ESPN's Statement On Its New Deal With The ACC

Source: Backing The Pack by Akula Wolf

This is pretty strange, but I guess when confronted with all of the Florida State speculation, ESPN felt it necessary to release a statement on its new agreement with the ACC. As several of you mentioned in the last post on this subject, the escalators are not unique to the ACC. I still wonder how they compare to the other conferences, but I also acknowledge that I should back slowly away from the panic button.

First, a rights fee payment schedule that escalates in amount over the term is a commonplace provision in major college conference deals. This arrangement is not unique to the ACC. The pre-existing

Scouting videos: Caleb Martin at NCHSAA 4-A playoffs - NC State [$$] (Rivals)

Source: Yahoo! NCAAB

Notes from Clemson coach Dabo Swinney

Source: ACC Football Blog

AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. -- The story of the spring at Clemson was the development of receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who looked like a different player on the field for the Tigers. All you need for proof is what he did in the first quarter of the spring game -- five catches for 100 yards. Coach Dabo Swinney called him the MVP of the spring, and said during the ACC spring meetings that he could not be prouder of Hopkins' development. "Part of it goes back to the fact that he hasn’t had an offseason as an athlete," Swinney said.

ACC's spring breakout players

Source: ACC Football Blog

Here's a look at those who made names for themselves, those who fine-tuned some strengths and those who burst onto the scene this spring in the ACC. WR DeAndre Hopkins, Clemson: Hopkins had seven catches for 120 yards and a touchdown in the Tigers' spring game, including five for 100 in the first quarter. Coach Dabo Swinney called him the team's spring MVP, and he and Sammy Watkins could form the top receiver tandem in the nation. RB Rolandan Finch, Boston College: Finch will have to carry a bigger load with Montel Harris off the team, and he stepped up in the spring game when the three men ahead of him were all banged-up, rushing for 196 yards on 27 carries.

W. Basketball. Harper Elected to WBCA Board of Directors

Source: NC State Official Site

NC State head women's basketball coach Kellie Harper was elected to The Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) board of directors for the 2012-13 academic year.

The NCAA's Tobacco Road Retrospective

Source: Backing The Pack by Akula Wolf

This is well done. Granted, it ends up heavy on the UNC/Duke angle, but that's kind of inevitable given the way the last 25 years have gone. But people forget about the impact that Everett Case had on basketball in North Carolina, and this serves as a good refresher. We made you, Tar Heels, now where is our big fat thank you cake????!

Thank you doughnuts or pie, it should go without saying, are invalid. Show me the cake. WITH SPRINKLES.

Baseball. No. 13 Pack Collides with No. 1 Florida State Thursday

Source: NC State Official Site

NC State hits the road for its final ACC series of the regular season, a three-game set with the top-ranked Seminoles in Tallahassee

Former UNC president hospitalized

Source: Technician Online

By: News Editor

Former University of North Carolina president

Scouting videos: Cody Martin at NCHSAA 4-A playoffs - NC State [$$] (Rivals)

Source: Yahoo! NCAAB

Ok, here goes....

Source: Backing The Pack by Tampa-Pack

Hello, my name is Tampa-Pack and somehow (must have been the beer) I got permission to become an author here (what were they thinking?!?). As you can already tell, I must be the laziest of the new authors as I seem to be the last one to post. Yes, I will go ahead and take pride in that. Some of those over achievers have even posted multiple times.

A very little about myself. My goal is to provide an outside the state perspective on all things NC State. I moved to NC in 88 and attended NC State from 1995 - 1999. Obviously, there wasn't a lot of on the field success during that time frame, or really anytime since then (thank god for last basketball season!). I've lived in the Tampa Bay area now for about 10 years so I've had

NC State Basketball Recruiting: 2012 Forward Savon Goodman Now On The Radar

Source: Backing The Pack by Akula Wolf

After missing on Amile Jefferson Tuesday, it looks like NC State is getting in late on 6-6 200 lb forward Savon Goodman, who is--for now at least--a member of the 2012 class.

Rob Moore, Goodman’s coach at Philly Constitution, told SNY.tv Wednesday that N.C. State was now recruiting the 6-6 Goodman and that he planned to take more visits after the dead period ends. He recently visited Seton Hall and Pitt.

Originally a Villanova commitment, Goodman is being pursued by St. John's, Temple, Pittsburgh, and Seton Hall, among others. He is rated a

Ultimate ACC road trip: Week 1

Source: ACC Football Blog

This is your ticket -- a free ride to each of the best games in the ACC every week. These are the games that -- if you had the money and the time -- you would want to be at this fall. It’s the ultimate ACC road trip. We’ll start today and go week by week in the ACC schedule looking at the can’t-miss game of the week. In reality, my travel schedule unfolds with the season, and the conference race usually dictates where I wind up.

College Football 2012 Top 150 Players: No. 117 Kevin Reddick UNC LB

Source: Bleacher Report NCAAF

No. 117: Kevin Reddick, No. 48, North Carolina, Linebacker

While his teammates have passed on to the next level, Kevin Reddick has remained a Tar Heel to usher in the start of the Larry Fedora era at North Carolina. Reddick has been a consistent in all of the adversary in Chapel Hill, as the middle linebacker has been a solid player for the Tar Heels in the past three seasons. He doesn't have the flash of his former teammate, Zach Brown, but the rising senior is as close to a sure thing at the linebacker spot as the Tar Heels have had since Mark Paschal.

 

Strengths

The kid is a pure linebacker. He sifts through the wash. He reads his keys. He plays downhill. He makes sound tackles. At the linebacker position, Reddick does everything that you are looking for out of a quality player. Unlike his much-heralded former linebacker teammate, Zach Brown, Reddick does not rely solely on athleticism to get things done. He's a rules football player that found his way on the field early by doing the right things and never came off.

However, unlike his predecessor, Mark Paschal, there is some top-level athleticism about Reddick. He's fast, sideline to sideline, not just in the downhill, run-forcing sets. That gives him the ability to be effective in coverage and to track action to the edge for the tackle. 

 

Weaknesses

North Carolina is switching to a hybrid 3-3-5/4-2-5 defense this season as Dan Disch and Vic Koenning attempt to mesh their styles and personalities together. To say this is going to be an experiment is an understatement. Reddick, technique-wise and physically, is ready to have another standout season as the Tar Heels middle linebacker.

Unfortunately, in the new Heels' scheme, he is going to be asked to do a lot of things differently than in previous years. He loses the two big bodies in the middle that protected him from guards and centers. He also will be running more side to side as the Heels look to bring pressure from multiple areas, exposing voids. 

 

2012 Predictions

Reddick should lead the new look Tar Heels defense in 2012 in every way. Expect him to set the pace in tackles and make a push to getting on to the All-ACC team at the linebacker position. There will most certainly be issues when it comes to adjusting to the defender, but given North Carolina's new style of play offensively, the defense will have ample time to get used to being on the field. Reddick's tackle numbers should go up this season with the loss of Zach Brown; look for the rising senior to push the 90 tackles mark this year.

Read more UNC Football news on BleacherReport.com

For You Wolfpack and Baseball Historians

Source: Backing The Pack by Omega Wolf

I stumbled upon SABR's Baseball Biography Project while doing research on recent Pack MLB draftees, which you can read here and here. What a fantastic work time killer! Ladies and gentlemen, I give you former Pack great Chink Outen, complete with dashing photo after the jump.

Inside Wolfpack Sports. Inside Wolfpack Sports - Henry Trevathan

Source: NC State Official Site

In today's episode, Don Shea visits with Hall of Fame and former NC State football coach Henry Trevathan.

Football. Inside Wolfpack Sports - Henry Trevathan

Source: NC State Official Site

In today's episode, Don Shea visits with Hall of Fame and former NC State football coach Henry Trevathan.

Swofford talks about Florida State, BCS

Source: ACC Football Blog

AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. -- ACC commissioner John Swofford weighed in Wednesday on the two hottest topics confronting his league during its annual spring meetings. Florida State and the BCS. Swofford said he has had positive talks with Florida State and reiterated: "It has been and I would anticipate that it will continue to be a very beneficial relationship to both parties, which is what it should be." Whether or not Florida State has a wandering eye toward the Big 12 has dominated recent speculation.

Post-Expansion ACC Tournament Will Include All 14 Schools

Source: Backing The Pack by Akula Wolf

The Florida State-Big XII crap continues to be the dominant storyline at the ACC meetings this week, but there has been a bit of news with actual substance to it. When Syracuse and Pittsburgh finally join the ACC, the conference's basketball tournament will be expanded to include all 14 teams and run Wednesday through Sunday.

When Pitt/SU on board, ACC hoopa tourney format Wed-Sun. On Wed 11 vs. 14, 12 vs. 13

— Brett McMurphy (@McMurphyCBS) May 16, 2012

It looks like the current Thursday through Sunday format will remain as is, so on Thursday I'm guessin' we'll

Most important game: Boston College

Source: ACC Football Blog

I’m stealing a page from the Pac-12 playbook and taking a look at the single most important game on the schedule this year for each ACC school. Just how meaningful these games are will obviously change as the season unfolds, but in looking at the schedules and knowing what we do right now, these are the games that will reveal the most or have the biggest impact on the 2012 ACC race. We’ll go in alphabetical order, starting today with Boston College: Most important game: Sept.

Reflections on a day spent wasted in front of a computer

Source: Backing The Pack by TVP

The Amile Jefferson saga, or, hours of my life I'm never getting back.

I should know better by now. Before Amile there was CJ Leslie's long, agonizing recruitment; before him there was Mustafa Shakur, Brent Schaeffer, AJ Davis, Julius Hodge, Schea Cotton, Byron Mouton.

A few mostly common sense thoughts now that the whole thing is done with:

We really all need to learn to ignore recruiting and recruits, at least until a player commits to play for State. Its just pointless to follow the speculation about what the Amile Jefferson's of the world will do before they make up their minds. One could have watched 15 seconds of his press conference today and known just as much relevant information as one who

Swofford: ACC 9 game ACC schedule when Pitt/SU join; Atlantic will have 5 home games in odd yrs;...

Source: Backing The Pack by Akula Wolf

Swofford: ACC 9 game ACC schedule when Pitt/SU join; Atlantic will have 5 home games in odd yrs; Coastal 5 home games in even yrs

Expect NC State to have five home conference games in 2013.

Catching Up with Pack Draftees, Part 2

Source: Backing The Pack by Omega Wolf

Yesterday we took a look at the early returns on 2011 Pack alum riding the buses through the minor leagues in search of future glory. If you missed it, kindly click here.

Today's feature looks back at some notable draft picks from 2006-2010, most of whom are still draining the postgame cooler on the back of the bus as the diesel engine totes them through the bushleagues.

Jake Buchanan: An 8th round selection by the Astros in the 2010 draft, Buchanan is ranked as the 20th best prospect in the Houston system by SBN MiLB guru John Sickels. Sickels says: "Doesn't have a

ACC's lunchtime links

Source: ACC Football Blog

How many more days 'til kickoff?? Florida State and Miami only have themselves to blame for the ACC's image problem. Georgia Tech lured a running back into its 2013 recruiting class. One ESPN executive provided some background on the ACC's latest TV contract. You can expect ACC commish John Swofford to try to portray the deal in a better light today. Former Miami coach Jimmy Johnson has earned his place in the Hall of Fame. Mike Bellamy's career at Clemson has come to a close.

Big Weekend Ahead For NC State Baseball

Source: Backing The Pack by Akula Wolf

Fortunately, when I say "important," I'm not talking about how State needs to do this-and-this in order to help solidify a spot in the NCAA tournament. We're well beyond that now, obviously. No, this weekend is important because it could help solidify a national seed. Eight teams receive national seeds for the tournament, which assures that they will host both a regional and (if they advance) a super regional. That makes getting to the College World Series in Omaha a little bit easier.

In the latest NCAA tournament projection from Aaron Fitt of Baseball America, State hasn't earned a national seed, but we are

M. Golf. Pack Features Veteran Lineup at NCAA Ann Arbor Regional

Source: NC State Official Site

A seasoned group of five men's golfers will represent NC State this week at the NCAA Ann Arbor Regional, Thursday through Saturday, May 17-19, at the U-M Golf Course in Ann Arbor, Mich.

Dabo Swinney defends ACC football

Source: ACC Football Blog

AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. -- The topic of what the ACC has to do to improve its football image has been rehashed over and over, particularly after its BCS bowl losses. But that did not stop Clemson coach Dabo Swinney from weighing in on the topic during the ACC spring meetings. Swinney came to his league's defense after a reporter wondered how he dealt with the perception that the ACC was not a football conference. Then he gave his own twist on what the future looks like in this league, predicting that a national champion would eventually emerge.

Expectations high at Virginia

Source: ACC Football Blog

AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. -- Nothing ratchets up expectations like winning. So it goes that much more is expected out of Virginia coming off a surprising 8-5 season and appearance in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl. Coaches always say it is more difficult maintaining success than rebuilding from the bottom up, so this upcoming season will be a huge test for coach Mike London. "Expectations are always at a point where you want to do well," London said at the ACC spring meetings.

Wolfpack Brand Morning Interwebz Links 5/16

Source: Backing The Pack by TheStrengthoftheWolf

Hello again, sportsfans, and welcome to edition number 2 of your daily links of interest. The jolly outpouring of comments on the first morning story resulted in the creation of this abomination above, which at least makes some attempt at the breakfast link pun. Too silly? Not silly enough? You guys let me know.

And now, on to the links.

The huge news, of course, is Amile Jefferson's decision. You'll already have heard about that up and down by now and so I will pass over it for the news you possibly haven't heard about (and which is slightly less saddening to my heart).

Baseball

Clemson RB Mike Bellamy ineligible

Source: ACC Football Blog

Three strikes and Clemson running back Mike Bellamy is out. After a short career that was spent mainly in coach Dabo Swinney's doghouse, Bellamy has been ruled academically ineligible and won't return this fall. This is yet another off-field blow for the Tigers, who recently learned that star receiver Sammy Watkins was arrested earlier this month for possession of marijuana and a controlled substance. So far, Swinney hasn't announced any punishment for Watkins, but he has said there will be one.

Pack Baseball Dispatches UNC-G, FSU On Deck

Source: Statefan Nation by Wufpacker

In their regular season home finale, Wolfpack Baseball took care of business against UNC-G Tuesday night at Doak Field in Raleigh, topping the Spartans 7-0. The win improved the Pack’s record to 37-13 on the season (25-4 at home). State now hits the road to Tallahassee for its final three games of the season against [...]

Edmond ready to build champions in weight room (Rivals)

Source: Yahoo! NCAAF

New strength and conditioning coach Corey Edmond is excited to bring his program and philosophy back home to Raleigh, where he was a four-year letterman from 1987-90 under Dick Sheridan.

Baseball. State Blanks Greensboro 7-0

Source: NC State Official Site

No. 13 NC State shut out UNC Greensboro Tuesday night in the Wolfpack's regular season home finale behind Logan Jernigan's stellar pitching performance

But That's My Move!

Source: Backing The Pack by Akula Wolf

The NCAA has recommended some rules changes for the next college basketball season. Among those recommendations are some additional restrictions on coaching antics.

Prolonged, negative responses to a call/no-call that are disrespectful or unprofessional and include waving or thrashing the arms in disgust, dramatizing contact by re-enacting the play, or running or jumping "in disbelief" over a call/non-call.
A negative response to a call/no-call that includes approaching/charging an official in a hostile, aggressive or otherwise threatening manner; emphatically removing one’s coat in

Here are 10 soon-to-be-head-coaches to know heading into the 2012 season (Yahoo! Sports)

Source: Yahoo! NCAAF

ADs often turn to coordinators when seeking new coaches, and these 10 guys should be on every "to call" list for an AD who is looking for a new head man.

Amile Jefferson to….Duke (rumors & analysis) [Updated at 5:05pm]

Source: Statefan Nation by StateFans

It is a sad day for NC State as Wynnewood (Pa.) Friends’ Central’s Amile Jefferson pulled a fast one and this afternoon publicly announced his intentions to attend Duke University this afternoon. Rivals.com ranks Jefferson as the #7 power forward and #36 overall player in the class of 2012. He holds similar rankings between #20 [...]

Pitt, Syracuse take places at ACC meetings

Source: ACC Football Blog

AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. -- Pitt and Syracuse are caught in a bit of no man's land right now. With one foot out of the Big East door and one foot in the ACC door, the two schools had their representatives at the ACC spring meetings this week. It may seem strange or awkward, but the programs are persona non grata at the Big East, after announcing their defections last September. They will not be at the Big East spring meetings next week, and are trying to move forward with their eyes to the ACC future.

Amile Jefferson to….Duke (rumors & analysis)

Source: Statefan Nation by StateFans

Sad day for NC State as Wynnewood (Pa.) Friends’ Central’s Amile Jefferson pulled a fast one and this afternoon publicly announced his intentions to attend Duke University this afternoon. Rivals.com ranks Jefferson as the #7 power forward and #36 overall player in the class of 2012. He holds similar rankings between #20 and #40 on [...]

Amile Jefferson Commits To Duke

Source: Backing The Pack by Akula Wolf

During a press conference at his high school, five-star forward prospect Amile Jefferson announced his intention to play for Coach K at Duke. His final decision reportedly came down to NC State and the Blue Devils.

So with that, NC State's 2012-13 roster situation is set. Barring some total surprise anyway. Jefferson's addition would have meant a lot to the team's frontcourt depth now and especially in 2013-14, but alas. Here's hoping that Warren and MegaHorse make up some combination of a useful player next year.

Lorenzo Brown / Tyler Lewis
Rodney Purvis
Scott

Here's a peek at the ACC's top newcomers (Yahoo! Sports)

Source: Yahoo! NCAAB

A trio of guards can be expected to produce right away in the ACC. And what do you know: All will reside on Tobacco Road.

Watch the Amile Jefferson press conference here.

Source: Backing The Pack by Akula Wolf

Watch the Amile Jefferson press conference here.

4 p.m. ET.

Watch Amile Jefferson's Announcement Live (Rivals)

Source: Yahoo! NCAAB

Watch Amile Jefferson, Rivals' No. 36 ranked player in the class of 2012, make his college decision live at 4 p.m. here.

Live chat: Amile Jefferson announcement (Rivals)

Source: Yahoo! NCAAB

The Wolfpacker has been there every step of the way in Amile Jefferson's recruitment, and today is the day that he will announce his college decision. Chat with fans from around the country in our free live chat.

Live feed to Amile Jefferson press conference – refresh if not working

Source: Statefan Nation by StateFans

Video streaming by Ustream If not working, you can also try this link

Live feed to Amile Jefferson press conference

Source: Statefan Nation by StateFans

Video streaming by Ustream

Proving ground: Coastal Division

Source: ACC Football Blog

Earlier this morning we looked at who in the Atlantic Division has the most to prove. The Coastal Division is up next: 1. Duke coach David Cutcliffe. It’s time for Cutcliffe to prove his program is still heading in the right direction, and the most obvious way for him to do that is to lead the Blue Devils to a bowl game. Cutcliffe will be entering his fifth season in Durham, and while he’s been painfully close to a breakthrough winning season -- losing eight games over the past two years by seven or fewer points -- he will ultimately be judged by the win column.

Entering the Hall: Jimmy Johnson

Source: ACC Football Blog

Over a span of five seasons, former Miami coach Jimmy Johnson helped set the elite standard that so many Hurricanes fans are still desperately clamoring for today. In May of 1984, Johnson came to Coral Gables from Oklahoma State and took what Howard Schnellenberger built and topped it with what many consider to be one of the best college football teams in the sport’s history. Led by Vinny Testaverde, Miami’s first Heisman Trophy winner, the Canes finished the 1986 regular season 11-0 and were ranked No.

Catching Up with the 2011 Diamond Draftees

Source: Backing The Pack by Omega Wolf

The Pack Nine are ranked 13th by Baseball America and, barring an utter and complete collapse over the season's final few games and in the ACC tournament, should host a regional in the NCAA tournament. Carlos Rodon (8-0, 1.41 ERA) is the best Pack pro prospect currently in uniform, and fortunately, as he is just a freshman, we have him for two more years. SBN prospect guru John Sickels had this to say about Rodon: "Carlos has been up to 95-97 MPH this spring, also using a cutter, a changeup, and an occasional curve. I don't know exactly where he would be drafted if he was eligible this year, but he would most certainly be a first-rounder and quite possibly in the top ten."

Rodon has