With a record number of underclassmen declaring for the 2014 NFL Draft there are more spring practice battles than ever. The ACC is dominated by quarterback competitions this year after a number of high-profile starters moved onto pastures new.
Clemson Tigers: Quarterback, RS senior Cole Stoudt Vs freshman Deshaun Watson.
When Tajh Boyd won the starting quarterback job back in 2011 the Tigers did not realise the position would be locked up for three years. But with Boyd now in the NFL a battle is ensuing to find the new starting quarterback for one of college football’s most exciting teams. Head coach Dabo Swinney recently named Stoudt as a great leader and his obvious starter, but the dynamic Watson could be thrust into the line-up before long. This battle could go on for some time.
Florida State: Wide receiver, sophomore Isaiah Jones Vs. freshman Travis Rudolph.
With senior slot receiver Kenny Shaw (933 yards, 6 TD) and redshirt sophomore Kelvin Benjamin (1,011 yards, 15 TD) now making football their profession, the Seminoles need to find somebody to play opposite 67-catch man Rashad Greene. Jones, a former four-star recruit, caught two balls early last season before suffering a knee injury that derailed his freshman year. Rudolph (one of my biggest ACC impact freshman http://edraft.com/college-football/news/college-football-biggest-impact-freshman-in-the-acc/) is a five-star recruit from the 2014 class who has every opportunity of making a splash in a thinned group of players.
Virginia Tech: Quarterback, RS senior Mark Leal Vs. RS sophomore Brenden Motley Vs. RS junior Michael Brewer.
A three-way battle heated up in recent weeks when Motley took first-team reps in place of the injured Leal and put on a show. The senior had struggled with turnovers and now faces a decision on whether to transfer if the incoming Brewer also overtakes him on the depth chart. Motley was expected to move to safety after a poor showing in practice so far. However, the six-foot-four athlete could very well fight it out until the end.
Miami Hurricanes: Quarterback, RS senior Ryan Williams Vs. RS freshman Kevin Olsen.
With the Hurricanes finally coming back into their own, it is imperative that the correct decision is made on who replaces Stephen Morris at quarterback. Williams is the clear favorite based on experience but there is no reason why Olsen should lie down and wait until next year. Al Golden criticised former four-star recruit Williams last spring for not owning the process before he was suspended for the ‘Canes’ bowl game for violating team rules. Nevertheless, Golden would only take the time to pick faults if he had high expectations for the youngster.
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