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Out with the old, in with the new. The ACC has lost a lot of talent from 2011, including arguably the best player in the conference in former Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly. There are still a lot of names for fans to be excited about, though, as we get closer to summer camp. Which players in the conference will emerge as the best? Well, based on past performances and their bubbling potential, here’s the first guess. As part of “College Football Live’s” 100 Days Till Kickoff countdown, here’s a look at the top 10 players in the ACC:

1. Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson: He broke all of the ACC’s single-season pass receiving records, finishing the 2011 season with 82 catches for 1,219 yards and 12 touchdowns. He was one of the most exciting, explosive players in the country as a true freshman. Watkins averaged 25 yards on 33 kickoff returns, including an 89-yard touchdown against Maryland.

2. David Amerson, CB, NC State: He led the FBS with 13 interceptions -- six more than any other player. It was the most in the FBS since 1968 and tied as the second-best total in FBS history. He broke the ACC’s single-season interception record in the upset of No. 7-ranked Clemson. He also broke the school’s 73-year-old single-season interception record of nine.

3. Giovani Bernard, RB, UNC: He was the leading freshman rusher in the nation. His total of 1,253 rushing yards was the third best by a freshman in ACC history. He also had 13 touchdowns on 239 carries, and was third in the ACC with 96.4 rushing yards per game. He had 45 catches for 362 yards and a touchdown.

4. Logan Thomas, QB, Virginia Tech: Thomas set a school record for rushing touchdowns in a season by a quarterback with 11, and he broke the school's single-season total offense record set by Tyrod Taylor in 2010. His 234 completions, 391 attempts and 3,013 yards passing all rank second in school history for a single season.

5. Tajh Boyd, QB, Clemson: He completed 298 of 499 pass attempts for 3,828 yards, 33 touchdowns and 12 interceptions over 14 starts. He completed 59.7 percent of his passes and had a 141.2 pass efficiency rating. He also had 218 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns. He had 4,046 total yards and was responsible for a school-record 38 touchdowns.

6. Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech: Fuller played at nickel back/whip linebacker and corner. He had an interception in the Sugar Bowl against Michigan, and eight tackles against Clemson in the ACC title game. He finished 2011 with 14.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. He also had two interceptions, nine passes defended, five quarterback hurries, one fumble recovery and one forced fumble.

7. Joe Vellano, DT, Maryland: Vellano led the FBS in tackles by a defensive lineman with 7.8 per game. He finished third on the team with 94 tackles, had 7.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, four pass breakups, two fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles. His jaw-dropping 20 tackles against Georgia Tech was unforgettable.

8. Brandon Jenkins, DE, Florida State: He was second in the ACC with eight sacks for a loss of 62 yards, and had 12 tackles for a loss of 79 yards. He finished with 41 tackles, one pass breakup and five quarterback hurries. He was the team defensive MVP of the nation’s No. 4-ranked defense, and he was still disruptive despite facing double teams throughout the entire season.

9. Bruce Taylor, LB, Virginia Tech: He only played in eight games in 2011 before a season-ending injury, but Taylor still had 53 tackles, seven TFLs and five sacks. He led Tech in tackles in 2010 with 91 and in TFLs (15.5) and was second in quarterback sacks (6.0). He also had four pass breakups and eight quarterback hurries.

10. Rashad Greene, WR, Florida State: Despite missing four games with injuries, Greene led FSU in receiving with 38 catches, 596 receiving yards, and seven touchdown catches as a true freshman. He averaged 15.7 yards a catch and 14.7 yards on three runs from scrimmage.

Now that spring practices are over, it’s time to re-evaluate the ACC pecking order for 2012. There wasn’t much change at the top from the pre-spring power rankings, but Georgia Tech did get a slight bump, along with two teams on Tobacco Road. Here’s a look at the latest ACC power rankings:

1. Florida State: The Noles’ defensive line should be one of the deepest and best in the conference, if not the country, and they’ve got an outstanding quarterback in EJ Manuel. If the young offensive line can mature quickly and the running game improves from 2011, there’s no reason the Seminoles shouldn’t be contending for the ACC title.

2. Clemson: The Tigers could open the season without star receiver Sammy Watkins, who is awaiting his punishment after he was arrested on misdemeanor drug charges, but as long as he’s in the lineup and the offensive line is playing well, Clemson has enough talent to defend its 2011 ACC title.

3. Virginia Tech: It’s hard to forget how the Hokies fared against Clemson in two meetings last season, but they enter this season with the better defense. The question is how quickly the revamped offensive line can come together, and who will emerge as the next star running back.

4. NC State: This team is quietly preparing a championship-caliber roster. Quarterback Mike Glennon is still under the radar, and he’s got an experienced offensive line to work with. This is a team that could surprise some people.

5. Georgia Tech: The Jackets had a promising spring, but the defensive line has to replace two of three starters, and last season’s atrocious special teams still have a lot to prove. One thing is for sure: These guys will be able to run the ball on just about anyone.

6. Wake Forest: Much like the rest of its division, Wake Forest’s success will hinge in part on how quickly the new starters on the offensive line come together. The Demon Deacons have an experienced and much-improved quarterback in Tanner Price, and last year they made a statement that they’re not to be overlooked in the ACC race.

7. North Carolina: The two biggest questions for the Tar Heels are how quickly they can adapt to and execute a new system under first-year coach Larry Fedora, and where they will find their motivation now that the NCAA has banned them from the postseason. This spring revealed a positive outlook for the new offense, which should give quarterback Bryn Renner a chance to shine.

8. Virginia: The ACC’s 2011 Coach of the Year has quickly raised expectations, but they should be tempered because seven starters have to be replaced on defense. Michael Rocco is the undisputed starting quarterback -- unless Alabama transfer Phillip Sims has something to say about it.

9. Miami: With Stephen Morris out this spring with a back injury, quarterback transfer Ryan Williams had a chance to impress the coaches. The position is one of many questions still looming for the Canes, a young team still waiting for closure from an NCAA investigation.

10. Maryland: The Terps had a good spring and were able to move forward with players who wanted to be there. It was a positive vibe, but coach Randy Edsall is still tangled in the shadow of last year’s two-win season. He’ll have to improve upon it without the services of former quarterback Danny O’Brien.

11. Boston College: Several offseason staff changes were embraced this spring, and quarterback Chase Rettig made strides under yet another offensive coordinator, Doug Martin. The Eagles have to find a way to win without two of their most valuable players in running back Montel Harris, who was dismissed from the team, and linebacker Luke Kuechly, who left early for the NFL.

12. Duke: The Blue Devils had a good spring and are still buying into the philosophies of coach David Cutcliffe. They’ve been on the verge of making the postseason before, but fans are looking for them to finally break through in Year 5 under Cutcliffe. Quarterback Sean Renfree can get them there if they minimize the turnovers and play better defense.

AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. -- The story of the spring at Clemson was the development of receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who looked like a different player on the field for the Tigers.

All you need for proof is what he did in the first quarter of the spring game -- five catches for 100 yards. Coach Dabo Swinney called him the MVP of the spring, and said during the ACC spring meetings that he could not be prouder of Hopkins' development.

"Part of it goes back to the fact that he hasn’t had an offseason as an athlete," Swinney said. "He’s been a multisport guy. Last year after his freshman year he went into basketball and was sporadic in the spring. We got him, but it was after a long basketball season and he missed all the training in the weight room. Whereas this year, he plugged right into that, he picked up some good muscle mass, and what happens is as a guy gets stronger, his confidence grows. You put that type of confidence with an already good player, you’ve got a chance to have something pretty special. That’s what we saw in the spring.

"He's more physical, faster, more confident. And just him having experience, he’ll be a junior, other competitive players at his position that he’s trying to compete with every day. He’s a young man that really wants to be great. All those things pushed him to have a great spring."

One of those competitive players is freshman stud Sammy Watkins, whom Swinney credits for helping Hopkins get better. Should Hopkins continue his development, and Watkins continue his meteoric rise, the Tigers will have a dynamic duo that will be pretty fearsome for defenses to try to stop.

Here are a few other notes:

• Swinney said he has yet to decide on a punishment for Watkins. Watkins was arrested earlier this month and charged with drug possession.
• As for the transition to new defensive coordinator Brent Venables, Swinney said everything went smoothly. "I thought he brought a lot of energy and enthusiasm right out of the gate. He and the rest of our defensive staff did a really good job of teaching the principles and basics of what we wanted to do this spring. We didn’t get it all done but we went at a pace where we kept our older guys interested and involved but we gave our younger guys an opportunity to compete because we’re a very young team. We only have 11 seniors and 60-plus freshmen and sophomores. There’s just a difference there. I thought that part, they did a good job and as a result of that, instead of one group getting it we had a couple groups getting it and that created the competition we needed to develop our guys on that side of the ball."

Here's a look at those who made names for themselves, those who fine-tuned some strengths and those who burst onto the scene this spring in the ACC.

WR DeAndre Hopkins, Clemson: Hopkins had seven catches for 120 yards and a touchdown in the Tigers' spring game, including five for 100 in the first quarter. Coach Dabo Swinney called him the team's spring MVP, and he and Sammy Watkins could form the top receiver tandem in the nation.

RB Rolandan Finch, Boston College: Finch will have to carry a bigger load with Montel Harris off the team, and he stepped up in the spring game when the three men ahead of him were all banged-up, rushing for 196 yards on 27 carries. He will likely battle with Andre Williams for the top spot this fall, though both figure to see plenty of time.

LT Cameron Erving, FSU: The converted defensive tackle impressed this spring, as the sophomore is one of two new tackles the Seminoles are breaking in on the offensive line, a unit that may just be the deciding factor on whether FSU can return to the national elite this season. Coach Jimbo Fisher has called the 6-foot-5, 304-pound sophomore a future NFL starter.

QB Ryan Williams, Miami: Coach Al Golden said this week that Stephen Morris has been medically cleared, and he will likely enter a full-on quarterback competition with Williams, the Memphis transfer who saw most of the action this spring and played well, despite a sub-par spring game.

TE Jake McGee, Virginia: The converted quarterback caught two passes for 81 yards and figures to be a reliable target this fall after a subpar performance for the Cavaliers' tight ends last season.

CB Demetrious Nicholson, Virginia: Coach Mike London named him the team's most distinguished freshman this spring, but he will have to grow up fast. After playing almost every snap last fall, he is the veteran of the Cavaliers' secondary in 2012.

DT Luther Maddy, Virginia Tech: Maddy was named the Hokies' defensive MVP of this spring. The rising sophomore has said he has adjusted to the speed of the game after a freshman year that featured seven starts, and he figures to be a key on a line that will anchor Virginia Tech's defense this season.

Here are the five things we learned in the ACC this spring.

1. We've been saying this for the last couple of seasons, but it might finally ring true in 2012: Florida State has enough talent to return to the upper echelon of college football. The Seminoles are going to be as talented as any defense in the country. Quarterback EJ Manuel returns for his senior season, and the Seminoles did a good job rebuilding their offensive line this spring. FSU is going to have to stay healthy and run the ball more effectively to play in a BCS bowl game.

2. Don't sleep on Georgia Tech. The Yellow Jackets return what many believe might be the best offensive line in coach Paul Johnson's tenure at Tech. Quarterback Tevin Washington doesn't do anything spectacularly, but he avoids mistakes and operates Johnson's triple-option spread offense well. If Tech can find a nose guard to run defensive coordinator Al Groh's 3-4 defense, it will be a tough out in the ACC.

3. Clemson might have the best receiver tandem in the country. We knew sophomore Sammy Watkins was a superstar and one of the best playmakers in the country. But DeAndre Hopkins would be the No. 1 receiver on any other team in the conference -- and maybe the country. Quarterback Tajh Boyd has two receivers who will give ACC defensive coordinators some sleepless nights.

4. North Carolina is going to play really, really fast under new coach Larry Fedora. The Tar Heels won't be eligible to play in a bowl game this coming season because of NCAA probation, but it might end up being a blessing for Fedora. The Tar Heels will learn Fedora's no-huddle spread offense without much pressure or expectations.

5. Virginia Tech has won at least 10 games in eight consecutive seasons, the longest such streak in the country. We're used to the Hokies simply reloading every season under coach Frank Beamer. It might not be as easy this season, though. Virginia Tech must replace four offensive linemen, tailback David Wilson and top receivers Danny Coale and Jarrett Boykin. The Hokies will probably be slow out of the gates.

Spring practice is in the books for the ACC, so let's look back at the best and worst from the conference's dozen teams.

Best spring game performance: It may have come almost four weeks before Sammy Watkins' arrest, but DeAndre Hopkins' performance in Clemson's Orange and White game had to have eased the concerns of Tigers fans wondering if Watkins could be sitting the first week (or weeks) of the season. Hopkins had seven catches for 120 yards and a touchdown. Five of those catches, for 100 yards, came in the first quarter alone. Coach Dabo Swinney labeled Hopkins the team's spring MVP, and the junior was honored for both his spring improvements as a receiver and for his offseason strength training after putting on nearly 20 pounds since 2011.

Best overall unit: Virginia Tech's offensive line may have its question marks, but going against the defensive line it has faced every day this spring can only help it once live game action begins. The Hokies are stacked up front, and a unit that led the conference in sacks a year ago should be able to go eight- or nine-deep to stay fresh come fall. NC State's secondary, which returns interception king David Amerson and three other starters, gives the Hokies' line a good challenge for this distinction.

Best quarterback battle: There can only really be one, right? Miami's Stephen Morris sat this spring to recover from back surgery and is technically the incumbent, but Memphis transfer Ryan Williams made some strides toward getting on the field in his first eligible season with the Hurricanes, dominating in the team's first spring scrimmage before coming back down to earth a little bit in the team's next scrimmage and subsequent spring game. If Alabama transfer Phillip Sims is granted immediate eligibility, things could get interesting at Virginia between Sims and Mike Rocco.

Biggest surprise: Whenever a potential record-breaking player is booted from his team, it's big shocking (and big) news. Boston College coach Frank Spaziani dismissed Montel Harris from the team for a repeated violation of team rules. Harris is the school's all-time leading rusher and would have entered 2012 less than 1,000 yards away from breaking the ACC career record.

Biggest relief: North Carolina received its NCAA sanctions March 12, two days before the Tar Heels kicked off their first spring practice under new coach Larry Fedora. For a roster that has largely dealt with a cloud of uncertainty for two years, the timing couldn't have been better. Yes, it's rough for the seniors to know that their college careers will end Nov. 24 no matter how they fare this season, but the relief of having this chapter of the program's history in the rearview mirror is invaluable, especially for a new coach installing a new system.

2011 overall record: 10-4
2011 conference record: 6-2 (1st)
Returning starters: Offense: 6; defense: 7; kicker/punter: 1

Top returners

QB Tajh Boyd, WR Sammy Watkins, WR DeAndre Hopkins, RB Andre Ellington, C Dalton Freeman, DE Malliciah Goodman, LB Corico Hawkins, LB Jonathan Willard, FS Rashard Hall

Key losses

T Phillip Price, G Antoine McClain, T Landon Walker, NG Brandon Thompson, DT Rennie Moore, DE Andre Branch, TE Dwayne Allen

2011 statistical leaders (*returners)

Rushing: Andre Ellington* (1,178 yards)
Passing: Tajh Boyd* (3,828 yards)
Receiving: Sammy Watkins* (1,219 yards)
Tackles: Rashard Hall* (89)
Sacks: Andre Branch (10.5)
Interceptions: Jonathan Meeks* (3)

Spring answers

1. Boyd more consistent: Quarterback Tajh Boyd looked more comfortable and had a better handle of offensive coordinator Chad Morris’ wide-open spread offense in his second season in the system. The Tigers were red-hot out of the gates in 2011 but struggled with consistency and turnovers in the second half of the season. Clemson had only eight turnovers while starting the season with an 8-0 record, but had 16 in its 2-4 finish.

2. Venables takes over defense: New defensive coordinator Brent Venables, who was hired from Oklahoma to replace fired defensive coordinator Kevin Steele, installed a 4-3 defense with simpler terminology. The Clemson defense was shredded in a 70-33 loss to West Virginia in the Discover Orange Bowl. Venables opened up every starting job on defense this spring.

3. Two is better than one: Clemson receiver Sammy Watkins was the country’s top freshman last season, catching 82 passes for 1,219 yards with 12 touchdowns. But junior DeAndre Hopkins showed this spring he might be just as good. Hopkins caught 72 passes for 978 yards with five touchdowns in 2011. With tight end Dwayne Allen moving on to the NFL, the Tigers need another big-play weapon.

Fall questions

1. Sammy Watkins: Watkins, an All-American receiver during his freshman season in 2011, was arrested last week on misdemeanor drug charges. Coach Dabo Swinney hasn’t yet announced what punishment, if any, Watkins will face. If Watkins misses any game action, his absence might really hurt the Tigers in their season opener against Auburn in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game in Atlanta’s Georgia Dome.

2. Offensive line overhaul: After losing three starting offensive linemen and five seniors who played in the line rotation in 2011, the Tigers had to rebuild the unit this spring. Morris feels good about his starting five after moving nose tackle Tyler Shatley to right guard. Morris said Shatley brings some toughness to the offensive line. The rest of the line looks like this going into preseason camp: left tackle Brandon Thomas, left guard Kalon Davis, center Dalton Freeman and right tackle Gifford Timothy. It has to hold up for the offense to be effective.

3. Defensive line: The Tigers lost a trio of standout defensive linemen in tackles Brandon Thompson and Rennie Moore and end Andre Branch. Clemson brings back all of its starting linebackers and most of its secondary, but Venables will have to rebuild his defensive front with young players.

Clemson wide receiver Sammy Watkins was arrested early Friday and charged with possession of a controlled substance and simple possession of marijuana, both misdemeanors.

After being arrested and taken to the Clemson City Jail, Watkins was released on a $1,620 personal recognizance bond.

"I made a mistake last night and I am truly sorry for my actions," Watkins said in a news release. "I let the team down, the coaches down and this university down. I will learn from this. I will accept any discipline coach [Dabo] Swinney and the university issues."

Discipline is likely on the way, though whether Watkins misses a game (or games) remains to be seen.

"I am aware of the arrest last night," Swinney said in a release. "I am mad and hurt by the poor decision that Sammy Watkins made. He is a good young man who has been a model student, citizen, player and teammate. This is a reminder that good people make poor decisions. But, there are consequences for your actions ... and there will be in this case.

"I am in the process of gathering the facts and discipline will be determined when I have completed that process."

It goes without saying what Watkins means to Clemson. He was the ACC's Rookie of the Year and, as we have stated in this space before, is primed to be the conference's next big national star.

A suspension would definitely hurt the Tigers offensively, especially if it were to come in Week 1 against Auburn. The spotlight may grow a little larger on DeAndre Hopkins, whom Swinney labeled the team's spring MVP. Having 1,604 career receiving yards and nine touchdowns under his belt doesn't hurt, either.

Eighteen players are on the Heisman Pundit's first watch list for college football's most prestigious trophy, but only two are from the ACC. And both are from the same team.

Clemson's Tajh Boyd and Sammy Watkins are on the list after leading the Tigers to the ACC title last season.

Boyd quarterbacked the school's record-breaking offense in 2011, and Watkins played a big role in that during an All-America campaign that also earned him ACC rookie of the year honors. So it is no surprise to see such high expectations for the pair of underclassmen skill players.

The two will certainly have their chances to make national statements early, with the Chick-fil-A Kickoff against Auburn and an early-season trip to Florida State highlighting the September schedule.

I am a little surprised to see Logan Thomas not on the initial list, given the list's size and Thomas' promise entering 2012. The Virginia Tech quarterback is coming off a BCS-bowl appearance in his first year as a starter, had a strong spring and is already being touted as a high 2013 draft pick if things break right this season. The Hokies enter each campaign in the heart of the ACC title discussion, too, though I suppose questions about the rest of their offense have created a number of doubts with the season four months away.

Our series continues today with the Tigers, who return a conference record-setting quarterback. Of course, he is not eligible for this distinction, so we turn our attention elsewhere.

For a look at Boston College from Monday, click here.

Clemson: center Dalton Freeman

2011 stats: It's tough to measure an offensive lineman by numbers, but Freeman's credentials make that a little easier in this case. He has 143 career knockdowns and 2,402 snaps under his belt, having started 36 of 40 games the past three seasons. He is on pace to beat the school record for starts by an offensive lineman (48).

What he means to the Tigers: We know, we know. Sammy Watkins is the superstar of this team. Heck, we even said a short while ago that he will be the superstar of this conference. We stand by that, as Watkins' star power and big-play capability may be unmatched in the ACC. But we're not talking about the best or flashiest player. We're talking about the most important. Take Freeman off this team and who knows what happens. He was first-team All-ACC last season, finishing as a finalist for the Rimington Award, which is given to the nation's top center. He is one of only two returning starters on the offensive line, this coming off a season in which the Tigers set school records for points, touchdowns, total offense and passing offense. Watkins and the rest of Clemson's skill players don't get the chance to produce the way they did last year if Freeman and the rest of the line don't provide a solid foundation up front. That will be more challenging this season with three new starters, but Freeman will provide a calming presence, which, as we saw last year, increases the chances for more big plays from Clemson's offense.

Everywhere he goes, Jayron Kearse has the shadow of someone else in front of him.

First it was his uncle, three-time Pro Bowler Jevon Kearse. Then it was his cousin, current NFL cornerback Phillip Buchanon.

Now, the former safety and quarterback is following in the footsteps of Clemson standout receiver Sammy Watkins, who went to South Fort Myers (Fla.).

Kearse transferred to South Fort Myers in January, and the 6-foot-3, 190-pounder is expected to play receiver this fall. But the former Auburn and current Miami commit isn't trying to live up to Watkins' standard, and he has had valuable voices in his ear throughout the process.

My cousin told me to base my decision on all aspects of college — the school, the environment and academics, not just football. Hearing it from him helps a lot. He never told me one time about going to The U. He said to pick the school that fits me the best. My uncle was basically the same. Jevon has told me to stay humble through the whole process. I don’t want to make it seem like I’m better than anybody else.

To read more on Kearse, check out Jon Maloney's interview.

During its first eight games last season, Clemson had one of college football’s most efficient and explosive offenses.

In offensive coordinator Chad Morris’ high-paced spread attack, the Tigers scored points in bunches, had few penalties and even fewer turnovers.

Clemson had only eight turnovers and averaged fewer than four penalties in its first eight games, helping it start 8-0 and climb to No. 5 in the Bowl Championship Series standings after a 59-38 victory over North Carolina on Oct. 22.

Tigers quarterback Tajh Boyd isn’t quite sure what happened over the next six games. The Tigers lost four of their last six contests and finished 10-4, turning the ball over 16 times and averaging more than five penalties per contest.

Clemson had four turnovers and six penalties in a forgettable 70-33 loss to West Virginia in the Discover Orange Bowl on Jan. 4.

“You start to get a little too comfortable and start to listen to the things that didn’t get you to that point,” Boyd said. “I think we got a little complacent. We thought we could walk into any stadium in the country and win because we were 8-0 and No. 5 in the country.”

If the Tigers are going to finish stronger in 2012, Morris said his quarterback has to play with more consistency. Boyd, a junior from Hampton, Va., completed 61.8 percent of his passes with 24 touchdowns and three interceptions in the first eight games of 2011. He threw for nine touchdowns with nine interceptions in the final six contests.

Morris is preaching consistency and finishing to his quarterback and offense heading into Saturday’s spring game at Memorial Stadium.

“I think he has to be more consistent,” Morris said. “The first eight games, he was really confident on offense and was picking up first downs with his legs. You could sense he was just playing ball and playing with a lot of confidence. The last six games, we weren’t nearly as consistent. He wasn’t consistent, so the whole group wasn’t consistent. His footwork was really sloppy.”

Boyd said he gained about eight pounds over the course of the 2011 season, which led to fatigue and made him less willing to run. He currently weighs about 225 pounds and hopes to be down to 218 by the start of the season.

“In a 12-game season, you might lose a step here or there,” Boyd said. “I was trying to force passes and hit the big ball too much. I wasn’t taking what the defense gave me and wasn’t working within the system.”

It didn’t help that star receiver Sammy Watkins was banged up at the end of the 2011 season. Watkins, from Fort Myers, Fla., had a sensational freshman season, with 82 catches for 1,219 yards with 12 touchdowns. But he caught only 28 passes and three touchdowns in the last six games.

Morris said Watkins worked to get stronger in the offseason, in hopes of avoiding injuries and increasing his endurance.

“If you look at last year, we started football on Aug. 2, and by the time Nov. 4 rolled around, we started hitting our skid,” Morris said. “In high school, Sammy’s season was already over. The mental grind really took its toll on him.”

It took its toll on many of the other Tigers, too.

“We didn’t finish the way we started and that was mainly because of turnovers,” center Dalton Freeman said. “We were trying to play outside the system and not how we were coached to play. We paid for it.”

Clemson’s biggest concern in spring practice was rebuilding its offensive line. The Tigers have to replace five senior offensive linemen, including starting left tackle Phillip Price, left guard David Smith and right tackle Landon Walker.

Noseguard Tyler Shatley has moved to right guard, and Gifford Timothy is working as the No. 1 right tackle. Guard Kalon Davis and tackle Brandon Thomas are playing on the left side.

“It’s been really good,” Morris said. “We’ve had some guys come on. It’s been a big improvement athletically from where we were a year ago.”

Freeman, a senior from Pelion, S.C., said the Tigers’ offensive linemen started meeting two or three times per week as soon as the spring semester started. The Tigers had four freshman offensive linemen enroll in classes in January.

“We took a lot of initiative this spring and we met together as a group,” Freeman said. “When you know what you’re doing, you can play with a lot of confidence, and that’s half the battle. We just felt like knowledge was key. When we go out there, we can work on technique and getting better, instead of having to coach everybody on what to do.”

It’s up to the Tigers to finish the 2012 season like they started 2011.

We've looked at the biggest shoes to fill on each team. Now, we look at the best of the best and examine who must fill the shoes of the biggest star of the ACC in the 2011 season.

OUT: Luke Kuechly. The Boston College linebacker is all but assured of hearing his name called early on in the first round of next month's NFL draft, and with good reason. The linebacker set ACC records in both single-season tackles (191) and career tackles (532), despite leaving school early for the NFL. He will need a trophy case for just this past fall alone after earning the Lombardi Award (nation's top lineman/linebacker), the Nagurski Trophy (nation's top defensive player), the Butkus Award (nation's top linebacker) and being named the Lott IMPACT defensive player of the year. He led the nation in tackles in each of the past two seasons, and he added three interceptions in 2011 (to go with seven for his career.) It is unlikely that anyone in the ACC will be able to replace his star power in 2012, but a few will try.

IN: Sammy Watkins. Remember, this is who is filling the shoes of the conference's biggest star, not his position. Clemson's wide receiver looks primed to take the next step after a freshman season that saw him lead the ACC in all-purpose yards per game while finishing second in receiving yards per game, second in kickoff return average, third in catches per game and tied for third in touchdowns per game. He was fourth nationally in all-purpose yards per game (176). He averaged 93.77 receiving yards per game, 16th in the nation. Watkins had 82 catches for 1,219 yards and 12 touchdowns, in addition to 231 rushing yards on 32 carries. A similar season this fall will put the young receiver in the national spotlight even more.

• More in this series

Happy March Madness!

• Penn State coach Bill O'Brien confirmed that former Maryland QB Danny O'Brien has reached out to the Lions.
• Colleague Robbi Pickeral has UNC hoops coach Roy Williams' thoughts on the football team's sanctions.
• FoxSportsSouth.com's Andrew Jones previews the Atlantic division for this spring.
• Here's the second part of Andy Bitter's Q&A with Virginia Tech secondary coach Torrian Gray in the Virginian-Pilot.
• Clemson OC Chad Morris visited Oklahoma State to learn how Sammy Watkins could be used like Justin Blackmon, Travis Sawchik writes in the Charleston Post and Courier.

No. 1. Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

2011 stats: He finished with 191 total tackles (102 solo), 15.9 tackles per game, 12 tackles for loss, and three interceptions, including one for a touchdown.

Previously ranked: No. 1

Making the case for Kuechly: In only three seasons, Kuechly became one of, if not the most decorated defender in league history. He won the Lombardi Award, given annually to the nation’s top lineman or linebacker; the Nagurski Award, given annually to the nation’s top defensive player; the Dick Butkus Award, which is presented annually to the nation’s top linebacker; and was named the LOTT IMPACT Defensive Player of the Year. You’d never know it by talking to him, though, as Kuechly remained one of the most humble players in the league. He was a relentless player, a hard-hitter who seemed to be everywhere at once. He was more than just a tackling machine. He made game-changing plays and could disrupt the passing game. He ended his junior season leading the nation in tackles for the second straight year. Kuechly set ACC records for tackles in a season (191) and career (532) in 2011. He led the nation in tackles and solo tackles for the second straight year, averaging an NCAA-record 15.92 hits per game. He also finished with an ACC-record 532 career tackles, just 14 shy of the NCAA’s career record. His 14.0 career tackle average is an ACC and NCAA record. There’s no question he deserves the top spot for 2011.

No. 2 David Amerson, CB, NC State

No. 3 Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson

No. 4 David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech

No. 5 Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson

No. 6 Tajh Boyd, QB, Clemson

No. 7 Matt Daniels, S, Duke

No. 8 Andre Branch, DE, Clemson

No. 9 Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson

No. 10 Giovani Bernard, RB, North Carolina

No. 11 Logan Thomas, QB, Virginia Tech

No. 12 Blake DeChristopher, OT, Virginia Tech

No. 13 Shawn Powell, P, Florida State

No. 14 Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina

No. 15 Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

No. 16 Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech

No. 17 Sean Spence, LB, Miami

No. 18 Zebrie Sanders, OT, Florida State

No. 19 Joe Vellano, DT, Maryland

No. 20 Lamar Miller, RB, Miami

No. 21 Chris Givens, WR, Wake Forest

No. 22 Terrell Manning, LB, NC State

No. 23 Matt Conrath, DT, Virginia

No. 24 Omoregie Uzzi, RG, Georgia Tech

No. 25 Brandon Jenkins, DE, Florida State