ACC's Top 10 Players

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Aug 15, 2007

ACC's Top 10 Players

Branden Ore, RB, Jr.

Ore was a bit inconsistent as a sophomore, but he still ended up with 1,137 rushing yards and 16 TDs. He had back-to-back 200-yard games against Southern Miss and Clemson.

Brandon Flowers, CB, Jr.

Flowers follows in the footsteps of DeAngelo Hall and Jimmy Williams as the latest Virginia Tech shutdown corner. Flowers and Macho Harris may be the finest cornerback duo in America.

Myron Rolle, SS, So.

Rolle lived up to his enormous billing as a true freshman last season, recording 77 tackles, one interception, five broken up passes and 5 1/2 tackles for loss. Rolle is the complete package at strong safety, with size, speed, smarts and major hitting ability.

Philip Wheeler, LB, Sr.

Wheeler is one of the most athletic linebackers in America and has a penchant for making the big play. He finished fourth in the ACC in sacks (nine) and tackles for loss (14.5) last season.

C.J. Spiller, RB, So.

It's hard to choose between Spiller and his teammate James Davis, but Spiller performed better in the second half of last season. The speedy Spiller boasted a 7.27 yards per carry average to boot.

Sam Swank, K/P, Jr.

As a kicker, Swank set 11 school records during his sophomore season, nailing 23 of 31 field goals, including five from beyond 50 yards. As a punter, he averaged 41.2 yards per boot, dropping 19 inside the 20.

Tashard Choice, RB, Sr.

Last season, while NFL scouts drooled over the freakish athleticism of Calvin Johnson, Choice quietly led the ACC in rushing (1,473 yards). Georgia Tech rode Choice down the stretch and the workhorse responded with seven consecutive 100-yard games to close the season.

Vince Hall, LB, Sr.

As the unquestioned leader of the nation's No. 1 defense, Hall led the ACC in tackles last year, averaging 9.8 per game. Hall is equally impressive in stuffing the run and defending the pass.

Kenny Philips, FS, Jr.

Philips enters this season as the unquestioned top safety in America. NFL scouts claim he possesses the physicality of Sean Taylor and playmaking ability of Ed Reed.

Calais Campbell, DE, Jr.

Campbell is arguably the best defensive end in the country. His imposing size (6-foot-8, 280 pounds) and speed off the edge make him a terror against the pass. Campbell led the ACC with 20.5 tackles for loss and finished third with 10.5 sacks.<br><br>Send comments to siwriters@simail.com.