The beauty of college football is the array of talented players that can catch your eye on any given Sunday. With so many games and so many names involved it is hard to keep tabs on all of them. Nevertheless, below are ten from the ACC that I believe can make national headlines during the upcoming season.
QB, Marquise Williams, North Carolina
Williams assumed the starting role mid-way through the 2013 season when Bryn Renner went down injured. The sophomore kept his position by throwing 15 touchdowns passes while running for another six. Eric Ebron may have moved on but Quinshad Davis and Ryan Switzer – mentioned below – will be great targets.
RB, Karlos Williams, Florida State
With Devonta Freeman and James Wilder Jr now professionals, the running back position at FSU is wide open. Williams is no stranger to the field and carried the ball 91 times for 730 yards and 11 touchdowns in his first season since he moved from safety. A tough runner with breakaway speed, the senior will easily top 1,000 yards in the Seminoles’ offense.
RB, James Conner, Pittsburgh
Conner split time as a freshman with junior Isaac Bennett and they combined for 1,596 yards and 15 touchdowns. However, it is now time for Conner to claim the position for himself and build his draft stock. With a new quarterback under center the Panthers will need their young running back more than ever in 2014.
WR, Mike Williams, Clemson
The Tigers lost their two starting outside receivers to the 2014 NFL Draft and must find a replacement immediately. The Clemson offense is notoriously explosive and Williams fits the bill. At 6’3” tall he has a great build and started his college career well with 20 receptions and three touchdowns as a true freshman. An impressive sophomore year could propel him to the top of the 2016 draft class.
WR, Ryan Switzer, North Carolina
One of my favorite players to watch in 2013, Switzer is an explosive athlete with the ball in his hands. The freshman caught 32 passes for 341 yards and three touchdowns. But that is not where he excels, at least not yet. Switzer’s first college season saw him return an incredible five punts for a touchdown at an average of 20 yards per return. This guy is the next Devin Hester.
G, Laken Tomlinson, Duke
A coup of the 2010 recruitment class, Tomlinson has failed to receive the national acclaim he deserves. A Jamaican native, he has all the tools to be an elite guard and could be regarded as one of the best when the scouts pick apart his tape early next year.
DE, Adam Gotsis, Georgia Tech
Jeremiah Attaochu was the Yellow Jackets’ main defender last year and registered 12.5 sacks. Behind him was Gotsis with 5.5 quarterback takedowns and 14.5 tackles for a loss. Next season will show what the junior is made of, and if he can carry the torch on his own.
DE, Eli Harold, Virginia
Harold eased his way into football with a two sack freshman season before he registered 8.5 last season. A true pass rusher, he and sophomore Max Valles will push each other all the way towards the all-league picks.
OLB, Lorenzo Mauldin, Louisville
You have not heard much about Mauldin because his former team-mate Marcus Smith was selected in the first-round of the 2014 Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles. The 6’4” senior had 9.5 sacks as a junior and is set to explode onto the national scene as the Cardinals move to a 3-4 scheme.
CB, Kendall Fuller, Virginia Tech
After living in the shadow of his older brother Kyle for most of his life, it is now time for Kendall to carve a career for himself. Fuller was the best freshman corner in the nation last year with six interceptions and 11 pass break-ups. The Hokies’ defense is often formidable and the youngest Fuller brother will ensure that continues.