The ACC's 6 Biggest Questions Heading Into Spring Practice

How will Georgia Tech's offense adjust to the loss of RB Jonathan Dwyer and WR Demaryius Thomas?

Louisville transfer Anthony Allen will step in the B-Back position vacated by Dwyer and I don't expect much of a dropoff. I think Dwyer has a little more top-end speed, but Allen blocks better and will give better effort. I'm not saying Dwyer was lazy, but he had a little bit of a reputation for relying only on his natural abilities.

Stephen Hill will fill in for Thomas at WR. Hill is only a sophomore but showed flashes of the player he could become as a freshman. He's not as physical as Thomas, yet, but he has more raw talent as a receiver and at 6-foot-5, he can reach over most DBs.

Who will step up for Clemson with the departure of RB C.J. Spiller?

It will be difficult for the Tigers to replace an All-America talent like Spiller, who was capable of taking over games with his ability. Andre Ellington will likely take over at the RB spot. Ellington is a similar runner to Spiller. He's quick and almost as fast. He ran for nearly 500 yards last year.

Jamie Harper also returns, and is a more power powerful runner than Ellington. The bigger question is who is going to return kicks for Clemson. Spiller was an All-American as a kick returner.

What will Virginia Tech's backfield look like with the return of Darren Evans?

Virginia Tech Hokie coach Frank Beamer has nice problem to have. He has the ACC's most gifted RB, Ryan Williams, returning and he gets back the services of 1,000 yard rusher Darren Evans from ACL injury.

He might have a backfield similar in talent to Clemson's recent Thunder and Lighting combo of James Davis and C.J. Spiller. I always felt Tommy Bowden never utilized that combination as well as he could. Hey Frank, take the ball out of QB Tyrod Taylor's hands and just give to either Evans or Williams on every play.

Is Florida State's QB Christian Ponder recovered from shoulder injury?

From what I've read, Ponder is coming right along. Coach Jimbo Fisher says he'll participate in the spring practices but they'll limit what he does to build his arm strength. That's good news for Seminole fans. Ponder is the best returning QB in the ACC.

Is NC State's star LB Nate Irving ready to return from injury?

Did the Wolfpack ever miss Nate Irving last year. Their defense was nothing short of horrible. Irving missed all of last season recovering from a serious car accident. According to Wolfpack head coach Tom O'Brien he's been working out and will be available for NC State's spring practices. When he's healthy Irving is an All-ACC type talent, and the Wolfpack get an immediate upgrade on defense with his return.

How is Boston College's Mark Herzlich doing, and how will play?

It's all looking good for the ACC's 2008 defensive player of the year. He's cancer-free and he'll be working with the team during spring practice, and I'm anxious to see how he plays. It's great to hear he's back, and if he can approach his 2008 season, then BC might have the best Linebacking crew in the ACC. Luke Kuechly was outstanding as a freshman, and Herzlich's return makes the Boston College linebackers a formidable bunch.

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