When it comes to recruiting in the ACC, Florida State has been the gold standard for years, but 2003 saw Maryland, NC State and Virginia close the gap. Most players who can contribute immediately as freshmen are traditionally skill position players, and each of those teams landed some terrific talent.

However, Florida State still picked up two of the 2003 recruits who should make the biggest impact in the ACC. It was considered an off year for the Seminoles, but for them that still means a Top 10 class. DB Antonio Cromartie was the 'Noles' top catch and will battle right away for playing time as a return man as well as at corner or wide receiver. Cromartie is an amazing athlete. Ernie Simms might get a shot at tailback first, but I think he has All-American potential as an inside linebacker. These two talents will make some immediate noise.

The key guy for North Carolina is WR Mike Mason. He committed to UNC early and slipped off the radar. If he had gone through the whole process, he would have been one of the biggest names in the country last year. Mason catches everything and has exceptional separation after the catch.

LB Wesley Jefferson is Maryland's best catch. He's expecting to play right away in College Park and the Terps should plug him into the lineup quickly. Jefferson is incredibly quick to the ball, tough, relentless and instinctive.

Around the ACC
Clemson
Speed usually plays first and Clemson RB Tramaine Billie was the state sprint champion. Billie can also play defensive back or receiver. He's a good athlete that can contribute right away at least on special teams. Quarterback C.J. Gaddis, who ran a 4.39 at camp last summer, is phenomenally quick. He signed as a quarterback, but can contribute right away.WR Chris Jefferson could be a sleeper in the Tigers' class. He could move in and make some catches right away.

Duke
The best player in Duke's class is running back Aaron Fryer from Tampa. In fact, I thought he was one of the two best backs in that part of Florida last year. Some big schools, like Notre Dame, were after him, but Fryer felt comfortable about heading to Durham and competing right away for some playing time. A lot of people don't know about DE Chris Moore from St. Paul, Minn., but he could be a difference maker on the edge relatively quickly for the Blue Devils.

Florida State
Besides Cromartie and Sims, Chauncey Davis, who was a high school All-American arriving from Jones County (Ms.) Community College, is another player to watch at Florida State. The DE has some solid experience and should provide immediate dividends for the 'Noles.

Georgia Tech
With all the suspensions at Georgia Tech, many players in this year's class should get a good shot. Kenny Scott, who turned down Notre Dame among other schools, is Georgia Tech's best recruit. He's a great cover corner from Florida and I would be surprised if he doesn't step in right away. Rashaun Grant from Tampa has blazing speed. Patrick Carter from St. Petersburg is the class sleeper. He's a good quarterback and athlete. Safety Avery Roberson should also get an early look.

Maryland
Maryland put together one of the Terps' best class ever. In addition to Jefferson, TE Vernon Davis is such a good receiver that he should see spot duty immediately.

NC State
NC State also hauled in one of its best classes ever. Even though the Wolfpack is set at RB with T.A. McLendon, Darrell Blackman is unquestionably NC State's best pickup and should contribute immediately. Stephen Tulloch is the class sleeper. Even though he doesn't have great size, I thought he was the best player in Dade County last year. WR Jimmy Sutton should also get some time as a freshman. FS Miguel Scott is also someone to watch.

North Carolina
Mike Mason is not the only WR who could get on the field for the Tar Heels. WRs Adarius Bowman and Jesse Holley have a shot to step right in. The Heels also expect DB Lionel Green to fight for a starting spot this year.

Virginia
Big things are expected right away from Ahmad Brooks for Virginia. Brooks played at Hargrave Military Academy last year and enrolled at UVa in the spring. The linebacker is a definite difference maker. CB Philip Brown will jump into the two-deep very quickly. Linebacker Vince Redd also has the talent to fight for playing time. He runs extremely well and shows a good change of direction and terrific closing speed.

Wake Forest
Brodie Overstreet was Wake Forest's biggest catch. If he winds up on defense, he'll play right away. However, if he plays on offense, Overstreet might redshirt. WR Kevin Marion is a speedster and will hit the field quickly. RB Micah Andrews should also get some time.

Early look at 2004
No one really has big numbers. North Carolina is doing well early. FSU, as usual doesn't have many early commits. When it comes to preliminary talks with the kids, it looks like Virginia, UNC, NC State and FSU are doing the best as far as interest from the kids.

1. FSU: The 'Noles have to be ranked first just because they are in on so many kids. QB Drew Weatherford is also a big catch.
2. North Carolina: The Tar Heels have a bunch of kids interested and already have 11 commits.
3. NC State: The Wolfpack only has two commits so far, but are solidly in on a bunch of quality players.
4. Virginia: The Cavs could move up quickly. They will have a lot of scholarships to give and are in on a bunch of national recruits.
5. Maryland: It's a weak year for prospects in Maryland. For the Terps to repeat their recruiting success of 2003, they have to recruit well nationally. I really like Aaron Henderson who has committed to the Terps.
6. Georgia Tech: The Yellow Jackets have five commits to date, but the potential for immediate playing time will help.
7. Clemson: The Tigers have nine pledges for 2004, and a successful 2003 campaign would be a big boost.
8. Duke: The Blue Devils need some on-field success to turn things around.
9. Wake Forest: There just isn't much buzz on the Demon Deacons right now.