I can see it now. Raphael Kirby, one of two players (along with quarterback Brad Kaaya) scheduled to represent the Hurricanes at the ACC Football Kickoff early next week, will be asked about the Butkus folks spelling his name wrong on the preseason watch list just released.

The Butkus Award goes to the top linebacker in college football at season's end, and the initial press release has his name as Raphael Kierby.

It's just a spelling error, and we all do it occasionally. But suffice it to say that Raphael Kirby is not a household name. Not yet, anyway.

Kirby is set to replace 2014 Butkus Award finalist Denzel Perryman in the middle of the field.

I was there when UM great Dan Morgan won his Butkus Award -- a memorable moment.

Kirby was fifth on the team in tackles last season with 54.

No matter how his name is spelled, the Canes need Kirby to step up in 2015.

SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN