ESPN College Football

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Clemson's James Davis (left) and C.J. Spiller (right) make up the ACC's top rushing combo.

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

Last week I started to check out the ACC position-by-position, starting with the quarterbacks.

Let's see who enters the fall with the best running game:

1. Clemson -- No question here. James Davis uses his strength to plow between tackles and is the ACC's leading returning rusher (81.8 yards per game) while C.J. Spiller's speed and elusiveness make these guys the total package.

2. NC State -- With Toney Baker, Andre Brown and Jamelle Eugene returning, the Wolfpack might have the best depth. And at this position, you need it.

3. Virginia --While Cedric Peerman was injured, Mikell Simpson made a name for himself. (I watched him beat Maryland almost by himself: 119 yards rushing, 152 yards receiving). Together they can help ease the pressure off the Cavaliers' new quarterback.

4. Miami -- Graig Cooper led the Hurricanes' offense in the spring game with eight carries for 91 yards and two touchdowns. Javarris James (cousin of Edgerrin James) caught four passes for 60 yards and ran once for a 25-yard gain.

5. Wake Forest -- Last season, Josh Adams set the school record for the most rushing yards (953), rushing attempts (219), receptions (34), rushing touchdowns (11) and total touchdowns (12) by a redshirt freshman. His carries are sure to increase, and he enters the season as the league's second leading returning rusher.

6. Florida State -- The Seminoles will need more production out of senior Antone Smith, who had 817 yards last year on 191 carries. Once Preston Parker is done serving his two-game suspension, he could be another option. Having never played the position before, he took over for an injured Smith against Maryland last year and ran 51 yards on his first four carries, including an 18-yard touchdown run.

7. Georgia Tech -- Jonathan Dwyer averaged 5.3 yards per carry as a freshman and could be the B back in Paul Johnson's offense. Junior Jamaal Evans also has experience, as he played in 11 games. He and redshirt freshman Roddy Jones are listed as the two slot or A backs.

8. Duke -- Re'quan Boyette has led the Blue Devils in rushing the past two seasons. That experience alone puts him ahead of the final four.

9. North Carolina -- Greg Little should only improve upon his move from wide receiver to running back late last season. Ryan Houston and Devon Ramsay also had productive springs.

10. Maryland -- Morgan Green and Da'Rel Scott are talented but inexperienced. Green had three carries last season, Scott 14.

11. Virginia Tech -- Leading returning rusher Branden Ore was kicked off the team, and both of his backups (Kenny Lewis Jr. and Jahre Cheeseman) suffered serious injuries. Until we see who their playmaker will be, it's tough to have the Hokies higher. Dustin Pickle, Josh Oglesby and Darren Evans are all options.

12. Boston College -- Josh Haden was the only option here this spring, and so far, he's unproven. Replacing Andre Callender won't be easy.