BE Post-Spring Position Rankings

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Offensive Line

1. Connecticut: Randy Edsall and offensive line coach Mike Foley somehow keep unearthing gems and developing outstanding linemen. Guard Zach Hurd was a first-team All-Big East performer a year ago, while center Moe Petrus should be among the best at his position this season. Adam Masters and Kevin Friend were pleasant surprises this spring. The Huskies are big, deep and talented up front.

2. Cincinnati: The Bearcats have to replace all-league left tackle Jeff Linkenbach, but they return all-conference performers Alex Hoffman and Jason Kelce on the interior. Tackle C.J. Cobb needs to overcome spring knee surgery, but this unit should be strong enough to keep Cincinnati one of the nation's top-scoring offenses.
3. West Virginia: The Mountaineers' offensive line was spotty last year, but there's reason to hope for improvement. Four starters are back, and the unit played better toward the end of the season. Don Barclay is becoming a leader at left tackle, while Josh Jenkins has the talent to be an all-conference performer. Depth should be much better than it was a year ago, when the starters played virtually every snap.

4. Pittsburgh: There are serious questions at center and right guard, and depth is a major issue. Yet Jason Pinkston is arguable the top left tackle in the league, and Chris Jacobson and Lucas Nix look ready to break out this year. Line coach Tony Wise usually finds a way to get it done.

5. South Florida: The Bulls may lack a lot of household names, but they have as much experience up front as any Big East team. Even with the loss of Zach Hermann to a career-ending neck injury, they still have plenty of veterans like Jake Sims, Mark Popek, Chaz Hine and Sampson Genus, who was a second-team All-Big East center a year ago.

6. Louisville: The Cardinals aren't going to wow you with talent on the offensive line, but four starters are back on a unit that held its own last year. Center Mario Benavides has proved to be a worthy heir to Eric Wood and could push for postseason honors. Greg Tomczyk and Mark Wetterer have played a lot of football in their careers.

7. Syracuse: Ryan Bartholomew, a second-team All-Big East guard last year, has moved to center. Depth is better than a year ago, and former offensive lineman Doug Marrone will whip this group into shape. A lot will depend on how tackles Justin Pugh and Michael Hay develop.

8. Rutgers: Greg Schiano says he's confident this year's O-line will outperform last year's unit for the Scarlet Knights. When center Kevin Haslam and tackle Desmond Wynn return from injuries this summer, the line should look a lot better. But exiting the spring, no team has more question marks and concerns on the offensive front than Rutgers.

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Defensive Line

1. Pittsburgh: The Panthers had the best defensive line in the league a year ago, and that remains the case even without defensive tackle, and Big East co-defensive player of the year, Mick Williams. Greg Romeus and Jabaal Sheard are the best pair of defensive ends in the league, while tackles Myles Caragein and Chas Alecxih are solid at tackle. There's depth, too, with emerging young players like Tyrone Ezell and Shayne Hale.

2. West Virginia: What was a thin position at times last year has become an area of strength for the Mountaineers. Chris Neild is a beast at nose tackle, while Scooter Berry and Julian Miller (nine sacks in '09) bring experience to the defensive end spots in the 3-3-5 scheme. Will Clarke looks like a future star, while junior college import Bruce Irvin is expected to add depth this summer.

3. Rutgers: Three of the four starters return, including senior Alex Silvestro and sophomore Scott Vallone. Jonathan Freeny should be ready for a starting role after recording nine sacks as a rush specialist a year ago, while Eric LeGrand, Justin Francis and redshirt freshmen Andre Civil and Isaac Holmes are around to provide excellent depth.

4. South Florida: Yes, George Selvie and Jason Pierre-Paul are gone. Still, new Bulls defensive coordinator Mark Snyder said the line had SEC-caliber depth this spring. Tackles Terrell McClain and Keith McCaskill and end Craig Marshall are the veterans of the group. If Ryne Giddins, Julius Forte and junior college star Claude Davis develop as expected, this line could be among the most feared in the league.

5. Connecticut: Kendall Reyes and Twyon Martin are moving into their third year as starters at tackle (though Martin found himself in the doghouse this spring). Promising sophomores Jesse Joseph and Trevardo Williams return at end along with Marcus Campbell, who missed last year because of academics. Getting converted linebacker Greg Lloyd back from knee surgery this summer would help provide depth, and UConn lacks some size on the edge.

6. Cincinnati: Derek Wolfe is an elite run-stopper in the middle, but the Bearcats will need improved production from Dan Giordano, John Hughes and Brandon Mills. Depth is a serious concern behind the starting unit.

7. Syracuse: Replacing Arthur Jones in the middle is no easy task. His younger brother, Chandler, could be ready to break out as a star defensive end after recording 10.5 tackles for loss as a sophomore. Mikhail Marinovich could join him in opposing backfields from the other end spot. This line held its own last year but lacks proven stars.

8. Louisville: The Cardinals' defensive line looked like a mess this spring, with no standout ends and lacked size and strength on the interior. Greg Scruggs was moved from end to tackle despite weighing just 270 pounds. It's been a couple of years since the Louisville defensive line truly could pressure opposing quarterbacks with any consistency; at least head coach Charlie Strong knows how to build a good defense.

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Thank God for the 'Full Monte' Taylor!

 

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Linebackers

1. Connecticut: Lawrence Wilson led the league with a whopping 140 tackles last year, while Scott Lutrus was a regular 100-tackle guy before getting hurt. They're both seniors with a ton of experience. Jory Johnson played in 12 games last year at the other linebacker spot. Depth is a little shaky, but the starting unit is as solid as it gets.

2. West Virginia: Pat Lazear led the team in tackles a year ago, and J.T. Thomas is an All-Big East performer who might be ready to blossom into a superstar as a senior. Senior Anthony Leonard needs to step in as the starting middle linebacker this season, replacing the reliable Reed Williams.

3. Pittsburgh: Pitt has had a long line of stars at middle linebacker, and it looks like Dan Mason will be the next one there. Max Gruder is coming off a year in which he surprisingly led the team in tackles, while two-year starter Greg Williams is trying to hold off Tristan Roberts for the third starting spot.

4. Rutgers: Keep an eye on Steve Beauharnais, who came on late in his freshman year and appears destined to make the leap this season at middle linebacker. Senior Antonio Lowery started eight games a year ago and is the team's leading returning tackler, while junior Manny Abreu moves into a starting role after making solid contributions as a reserve.

5. Syracuse: Derrell Smith and Doug Hogue were as productive as any linebacker duo in the league last year, combining for 16 sacks. Yet the loss of E.J. Carter after the spring hurt the depth here, and there is precious little experience behind the starting group, which also includes Ryan Gillum.

6. South Florida: The Bulls are rated this low only because of relative inexperience. Middle linebacker Sam Barrington was a big-time recruit who started to realize his potential in the spring, while the coaching staff raved about Jacquian Williams' speed. Sabbath Joseph is the veteran of the group, while redshirt freshman DeDe Lattimore is coming on strong. This has the potential to be a really strong group.

7. Cincinnati: JK Schaffer and Walter Stewart aren't the biggest guys in the world, but they both make plays. Schaffer quietly recorded 100 stops last year while Stewart had a big impact as a freshman. Dorian Davis will have to improve his production as a first-time starter, and depth is an issue.

8. Louisville: The Cardinals' two best players in '09 -- Jon Dempsey and Chris Campa -- are gone. Still, linebacker may be the strongest area on the defense for Louisville. Seniors Brandon Heath and Antwon Canady should make a lot of plays, and former highly rated recruit Dexter Heyman moves back to his old position after a failed experiment on the defensive line a year ago.

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Robert Martin was a huge get to help with the LB corp. Depth is a concern, but the quality should be there.

 

[Racinejake]

I'm still not sure at what level Robert Martin is going to be able to play at. It's hard to tell from his JC film. At worst he gives us depth, though. Davis is going to have to come up big and I'm sure Bomar will get plenty of reps but I do think as a whole we are an undersized unit.

 

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I'm worried myself, but I'm hoping for an injury free season for the front seven.

 

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Secondary


1. West Virginia: The Mountaineers play five defensive backs in their 3-3-5 alignment and should be well stocked for 2010. Safety Robert Sands should compete for league defensive player of the year honors if he continues his rapid development, while senior Sidney Glover is an experienced playmaker at one of the other safety spots. West Virginia needs Brandon Hogan to rediscover his form and for Keith Tandy to keep improving, and this could be one of the team's strongest units.

2. Rutgers: The Scarlet Knights lost the best cornerback in the Big East when Devin McCourty took his skills to the NFL, but I still like the group that's returning. Joe Lefeged should step up and assume McCourty's leadership role as a senior safety, while Khaseem Greene looks ready to become a front-line safety. David Rowe is a solid corner, and either Brandon Bing or Logan Ryan should fill the other spot. The Scarlet Knights have a lot of talented young players here to provide quality depth, as well.

3. Syracuse: The Orange officially have five returning starters in the secondary because of injuries last year, and several players gained valuable experience during 2009. There's a good mixture of veteran leadership with guys like seniors Mike Holmes, Da'Mon Merkerson and Max Suter as well as rising stars like Shamarko Thomas and Phillip Thomas.

4. Pittsburgh: Antwuan Reed helped answer a big question with a strong spring at cornerback. The other corner spot will likely be filled by either junior college transfer Saheed Imoru or Buddy Jackson, with Ricky Gary around to add depth. The safety position should be in good shape when Dom DeCicco and Andrew Taglianetti return from their injuries, while Jarred Holley established himself as a dependable safety last year.

5. South Florida: The Bulls lost a pair of draft picks in Nate Allen and Jerome Murphy and have some young players moving into key roles this season. The good news is those youngsters have talent. The key will be whether Quenton Washington and Kayvon Webster can hold down the cornerback spots.

6. Cincinnati: There's healthy competition in the secondary for the Bearcats, who increasingly gave up big plays in the passing game as the 2009 season wore on. Dominique Battle, Camerron Cheatham, Chris Williams and Reuben Johnson all vied for playing time at corner this spring. Drew Frey is a steady safety. The group needs to make more plays than it did a year ago but should embrace a more aggressive scheme this year.

7. Connecticut: The Huskies ranked last in pass defense last season and lost two senior stalwarts from the secondary. The defensive backfield was in disarray at times this spring. The return of Blidi Wreh-Wilson from his shoulder injury this summer should help out the cornerback spot with Dwayne Gratz. Jerome Junior should be solid at one safety spot, while Kijuan Dabney is trying to win the other job after moving from linebacker. The Huskies are counting on a lot of young players to improve quickly before the season begins.

8. Louisville: The Cardinals had so much trouble finding playmakers in the secondary this spring that running back Darius Ashley moved to corner to help out. Johnny Patrick is one of the league's better cornerbacks but needs help in the defensive backfield. The healthy return of safety Terence Simien would provide a boost, but this remains a trouble spot heading into the fall.

 

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Tight Ends


1. Cincinnati: It's unclear how new coach Butch Jones will use tight ends in his offense, but he's got great options there. Ben Guidugli is an all-conference performer, while Adrien Robinson is a physically imposing player at 6-foot-4, 244 pounds. Don't forget Travis Kelce, either. They just add to the seemingly never-ending offensive stockpile the Bearcats have.

2. Rutgers: D.C. Jefferson caught only five balls last year, but remember he made a late switch to tight end before the season began. A terrific 6-foot-6 athlete, this could be a breakout year for him. Paul Carrezola turned some heads this spring as well.

3. West Virginia: Tyler Urban and Will Johnson are two talented and experienced tight ends who could start for many teams. They'll help in the running game. The question is whether the Mountaineers will use the tight end more in the passing game as often promised.

4. Connecticut: Ryan Griffin quietly developed into a valuable target in 2009 and could be counted on even more this year as a receiver. John Delahunt got some valuable experience as well in '09 and should contribute.

5. Pittsburgh: What a change from the past year, when the Panthers had the top two tight ends in the league in Dorin Dickerson and Nate Byham. Now it's time for Mike Cruz to emerge as the next playmaker at the position. Virginia transfer Andrew Devlin and Brock DeCicco will also look to crack the lineup.

6. Louisville: Cameron Graham has shown flashes of his ability and had a nice spring. The senior should turn into a more consistent presence, especially in the Florida-esque offense. Pete Nochta needs to live up to his potential.

7. Syracuse: Losing Mike Owen leaves this group as a big unknown. Senior Nick Provo, who finished the spring as a starter, hasn't posted many stats in his career. Hofstra transfer Jose Cruz is a big target.

8. South Florida: The Bulls didn't use tight ends much in the spread offense. They could see a resurgence under Skip Holtz. Current starter Jeff Hawkins has only played in one career game.

 

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Secondary is a concern, hell, the whole defense is part question mark. Especially depth.

 

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Analyzing the Rankings

Here are the teams that finished first in any of the eight rankings and how many first-place nods they received:

Cincinnati: 3 (QB, WR, TE)

Pittsburgh: 2 (RB, DL)

Connecticut: 2 (OL, LB)

West Virginia: 1 (DB).

I've been saying all along that these four teams are the top four contenders, and that Cincinnati had the best offense. Those rankings bear that out.

Now here's how many times each team appeared in the upper half, or top four, of the group rankings:

Pittsburgh: 7 (Everything but TE)

West Virginia: 7 (Everything but QB)

Rutgers 6 (TE, WR, DL, LB, DB, QB)

Connecticut: 5 (QB, RB, OL, LB, TE)

Cincinnati: 5 (QB, WR, TE, RB, OL)

South Florida: 1 (DL)

Syracuse: 1 (DB)

Louisville: 0

Not a lot of real surprises here. We knew that Pitt and West Virginia have a lot of returning experienced talent, along with UConn and Cincinnati. Rutgers fared a little better than I would have expected, while South Florida fared much worse than I would have thought. The lack of elite talent at Syracuse and Louisville is reflected in these rankings.

Finally, here are how the teams stand when you add each team's position group placement together (awarding eight points for first, seven for second, etc.)

1. West Virginia: 50 points
2. Pittsburgh: 49
3. Cincinnati: 45
4. Connecticut: 44
5. Rutgers: 38
6. South Florida: 25
7. Syracuse: 22
8. Louisville: 16

 

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I don't see WV being able to stop the UC offense. Pitt might be able to, but they are likewise breaking in a new QB. This year is wide open for the top three.

 

[JasonS]

We will know after game number 3 if this defense will be good enough to win a Big East Championship. I, personally, think it is and will be better than last year. A lot of the guys that saw minutes last year were freshmen (especially in the secondary) and you can expect to see a major jump in their play this year. It's amazing, how this team could be positioned a year from now. The offense will have most of it's firepower back and the defense will be very experienced. If the Bearcats can win the Big East this year, we could be looking at 4 Big East Championships in a row.