No. 11. Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State

2011 stats: He started all 13 games and had a career-high 37 tackles (25 solo). He led the team with eight quarterback hurries and two fumble recoveries -- including a 25-yard touchdown return against ACC champ Clemson. He ranked second on the team with eight pass breakups and nine passes defended. He made his first career interception against Boston College, and ranked second on the team with 11 tackles for loss and seven sacks.

Previous ranking: Not ranked.

Making the case for Werner: Look at his stats. Eight pass breakups? He did that from the left defensive end position. Werner is a game-changer. He’s strong and has deceptive speed, which allows him to stop the run and disrupt the passing game. He has a great awareness for the ball. Last year he was a rising star. This year, he is a star.

• No. 12 Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State
• No. 13 James Gayle, DE, Virginia Tech
• No. 14 Bryn Renner, QB, North Carolina
• No. 15 Conner Vernon, WR, Duke
• No. 16 Giovani Bernard, RB, UNC
• No. 17 Dalton Freeman, C, Clemson
• No. 18 Andre Ellington, RB, Clemson
• No. 19 Lamarcus Joyner, S, Florida State
• No. 20 Michael Campanaro, WR, Wake Forest
• No. 21 Jeremiah Attaochu, LB, Georgia Tech
• No. 22 Omoregie Uzzi, OG, Georgia Tech
• No. 23 Bruce Taylor, LB, Virginia Tech
• No. 24 Bud Noel, DB, Wake Forest
• No. 25 Nikita Whitlock, NG, Wake Forest