In the game of football, the sum total of a team often is predicated on the value of its individual parts. For example, a team can have a great wide receiver corps, but without a capable offensive line and quarterback the passing game won�t click. Likewise, even the best defensive backs have to have a pass rush or they won�t be successful. While obviously each team has individual positions that are stronger than another, these groups must work together in order to consistently win.

Here is my opinion of how the Big East offenses break down, position by position, going into the 2003 season. My ratings consider past production, but they also weigh more heavily how I think the players will perform this season.

1. Virginia Tech � I don�t think anyone knows how the Bryan Randall/Marcus Vick battle will unfold this fall, but rest assured the Hokies will be fine regardless. In fact, I believe VT has two of the top 25 quarterbacks in the country. Both keep improving by leaps and bounds. The only concern at this point, other than the fact the third quarterback is a second string wide receiver, is whether they can keep the number of turnovers down in 2003.
   
   
2. Pittsburgh � Pitt fans have a right to complain about this ranking. SR Rod Rutherford is a very good and experienced quarterback, plus the Panthers have enough offensive weapons to make him shine. Pitt also has former national top 100 recruit Tyler Palko as the backup, and he�s a good athlete in addition to being a tough kid. Palko doesn�t have great arm strength, but he is a winner and superior in every other respect. Only a sophomore, Palko is the Panthers' quarterback of the future, and he should be fantastic in a Walt Harris offense.
   
   
3. Miami � Florida transfer Brock Berlin is a junior that was the national high school offensive player of the year in some corners. Berlin has a very strong arm � much stronger than Ken Dorsey�s � he plays intelligently, and he is a better athlete than you might think. He beat out returning reserve JR Derrick Crudup for the starting spot with stud T-FR Kyle Wright likely redshirting this season. Wright looks to be Miami�s long term solution at the position.
   
   
4. West Virginia � The Mountaineers deserve this spot based on the solid season JR Rasheed Marshall had last season. Marshall had over 1,600 passing yards with only five interceptions as well as 666 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns. Marshall needs to be more consistent with this throws, but another year under Coach Rodriguez should have helped his development. Junior Charles Hales handles backup duties.
   
   
5. Boston College � Much like the Hokies, the BC starting quarterback job isn�t settled. On paper the starter is JR Quinton Porter, who has been the backup and has nice arm strength. The buzz out of Chestnut Hill has been fairly positive on Porter, although he has only thrown 20 college passes. First team junior college all-american Paul Peterson is likely to be given a legitimate chance to win the job, however. Regardless of the winner of the quarterback battle, the Eagles should be okay at the position.
   
   
6. Temple � Another team with an unsettled quarterback situation, but the Owls do have decent talent. JR Mike McGann has already taken a lot of snaps and is a prototypical drop back passer. His biggest problem is that this year�s Temple line won�t even be close to what it was last year, which bodes poorly for a relatively immobile quarterback. That might make the favorite for the job athletic junior college transfer Walter Washington. Washington has three years of eligibility remaining and was highly recruited, as he was a candidate for National Junior College Player of the Year. He could win the job outright if he can learn the nuisances of the position, but often times that is a tough task for a junior college transfer.
   
   
7. Syracuse � SR R.J. Anderson is back again, only he hasn�t really appeared to improve in the last few seasons. Anderson is a solid athlete, but he completed under 45% of his passes last year and made some poor decisions with the football before Troy Nunes took his job. R-Fr Perry Patterson is a fantastic jumbo quarterback in the Duante Culpepper mode, but he sustained a major knee injury in the spring and won�t be available this season. My guess is that Patterson would have been running the Orange by midseason if healthy. SO Xzavier Gaines now inherits the backup spot and he hasn�t overwhelmed anyone yet. His strength is running the option. This is a shaky spot for the Orange, although the job should be a little easier because of a veteran line and running back corps.
   
   
8. Rutgers � SO Ryan Hart is the leader for the Scarlet Knights. Hart was a well regarded recruit from Florida, and he showed flashes last season. He is a tough kid who performed well under difficult circumstances, but it is tough to project a really successful season this year given the talent limitations around him and the monster defenses in the Big East.

1. Virginia Tech � Another very, very close call because six Big East teams have quality running backs. I am going with the Hokies first because I think Kevin Jones will have a monster junior season. Senior Doug Easlick is the most underrated Hokie football player in my opinion. R-SO Cedric Humes is a bruising type back that will be a nice contrast to the mercurial breakaway ability of KJ. Really, though, any number of teams could make a claim to the top spot.
   
   
2. Miami � Based on production, obviously the Canes don�t deserve this high a ranking. However, before you get too critical, remember that last year Frank Gore was the first team tailback during the spring. His backup, Willis McGahee, would have gone second overall in the last NFL draft if he hadn�t shredded his knee in the Orange Bowl. Gore doesn�t have overwhelming size, but he has incredible vision and the ability to change directions on a dime and leave nine cents change. He runs hard and has impressive speed. Coker claims Gore will be the best back Miami has produced since he has been there, which is a huge endorsement. SO fullback Quadtrine Hill, a one time VT recruiting target, started last season and should emerge as a passing game threat. He�s a little undersized at only 213, but he has a lot more wiggle than the average fullback. SR Jarrett Payton should be in the tailback rotation, and t-FR Tyrone Moss, another VT target, also may get a look.
   
   
3. Pittsburgh � SR Brandon Miree really came on by the end of last year, averaging over 110 yards per game over the last five against four bowl teams (VT, Miami, WVU and Oregon State). Miree is a physical back at 235 lbs., but he also has a track background and good speed. He could have a tremendous year behind Pitt�s line. SR fullback Lousaka Polite is a great blocker and solid pass receiver. He will get some NFL attention if he has a good year. The backup tailback probably will be lightening quick waterbug Javon Walker. Walker will be a nice change of pace to the banging inside of Miree and Polite as he looks to break the big play.
   
   
4. Syracuse � JR Walter Reyes and SO Damien Rhodes combined for 1,703 yard and 24 touchdowns, so on paper they are this year�s "Untouchables." Reyes is a threat to go all the way any time he touches the ball, and he should get the bulk of the carries. Last season he broke the 1,000 yard barrier. Rhodes is a talent that is waiting his turn, but he is a fine receiver and could be the #1 back for many schools across the country. SR fullback Thump Belton is somewhat of an unknown, but his numbers indicate he�ll be a rushing threat inside. Besides, you have to like a fullback named Thump.
   
   
5. Boston College � Rating the Eagles this low is unfair because they don�t have to take a backseat to anyone in past production, except perhaps Syracuse. Every year BC has a 1,000 yard rusher; last year it was Derrick Knight. Knight started as a backup but quickly emerged with two 100 yard games off the bench, and when it was all said and done he rushed for over 1,400 yards. SR fullback Greg Toal, whose younger brother Brian is a big time recruit and VT target, is the best blocking fullback in the conference, and he catches well also. SR Horace Dodd, a PSU transfer, started in front of Knight the first few games last year and is an experienced backup. The Eagles are very good here; I just prefer the upside of some of the other tandems in the Big East.
   
   
6. West Virginia � The Mountaineers just keep churning out great running backs. First it was Famous Amos, then Avon Cobourne, who only set the Big East all time rushing mark, and now SR Quincy Wilson is going to take his shot at the Big East. Wilson is a tough runner who rarely goes down on the first hit and shows a burst through the hole. JuCo transfer Kevin "Kay-Jay" Harris is a bruising runner who is a physical freak � 4.4 forty, 240 lbs. He is extremely highly regarded coming to Morgantown. Harris may end up playing in the same backfield as Wilson. Former UVa commit JR Hikee Johnson may also see some time. When WVU goes to a traditional two-back set (they often run out of the spread formation), SR fullback Moe Fofana should be the guy banging heads with linebackers.
   
   
7. Temple � The dangerous Tanardo Sharps is gone (finally, after what seemed like a lifetime at Temple), with former WR starter and SR Makonnen Fenton seemingly the replacement. Fenton should have some breakaway ability based on his kick return numbers, but not a whole lot is known about him as a tailback. The Owls don�t run a traditional two-back set, but A-back Sean Szarka (JR) will serve as a pass catching threat in short yardage situations. JuCo transfer Jamil Porter will likely be the backup to Fenton as the tailback.
   
   
8. Rutgers � The good news is that the Scarlet Knights return four tailbacks that had some measure of success at different points last year. The bad news is that none of them were good enough to keep the starting job. JR Clarence Pittman is listed first on the depth chart, but SO Markis Facyson has his moments last year as a true freshman and is the leading returning rusher (398 yards). The tailback spot is really crowded, but if they all struggle super productive t-FR Jamar Brittingham may get a look. At fullback, JR Brad Cunningham is a converted linebacker that Coach Greg Schiano seems to like.

1. Miami � Perhaps the most difficult player to defend in the Big East is tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. At 6�5", 233, he has incredible size and unbelievable hands. He also has an effortless release off the line which makes it difficult to hold him up. He�s too big for safeties and too athletic for linebackers. Surprisingly, the wide receiver situation is a little questionable, although you know they will be fast. Former stud tailback Jason Geathers (SR, 6�3", 212) will fill Andre Johnson�s shoes as Miami�s "big" receiver. Steady SR Kevin Beard will get some passes thrown his way too. The unknown is pint sized blur Roscoe Parrish. The 5�9, 160 lb. SO whippet has some Santana Moss in him. Miami could also receive from help from incoming freshman Devin Hester if he makes the grades.
   
   
2. Pittsburgh � If Winslow isn�t the most difficult player to defend in the Big East, my vote goes to SO Larry Fitzgerald. He�s got great size and body control, along with excellent hands. You can�t jam him because of his size and he runs the fade near the end zone better than anyone else in college football. Former JuCo all-american Princell Brockenbrough from Richmond could emerge as the guy opposite Fitzgerald, but he is still trying to recover from a knee injury. SR Chris Curd is currently first on the depth chart and he seems to be cut from the R.J. English mold as Curd is 6�3", 230 lbs. SR TE Kris Wilson is a huge target down the middle who averaged over 20 yards per reception. He is great running seem routes when Fitzgerald goes deep.
   
   
3. Virginia Tech � What can you say about Earnest Wilford? In the face of adversity, he went to work last offseason and emerged as a dominant player on the outside. He broke the VT single season record for number of receptions with 51, and he was close to eclipsing 1,000 yards. Wilford is a huge target (6�4", 220) that became much better last year at avoiding the jam on the line (ask Syracuse). He uses his body extremely well. JR Richard Johnson was a highly touted recruit who always seems on the verge of breaking through, but it hasn�t happened. VT now has an offense where pitch and catch is a possibility, and his forte � making people miss � should come into play. He just needs to get it done and stay healthy. JR DeAngelo Hall is projected to play 25 or so snaps on the offensive side of the ball and he is simply electric. By the time the A & M game rolls around, he will already have done enough to make opposing defenses scheme to contain him. He has a burst unlike anyone VT has had since Michael Vick, and he really does have good hands (and yes, I saw the games last year). The only question is whether his head will tie up his feet with all his responsibility. At tight end, SR Keith Willis is a imposing target with superior speed. Willis is a prototype pro tight end in terms of pass catching, and his receptions should increase this year. JR Jared Mazzetta and SO Jeff King will also see considerable amounts of time.
   
   
4. West Virginia � WVU is going to have to put the ball in the air more this year, and these guys will benefit statistically. Leading returning receiver JR Miquelle Henderson seems to be ready for a breakout year, and SR Travis Garvin is solid as well. The Mountaineer staff is hoping that FR Nathan Forse or SO Dee Alston makes an impact. Athletic recruit Vince Beamer also could see time here, although most think he�ll be ticketed for defense with his 210 lb. frame. SR TE Tory Johnson has a lot of ability as he runs 4.64 at 255 lbs, but he also hasn�t endeared himself to the coaching staff yet. If he stays out of the doghouse, he could emerge in his final season.
   
   
5. Syracuse � If Jamel Riddle returns, Syracuse should be okay here. Riddle was a second team all Big East player last year, but academics have left his situation uncertain. Former stud recruit Johnnie Morant simply never has lived up to the hype. He has size (6�5", 223), decent speed and almost no production (327 yards receiving, 0 TDs). JR Jared Jones could be the other starter. He will need to step up, especially if Morant gets extra attention. Returning TE starter Kenny Cusumano, a senior, is a block-first player. Joe Donnelly is a tight end by trade, by if SU�s wide receivers struggle, don�t be shocked if he lines up in the slot. If Riddle doesn�t return after summer school is over, BC should be ahead of the �Cuse in these rankings.
   
   
6. Boston College � Jamal Burke is gone, but JRs Grant Adams and Joel Hazard got a lot of time last season. Adams is the leading returning receiver with 542 yards and 6 TDs. He performed very well in the Motor City Bowl rout of a good Toledo team. TE Sean Ryan was second team all Big East ahead of Pitt's Kris Wilson, so obviously he�s a good player. Ryan had 23 catches last year, but he really made a name for himself by blocking for Derrick Knight.
   
   
7. Temple � SR Zamir Cobb is the headliner with 45 catches for 483 yards and 6 TDs. SR Terrence Stubbs also returns as a starter, and A-back Sean Szarka (a slot receiver/pass catching RB type on third down) may be the other primary option. At tight end, JR Eric Carpenter is the starter.
   
   
8. Rutgers � There is some talent here, but none of it is proven. JR Chris Baker is a 6�5", 200 lb. athlete who is getting a look at quarterback but should end up as a receiver. JR flanker Tres Moses is a Florida kid who has some bounce in his step and could provide a few much needed big plays. Returning SO split end Shawn Tucker had 21 catches last year making him the leading returning receiver. T-FR Marcus Daniels from Florida may get a look early for the Scarlet Knights. At tight end Ray Pilch returns for his SR season. He certainly learned from a good one as L.J. Smith was the Eagles second round draft pick.

1. Miami - The Canes have had injuries and player movement along their OL in fall camp, so pinning down the starting lineup is difficult, but at press time, here's the opening day starting lineup: LT Eric Winston, LG Vernon Carey, C Joel Rodriguez, RG Chris Myers, RT Carlos Joseph. Senior Carlos Joseph, the younger brother of William Joseph, is 6�6", 340 and he performed well last year at left (blindside) tackle. He was moved to right tackle because former stud tight end recruit Eric Winston � a 6�7", 290 lb. SO � was stuck behind Winslow at TE and had the footwork to be a terrific left tackle. Winslow was moved from tight end to left tackle in the spring, and he has a great future there for the Canes. At this point, he is slightly undersized but long term he could develop into a blue chip prospect. Don�t expect him to yield many sacks this year. Left guard Vernon Carey (who moved from RG to RT and then to LG because of an injury to Joe McGrath) is 6�5", 350 and another potential high round draft choice. JR Chris Myers also is a returning starter and is a solid player.
   
   
2. Pittsburgh � The Panthers return three starters from a line that was extremely effective late last year. Although not nearly as celebrated, the Pitt line might have been as good as the Miami line by the end of last year, and if injuries continue to force player movements on Miami's line, Pitt could be #1 this year. Junior left tackle Rob Petitti is a grind-it-out tough guy on the line, and he will keep Rutherford and Palko upright next year. At the other tackle spot, SR Matt Morgan has three years of starting experience and is a solid player. Left guard Dan LaCarte is another three year starter. Pittsburgh may have lost two starters, but they have three very good players back. Pittsburgh does need to shore up the middle with a new center and right guard in the mix.
   
   
3. Syracuse � Four returning starters make this a very underrated unit. Without much of a passing game for most of the year, the Syracuse line still created holes for Reyes and Rhodes. The best player is SR center Nick Romeo, but JR LT Adam Terry, JR RG Matt Tarullo and SR RT Kevin Sampson all performed admirably under the conditions. The SU offense was pretty good last year, and this is the reason why.
   
   
4. Virginia Tech � SR C Jake Grove finally will get the nod as the first team all Big East center. He�s a great player that should continue a pattern of NFL players at center for the Hokies. SR LG Jacob Gibson appears ready to emerge, at least according to the Hokie coaches, and returning SO LT Jimmy Martin also should be improved with an additional year of strength and conditioning. JR LG Jimmy Miller should be ready to step up, and there are other options inside for the Hokies if either guard falters. The big question is whether JR RT Jon Dunn is ready to keep pass rushers at bay. He wasn�t last year, but his performance this year will be one of the biggest keys to VT�s success.
   
   
5. Boston College � The Eagles are in some disarray right now, but they have two great building blocks. 6�2", 305, SR LG Augie Hoffman is a tough kid that maximizes his ability. The best long term prospect is JR RG Chris Snee. The 6�2", 305 lb. Snee has gotten NFL attention since last year. Snee is very athletic and gives the right side of the BC a lynchpin too. There are a number of young players, some highly touted like Shadu Moore, who will have to step in and play well this year. One of the older faces that will be a key is projected starting RT Keith Leavitt, who just got moved over from the defensive line.
   
   
6. West Virginia � RT Tim Brown is a versatile SR who might be the most underrated player in the Big East. Brown can play virtually anywhere on the line and probably projects as a center for the pros. He could end up manning the spot for WVU next year, but the hope is to leave him at right tackle. The other returning starter is JR LG Jeff Berk, a solid run blocker, and while not a consistent starter SR Geoff Lewis has seen a lot of time too. JuCo tackle Mike Watson projects as the starter at the key left tackle position, and that should always be a concern until Watson proves his mettle on the field. A name to watch is r-FR guard prospect Dan Mozes. Mozes is going to be a very good player for WVU down the line.
   
   
7. Temple � The Owls have one starter back, SR LG Joe Laudano. Laudano has a lot of experience, as he has 28 career starts, but he�s the lone ranger in Philadelphia. The other four starters that are gone were veterans who were regularly in the lineup, so the new starters are green. Virginia native and SR Joe Portillo should start at OG. There are a lot of JuCo transfers in the mix, and tackle prospect Yohance Perry (6�5", 330 lb. SO) had a big recruiting reputation, so maybe he�ll step up. Things don�t look good here for the Owls.
   
   
8. Rutgers � On paper, this line looks really bad. There are no returning starters that project as starters this year, and they have a number of key people coming off injuries. SR C Mary Pyszczymuka is the leader, and SR Brian Duffy should be okay if he has recovered from knee surgery. The tackle prospects are inexperienced but intriguing. 6�5", 320 John Glass was pretty highly recruited and transferred into Rutgers, and JuCo all-american Ron Green likewise was touted. Green missed all last year because he didn�t get into school, but if he can shake off the rust he could start. This line will be pretty awful early on, but they might have potential if Glass or Green, or both, start to play up to their press clippings.

Summary

Here's a table recapping the unit rankings.

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