Now that the 2011 recruiting classes have been wrapped up, we will look at the teams who still need help at the quarterback position. A signal caller is the cornerstone of any good team, and while some ACC teams hit a home run in recruiting a 2011 QB, others whiffed.
Boston College - They started true freshman Chase Rettig for the second half of the 2010 season, but solidified the position by bringing in 2011 quarterback Christian Suntrup. Need: Low
Clemson - Redshirt sophomore Kyle Parker had a mediocre season for the Tigers, but none of that matters because he bolted for pro baseball after the season. The Tigers will have several options to replace him, including talented former Army All-American Tajh Boyd. In addition, the Tigers brought in 3 recruits in 2011 at the position. Despite the struggles last year, we think Clemson will be fine. Need: Low
Duke - The Blue Devils return four quarterbacks, all of whom have performed well thus far in spring practices. Incumbent starter Sean Renfree and backup Brandon Conette both return and the position should be a strength for the 2011 season. The Blue Devils did not bring in a 2011 quarterback, but this is not a major concern. Need: Low
Florida State - The Seminoles will have to replace Christian Ponder, but are well equipped to do so. Former backup EJ Manuel will likely win the job, but he is still relatively raw. If Manuel doesn't pan out, the Seminoles have a number of other options to turn to. We still think that they need to bring in a big-time quarterback in 2012 to bring their team to an elite level with the playmakers that they recruited in 2011. Need: Medium
Georgia Tech - They are in a unique situation because of their unique offense. Starter Josh Nesbitt graduated, leaving the door open for a number of inexperienced quarterbacks to seize the job. We saw glimpses last season from backup Tevin Washington, but he may end up as a defensive back. There is reason for concern because running the Paul Johnson offense is no simple task. Ultimately this will likely be Washington's job, but he needs to improve in the spring. We would like to see the Yellow Jackets bring in another quarterback in 2012. Need: Medium/High
Maryland - Danny O'Brien stepped in as a true freshman and proved that he is the future at quarterback. Backup Jamarr Robinson is an explosive change up. No need for a 2012 QB, but Edsall will likely go after several. Need: Low
Miami - This is the mosti intriguing situation of all. Rising senior Jacory Harris was a major disappointment last season, and the Canes only return one other quarterback in rising sophomore Stephen Morris. Morris showed flashes of brilliance, but the jury is still out as to whether he is the future at the position. Michigan transfer Tate Forcier will be eligible for the 2012 season to add depth, but Miami struck out with 2011 quarterbacks. They already have a commitment from 2012 QB Gray Crow, but should add another just in case. Need: Medium/High
North Carolina - The Tar Heels graduate TJ Yates, and have very little experience behind him. Braden Hanson and Brynn Renner will compete for the job in the spring, but will have to prove themselves in the fall. They also brought in 2011 star QB Marquise Williams. This is a huge wild card for the Heels, and we would like to see them bring in a 2012 signal caller. Need: Medium
NC State - Russell Wilson may join Harper in the Colorad Rockies organization but still has not decided. If he leaves, Mike Glennon will replace him. Wilson's decision will not affect the Pack's 2012 recruiting needs, and they will need to bring in a 2012 quarterback. Need: High
Virginia - The Cavs will have to replace Mike Verica, and we're not sure they have a quality QB on their roster right now. Strauss, Gooch, Rocco, and Matheny will compete for the job, we predict whoever wins the job will struggle. They need a solid 2012 recruit. Need: High
Virginia Tech - Tyrod Taylor is trying to transition to the NFL, and the Hokies are trying to replace the four year starter. Logan Thomas and Ju-Ju Clayton will battle for the job, and they have built great depth at the position. The Hokies should be able to move on and transition rather smoothly. Need: Low
Wake Forest - Freshman Tanner Price stepped in last season and did a decent job. He will look to solidify his job in the spring, with Ted Stachitas as the backup. Wake was able to hold off Miami for the servies of 2011 QB Kevin Sousa, and will have plenty of options in the future. Need: Low
There will be seven teams replacing quarterbacks, and we look forward to seeing who steps up. Recruiting a quarterback is very political, since only one can play at a time and no one wants to spend four or five years on the bench. Most recruits at the position end up never playing or transferring, making the situation very hard to predict. The best thing a coaching staff can do is bring in as many as possible and see who fits the best. The 2012 class has some solid quarterbacks, and the ACC will likely get its share.
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