Around the ACC

Boston College

Without Matt Ryan, the Eagles will likely lean more on the defense to win games this season.

True freshman running back Josh Haden has impressed since early enrolling last spring. Haden was ranked No. 60 in our preseason running back rankings and should catch plenty of passes this season.

Clemson

The Tiger defense has a few question marks, but end Ricky Sapp is having a great fall camp. Look for the Tigers to be a solid fantasy defense this season.

According to head coach Tommy Bowden, Rendrick Taylor will redshirt this season. With James Davis finishing his eligibility and C.J. Spiller gone to the NFL, Taylor should see an increased role in the backfield next year.

True freshman running back Jamie Harper suffered a sprained ankle. Harper is one to watch in keeper leagues and in 2009.

Defensive tackle Rashaad Jackson is out until midseason with a torn quad tendon in his knee.

Duke

After finishing 117^th in the NCAA in rushing offense last year, the Blue Devils were hoping to solidify the running back position in the fall. However, top back Re’quan Boyette suffered a knee injury and is out indefinitely. Top backup Clifford Harris has battled a hamstring pull, but the player to watch could be true freshman Jay Hollingsworth. Bottom line, fantasy owners should avoid this situation if possible.

Florida State

Will it be Drew Weatherford, Christian Ponder or D’Vontrey Richardson taking the first snaps for the Seminoles this season? In Saturday’s scrimmage, none of the quarterbacks appeared to show separation. Look for Weatherford to begin the year, but this is a situation lacking fantasy value.

The ‘Noles are still waiting to find out the status of junior college running back Tavares Pressley. Pressley is expected to contend for snaps with Antone Smith if eligible. 

Junior college offensive tackle Joe Tonga has joined the team and will immediately challenge for snaps at left tackle. The depth on the Seminole offensive line is thin and a late junior college signee contending for immediate snaps is a concern.

Senior running back Antone Smith had a strong scrimmage on Saturday and the offensive line may be showing some improvement.

Georgia Tech

Quarterback Josh Nesbitt missed Saturday’s scrimmage due to a shoulder injury. Nesbitt is a top 75 fantasy quarterback and could be a steal in the late rounds of the draft.

While Nesbitt is out, true freshman Jaybo Shaw has turned heads.

Jonathan Dwyer will be the lead back in 2008, but keep an eye on Louisville transfer Anthony Allen in 2009.

Maryland

The quarterback battle between Chris Turner, Josh Portis and Jordan Steffy continues. Don’t expect much fantasy value from the Terps signal-caller this season.

Although the quarterback spot appears to be uncertain, Da’Rel Scott looks to be leading the way at running back.

Miami

It’s no secret the Hurricanes will play two quarterbacks this year, but Robert Marve appears to have the edge as the starter. The redshirt freshman quarterback noted after Saturday’s scrimmage he was becoming more comfortable in the offense. Don’t expect much fantasy value this year, but not a bad gamble in keeper leagues.

North Carolina

Head coach Butch Davis is seeing T.J. Yates mature under center. The sophomore is a top 75 fantasy quarterback this season, with potential in a few spot starts.

Yates also got another target in the passing game when it was ruled Dwight Jones was eligible at North Carolina this season.

N.C. State

Tom O’Brien has narrowed his field of starting quarterback choices to three. Harrison Beck and Justin Burke were eliminated, with Daniel Evans, Mike Glennon and Russell Wilson in the mix.

Receiver Donald Bowens will miss the rest of the year with a hairline fracture in his spine.

Running back Toney Baker is out indefinitely after having knee surgery. Look for Andre Brown and Jamelle Eugene to see a bigger workload in the backfield.

Virginia

Sophomore Peter Lalich is expected to win the starting quarterback job, but he’s not entrenched as the No. 1 just yet. Fantasy owners should avoid this situation.

Meanwhile, running back Cedric Peerman has returned to the field. Peerman and Simpson form a solid one-two punch, but aren’t week-to-week fantasy starters.

Virginia Tech

Who will be the Hokies’ starting running back? Kenny Lewis has a slight lead, but don’t count out true freshman Ryan Williams.

Receiver is a concern, but former quarterback Ike Whitaker is becoming a playmaker for this offense.

Wake Forest

Quarterback Riley Skinner is learning the value of experience.

Receiver Demir Boldin is turning heads – and yes he’s Anquan’s little brother.