in Antonio Appleby, Jon Cooper and Clint Sintim. Junior Denzel Burrell is the lone returning starter. On the defensive line, Nick Jenkins (6-3, 285) returns, but they have to improve that rush defense (149.6ypg), which finished 72nd in the nation. The secondary is the team’s strength, led by senior Chris Cook, who missed last season due to academics. Ras-I Dowling is back at the other corner and led the team in interceptions last year with three. Former All-American safety Anthony Poindexter takes over as secondary coach, which should help. On special teams, Groh hired former Kansas State head coach Ron Prince to take over as coach.
Outlook: Could be a rough year for Groh and company. A lot depends on the quarterback situation with Sewell and Hall. They appear to be perfect fits for the spread offense. The running game has to improve though and the inexperience at receiver is a concern. The defense will need at least decent production from the linebackers.
2009 Virginia Tech Hokies
2008 Record: (10-4, 5-3)
Coach: Frank Beamer, 23rd year (177-89-2 at Va. Tech, 219-112-4 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Bryan Stinespring (4th year)
Def. Coordinator: Bud Foster (15th year)
Returning Starters: 17 (9 offense, 7 defense, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Tyrod Taylor)
Offense: The Hokies have all the ingredients to have an explosive offense. The key will be the performance of junior QB Tyrod Taylor. He ran for 738 yards last season but threw for just 1,036 yards. He has to improve as a passer, as he threw for just two TDs with seven interceptions. The offensive line is experienced, even with three starters returning and they are more athletic than in the past. Sophomore Darren Evans returns for his sophomore season after rushing for 1,265 yards as a freshman with 11 TDs. At receiver, they return talented sophomores Danny Coale and Jarrett Boykins, who should get more action this year if Taylor is more accurate. Senior TE Greg Boone (6-3, 287) is a beast as a blocker and is a pretty good receiver (22 catches).
Defense: The defense is led by DE Jason Worilds, who had eight sacks last year. This is a very fast unit with the strength being the secondary, despite losing CB Macho Harris to the NFL. Senior CB Stephan Virgil is a big-time player, who can hit and make plays (six picks). The leader of the secondary is senior FS Kam Chancellor (6-4, 226), who will be starting for his third straight year. At linebacker, Cody Grimm returns to the outside after finishing third on the team in tackles and second on the team in sacks.
Outlook: The Hokies can be a championship contender if they can find a passing game. That’s easier said than done as Taylor has to take that leap and become more consistent as a thrower. Senior Matt Waldron has to take control of the kicking job. The defense has virtually no weaknesses.
2009 Wake Forest Demon Deacons
2008 Record: (8-5, 4-4)
Coach: Jim Grobe, 9th year (54-44 at Wake Forest, 87-77-1 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Steed Lobotzke (7th year)
Def. Coordinator: Brad Lambert (2nd year)
Returning Starters:14 (9 offense, 4 defense, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Riley Skinner)
Offense: Riley Skinner leads a talented and experienced offense that will need to produce more this season with the defense having to rebuild. Skinner completed nearly 64 percent of his passes for 2,347 yards and 13 TDs. Junior RB Josh Adams also returns from an injury-marred season. They do lose senior WR Demir Boldin (81 catches), but return a sturdy group of receivers led by Marshall Williams (390 yards). The offensive line is the strength of the team with eight players returning in the rotation. They underachieved at times last year, but now there’s no excuse, with four seniors and a junior projected to start.
Defense: Here’s where the Deacs have to earn their keep or at least be competitive. They lost LB Aaron Curry and CB Alphonso Smith to the NFL, arguably the best-ever to play their positions at Wake Forest. Replacing eight starters will be difficult. At least they have two outstanding returning starting linemen in Boo Robinson (6-2, 295) and John Russell (6-4, 280). The linebackers have at least gotten some reps and the secondary is green, though cornerback Brandon Ghee has started 21 games in his career.
Outlook: As long as Jim Grobe is coaching, the Deacs will be competitive. Skinner is due to take another step forward this season and the offensive line should be sturdy. They only averaged 21ppg last year and will need more points considering the defense is very raw this season.
Big 12 Conference
2009 Colorado Buffaloes
2008 Record: (5-7, 2-6)
Coach: Dan Hawkins, 4th year (13-24 at Colorado, 66-35 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Eric Kiesau (1st year)
Def. Coordinator: Ron Collins (4th year)
Returning Starters: 16 (10 offense, 4 defense, punter, kicker)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Cody Hawkins)
Offense: Dan Hawkins had to replace his offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich, who left for Oregon. Eric Kiesai takes over after having served as passing coordinator. Hawkins might have to replace his son at quarterback-Cody Hawkins-who is feeling the heat from Tyler Hansen. The offense will remain the spread, but they will huddle more instead of going no-huddle and all shotgun. The good news is that the Buffs return 10 starters on offense. Several of those starters were injured last year, so competition remains and the depth should be strong. The receiving corps is led by junior Scotty McKnight, who missed most of the spring with a partially torn biceps. The quarterbacks may be rotated and so will the running backs. The top back is sophomore Darrell Scott, one of the nation’s top recruits in 2008.
Defense: The defense returns just four starters as they lost six of their top 10 tacklers from a team that led the Big 12 in pass defense and finished fourth in total defense. On the line, the Buffs lose all three of their top guys (they play a 3-4 scheme). The two leading tackles from last season, Jeff Smart and Shaun Mohler are both listed at the weakside linebacker spot. That means they’ll have new starters at the other three positions. Fortunately they have tremendous speed and the size the team is looking for, especially on the outside. The secondary will be the strength led by senior CB Cha’pelle Brown, along with Jalil Brown and Jimmy Smith, who are starting to emerge as playmakers.
Outlook: Hawkins needs to start producing this season. The spread offense worked great in the WAC, but unless you have all the tools (quarterback), you are not going to produce in the Big 12. The defense has potential, even with a new line, but if Hawkins can’t find a consistent quarterback, they will be stuck in mediocrity.
2009 Iowa State Cyclones
2008 Record: (2-10, 0-8)
Coach: Paul Rhoads, 1st year (0-0)
Off. Coordinator: Tom Herman (1st year)
Def. Coordinator: Wally Burnham (1st year)
Returning Starters: 17 (9 offense, 6 defense, punter, kicker)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Austen Arnaud)
Offense: Iowa State moves to the spread offense, which appears to be the scheme that 70% of the nation now runs. Enter Paul Rhoads, who takes over for Gene Chizik. New coordinator Tom Herman runs the offense (Rhodes is a former def. Coordinator at Pitt). He has a lot to work with as junior QB Austen Arnaud returns after throwing for 2,792 yards last season. He’ll be in the shotgun, throwing to experience dreceivers including soph. Darius Darks. At running back, junior Alexander Robinson returns after rushing for 703 yards last season. He leads a three-man rotation in the backfield. The O-line returns three starters, but they need to solidify the left tackle spot. Junior Ben Lamaak could move over from guard or they could use huge right tackle Hayworth Hicks (6-3, 354).
Defense: The Cylcones should be improved this season, only because defense is Rhodes’ expertise. They can’t get much worse as they surrendered averages of 452.8 yards per game and 35.8 points per game last year. Opponents completed 67.4 percent of their passes and threw for nearly three touchdowns per game. They have to fill the holes on the line and at linebacker. Senior DE Christopher Lyle (6-4, 252) is the top returner on the line with five sacks. At linebacker, Jesse Smith and Fred Garrin are the team’s second- and third-leading tacklers from last year. The secondary will probably be the strength led by senior James Smith, who recorded 85 tackles last year. Like every other unit, they still need to get better.
Outlook: While Rhoads has some tools this year and a weak early schedule, this still should be a rebuilding year, especially on the defensive side. Facing Kent State, Army and North Dakota State early on can’t hurt the overall record.
2009 Kansas Jayhawks
2008 Record: (8-5, 4-4)
Coach: Mark Mangino, 8th year (45-41)
Off. Coordinator: Ed Warinner (3rd year)
Def. Coordinator: Clint Bowen (4th year)
Returning Starters: 17, (8 offense, 7 defense, kicker, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Todd Reesing)
Offense: The Jayhawks should have one of the most explosive offenses in college football. Last year, they produced 33.4ppg and 305.6 passing yards per game. This year, they return senior QB Todd Reesing (5-11, 200) is one of the more underrated signal-callers in the nation. He threw for 3,888 yards last season with 32 TDs passes and just 13 interceptions. They also return all their top three receivers including junior Dezmon Briscoe, a second-team All-Big 12 selection, who caught 92 passes for 1,407 yards and 15 TDs. Former quarterback Kerry Meier (97 catches, 1,045 yards) is a tremendous possession receiver. At running back, senior Jake Sharp is also back, after a strong season, rushing for 880 yards and 12 TDs. They key will be finding replacements for three starting offensive linemen. Reesing’s ability to move around the pocket should help the line, but the run blocking could is a concern.
Defense: The Jayhawks gave up 45 points at Nebraska, 63 to Texas Tech, 45 at Oklahoma and 37 to Missouri last season. That’s not embarrassing because those teams were very explosive. But this season, they have to replace the entire linebacking corps (just two in the 4-2-5) and five players overall. Junior DE Jake Laptad (6-4, 258) will be joined by juco recruit Quintin Woods (6-5, 230) to provide pass rush pressure from the edge. Laptad had 8.5 TFLs and seven sacks last year. They lose all three linebackers from last year and have some speedy replacements, but that’s a concern. Senior SS Darrell Stuckey returns at safety after recording 98 tackles last year.
Outlook: Mark Mangino has done wonders with this program and it looks like they have a chance to take a step up and make a major bowl this year. Going 8-5 and to the Insight Bowl again will not be acceptable. With this explosive offense and if they can find some productive linebackers, look out.