ACC 2015 FB Media Days 7/19-7/21 | Syracusefan.com

ACC 2015 FB Media Days 7/19-7/21

CuseLegacy

Moderator
Joined
Aug 26, 2011
Messages
92,873
Like
141,266
ONLINE & LIVE COVERAGE SCHEDULE
Monday, July 20
11:30 a.m. Commissioner's Forum
(Live on theACC.com & ESPN3)
2:00-5:00 p.m. Student-Athlete Interviews
(Live on theACC.com & ESPN3)
Tuesday, July 21
8:15-11:45 a.m. Coach Interviews
(Live on theACC.com & ESPN3)
12:45-3:00 p.m Coach Interviews
(Live on theACC.com & ESPN3)
 
http://espn.go.com/blog/acc/post/_/id/83201/acc-media-days-preview-coastal-division

The annual ACC Kickoff begins next week, and no doubt fans and media have an offseason's worth of questions to pose to the coaches and players who will be in attendance. With that in mind, Matt Fortuna took a look at the biggest storylines facing the Atlantic Division yesterday, and today we’re checking in on the Coastal.

DUKE

How good are the Blue Devils 2.0? David Cutcliffe worked a miracle in turning around Duke, leading the Blue Devils to three straight bowl games. But the primary architects of that resurgence are gone -- including linebacker Kelby Brown, who figured to be a key cog on D until a knee injury earlier this month ended his career. So can Matt Skura and Jeremy Cash -- two of the few remaining veterans -- carry on the legacy? What’s to be expected from a new-look offense led by Thomas Sirk? Is the defense ready to take the next step behind a talented secondary? Building the program was a tall order, but how much Cutcliffe and his veterans can maintain that success through a second generation will be the big question as the Blue Devils get set to open fall camp.

GEORGIA TECH

Are the Yellow Jackets ready for the burden of expectations? A year ago, virtually everyone in the Coastal was getting preseason love except Georgia Tech. Then Paul Johnson’s crew went out and won the Orange Bowl. Justin Thomas returns, which gives the Tech the role of decisive Coastal favorite -- and perhaps even a team with playoff aspirations -- a stark difference from last year at this time. Thomas is the star, D.J. White is a leader on an emerging defense, and, for once, Johnson doesn’t have to worry about defending his program to outsiders. Instead, he'll be prepping the team for hefty expectations.

MIAMI

How hot is Al Golden's seat at Miami? At this point, there might not be a more frustrated fan base in the country than the folks at Miami. Golden has made some inroads in recruiting, as evidenced by the number of stars the Hurricanes sent to the NFL this offseason, but the wins have been harder to come by. Brad Kaaya returns this season, and he’s a potential difference-maker, but Golden needs to find talent to surround his QB and reignite some confidence from his fan base. That might be tough going.

NORTH CAROLINA

Has Gene Chizik found answers on defense? It'll be Larry Fedora in the spotlight at ACC kickoff, but odds are the offensive-minded head coach will be answering plenty of questions about the D. He brought in Chizik in the offseason to revamp one of the worst units in the country, but Fedora also has an offense led by Marquise Williams that can put up plenty of points. Chizik won't need to turn the Heels into a dominant force on D, but he will need to make some serious strides in Year 1 for UNC to be a real contender.

PITTSBURGH

Is Pat Narduzzi ready to take Pitt to the next level? Paul Chryst walked away from the program to head to Wisconsin after a middling 2014 campaign, but Pitt still landed a gem in Narduzzi, who's been a rising star leading the defense at Michigan State. The Panthers now have some of the top offensive stars in the ACC and a coach with a reputation for building tough-minded defenses. That combination could lead to a special season, and ACC Kickoff could be the chance for Narduzzi to set the external expectations for a program that's spent too long residing in the middle of the pack.

VIRGINIA

Is Mike London a dead man walking? Remember in 2013 when London’s job security was a hot topic at ACC Kickoff? Or what about when that was the storyline once again in 2014? Well, here we are yet again, and the talk hasn't changed much. London has recruited talent at UVa, but the wins have been few and far between, the attendance has dipped consistently, and this year's schedule won’t make things easy for the Cavaliers. But if there's something to be said for consistency, London will get the opportunity to prove he's worth the school's faith in him. That’ll have to start with saying all the right things at ACC Kickoff.

VIRGINIA TECH

Is the offense really ready to compete in 2015? The defense has remained steadfast under Bud Foster, but the offense hasn’t had much success the past three years, and that's put Frank Beamer -- a legend at Virginia Tech and the dean of college football -- in the crosshairs. This spring, everyone raved about the improvement the offense made, and Michael Brewer will get the chance to add to that chorus at ACC Kickoff. But promises aren't worth much in Blacksburg, Virginia, these days, so the real questions can't be answered until the season kicks off against the defending national champs.
 
http://www.theacc.com/news/student-athletes-attend-acc-football-kickoff-07-08-2015

12 of the Attendees Have Been named to the Maxwell, Bednarik or Rimington Preseason Awards Watch Lists

Visit the #ACCKickoff page for complete coverage
Player Bios in Printable pdf
GREENSBORO, N.C. — The Atlantic Coast Conference announced the 28 student-athletes who will represent their schools at the 2015 ACC Football Kickoff, which will be held July 19-21 at the Pinehurst Resort in the Village of Pinehurst, N.C.

Each school brings two of its standout players to the Kickoff.
In all, 12 of the 28 attendees were named to the preseason watch lists for either the Maxwell or Bednarik Awards, announced Tuesday, or the Rimington Award which was announced last month.
Also included on the list is Florida State placekicker Roberto Aguayo, who was the 2013 Lou Groza Award-winner and a consensus first-team All-American in 2014, first-team 2015 All-Americans James Conner of Pitt (AFCA) and Jalen Ramsey of Florida State (USA Today) and second-team All-Americans Kendall Fuller of Virginia Tech (FWAA, Walter Camp, USA Today, Phil Steele) and Jeremy Cash of Duke (FWAA, Walter Camp, Phil Steele).
Attendees named to the preseason Maxwell list, for the National Player of the Year Award, were Conner, NC State quarterback Jacoby Brissett, Miami quarterback Brad Kaaya, Georgia Tech quarterback Justin Thomas and North Carolina quarterback Marquise Williams.
Student-athletes who are coming to the Kickoff and were named to the preseason Bednarik Award watch list for Defensive Player of the Year included Cash, Ramsey, Fuller, Wake Forest linebacker Brandon Chubb, Louisville defensive end Sheldon Rankins and NC State defensive end Mike Rose.
Additionally, Duke center Matt Skura was one of five ACC pivotmen named to the Rimington Award’s preseason list. The Rimington is presented annually to the nation’s top center.
North Carolina’s Williams is the only student-athlete who attended the 2014 ACC Kickoff and will be present at this year’s preseason football media event.

2015 ACC Football Kickoff Student-Athletes
Player, School, Position, Ht., Wt., Cl., Hometown (Click for Player Bio Page)
Harris Williams, Boston College, Offensive Lineman, 6-3, 296, Sr.-R, Lynn, Mass.
Mehdi Abdesmad, Boston College, Defensive Tackle, 6-7, 286, Sr.-R, Montreal, Quebec, Can.
Eric Mac Lain, Clemson, Offensive Guard, 6-4, 305, Sr.-R, Hope Mills, N.C.
D.J. Reader, Clemson, Defensive Tackle, 6-2, 325, Sr., Greensboro, N.C.
Matt Skura, Duke , Center, 6-4, 305, Sr.-R, Columbus, Ohio
Jeremy Cash, Duke, Safety, 6-2, 205, Sr.-R, Miami, Fla.
Roberto Aguayo, Florida State, Placekicker, 6-1, 204, Jr.-R, Mascotte, Fla.
Jalen Ramsey, Florida State, Cornerback, 6-1, 201, Jr., Smyrna, Tenn.
Justin Thomas, Georgia Tech, Quarterback, 5-11, 189, Jr.-R, Prattville, Ala.
D.J. White, Georgia Tech, Defensive Back, 5-11 188, Sr., McDonough, Ga.
James Burgess, Louisville, Linebacker, 6-0, 229, Sr., Homestead, Fla.
Sheldon Rankins, Louisville, Defensive Line, 6-2, 303, Sr., Covington, Ga.
Brad Kaaya, Miami, Quarterback, 6-4, 209, So., Los Angeles, Calif.
Raphael Kirby, Miami, Linebacker, 6-1, 235, Sr., Stone Mountain, Ga.
Marquise Williams, North Carolina, Quarterback, 6-2, 220, Sr., Charlotte, N.C.
Jeff Schoettmer, North Carolina, Linebacker, 6-2, 235, Sr.-R, Dallas, Texas
Jacoby Brissett, NC State, Quarterback, 6-4, 235, Sr.-R, West Palm Beach, Fla.
Mike Rose, NC State, Defensive End, 6-3, 277, Sr.-R, Fountain Inn, S.C.
James Conner, Pitt, Running Back, 6-2, 240, Jr., Erie, Pa.
Darryl Render, Pitt, Defensive Tackle, 6-2, 300, Sr., Cleveland, Ohio
Terrel Hunt, Syracuse, Quarterback, 6-3, 234, Sr., Rosedale, N.Y.
Zaire Franklin, Syracuse , Linebacker, 6-0, 231, So., Philadelphia, Pa.
Canaan Severin, Virginia, Wide Receiver, 6-2, 215, Sr., Marlborough, Mass.
David Dean, Virginia, Defensive Tackle, 6-1, 295, Sr.-R, Virginia Beach, Va.
Michael Brewer, Virginia Tech, Quarterback, 6-0, 200, Sr.-R, Lake Travis, Texas
Kendall Fuller, Virginia Tech, Cornerback, 6-0, 190, Jr., Baltimore, Md.
Alex Kinal, Wake Forest, Punter, 6-4, 205, Sr.-R, Adelaide, South Australia
Brandon Chubb, Wake Forest, Linebacker, 6-1, 245, Sr.-R, Powder Springs, Ga.
 
http://espn.go.com/blog/acc/post/_/id/83168/acc-media-days-preview-atlantic

The nation's eyes may be focused on Hoover, Alabama, right now for SEC media days, but the annual ACC Kickoff is right around the corner. Things get started on Sunday in Pinehurst, North Carolina, and will take place through Tuesday, with each of the league's head coaches and two players from each team attending.

With the unofficial start to the 2015 season almost here, let's take a look at the biggest storylines surrounding each of the 14 ACC teams. I'll start today with the Atlantic Division, and David Hale will continue things Wednesday with the Coastal.

Without further ado ...

BOSTON COLLEGE

What kind of tricks does Steve Addazio have up his sleeve for Year 3? Addazio spat in the face of low preseason expectations in 2013 and 2014, leading the Eagles to consecutive 7-6 campaigns behind Heisman finalist Andre Williams (in 2013) before turning Florida transfer quarterback Tyler Murphy into one of the nation's most surprising success stories (in 2014). New quarterback Darius Wade will have some experienced players to work with at the skill positions, but his head coach's reputation as an offensive line maestro will be put to the test: BC lost all five O-line starters from last year. Luckily, the Eagles return right guard Harris Williams, who started in 2013 before missing the final 12 games of last season with an ankle injury. (Williams will be in attendance in Pinehurst.)

CLEMSON

So much for a quiet offseason. There are more than a few things Dabo Swinney will need to address when facing reporters next week, as the Tigers' offseason has been far from ideal after the dismissal of end Ebenezer Ogundeko and the suspension of kicker Ammon Lakip. There also is the matter of Deshaun Watson, who is recovering from an ACL tear, the last of three different injuries he suffered in 2014, his first year in college. Like BC, Clemson is staring at a less-than-pretty picture on its offensive line, which is down to just one returning starter (center Ryan Norton) and may have to start a true freshman at left tackle (Mitch Hyatt) after Isaiah Battle left last month for the NFL supplemental draft.

FLORIDA STATE

Speaking of not-so-quiet offseasons ... The 2015 season always seemed like it would be something of a new era at FSU, which saw its 29-game winning streak end in the Rose Bowl and has said goodbye to 29 NFL draft picks over the past three years, including Heisman winner Jameis Winston and all the baggage that came with him. Yet the past several weeks have brought about some more ugly headlines, with everyone from coach Jimbo Fisher to president John Thrasher issuing statements in light of recent charges against (now former) quarterback De'Andre Johnson and suspended running back Dalvin Cook. Fisher undoubtedly will face plenty of questions about recent events, issues he could certainly do without, given all of the talent that the Seminoles need to replace this year. There's also the addition of Notre Dame transfer QB Everett Golson, which has almost become an afterthought in a summer FSU likely can't wait to put behind it.

LOUISVILLE

Rebuild vs. reload. Bobby Petrino's 9-4 mark in his return to the Cardinals marked a successful season, especially considering it was the program's first year in the ACC (and without Teddy Bridgewater). But a major reason for that success was not Petrino's famous high-powered offense, but rather a defense that ranked in the top-10 nationally in most major categories. Six players from that defense were drafted this spring -- and 10 in all for the Cards -- meaning the hard part may just be starting, especially with a brutal early schedule that includes Auburn and Clemson in the season's first 12 days. Linebacker James Burgess and defensive end Sheldon Rankins should have plenty to say on the D's next step, a storyline whose importance may actually eclipse that of the Cards' four-man QB battle entering camp.

NC STATE

Taking the next step. With so many questions surrounding Clemson, FSU and Louisville, it is easy to overlook NC State, which quietly had one of the best Year 1-to-Year 2 improvements in the nation last year, going from 3-9 to 8-5 under Dave Doeren. Year 3 often is the time everything comes together for new coaching regimes, and for the Wolfpack, the timing may work out perfectly. They return 14 starters, including a strong QB in Jacoby Brissett and eight experienced guys on the defensive side of the ball. Atlantic darkhorse? Few may fit that label better than the Pack this fall.

SYRACUSE

Terrel Hunt's return. The Orange had a number of problems during last year's 3-9 campaign. But it's hard to overlook the fact that their promising QB went down for the season with a broken fibula just five games in. Hunt will be in Pinehurst to answer questions about his recovery, and about the offense's look with a full offseason to adjust to coordinator Tim Lester, who took over play-calling duties in the sixth game of last season after former OC George McDonald was demoted. (He's now at NC State.) Hunt and the offense likely will shoulder a bigger burden this season, too, since the usually-stout Orange defense returns just one player who started in every game last season (Ron Thompson).

WAKE FOREST

Measuring progress. Second-year coach Dave Clawson has talked about small victories, which often were hard to find during his debut 3-9 campaign with the Demon Deacons. Still, he had a freshman QB in John Wolford who progressed as the season went on despite taking a beating. And he had a decent defense that often got overlooked, given the offense's historic struggles. The offensive line was painfully young and thin in 2014, but it can only get better with another year in the weight room and another year learning the offense. Just how much better remains to be seen.
 
I find it interesting that teams picked to finish last in the Coastal the past 2 years has won it. And everyone is picking Cuse to finish last in the Atlantic. I'm not being stupid and saying we're gonna win it, but 3rd place isn't out of the realm of possibility at all if this team can stay healthy.
 
http://www.richmond.com/sports/article_42738351-c2c3-5935-bf13-d31553208085.html

Five things to watch for at ACC media days
BY ANDY BITTER The Roanoke Times Richmond Times-Dispatch

Move over, SEC. Take your glitz and glam, formal ballroom setting and round-the-clock coverage of media days and make room for the laid-back stylings of the ACC.

It’s a golf outing disguised as a media opportunity at the Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina. Casual attire is recommended. Please, no ties.

Want to interview a player or coach? Just mosey on up to a table, grab a seat and ask away. No need for formality. Microphones and a dais aren’t necessary, except for the commissioner.

But rest assured, though, that in between the food and golf, there’ll be some football discussed. It’s the ACC’s turn to grab some national attention with its quick two-day media event Monday and Tuesday, an appetizer to whet your football appetite, since players don’t report to practice for a few weeks.

What’ll be discussed? Here are five storylines for the next few days:

1. Will Florida State and Georgia Tech be picked to repeat as division champs?

The ‘Noles and Jackets certainly can make a case to be considered the favorites in their respective divisions, although they’ll have challengers.

Clemson needs to reload on defense, particularly the front seven, but has all the offensive pieces necessary, including quarterback Deshaun Watson, to perhaps eclipse Florida State as the favorites in the Atlantic Division. The Seminoles, after all, lost quarterback Jameis Winston and a host of offensive linemen to the NFL Draft.

The Coastal might not be nearly as muddled as last year, what with Georgia Tech bringing back quite a bit from a team that won 11 games last year and finished in the top 10 of the polls. But the Yellow Jackets have a tough schedule, catching both Florida State and Clemson as crossover opponents.

A team like Virginia Tech is gaining some steam. The Hokies return a stout defense and hope for improvement on offense. Missing FSU and Clemson on the schedule might be enough of a boost for them to challenge Georgia Tech for preseason favorite status.

2. What will Jimbo Fisher say about Florida State’s offseason arrests?

In the wake of quarterback De’Andre Johnson’s dismissal and running back Dalvin Cook’s suspension after being arrested and charged for punching women, Fisher has reportedly banned his players from going to bars.

It’s a move that hardly gets at the root of the problem, something that he’s sure to be grilled about by the dozens of reporters who can manage to wedge themselves into earshot of his table.

Winston was the spotlight last year after his crab legs debacle. This year’s issue isn’t specific to one player. Fisher himself will face the tough questions regarding what many think is a program run amok. This, more than anything else said at Pinehurst, should garner national interest.

3. Does the league have a group of quarterbacks that rivals any conference in the country?

Four of the league’s top five touchdown producing quarterbacks last year — Georgia Tech’s Justin Thomas, Miami’s Brad Kaaya, North Carolina’s Marquise Williams and N.C. State’s Jacoby Brissett — will be in attendance this week, so the question is certain to be parsed.

The ACC’s quarterback crop is as healthy as it has been in recent years, even with losing Winston to the NFL. It also includes Clemson’s Watson, a legit Heisman contender if healthy, and Florida State’s Everett Golson, whose transfer from Notre Dame in the offseason drew plenty of headlines.

Six quarterbacks in all will be at Pinehurst, with Syracuse’s Terrel Hunt and Virginia Tech’s Michael Brewer joining the mix.

4. What will coaches starting to feel a little heat have to say about their teams?

The Coastal Division is littered with coaches whose situation is getting a little uncomfortable.

That group includes Virginia’s Mike London, whose schedule isn’t helping his case, Miami’s Al Golden, who has underachieved at a school with lofty expectations, North Carolina’s Larry Fedora, whose defense and slow starts are starting to wear thin, and yes, even Virginia Tech’s Frank Beamer, the venerable coach who has endured three straight mediocre seasons and recent health problems.

Spoiler alert: Each of the four will like his team’s outlook. This is the preseason, after all. But how they respond to a little grilling is always interesting.

5. Will John Swofford make any announcements?

Here’s guessing that after the conference commissioner goes through his brag bag, which will surely include mentions of the recent national championships won by Duke men’s basketball and Virginia baseball, that there’s not much breaking news.

Anyone expecting a firm update on an ACC channel might be disappointed. Swofford has routinely spoken vaguely and guardedly about the prospect of a league network, one that may not be such a sure thing given ESPN’s recent mandate to cut its budget.

Conference realignment and the ACC’s survival isn’t a hot topic for the first time in a few years and there aren’t any nationwide issues on par with the historic autonomy push last year.

He might remark on the recruiting debate, getting the ACC on record again on such issues as satellite camps and an early signing date, a conversation that’ll continue among the Power 5 conferences over the next year. But overall, the commissioner’s forum has the chance to be much like everything was at the league’s spring meetings: relatively quiet.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
167,141
Messages
4,682,690
Members
5,901
Latest member
CarlsbergMD

Online statistics

Members online
377
Guests online
1,723
Total visitors
2,100


Top Bottom