ESPN College Football

They were superstars, a heralded recruiting class carrying high expectations before they even set foot on campus. Miami's Class of 2008 was ranked No. 1 in the country by ESPN.com, but after a final review, it shaped up more like the No. 20 class. There were a few standout individuals like Sean Spence, but overall, the Canes fell out of the top 10 of RecruitingNation's re-rank. Clemson didn't receive quite as harsh of a demotion, falling from No. 2 to No. 4.

Here's a look back at how the ESPNU 150 Class of 2008 fared:

Nos. 1-25 (Da'Quan Bowers, Arthur Brown, Jamie Harper, Sean Spence)

Nos. 26-50: (Ryan Williams, Marcus Forston, Brandon Harris, Mike Glennon, Kyle Parker, Terrance Parks, Brandon Thompson, Spencer Adams, Andre Ellington, Jermaine Thomas)

Nos. 51-75: (EJ Manuel, Ramon Buchanan, Nigel Bradham, Aldarius Johnson, Xavier Brewer, Davon Johnson, Nigel Carr)

Nos. 76-100: (Jordan Futch, Antoine McClain, Dwayne Allen, Brandon Barnes, Marcus Robinson)

Nos. 101-125: (C.J. Holton, Taylor Cook, Christian Wilson, Kyle Long)

Nos. 126-150: (Kenny Tate, Kerry Boykins, Travis Benjamin)

Miami (FL) Hurricanes

Record: 6-6, 3-5 ACC

Overview: Miami fans are lucky first-year coach Al Golden didn’t pack his bags and run in August. Golden thought he was hired to win, but as it turns out, he was hired to navigate the program through an embarrassing NCAA investigation, try to win a season opener with eight suspended players, and get the team to a bowl game it never intended to play in in the first place.

Bienvenido a Miami.

There was never a dull moment in Coral Gables this year. From the time Yahoo! Sports reported that booster Nevin Shapiro provided thousands of impermissible benefits to at least 72 athletes from 2002 through 2010, Golden has been trying to keep the focus on the field. There was the out-of-character arrest of Ramon Buchanan, who challenged a police officer. Receiver Aldarius Johnson was suspended, and the Canes’ summer quarterback competition was settled when Jacory Harris was suspended for the opener. Golden’s contract also became an off-field distraction when his former coach, Penn State’s Joe Paterno, was fired.

On the field, Golden encountered several of the same problems former coach Randy Shannon did, though, particularly with consistency. Miami only put together back-to-back wins one time this season, against North Carolina and Georgia Tech. The Canes lost three of their last five games, including a home loss in the regular-season finale to Boston College. Miami managed to gut out a 6-3 win over South Florida to become bowl eligible, but the following Sunday, athletic director Shawn Eichorst informed Golden the Canes would decline a bowl invitation.

And yet Golden reaffirmed his commitment to the program by signing a contract extension that would keep him with the program until Feb. 1, 2020. Whatever lies ahead couldn’t possibly be as challenging or as surprising as what Golden had to deal with in Year 1.

Offensive MVP: Harris. He moved into first place all-time in the Hurricanes record book in pass attempts for a career with 1,170, surpassing Ken Dorsey’s previous record-high of 1,153. He finished the season with a single-season school record for passing accuracy with a 65 percent success rate (195-for-300) and had the third-best passer efficiency rating in the conference at 158.2. He had 20 touchdowns and nine interceptions and 2,486 yards.

Defensive MVP: LB Sean Spence. He led the team and tied for fifth in the ACC with 106 tackles. He finished his career with 47 tackles for loss, which ranked second among active NCAA players, including 14.0 in 2011. He earned ACC Linebacker of the Week honors three times during the season, and was named a semifinalist for the Butkus Award. He also recorded a season-high 14 tackles three times this season.

Turning point: The minute the Yahoo! investigation was printed. With eight players suspended for the opener against Maryland, the Canes were already off to an 0-1 start in Golden’s first season.

What’s next: Recruiting and praying. That’s what Miami and its fans should be doing this offseason. Recruiting for the future, and praying that the NCAA doesn’t impose an additional bowl ban and that any possible loss of scholarships is manageable.

One more day until takeoff for Charlotte!

• Uncertainty is the only certainty right now for Clemson offensive lineman Brandon Thomas, who is preparing to fill in for injured starter Phillip Price, whose status is still in question.
• If Georgia Tech offers a scholarship, this Atlanta-based running back will accept it.
• A second player, running back D.J. Adams, has decided to leave Maryland's program.
• The awards are just beginning for BC linebacker Luke Kuechly.
• Can Clemson get back to being a linebacker factory?
• Former Miami receiver Aldarius Johnson has hired an agent and is working toward a second chance at playing again.
• Florida State kick returner Karlos Williams will probably miss the bowl game with a broken wrist.
• Logan Thomas is turning into a heckuva quarterback -- especially for a tight end.
• FSU and Miami need to worry -- Urban Meyer is back on the recruiting trail.
• Virginia Tech offensive lineman Blake DeChristopher has a lumberjack's beard and a prankster's personality.

Games. Tonight. TONIGHT!!!

• And one starring former NC State quarterback Russell Wilson. You gonna watch?
• Two true freshmen at Virginia will be needed to make an immediate impact.
• You know about Duke's 'Killer V's.' Brandon Braxton might be better than both of them.
• The Deacs kick off tonight, and David Glenn caught up with Wake coach Jim Grobe.
• Has everyone in Wake's program been too complacent?
• Georgia Tech B-back David Sims has made a significant jump this offseason to the top of the depth chart.
• Maryland's suspensions are nothing compared to what Miami is facing.
• Injured Eagles Donnie Fletcher and Andre Williams insist they'll play against Northwestern.
• How do you win a national title? Practice tough.
• The Orlando Sentinel previews Florida State's season.
• Uh oh. The mother of Miami receiver Aldarius Johnson has hired a lawyer and wants an explanation as to why her son has been suspended indefinitely.
• One of the biggest differences between former UNC quarterback T.J. Yates and his successor, Bryn Renner, is their personalities.
• Virginia Tech running back David Wilson should put up monster numbers in the first four games of the season.
• If Virginia quarterback Michael Rocco struggles, Ross Metheny will be next in line.
• Duke's running game is aiming for better numbers this season.

Let's get to it ...

• A female kicker? At Virginia Tech? You go girl.
• Those within the program say Duke's defense has made significant strides this offseason. The rest of us are waiting to see it.
• Wake Forest linebacker Kyle Wilber isn't used to seeing his name at second-string on the depth chart, but he's missed too much of the preseason with a hamstring injury.
• It wasn't in Michael Rocco's original plans to attend Virginia.
• Virginia tackle Morgan Moses is always trying to prove people wrong.
• I would not like to be on the receiving end of a Logan Thomas pass.
• Miami's situation isn't ideal, but at least Al Golden knows where he stands this season.
• Duke is not taking Richmond lightly. A little history lesson says not to.
• Sean Renfree isn't the only quarterback at Duke who wants to make an impact.
• When it comes to NCAA punishments, David Teel says Miami and UNC should be very, very afraid.
• What's up with Miami receiver Aldarius Johnson? Steve Gorten has some insight.
• Will FSU win a national title?
• Maryland's Nick Ferrara is ready for double duty.
• Nevermind. Roddy Jones is back in the lineup after all.
• Is a break-even finish the best shot for the Deacs?
• BC QB Chase Rettig has had a little bit more of an edge as the opener draws near.
• What are the five most difficult aspects of playing quarterback? Here's what Tajh Boyd is focused on.

More practice, more links ...

• I'll admit it. I didn't have the guts to look at Dyrell Roberts' picture of his injured leg.
• Uh oh. The UNC fans with money are mad.
• The careers of three Seminoles are over because of injuries.
• Morgan Moses has a chance to be Virginia's next great offensive lineman.
• Duke coach David Cutcliffe believes his team will win games that it couldn't win in the past.
• Here are five questions facing Georgia Tech this summer.
• And five questions facing Maryland.
• The Logan Thomas era has officially begun at Virginia Tech.
• BC quarterback Chase Rettig is much more comfortable now -- and he should be.
• BC offensive lineman John Wetzel is ready to take over for Anthony Castonzo.
• Duke's new indoor practice field sounds impressive. You get what you pay for.
• Duke quarterback Sean Renfree will also be an asset to the Blue Devils this year.
• Can Miami receiver Aldarius Johnson return to his freshman form?
• Helmet cams will help Clemson offensive coordinator Chad Morris evaluate his quarterbacks this summer.
• Can FSU boost the ACC's image this year?
• Wake Forest can only get better, right?
• The Wake coaches are hoping Kyle Wilber helps lead the way.
• Miami offensive lineman Seantrel Henderson thinks he'll be back sooner than later.
• Kyle Tucker says farewell to the Virginia Tech beat with a great Q&A with Frank Beamer.
• One of the Hokies' top recruits has switched positions.

You asked, I answered. Readers (particularly @AsylumGodfather) were calling for more position rankings, so the receivers are up next. This could be the strongest position group in the conference, and one of the more difficult to rank, so I looked back on a few stats to help me separate them, including how some of these guys did against their best competition (i.e. Danny Coale versus FSU, wow). Here’s the final verdict of which teams in the ACC have the best combination of depth and talent:

1. Virginia Tech: With Jarrett Boykin and Coale returning, the Hokies’ passing game has a chance to flourish this fall. Boykin, Coale and Dyrell Roberts were the team’s top three receivers last year for the second straight season, combining for 113 catches, 1,882 yards and 11 touchdowns. Add to that Marcus Davis, D.J. Coles, E.L. Smiling -- it’s a bottomless cup of depth and talent.

2. Duke: Conner Vernon has 128 catches in his first two collegiate seasons and Donovan Varner ranked fourth in the ACC in pass receptions (60) and seventh in yardage (736). Their combined 274 receptions are the most of any active duo in the ACC. They are the top two returning leaders in catches per game, and Vernon is the ACC’s returning leader in receiving yards per game. The Blue Devils also have sophomore Brandon Braxton (14 catches), who could make a name for himself as the third option this year.

3. Florida State: Every Seminole who caught a pass last season returns. Bert Reed, Taiwan Easterling and Rodney Smith return with a combined 50 career starts. Reed ranks second among all returning ACC receivers with 141 career receptions. Willie Haulstead had 38 catches last season, Smith had 31, and there’s plenty of rising talent like Christian Green.

4. North Carolina: Like Florida State, North Carolina returns all of its receivers, including two who redshirted last season. Dwight Jones, who had 946 yards and 62 receptions, leads the group, but Erik Highsmith (25 catches, 348 yards and three touchdowns) must be accounted for as well. Defenses also can’t forget about Jheranie Boyd, who is a deep threat.

5. Miami: The Canes will miss the production of Leonard Hankerson, but they don’t have to if one or two of the other players show more consistency. Travis Benjamin has big-play capabilities and averaged 17.3 yards on his 43 catches last season. There is no shortage of other options with LaRon Byrd, Aldarius Johnson, Tommy Streeter, Allen Hurns and Kendal Thompkins. Which one will rise to the occasion?

6. Clemson: It was the DeAndre Hopkins show last season, and he should again highlight the Tigers’ passing game. As a true freshman, Hopkins had 52 catches, the most by a first-year player in school history. Jaron Brown returns with 10 career starts, and the Tigers also have Marquan Jones (21 catches) and Bryce McNeal (19).

7. Maryland: The Terps have to replace their top two receivers from a year ago in Torrey Smith and Adrian Cannon, and no clear frontrunners emerged this spring. Quintin McCree leads all returners with 16 catches, followed by Kevin Dorsey (15), Ronnie Tyler (13), Kerry Boykins (10), and Tony Logan.

8. Boston College: True freshman Bobby Swigert led the Eagles last year with 39 catches and four touchdowns in five starts. The Eagles are hoping to get a significant boost from the return of Colin Larmond Jr., who missed all of last season with a knee injury, but the young group should be better regardless because of the experience gained last season.

9. Virginia: The Cavaliers will miss Dontrelle Inman, who averaged 16 yards per catch on 51 receptions, but returning starter Kris Burd finished fifth in the ACC last season in pass receptions (58). The group will also get a boost from the return of Tim Smith, who missed almost all of last season with an injury, and Matt Snyder (30 catches) and Ray Keys (three catches).

10. NC State: NC State has to replace its top two receivers from a year ago, and T.J. Graham is the team’s leading returning receiver with 25 catches. Steven Howard, Jay Smith and Quintin Payton all have experience, and redshirt freshman Bryan Underwood, Tobias Palmer and Everett Proctor have also been competing for playing time.

11. Wake Forest: Chris Givens (35 catches, 13.7 average), Michael Campanaro (10 catches) and Danny Dembry are the lead candidates to start, but the Deacs are missing a spark like Kenny Moore (2007) and D.J. Boldin (2008) provided. There were too many dropped passes in the spring game, so this group has some work to do in summer camp.

12. Georgia Tech: Yes, Georgia Tech throws the ball, just not often enough or efficiently enough to be anywhere but last place on this list. Stephen Hill led the Jackets last year with 15 catches for 291 yards and three touchdowns. He should show progress this fall now that there’s no pressure on him to be the next Demaryius Thomas. If he doesn’t show more consistency, the Jackets could turn to Daniel McKayhan, Tyler Melton or Jeremy Moore.

This morning we looked at the main recruiting needs for the Atlantic Division. Here are the priorities for each team in the Coastal Division:

DUKE

Offensive line: The Blue Devils will have to replace one starter in center Bryan Morgan, and it’s still a relatively young group, but with several redshirt sophomores on the roster, the staff wants to load up two grades behind them to fully stock the position for the future.

Defensive line: This has always been Duke’s deficiency, which means it will always be a priority to catch up and build depth. The Blue Devils will have to replace two starters in Wesley Oglesby and Patrick Egboh. Noseguard Charlie Hatcher will be a redshirt senior.

Cornerback: Duke only loses one starter, cornerback Chris Rwabukamba, but it’s another position that has been weak and needs better athletes.

GEORGIA TECH

Offensive line: The early departure of Nick Claytor to the NFL didn’t help the depth, but there were still several young players who gained valuable experience and others who redshirted to help the depth. While no true freshman is likely to make an immediate impact, the staff is still looking to build the numbers up front.

Linebacker/defensive line: The Jackets need to find more athletes who are suited for Al Groh’s 3-4 scheme. Fast athletes who are versatile enough to play a hybrid role, with the ability to move in space, will be a priority in this class.

MIAMI

Quarterback: With Jacory Harris being a senior, A.J. Highsmith moving to defense, and Spencer Whipple struggling in what little time he has played, the position needs a boost. It didn’t help that Teddy Bridgewater reneged on his commitment.

Linebacker: This is a position former coach Randy Shannon had put an emphasis on building, and there are young players and depth, but it was also a veteran group in the 2010 two-deep, with mainly juniors and seniors.

Wide receiver: The upperclassmen did all of the work in 2010, with Leonard Hankerson leading the way. Travis Benjamin, Aldarius Johnson and Laron Byrd will all be seniors. An influx of young talent is needed.

Defensive end: The staff is looking to improve the depth here, get stronger up front, and build upon the success from 2010. Marcus Robinson, Adewale Ojomo, and Micanor Regis will all be seniors.

NORTH CAROLINA

Tailback: Injuries depleted this group in 2010, and Anthony Elzy, Johnny White and Shaun Draughn were both seniors. Ryan Houston was able to redshirt and will return as a fifth-year senior, but the Tar Heels need more dependable runners and a foundation for the future.

Defensive line: The Tar Heels have to prepare for some departures, especially on the interior, where all four players on the two-deep roster in 2010 were juniors.

Secondary: UNC will have to replace three starters in the secondary this spring, and three backups this year were juniors. Because of the NCAA investigation, this is a group in which backups had to develop quickly, so there are some experienced younger players, but the group still needs to reload.

Tight end: The loss of Zach Pianalto and his backup, Ed Barham, leaves the position thin.

VIRGINIA

Offensive line: With starting right guard B.J. Cabbell gone, starting center Anthony Mihota a senior, and starting left guard Austin Pasztor a senior, the staff has to prepare for some departures. Morgan Moses and Oday Aboushi are talented young players, but the rotation needs more of them.

Defensive line: End Zane Parr’s decision to leave early for the NFL draft hurt the position’s depth, and the Cavs will also have to replace John-Kevin Dolce at tackle. Three other players in the two-deep will be rising seniors, and with Virginia switching back to a 4-3 defense under Mike London, the Cavs have to rebuild up front.

Secondary: Cornerback is of particular concern, as Chase Minnifield will be a senior, and starter Mike Parker will graduate.

VIRGINIA TECH

Running back: The early departures of Ryan Williams and Darren Evans to the NFL left David Wilson as the only tailback with any significant experience. Overall, the Hokies have four tailbacks on their current roster.

Defensive line: The Hokies will have to replace redshirt senior starters Steven Friday and John Graves, and starting left end Chris Drager will be a redshirt senior this year.

Wide receiver/tight end: Starters Jarrett Boykin and Danny Coale will be seniors, and tight end Andre Smith will graduate.

Secondary: Half the players on the two-deep roster against Stanford were either juniors or seniors, and the Hokies will have to replace rover Davon Morgan and cornerback Rashad Carmichael.

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. -- The Hurricanes were able to move the ball on Florida State's defense but came up empty on their first trip inside the red zone.

So far Aldarius Johnson has been the go-to receiver for Jacory Harris, but Florida State's defense was disruptive on the final three plays of the possession from the 10-yard line.

Florida State went three-and-out, and the defenses have set the tone here early.

Around the ACC we go ...

• The competition is on to replace former Georgia Tech safety Morgan Burnett.
• Clemson has a few players who could emerge as "post-hype sleepers" this season.
• Boston College defensive coordinator Bill McGovern is once again faced with the task of ushering young players along quickly.
• Duke center Bryan Morgan is the conductor of the Blue Devils' offensive line. Literally.
• When the game is on the line, Aldarius Johnson is the man for the Canes.
• Wake Forest coach Jim Grobe has five quarterbacks to choose from , and they all had their moments this past weekend.
• Oh, to be a left guard and be able to hit the buffet like Virginia Tech's Greg Nosal.
• Opposing quarterbacks might want to stay away from FSU cornerback Greg Reid's side of the field.
• Storm Johnson's name fits his running style perfectly.
• Here's what Virginia's running backs race looks like so far.
• Maryland running back Davin Meggett is playing the best football of his career, according to coach Ralph Friedgen.

Just because Miami didn't appear in the initial ESPN class rankings doesn't mean the program won't end up there -- especially if the staff continues to lure in talent like ESPNU 150 wideout Eli Rogers and quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.

Those two commitments seem very similar to what happened with the 2008 recruiting class of quarterback Jacory Harris, when seven Canes came from Miami Northwestern, including wide receiver Aldarius Johnson.

Are Bridgewater and Rogers the next star duo in Miami's offense?

Possibly, but Tom Luginbill of ESPN Recruiting tells me Bridgewater has a lot of polishing up to do as a passer.

Luginbill called Bridgewater a "terrific athlete who has been an improviser in the spread offense that has not played with much structure or fundamental mechanics on a consistent basis. (Offensive coordinator Mark) Whipple will need to groom and develop him as a pocket guy or add more spread elements to their offense. He makes a lot of plays and is a dynamic prospect, but very green."

Here's what ESPN's Billy Tucker had to say about Rogers, who is rated the No. 20 receiver in his class by ESPN Recruiting:

"While Bridgewater may have stole most of the headlines on Friday, the Canes landed another ESPNU 150 commitment we feel is falling under the radar in this 2011 receiver class. Bridgewater's main target at Northwestern may actually have a chance to contribute earlier with his great versatility."

"Rogers has great speed and explosiveness to help him separate off the line and out of his breaks as well after the catch. He is versatile with the skill-set to play inside or out at the next level and makes plays in the redzone (on the jump-ball) or as a space player. Rogers should obviously contribute as a returner and is really a valuable get for Miami as his recruiting stock would have likely improved heading into the summer."

Miami now has four commits and three are in the ESPNU 150. They have a strong early class, and quality over quantity right now.

Miami held its first open scrimmage of the spring on Thursday evening at Lockhart Stadium in Ft. Lauderdale, and freshman running back Storm Johnson put on a show with 104 yards and a touchdown on just 10 carries. Sophomore safety Vaughn Telemaque led the defense with two interceptions.

Johnson, whose performance included runs of 52 and 29 yards, highlighted a good day for the running backs. Redshirt freshman running back Lamar Miller carried seven times for 63 yards and two touchdowns. He had a 44-yard touchdown run and a 5-yard touchdown run in a goal-line situation to end the scrimmage.

"I was kind of pleased with the running backs -- they keep improving every week," coach Randy Shannon said, according to the team's practice report. "The way they ran the football -- early they were stuffing them, but the running backs were patient and kept going, kept fighting and had some big runs."

As for the young quarterbacks competing to be Jacory Harris' backup, sophomore A.J. Highsmith completed 7 of 11 passes for 94 yards and one touchdown -- an 8-yard score to Travis Benjamin -- but was intercepted three times. Highsmith also scored on a 13-yard touchdown run. Junior Spencer Whipple went 7-for-9 for 75 yards.

Aldarius Johnson led all receivers with three catches for 45 yards. He made a 26-yard grab on a pass from Highsmith, which ended up leading to Highsmith’s 13-yard run.

Here are the Canes' stats leaders:

RUSHING

Storm Johnson: 10 carries, 104 yards, 1 TD
Lamar Miller: 7 carries, 63 yards, 2 TD
Mike James: 12 carries, 18 yards 1TD

PASSING

A.J. Highsmith: 7-for-11 94 yards, 1TD, 3 INT
Spencer Whipple: 7-for-9 75 yards
Stephen Morris: 0-for-3

RECEIVING

Aldarius Johnson: 3 catches, 45 yards
Leonard Hankerson: 2 catches, 35 yards
Storm Johnson: 2 catches, 14 yards
Travis Benjamin: 2 catches, 8 yards, TD

DEFENSE

Andrew Smith: 3 sacks
Vaughn Telemaque: 2 INT
Nathan Gholston: 1 INT
Ray Ray Armstrong: fumble recovery

We resume our series on the strongest and weakest units for each ACC team with Miami:

Strongest position: Wide receiver

Key returnees: Leonard Hankerson, LaRon Byrd, Travis Benjamin

Key departures: None.

The skinny: Despite the unimpressive performances in Saturday’s scrimmage, this is still one of the deepest groups in the ACC. Miami returns its three leading receivers from a year ago, including Hankerson, who had the most receiving yards (801) since Andre Johnson in 2002. Five receivers had at least 200 yards each last year, including Thearon Collier and Aldarius Johnson.

Weakest position: Tight end

Key returnees: Richard Gordon

Key departures: Jimmy Graham, Tervaris Johnson, Dedrick Epps

The skinny: This is where Miami will lose some of its receiving yards from a year ago, as this departed trio combined for 44 catches. Gordon, a senior with only four career starts who was injured the majority of last year, is one of just two tight ends the Canes have at spring practice. Redshirt freshman Billy Sanders is the other. Miami signed four tight ends in this recruiting class, but none of them were early enrollees.

Holding you over 'til Monday ...

• Maryland received a commitment from an offensive tackle who just started playing football six months ago.
• Clemson quarterback Kyle Parker will have a decision to make this spring or next, and it was a dominant topic of conversation on Thursday when coach Dabo Swinney met with the media.
• Miami linebacker Sean Spence isn't making excuses for his pedestrian 2009 season, only looking ahead to improving this year.
• The same can be said for Miami receiver Aldarius Johnson, who has no intention of falling off at the Canes' deepest position.
• FSU defensive ends coach D.J. Eliot is young, confident, and he passed Jimbo Fisher's interview exam.
• Tyrod Taylor was showing off his hoops skills recently. And yeah, he can dunk it.

You would think that with how well the ACC has fared in recruiting the past four years, it would have eventually made a bigger push on the national landscape during the season. Miami has had three top-10 classes, and Florida State has had two. Overall, the trend in the ACC has been that Florida State, Clemson, Miami, Virginia Tech and North Carolina have led the conference on the recruiting front. Three of those teams have appeared in ESPN.com's final Top 25 ranking in each of the past four years (UNC has been there three of the past four.) Only the Hokies, though, have had it translate into postseason success -- so far. There was a common thread, though, amongst the other programs -- a coaching change or, in Florida State's case, coaching questions.

It was impossible to predict, though, that players like former Miami quarterback Robert Marve would transfer, or that former FSU linebacker Marcus Ball would have off-field troubles and ask for his release.

Here's a reminder at how highly ranked several teams in the ACC have repeatedly finished since 2006, according to ESPN.com's Scouts Inc. rankings. You can click on the year to go to the full ranking. I mentioned a few of the top players in each class who were facing high expectations at the time, or players who weren't facing many expectations and have since proven otherwise (see: Virginia Tech).

2006

No. 6 FSU (Myron Rolle)
No. 13 Clemson (C.J. Spiller, Jamie Cumbie, Ricky Sapp)
No. 17 Miami (Kylan Robinson)
No. 23 Maryland (Pha'Terrell Washington, Drew Gloster)
No. 24 Virginia Tech (Rashad Carmichael, Nekos Brown, Kam Chancellor)
No. 25 UNC (Aleric Mullins, Johnny White)

2007

No. 9 Miami (Robert Marve, Allen Bailey)
No. 11 UNC (Quan Sturdivant, Marvin Austin)
No. 14 Georgia Tech (Jonathan Dwyer, Derrick Morgan, Josh Nesbitt)
No. 15 Virginia Tech (Tyrod Taylor, Blake DeChristopher, Barquell Rivers)
No. 18 Clemson (Willy Korn, Scotty Cooper, Marcus Gilchrist)
No. 25 Florida State (Brandon Paul, Markish Jones)

2008

No. 1 Miami (Sean Spence, Jacory Harris, Aldarius Johnson)
No. 2 Clemson (DaQuan Bowers, Kyle Parker, Jamie Harper)
No. 12 FSU (Zebrie Sanders, E.J. Manuel, Nigel Carr)
No. 15 Virginia Tech (Ryan Williams)
No. 20 NC State (Mike Glennon, Brandon Barnes)

2009

No. 7 Miami (Ray Ray Armstrong, Mike James)
No. 8 FSU (Greg Reid, Jacobbi McDaniel)
No. 13 UNC (Bryn Renner, Donavan Tate, Jheranie Boyd)
No. 18 Virginia Tech (Jayron Hosley, David Wilson, Logan Thomas)
No. 19 Clemson (Tajh Boyd, Bryce McNeal)