Team MVP: Antrel Rolle, cornerback. With his ability to take away the top receiver for any team, Antrel Rolle is a sure All-American. Rolle contained Larry Fitzgerald last season and will be in charge of shutting down the top receivers in 2004. Most teams want to throw away from Rolle and that will be the game-plan once again in 2004.

Quarterback: If the Hurricanes got any production from this unit in 2003, they would have been a strong possibility to play in the National Championship game. The same players enter the 2004 season, with redshirt freshman Kyle Wright entering the mix. Brock Berlin was up and down and never provided the offense with any consistency. He needs to become a more efficient quarterback and improve his touchdown and interception statistics. Backup Derrick Crudup is experienced, but didn’t display much starter potential when he got time. Wright is the prospect for the future, but if both players ahead of him struggle, he could get on the field. 

Running Back/Fullbacks: When Frank Gore was injured last season, the Hurricanes lacked a threat to go all the way on one carry. When healthy, he provides that presence, but two consecutive knee injuries have to have an impact. Sophomore Tyrone Moss is going to be counted on for a bigger season, as he split time with Jarrett Payton last season. Quadtrine Hill could also see time at the running back position. 

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends: Although the offense didn’t get any consistency from the quarterback position, the receivers were solid. The offense got a surprise in the big impact of then freshman Ryan Moore.  He finished second on the team with 44 receptions. Expect him to be a better player this year. Throw in the speed of Roscoe Parrish and this unit should be solid. Expect Kevin Everett to emerge as a solid receiver at tight end.

Offensive Line: As usual, even though the line uses key players, don’t expect them to miss much of a beat. The wildcard in this line is tackle Eric Winston. He switched over to the line after he wasn’t getting much time at tight end and could be the team’s best lineman. Chris Myers and Joel Rodriguez both return and are solid players. Expect the offensive line to be one of the strongest areas on the football team.

Defensive Line: The defensive line should be the strongest area on the defense. Keep an eye on tackle Orien Harris, who appears to be the next dominant Hurricanes lineman. Sophomore Baraka Atkins recorded five sacks last season and is only going to get better. Also returning will be defensive end Thomas Carroll and defensive tackle Santonio Thomas, both appear to be primed for big seasons.  

Linebackers: This area was hit the hardest by graduation, but like other positions, the Hurricanes just reload. Tavares Gooden, Leon Williams and Roger McIntosh are expected to be the new starters. If Willie Williams could stay out of trouble off the field, he would be an immediate boost to the unit, but his status is still uncertain. There is going to be a drop-off with the loss of D.J. Williams and Jonathan Vilma, but expect them to play better as the season goes along. 

Secondary: Returning for his senior season will be Antrel Rolle. Rolle is an All-American candidate and a shut down corner. Starting at the other corner spot is Kelly Jennings. Jennings has the tools needed to become a full-time starter for this defense. Greg Threat and Brandon Meriweather will have the tough task of replacing Sean Taylor and Maurice Sikes at safety.

Special Teams: Kicker Jon Peattie had a huge freshman season as he connected on 22 of 28 field goals and showed solid range. The only question with the special teams is punter Brian Monroe. He went through some tough stretches last season and must get better. The returns are in good shape with the return of Devin Hester and Roscoe Parrish.

Final Thoughts: The first game of the season for the Hurricanes will decide the ACC. Whether the Hurricanes or the Seminoles win the game, both teams are going to have a good season, but whoever wins is going to win the ACC title. With the game in the Orange Bowl, that gives a slight edge to the ‘Canes. Overall, the schedule is favorable for an undefeated season, but be careful. Games against Georgia Tech and N.C. State on the road could be difficult. Also, going to a cold Virginia campus in November won’t be easy.  Getting consistent play from the quarterback position is going to be the key for the 2004 season. Whether it is Berlin, Crudup or Wright, they need to minimize mistakes and get the ball to the receivers so they can make plays.