ACC: Xavier Rhodes
Kiper high on VT's Thomas, other predictions
May, 9, 2012
May 9
2:30
PM ET
By
Matt Fortuna | ESPN.com
We've gone over mock drafts, position rankings, draft boards and all the other stuff out there that's fun to predict this far away from the next NFL draft. Today, Mel Kiper does all of that. And, he is very high on Virginia Tech quarterback Logan Thomas.
Kiper ranks Thomas as the No. 4 overall prospect on his 25-man Big Board.
NC State's David Amerson (No. 8) and Florida State's Xavier Rhodes (No. 20) are the other ACC players on the board.
Virginia's Oday Aboushi just missed the cut.
Kiper also ranks the top-5 players at each position, this time breaking it down by senior and junior classes. The ACC contingent:
SENIORS
Mike Glennon (NC State), No. 4 QB
Andre Ellington (Clemson), No. 4 RB
Marcus Davis (Virginia Tech), No. 3 WR
Aboushi, No. 2 OT
Jonathan Cooper (UNC), No. 1 OG
Omoregie Uzzi (Georgia Tech), No. 5 OG
Brandon Jenkins (FSU), No. 4 DE
Kevin Reddick (UNC), No. 2 ILB
Ray-Ray Armstrong (Miami), No. 5 S
Dustin Hopkins (FSU), No. 5 K
JUNIORS
Thomas, No. 1 QB
James Hurst (UNC), No. 4 OT
Andrew Miller (Virginia Tech), No. 5 C
Christian Jones (FSU), No. 4 OLB
Amerson, No. 1 CB
Rhodes, No. 2 CB
Chandler Catanzaro (Clemson), No. 5 K
Dalton Botts (Miami), No. 2 P
Kiper ranks Thomas as the No. 4 overall prospect on his 25-man Big Board.
NC State's David Amerson (No. 8) and Florida State's Xavier Rhodes (No. 20) are the other ACC players on the board.
Virginia's Oday Aboushi just missed the cut.
Kiper also ranks the top-5 players at each position, this time breaking it down by senior
and junior classes. The ACC contingent:
SENIORS
Mike Glennon (NC State), No. 4 QB
Andre Ellington (Clemson), No. 4 RB
Marcus Davis (Virginia Tech), No. 3 WR
Aboushi, No. 2 OT
Jonathan Cooper (UNC), No. 1 OG
Omoregie Uzzi (Georgia Tech), No. 5 OG
Brandon Jenkins (FSU), No. 4 DE
Kevin Reddick (UNC), No. 2 ILB
Ray-Ray Armstrong (Miami), No. 5 S
Dustin Hopkins (FSU), No. 5 K
JUNIORS
Thomas, No. 1 QB
James Hurst (UNC), No. 4 OT
Andrew Miller (Virginia Tech), No. 5 C
Christian Jones (FSU), No. 4 OLB
Amerson, No. 1 CB
Rhodes, No. 2 CB
Chandler Catanzaro (Clemson), No. 5 K
Dalton Botts (Miami), No. 2 P
We are now a week removed from the start of the 2012 NFL draft, which means it is already time to look ahead and wonder who could be in position to make some coin for himself at this time next year.
Scouts Inc.'s Todd McShay has delivered his first 2013 mock, and five ACC players make the cut, led by NC State interception machine David Amerson at No. 11.
North Carolina's Jonathan Cooper (No. 16), Virginia Tech's Logan Thomas (No. 17), UNC's Kevin Reddick (No. 26) and Virginia's Oday Aboushi (No. 27) round out the list.
One of the most interesting parts of projecting drafts so far out is seeing the disparity among stocks for some underclassmen.
SI.com's Andrew Perfloff has Amerson going third in his early mock and has Florida State's Xavier Rhodes and Brandon Jenkins at Nos. 7 and 19, respectively. The FSU duo doesn't make Tony Pauline's list on SI.com of the top 32 prospects.
The only Seminole on Bucky Brooks' NFL.com list of the 30-best prospects is FSU QB E.J. Manuel.
Most are in agreement that Amerson, at this point in time, can be a first round pick. He appears at No. 20 on Pauline's list and No. 9 on Brooks'. NFL.com's Chad Reuter has Amerson as the top draft-eligible cornerback, and CBSSports.com has him as the top 2014 corner. (CBS ranks by class; Amerson will be a junior during the 2012 season).
CBSSports.com also has the Tar Heels' Cooper as the top guard, while he is No. 4 on Reuter's list. Pauline has him as the eighth-best overall prospect in the 2013 class. Cooper's UNC teammate, Reddick, is another name frequently popping up on draft lists, with both Brooks and Pauline labeling him as the No. 22 overall prospect and CBS and Reuter calling him the No. 2 and No. 3 inside linebacker prospect, respectively. (At the top of Reuter's list is Alabama underclassman C.J. Mosley, who is grouped with the 2014 class on CBS.)
Reuters also has FSU's Manuel as the No. 3 quarterback prospect on a five-man list that doesn't include the Hokies' Thomas, who is No. 1 among 2014 signal-callers on CBSSports.com' list.
Scouts Inc.'s Todd McShay has delivered his first 2013 mock
, and five ACC players make the cut, led by NC State interception machine David Amerson at No. 11.
North Carolina's Jonathan Cooper (No. 16), Virginia Tech's Logan Thomas (No. 17), UNC's Kevin Reddick (No. 26) and Virginia's Oday Aboushi (No. 27) round out the list.
One of the most interesting parts of projecting drafts so far out is seeing the disparity among stocks for some underclassmen.
SI.com's Andrew Perfloff has Amerson going third in his early mock and has Florida State's Xavier Rhodes and Brandon Jenkins at Nos. 7 and 19, respectively. The FSU duo doesn't make Tony Pauline's list on SI.com of the top 32 prospects.
The only Seminole on Bucky Brooks' NFL.com list of the 30-best prospects is FSU QB E.J. Manuel.
Most are in agreement that Amerson, at this point in time, can be a first round pick. He appears at No. 20 on Pauline's list and No. 9 on Brooks'. NFL.com's Chad Reuter has Amerson as the top draft-eligible cornerback, and CBSSports.com has him as the top 2014 corner. (CBS ranks by class; Amerson will be a junior during the 2012 season).
CBSSports.com also has the Tar Heels' Cooper as the top guard, while he is No. 4 on Reuter's list. Pauline has him as the eighth-best overall prospect in the 2013 class. Cooper's UNC teammate, Reddick, is another name frequently popping up on draft lists, with both Brooks and Pauline labeling him as the No. 22 overall prospect and CBS and Reuter calling him the No. 2 and No. 3 inside linebacker prospect, respectively. (At the top of Reuter's list is Alabama underclassman C.J. Mosley, who is grouped with the 2014 class on CBS.)
Reuters also has FSU's Manuel as the No. 3 quarterback prospect on a five-man list that doesn't include the Hokies' Thomas, who is No. 1 among 2014 signal-callers on CBSSports.com' list.
A few more notes for you out of Tallahassee today:
Only five players are expected to miss spring practices, the school announced this afternoon:
Only five players are expected to miss spring practices, the school announced this afternoon:
- Offensive guards Jacob Fahrenkrug (left shoulder), Garrett Faircloth (hip), offensive lineman Daniel Foose (lower back), defensive tackle Jacobbi McDaniel (ankle) and defensive end Bjoern Werner (right shoulder) will all miss spring practice while rehabbing from those procedures.
- Quarterback EJ Manuel sustained a fractured fibula in his left leg in the Champs Sports Bowl win over Notre Dame, but has been cleared for spring practice.
- Other Seminoles who had some arthroscopic procedures but will take part in spring practice are defensive tackle Darious Cummings (knee), Dustin Hopkins (left knee), Anthony McCloud (knee) and Xavier Rhodes (left knee). Safety Karlos Williams, who sustained a wrist fracture in the regular season finale at Florida, had successful surgery and is expected to practice this spring.
- Chris Thompson, who had a season-ending back injury at Wake Forest in the fifth game of 2011, is expected back for spring practice. Running back Devonta Freeman has been rehabbing a lower back injury, but also is expected to participate in spring practice.
Florida State cornerback Xavier Rhodes, a two-year starter, will return for his junior season, according to a release from the school.
“I could have gone and been a second or third round (choice) or possibly first round, but that was a risk,” Rhodes said, according to the release. “Why take that risk when if I come back and have the kind of season I can, improve my stock and be a first-rounder?
“I talked to my family, including my grandmother [Maudrina Johnson] and they told me I should come back and get my school and improve stock,” he said.
Rhodes’ decision comes days after fellow draft-eligible Seminole defenders, defensive end Brandon Jenkins and cornerback Greg Reid, announced they would also be back for the 2012 season.
“I could have gone and been a second or third round (choice) or possibly first round, but that was a risk,” Rhodes said, according to the release. “Why take that risk when if I come back and have the kind of season I can, improve my stock and be a first-rounder?
“I talked to my family, including my grandmother [Maudrina Johnson] and they told me I should come back and get my school and improve stock,” he said.
Rhodes’ decision comes days after fellow draft-eligible Seminole defenders, defensive end Brandon Jenkins and cornerback Greg Reid, announced they would also be back for the 2012 season.
ORLANDO, Fla. — The fourth quarter begins with the Notre Dame holding a two-possession lead over Florida State, with the Seminoles offense finally putting together a nice drive.
FSU has gained 63 yards on nine plays and has reached the Irish 21, giving the offense as good a chance to get into the end zone as it has had all night.
Notre Dame, meanwhile, could not get anything going after a productive half-opening drive that ended with Michael Floyd's circus touchdown catch.
The Seminoles defense has been as good as advertised and is capable of making a game-changing play, something it might need to do if the offense cannot keep up this newfound burst of consistency. It will be without Xavier Rhodes and Greg Reid, however, who have suffered a leg injury and concussion, respectively. That is a big blow for the Seminoles' secondary, and you wonder if Notre Dame might take some chances downfield despite having the lead the next time it gets the ball.
FSU has gained 63 yards on nine plays and has reached the Irish 21, giving the offense as good a chance to get into the end zone as it has had all night.
Notre Dame, meanwhile, could not get anything going after a productive half-opening drive that ended with Michael Floyd's circus touchdown catch.
The Seminoles defense has been as good as advertised and is capable of making a game-changing play, something it might need to do if the offense cannot keep up this newfound burst of consistency. It will be without Xavier Rhodes and Greg Reid, however, who have suffered a leg injury and concussion, respectively. That is a big blow for the Seminoles' secondary, and you wonder if Notre Dame might take some chances downfield despite having the lead the next time it gets the ball.
Pregame notes: FSU lineup changes
September, 17, 2011
9/17/11
7:30
PM ET
By
Heather Dinich | ESPN.com
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- A few quick lineup changes for you for Florida State:
The stadium is slowly starting to fill up here, as the Noles are out there warming up. Three predictions as to what you might see Saturday night:
- Freshman Rashad Greene is expected to start at receiver, though I'm told Bert Reed is healthy enough to play and will.
- Jacob Fahrenkrug will start at left guard, and Bryan Stork will start at center. The two have flip-flopped before.
- Xavier Rhodes will start at boundary corner over Mike Harris.
The stadium is slowly starting to fill up here, as the Noles are out there warming up. Three predictions as to what you might see Saturday night:
- EJ Manuel will run more. We're bound to see some new wrinkles in FSU's offense. There's no way Florida State showed its full hand in the first two blowout wins against unheralded opponents. One of those wrinkles could be the use of Manuel's mobility.
- Oklahoma will struggle up front more with Florida State's defensive line. Brandon Jenkins will get after Sooners' quarterback Landry Jones, and the Noles won't be as neutralized as they were up front a year ago.
- Florida State will have the edge in special teams. Not only in the return game and with field position, but also in the kicking game. The Seminoles have one of the top kicker/punter duos in the country in Dustin Hopkins and Shawn Powell, and in a tight game, special teams could play a major role.
No. 1. Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College
2010 stats: As a sophomore, Kuechly led the nation in tackles (183) and solo stops (110). He has registered 10 or more tackles in 22 consecutive games, the longest active streak in the nation. Last year he had 10.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, three interceptions, three fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles.
Previous ranking: No. 4
Making the case for Kuechly: He has already made a case for being one of the best defenders in the country, and he did it in just two seasons. Recognized last year as a consensus All-American, Kuechly reached the 200 tackle mark faster than any other player in school history. He is the only player in school history to reach 300 tackles in his first two seasons, and is a candidate for this year’s ACC Defensive Player of the Year. He is more than just a tackle machine, though. He is an instinctive player who finds the ball and continues to put in the work to become even better. He can make game-changing plays and find the ball, and is the heart and face of the Boston College defense.
No. 2 Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina
No. 3 Jayron Hosley, CB, Virginia Tech
No. 4 Brandon Jenkins, DE, Florida State
No. 5. Montel Harris, RB, Boston College
No. 6 Donte Paige-Moss, DE, North Carolina
No. 7 Andrew Datko, LT, Florida State
No. 8 Sean Spence, LB, Miami
No. 9 Kenny Tate, LB, Maryland
No. 10 David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech
No. 11 Dwight Jones, WR, North Carolina
No. 12 Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State
No. 13 Brandon Washington, OL, Miami
No. 14 Danny O'Brien, QB, Maryland
No. 15 Sean Renfree, QB, Duke
No. 16 Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia
No. 17 Cam Johnson, DE, Virginia
No. 18 Greg Reid, CB, Florida State
No. 19 Ray-Ray Armstrong, S, Miami
No. 20 Lamar Miller, RB, Miami
No. 21 Conner Vernon, WR, Duke
No. 22 Jarrett Boykin, WR, Virginia Tech
No. 23 Omoregie Uzzi, OG, Georgia Tech
No. 24 Andre Ellington, RB, Clemson
No. 25 EJ Manuel, QB, Florida State
2010 stats: As a sophomore, Kuechly led the nation in tackles (183) and solo stops (110). He has registered 10 or more tackles in 22 consecutive games, the longest active streak in the nation. Last year he had 10.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, three interceptions, three fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles.
[+] Enlarge
Jason O. Watson/US PresswireBoston College linebacker Luke Kuechly led the nation with 183 tackles last season.
Jason O. Watson/US PresswireBoston College linebacker Luke Kuechly led the nation with 183 tackles last season.Making the case for Kuechly: He has already made a case for being one of the best defenders in the country, and he did it in just two seasons. Recognized last year as a consensus All-American, Kuechly reached the 200 tackle mark faster than any other player in school history. He is the only player in school history to reach 300 tackles in his first two seasons, and is a candidate for this year’s ACC Defensive Player of the Year. He is more than just a tackle machine, though. He is an instinctive player who finds the ball and continues to put in the work to become even better. He can make game-changing plays and find the ball, and is the heart and face of the Boston College defense.
No. 2 Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina
No. 3 Jayron Hosley, CB, Virginia Tech
No. 4 Brandon Jenkins, DE, Florida State
No. 5. Montel Harris, RB, Boston College
No. 6 Donte Paige-Moss, DE, North Carolina
No. 7 Andrew Datko, LT, Florida State
No. 8 Sean Spence, LB, Miami
No. 9 Kenny Tate, LB, Maryland
No. 10 David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech
No. 11 Dwight Jones, WR, North Carolina
No. 12 Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State
No. 13 Brandon Washington, OL, Miami
No. 14 Danny O'Brien, QB, Maryland
No. 15 Sean Renfree, QB, Duke
No. 16 Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia
No. 17 Cam Johnson, DE, Virginia
No. 18 Greg Reid, CB, Florida State
No. 19 Ray-Ray Armstrong, S, Miami
No. 20 Lamar Miller, RB, Miami
No. 21 Conner Vernon, WR, Duke
No. 22 Jarrett Boykin, WR, Virginia Tech
No. 23 Omoregie Uzzi, OG, Georgia Tech
No. 24 Andre Ellington, RB, Clemson
No. 25 EJ Manuel, QB, Florida State
No. 2. Quinton Coples, DE, UNC
2010 stats: He started 12 of the 13 games he played in and ranked third in the league and 16th in the country in sacks per game. He had 10 sacks on the year, which ranked in the top five in the country among defensive tackles. He also ranked seventh in the league with 15.5 tackles for losses. He finished fourth on the team with 59 total tackles and had a team-high 12 quarterback pressures, two pass breakups and one forced fumble.
Previously ranked: No. 13
Making the case for Coples: He was one of the best linemen in the country last year and he was playing out of position. Now that Coples has moved back to his natural end position, he should flourish even more. He has the ability to disrupt the passing game, pressure the quarterback, get into opponents’ backfields and find the ball.
No. 3 Jayron Hosley, CB, Virginia Tech
No. 4 Brandon Jenkins, DE, Florida State
No. 5. Montel Harris, RB, Boston College
No. 6 Donte Paige-Moss, DE, North Carolina
No. 7 Andrew Datko, LT, Florida State
No. 8 Sean Spence, LB, Miami
No. 9 Kenny Tate, LB, Maryland
No. 10 David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech
No. 11 Dwight Jones, WR, North Carolina
No. 12 Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State
No. 13 Brandon Washington, OL, Miami
No. 14 Danny O'Brien, QB, Maryland
No. 15 Sean Renfree, QB, Duke
No. 16 Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia
No. 17 Cam Johnson, DE, Virginia
No. 18 Greg Reid, CB, Florida State
No. 19 Ray-Ray Armstrong, S, Miami
No. 20 Lamar Miller, RB, Miami
No. 21 Conner Vernon, WR, Duke
No. 22 Jarrett Boyk
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Andrew Shurtleff/US PresswireTar Heels defensive end Quinton Coples, 90, had 10 sacks last season.
Andrew Shurtleff/US PresswireTar Heels defensive end Quinton Coples, 90, had 10 sacks last season.Previously ranked: No. 13
Making the case for Coples: He was one of the best linemen in the country last year and he was playing out of position. Now that Coples has moved back to his natural end position, he should flourish even more. He has the ability to disrupt the passing game, pressure the quarterback, get into opponents’ backfields and find the ball.
No. 3 Jayron Hosley, CB, Virginia Tech
No. 4 Brandon Jenkins, DE, Florida State
No. 5. Montel Harris, RB, Boston College
No. 6 Donte Paige-Moss, DE, North Carolina
No. 7 Andrew Datko, LT, Florida State
No. 8 Sean Spence, LB, Miami
No. 9 Kenny Tate, LB, Maryland
No. 10 David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech
No. 11 Dwight Jones, WR, North Carolina
No. 12 Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State
No. 13 Brandon Washington, OL, Miami
No. 14 Danny O'Brien, QB, Maryland
No. 15 Sean Renfree, QB, Duke
No. 16 Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia
No. 17 Cam Johnson, DE, Virginia
No. 18 Greg Reid, CB, Florida State
No. 19 Ray-Ray Armstrong, S, Miami
No. 20 Lamar Miller, RB, Miami
No. 21 Conner Vernon, WR, Duke
No. 22 Jarrett Boyk
No. 3. Jayron Hosley, CB, Virginia Tech
2010 stats: He started 13 games and finished with 39 tackles, nine interceptions, and eight passes broken up. He also had 19 punt returns for 239 yards and a touchdown, and nine kick returns for 190 yards. He racked up 110 yards on interception returns.
Previous ranking: No. 7
Making the case for Hosley: His numbers make a pretty good case themselves, but here goes: After leading the nation in interceptions last year, Hosley maintained a strong work ethic this offseason and took on a leadership role. He’s a good tackler who is a great ball handler and has great instincts, and he tied a school season record for interceptions that was set in 1967. He’s versatile enough to help the team as a punt returner, and as a DB he takes advantage of almost every opportunity that comes his way.
No. 4 Brandon Jenkins, DE, Florida State
No. 5. Montel Harris, RB, Boston College
No. 6 Donte Paige-Moss, DE, North Carolina
No. 7 Andrew Datko, LT, Florida State
No. 8 Sean Spence, LB, Miami
No. 9 Kenny Tate, LB, Maryland
No. 10 David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech
No. 11 Dwight Jones, WR, North Carolina
No. 12 Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State
No. 13 Brandon Washington, OL, Miami
No. 14 Danny O'Brien, QB, Maryland
No. 15 Sean Renfree, QB, Duke
No. 16 Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia
No. 17 Cam Johnson, DE, Virginia
No. 18 Greg Reid, CB, Florida State
No. 19 Ray-Ray Armstrong, S, Miami
No. 20 Lamar Miller, RB, Miami
No. 21 Conner Vernon, WR, Duke
No. 22 Jarrett Boykin, WR, Virginia Tech
No. 23 Omoregie Uzzi, OG, Georgia Tech
No. 24 Andre Ellington, RB, Clemson
No. 25 EJ Manuel, QB, Florida State
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AP Photo/Steve HelberVirginia Tech cornerback Jayron Hosley led the nation in interceptions.
AP Photo/Steve HelberVirginia Tech cornerback Jayron Hosley led the nation in interceptions.Previous ranking: No. 7
Making the case for Hosley: His numbers make a pretty good case themselves, but here goes: After leading the nation in interceptions last year, Hosley maintained a strong work ethic this offseason and took on a leadership role. He’s a good tackler who is a great ball handler and has great instincts, and he tied a school season record for interceptions that was set in 1967. He’s versatile enough to help the team as a punt returner, and as a DB he takes advantage of almost every opportunity that comes his way.
No. 4 Brandon Jenkins, DE, Florida State
No. 5. Montel Harris, RB, Boston College
No. 6 Donte Paige-Moss, DE, North Carolina
No. 7 Andrew Datko, LT, Florida State
No. 8 Sean Spence, LB, Miami
No. 9 Kenny Tate, LB, Maryland
No. 10 David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech
No. 11 Dwight Jones, WR, North Carolina
No. 12 Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State
No. 13 Brandon Washington, OL, Miami
No. 14 Danny O'Brien, QB, Maryland
No. 15 Sean Renfree, QB, Duke
No. 16 Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia
No. 17 Cam Johnson, DE, Virginia
No. 18 Greg Reid, CB, Florida State
No. 19 Ray-Ray Armstrong, S, Miami
No. 20 Lamar Miller, RB, Miami
No. 21 Conner Vernon, WR, Duke
No. 22 Jarrett Boykin, WR, Virginia Tech
No. 23 Omoregie Uzzi, OG, Georgia Tech
No. 24 Andre Ellington, RB, Clemson
No. 25 EJ Manuel, QB, Florida State
No. 4. Brandon Jenkins, DE, Florida State
2010 stats: He ranked sixth nationally in total sacks with 13.5, and was tied for fourth nationally with 21.5 tackles for loss -- the third-best season in FSU history. He also had two forced fumbles, two pass breakups, four quarterback hurries, and finished with 63 total tackles.
Previous ranking: No. 12
Making the case for Jenkins: He had one of the best seasons in school history last year and he was only a true sophomore and first-year starter. He should only be better this fall, and that's scary-good. Jenkins has good instincts, reacts well to the ball, and is a natural pass-rusher. He was the top contributor to Florida State’s nation-leading 48 sacks last year, one of the Noles’ biggest areas of improvement last season. He had two-sack games five times last season, and was recognized as the team’s MVP at the annual football banquet.
No. 5 Montel Harris, RB, Boston College
No. 6 Donte Paige-Moss, DE, North Carolina
No. 7 Andrew Datko, LT, Florida State
No. 8 Sean Spence, LB, Miami
No. 9 Kenny Tate, LB, Maryland
No. 10 David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech
No. 11 Dwight Jones, WR, North Carolina
No. 12 Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State
No. 13 Brandon Washington, OL, Miami
No. 14 Danny O'Brien, QB, Maryland
No. 15 Sean Renfree, QB, Duke
No. 16 Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia
No. 17 Cam Johnson, DE, Virginia
No. 18 Greg Reid, CB, Florida State
No. 19 Ray-Ray Armstrong, S, Miami
No. 20 Lamar Miller, RB, Miami
No. 21 Conner Vernon, WR, Duke
No. 22 Jarrett Boykin, WR, Virginia Tech
No. 23 Omoregie Uzzi, OG, Georgia Tech
No. 24 Andre Ellington, RB, Clemson
No. 25 EJ Manuel, QB, Florida State
2010 stats: He ranked sixth nationally in total sacks with 13.5, and was tied for fourth nationally with 21.5 tackles for loss -- the third-best season in FSU history. He also had two forced fumbles, two pass breakups, four quarterback hurries, and finished with 63 total tackles.
Previous ranking: No. 12
Making the case for Jenkins: He had one of the best seasons in school history last year and he was only a true sophomore and first-year starter. He should only be better this fall, and that's scary-good. Jenkins has good instincts, reacts well to the ball, and is a natural pass-rusher. He was the top contributor to Florida State’s nation-leading 48 sacks last year, one of the Noles’ biggest areas of improvement last season. He had two-sack games five times last season, and was recognized as the team’s MVP at the annual football banquet.
No. 5 Montel Harris, RB, Boston College
No. 6 Donte Paige-Moss, DE, North Carolina
No. 7 Andrew Datko, LT, Florida State
No. 8 Sean Spence, LB, Miami
No. 9 Kenny Tate, LB, Maryland
No. 10 David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech
No. 11 Dwight Jones, WR, North Carolina
No. 12 Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State
No. 13 Brandon Washington, OL, Miami
No. 14 Danny O'Brien, QB, Maryland
No. 15 Sean Renfree, QB, Duke
No. 16 Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia
No. 17 Cam Johnson, DE, Virginia
No. 18 Greg Reid, CB, Florida State
No. 19 Ray-Ray Armstrong, S, Miami
No. 20 Lamar Miller, RB, Miami
No. 21 Conner Vernon, WR, Duke
No. 22 Jarrett Boykin, WR, Virginia Tech
No. 23 Omoregie Uzzi, OG, Georgia Tech
No. 24 Andre Ellington, RB, Clemson
No. 25 EJ Manuel, QB, Florida State
No. 5. Montel Harris, RB, Boston College
2010 stats: He started 11 games before injuring his knee against Virginia. Despite the injury, Harris led the ACC and ranked 16th in the country with 103.6 yards per game. He racked up eight 100-yard games and had six in a row before his injury. He finished with 1,243 yards and eight touchdowns on 269 carries. He also caught 18 passes for 112 yards and a touchdown.
Previous ranking: No. 17
Making the case for Harris: He is a record-setter who has made his mark as one of the most productive running backs in the ACC. He is the school’s leader in carries (756) and 100-yard games (21) and ranks second at BC in rushing yards (3,600) and is third in touchdowns (27). He holds the ACC record for the most rushing yards through his junior year and enters this season as the ACC’s active leader in rushing yards and carries. What he’s done for the Eagles’ otherwise inept offense can’t be measured. At a program where the quarterback position has been a question in recent years, Harris has easily been the most dependable option on offense.
No. 6 Donte Paige-Moss, DE, North Carolina
No. 7 Andrew Datko, LT, Florida State
No. 8 Sean Spence, LB, Miami
No. 9 Kenny Tate, LB, Maryland
No. 10 David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech
No. 11 Dwight Jones, WR, North Carolina
No. 12 Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State
No. 13 Brandon Washington, OL, Miami
No. 14 Danny O'Brien, QB, Maryland
No. 15 Sean Renfree, QB, Duke
No. 16 Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia
No. 17 Cam Johnson, DE, Virginia
No. 18 Greg Reid, CB, Florida State
No. 19 Ray-Ray Armstrong, S, Miami
No. 20 Lamar Miller, RB, Miami
No. 21 Conner Vernon, WR, Duke
No. 22 Jarrett Boykin, WR, Virginia Tech
No. 23 Omoregie Uzzi, OG, Georgia Tech
No. 24 Andre Ellington, RB, Clemson
No. 25 EJ Manuel, QB, Florida State
2010 stats: He started 11 games before injuring his knee against Virginia. Despite the injury, Harris led the ACC and ranked 16th in the country with 103.6 yards per game. He racked up eight 100-yard games and had six in a row before his injury. He finished with 1,243 yards and eight touchdowns on 269 carries. He also caught 18 passes for 112 yards and a touchdown.
Previous ranking: No. 17
Making the case for Harris: He is a record-setter who has made his mark as one of the most productive running backs in the ACC. He is the school’s leader in carries (756) and 100-yard games (21) and ranks second at BC in rushing yards (3,600) and is third in touchdowns (27). He holds the ACC record for the most rushing yards through his junior year and enters this season as the ACC’s active leader in rushing yards and carries. What he’s done for the Eagles’ otherwise inept offense can’t be measured. At a program where the quarterback position has been a question in recent years, Harris has easily been the most dependable option on offense.
No. 6 Donte Paige-Moss, DE, North Carolina
No. 7 Andrew Datko, LT, Florida State
No. 8 Sean Spence, LB, Miami
No. 9 Kenny Tate, LB, Maryland
No. 10 David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech
No. 11 Dwight Jones, WR, North Carolina
No. 12 Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State
No. 13 Brandon Washington, OL, Miami
No. 14 Danny O'Brien, QB, Maryland
No. 15 Sean Renfree, QB, Duke
No. 16 Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia
No. 17 Cam Johnson, DE, Virginia
No. 18 Greg Reid, CB, Florida State
No. 19 Ray-Ray Armstrong, S, Miami
No. 20 Lamar Miller, RB, Miami
No. 21 Conner Vernon, WR, Duke
No. 22 Jarrett Boykin, WR, Virginia Tech
No. 23 Omoregie Uzzi, OG, Georgia Tech
No. 24 Andre Ellington, RB, Clemson
No. 25 EJ Manuel, QB, Florida State
No. 6. Donte Paige-Moss, DE, UNC
2010 stats: He started 12 of 13 games he played in last year, and finished the regular season with 49 tackles, 13.5 tackles for losses of 77 yards, 7.0 sacks for 57 yards, and one pass breakup. He ranked second on the team in tackles for loss and sacks and was seventh in the ACC in sacks.
Previously ranked: Not ranked.
Making the case for Paige-Moss: He has the skills to be one of the country’s top pass-rushers this fall. He played exceptionally well in the second half of last season, when he recorded 10.5 of his 13.5 tackles for loss. Carolina fans saw his game-changing potential in the Music City Bowl win over Tennessee when he posted six tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, one forced fumble and one blocked kick. He blocked an extra point in the fourth quarter, which kept Tennessee's lead at three. He was only a sophomore last year and made his first career start when he lined up against LSU in the season opener. Now more experienced, Paige-Moss could be on the brink of a breakout season.
No. 7 Andrew Datko, LT, Florida State
No. 8 Sean Spence, LB, Miami
No. 9 Kenny Tate, LB, Maryland
No. 10 David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech
No. 11 Dwight Jones, WR, North Carolina
No. 12 Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State
No. 13 Brandon Washington, OL, Miami
No. 14 Danny O'Brien, QB, Maryland
No. 15 Sean Renfree, QB, Duke
No. 16 Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia
No. 17 Cam Johnson, DE, Virginia
No. 18 Greg Reid, CB, Florida State
No. 19 Ray-Ray Armstrong, S, Miami
No. 20 Lamar Miller, RB, Miami
No. 21 Conner Vernon, WR, Duke
No. 22 Jarrett Boykin, WR, Virginia Tech
No. 23 Omoregie Uzzi, OG, Georgia Tech
No. 24 Andre Ellington, RB, Clemson
No. 25 EJ Manuel, QB, Florida State
2010 stats: He started 12 of 13 games he played in last year, and finished the regular season with 49 tackles, 13.5 tackles for losses of 77 yards, 7.0 sacks for 57 yards, and one pass breakup. He ranked second on the team in tackles for loss and sacks and was seventh in the ACC in sacks.
Previously ranked: Not ranked.
Making the case for Paige-Moss: He has the skills to be one of the country’s top pass-rushers this fall. He played exceptionally well in the second half of last season, when he recorded 10.5 of his 13.5 tackles for loss. Carolina fans saw his game-changing potential in the Music City Bowl win over Tennessee when he posted six tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, one forced fumble and one blocked kick. He blocked an extra point in the fourth quarter, which kept Tennessee's lead at three. He was only a sophomore last year and made his first career start when he lined up against LSU in the season opener. Now more experienced, Paige-Moss could be on the brink of a breakout season.
No. 7 Andrew Datko, LT, Florida State
No. 8 Sean Spence, LB, Miami
No. 9 Kenny Tate, LB, Maryland
No. 10 David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech
No. 11 Dwight Jones, WR, North Carolina
No. 12 Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State
No. 13 Brandon Washington, OL, Miami
No. 14 Danny O'Brien, QB, Maryland
No. 15 Sean Renfree, QB, Duke
No. 16 Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia
No. 17 Cam Johnson, DE, Virginia
No. 18 Greg Reid, CB, Florida State
No. 19 Ray-Ray Armstrong, S, Miami
No. 20 Lamar Miller, RB, Miami
No. 21 Conner Vernon, WR, Duke
No. 22 Jarrett Boykin, WR, Virginia Tech
No. 23 Omoregie Uzzi, OG, Georgia Tech
No. 24 Andre Ellington, RB, Clemson
No. 25 EJ Manuel, QB, Florida State
No. 7. Andrew Datko, LT, Florida State
2010 stats: He allowed just one sack in 11 games (all starts) last season, and held off heralded pass rushers from Oklahoma, Miami, Clemson, Florida and Virginia Tech. He was penalized just three times and had five missed assignments in 691 snaps. Datko's season average grade of 87 percent was second on the team only to Rodney Hudson.
Previously ranked: Not ranked.
Making the case for Datko: The veteran left tackle has 36 career starts, but his accomplishments have been overshadowed by his predecessors, Hudson and Ryan McMahon. Datko bulked up this offseason, despite missing spring practices with a shoulder injury. He’s a smart player (he earned the Matt Schmauch Academic Award at the end of spring practice, which is given to the player who is dedicated to getting a degree), and he is a candidate for both the Lombardi and Outland trophies. He has excelled in protecting the quarterback’s blind side, and that will be critical this fall with first-year starter EJ Manuel
No. 8 Sean Spence, LB, Miami
No. 9 Kenny Tate, LB, Maryland
No. 10 David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech
No. 11 Dwight Jones, WR, North Carolina
No. 12 Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State
No. 13 Brandon Washington, OL, Miami
No. 14 Danny O'Brien, QB, Maryland
No. 15 Sean Renfree, QB, Duke
No. 16 Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia
No. 17 Cam Johnson, DE, Virginia
No. 18 Greg Reid, CB, Florida State
No. 19 Ray-Ray Armstrong, S, Miami
No. 20 Lamar Miller, RB, Miami
No. 21 Conner Vernon, WR, Duke
No. 22 Jarrett Boykin, WR, Virginia Tech
No. 23 Omoregie Uzzi, OG, Georgia Tech
No. 24 Andre Ellington, RB, Clemson
No. 25 EJ Manuel, QB, Florida State
2010 stats: He allowed just one sack in 11 games (all starts) last season, and held off heralded pass rushers from Oklahoma, Miami, Clemson, Florida and Virginia Tech. He was penalized just three times and had five missed assignments in 691 snaps. Datko's season average grade of 87 percent was second on the team only to Rodney Hudson.
Previously ranked: Not ranked.
Making the case for Datko: The veteran left tackle has 36 career starts, but his accomplishments have been overshadowed by his predecessors, Hudson and Ryan McMahon. Datko bulked up this offseason, despite missing spring practices with a shoulder injury. He’s a smart player (he earned the Matt Schmauch Academic Award at the end of spring practice, which is given to the player who is dedicated to getting a degree), and he is a candidate for both the Lombardi and Outland trophies. He has excelled in protecting the quarterback’s blind side, and that will be critical this fall with first-year starter EJ Manuel
No. 8 Sean Spence, LB, Miami
No. 9 Kenny Tate, LB, Maryland
No. 10 David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech
No. 11 Dwight Jones, WR, North Carolina
No. 12 Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State
No. 13 Brandon Washington, OL, Miami
No. 14 Danny O'Brien, QB, Maryland
No. 15 Sean Renfree, QB, Duke
No. 16 Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia
No. 17 Cam Johnson, DE, Virginia
No. 18 Greg Reid, CB, Florida State
No. 19 Ray-Ray Armstrong, S, Miami
No. 20 Lamar Miller, RB, Miami
No. 21 Conner Vernon, WR, Duke
No. 22 Jarrett Boykin, WR, Virginia Tech
No. 23 Omoregie Uzzi, OG, Georgia Tech
No. 24 Andre Ellington, RB, Clemson
No. 25 EJ Manuel, QB, Florida State
No. 8. Sean Spence, LB, Miami
2010 stats: He was one of seven Hurricanes to start all 13 games last season and finished second on the team and fifth in the ACC with 111 tackles. He had a team-leading 16 tackles for loss, the fourth most in the conference. He also had six pass breakups, 2.5 sacks, one fumble recovery and two forced fumbles.
Previously ranked: Not ranked.
Making the case for Spence: He’s aggressive towards the ball, a throwback player who has excelled at the outside linebacker position. He’s got a proven ability to make game-changing plays, disrupt the passing game and strip the ball. Just ask Clemson – he had 14 tackles against the Tigers, with a forced fumble and 1.5 tackles for loss. Spence has had an impressive career so far, but he has become a more complete player.
No. 9 Kenny Tate, LB, Maryland
No. 10 David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech
No. 11 Dwight Jones, WR, North Carolina
No. 12 Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State
No. 13 Brandon Washington, OL, Miami
No. 14 Danny O'Brien, QB, Maryland
No. 15 Sean Renfree, QB, Duke
No. 16 Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia
No. 17 Cam Johnson, DE, Virginia
No. 18 Greg Reid, CB, Florida State
No. 19 Ray-Ray Armstrong, S, Miami
No. 20 Lamar Miller, RB, Miami
No. 21 Conner Vernon, WR, Duke
No. 22 Jarrett Boykin, WR, Virginia Tech
No. 23 Omoregie Uzzi, OG, Georgia Tech
No. 24 Andre Ellington, RB, Clemson
No. 25 EJ Manuel, QB, Florida State
2010 stats: He was one of seven Hurricanes to start all 13 games last season and finished second on the team and fifth in the ACC with 111 tackles. He had a team-leading 16 tackles for loss, the fourth most in the conference. He also had six pass breakups, 2.5 sacks, one fumble recovery and two forced fumbles.
Previously ranked: Not ranked.
Making the case for Spence: He’s aggressive towards the ball, a throwback player who has excelled at the outside linebacker position. He’s got a proven ability to make game-changing plays, disrupt the passing game and strip the ball. Just ask Clemson – he had 14 tackles against the Tigers, with a forced fumble and 1.5 tackles for loss. Spence has had an impressive career so far, but he has become a more complete player.
No. 9 Kenny Tate, LB, Maryland
No. 10 David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech
No. 11 Dwight Jones, WR, North Carolina
No. 12 Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State
No. 13 Brandon Washington, OL, Miami
No. 14 Danny O'Brien, QB, Maryland
No. 15 Sean Renfree, QB, Duke
No. 16 Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia
No. 17 Cam Johnson, DE, Virginia
No. 18 Greg Reid, CB, Florida State
No. 19 Ray-Ray Armstrong, S, Miami
No. 20 Lamar Miller, RB, Miami
No. 21 Conner Vernon, WR, Duke
No. 22 Jarrett Boykin, WR, Virginia Tech
No. 23 Omoregie Uzzi, OG, Georgia Tech
No. 24 Andre Ellington, RB, Clemson
No. 25 EJ Manuel, QB, Florida State
No. 9. Kenny Tate, LB, Maryland
2010 stats: He started all 13 games at free safety last year and led the Terps in solo tackles (58) and was second in tackles (100). He had at least six tackles in all but one game and ranked seventh in the ACC with 7.7 per game. He was the second-leading tackler in the ACC among defensive backs. He tied for third in the ACC in solo tackles (4.6 pg) and led the ACC with four forced fumbles, the most by a Terp since Milton Harris had four in 2005. His 0.31 forced fumbles per-game ranked tied for 15th in the FBS.
Previous ranking: No. 14.
Making the case for Tate: He posted some ridiculous numbers as a safety, and he should flourish even more in his new hybrid linebacker/safety position. He has an impressive combination of size and speed. He ranks first on the team among returnees in career tackles (162) and interceptions (5), and he’s also one of the top tacklers in the conference. He became the first Maryland defensive back to reach 100 tackles since Tony Jackson (101) in 2000.
No. 10 David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech
No. 11 Dwight Jones, WR, North Carolina
No. 12 Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State
No. 13 Brandon Washington, OL, Miami
No. 14 Danny O'Brien, QB, Maryland
No. 15 Sean Renfree, QB, Duke
No. 16 Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia
No. 17 Cam Johnson, DE, Virginia
No. 18 Greg Reid, CB, Florida State
No. 19 Ray-Ray Armstrong, S, Miami
No. 20 Lamar Miller, RB, Miami
No. 21 Conner Vernon, WR, Duke
No. 22 Jarrett Boykin, WR, Virginia Tech
No. 23 Omoregie Uzzi, OG, Georgia Tech
No. 24 Andre Ellington, RB, Clemson
No. 25 EJ Manuel, QB, Florida State
2010 stats: He started all 13 games at free safety last year and led the Terps in solo tackles (58) and was second in tackles (100). He had at least six tackles in all but one game and ranked seventh in the ACC with 7.7 per game. He was the second-leading tackler in the ACC among defensive backs. He tied for third in the ACC in solo tackles (4.6 pg) and led the ACC with four forced fumbles, the most by a Terp since Milton Harris had four in 2005. His 0.31 forced fumbles per-game ranked tied for 15th in the FBS.
Previous ranking: No. 14.
Making the case for Tate: He posted some ridiculous numbers as a safety, and he should flourish even more in his new hybrid linebacker/safety position. He has an impressive combination of size and speed. He ranks first on the team among returnees in career tackles (162) and interceptions (5), and he’s also one of the top tacklers in the conference. He became the first Maryland defensive back to reach 100 tackles since Tony Jackson (101) in 2000.
No. 10 David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech
No. 11 Dwight Jones, WR, North Carolina
No. 12 Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State
No. 13 Brandon Washington, OL, Miami
No. 14 Danny O'Brien, QB, Maryland
No. 15 Sean Renfree, QB, Duke
No. 16 Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia
No. 17 Cam Johnson, DE, Virginia
No. 18 Greg Reid, CB, Florida State
No. 19 Ray-Ray Armstrong, S, Miami
No. 20 Lamar Miller, RB, Miami
No. 21 Conner Vernon, WR, Duke
No. 22 Jarrett Boykin, WR, Virginia Tech
No. 23 Omoregie Uzzi, OG, Georgia Tech
No. 24 Andre Ellington, RB, Clemson
No. 25 EJ Manuel, QB, Florida State
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Heather Dinich
Dinich covered ACC and Big Ten football for five seasons before joining ESPN.com in November 2007. She's an Indiana grad but somehow her favorite day of the week is Saturday.
