2012 Preseason All-ACC Team

2012 Preseason All-ACC Team

E.J. Manuel

Jimmy DeFlippo/SI

His career efficiency rating of 146.1 is third-best in ACC history.

Andre Ellington

Simon Bruty/SI

Despite a string of injuries, he ran for 1,178 yards and 11 touchdowns last season.

Gio Bernard

Scott Cunningham/Getty Images

With 1,222 yards last season, he became the Tar Heels' first 1,000-yard rusher since 1997.

Sammy Watkins

Simon Bruty/SI

The speedster led all freshmen in receiving yards, touchdowns and all-purpose yards in 2011.

Conner Vernon

JC Salas/Icon SMI

The under-the-radar star enters the year 843 receiving yards from becoming the league's all-time leader.

Matt Furstenburg

Mark Goldman/Icon SMI

His 104 yards versus Clemson were the most for a Maryland tight end since Vernon Davis.

James Hurst

Lee Coleman/Icon SMI

Hurst graded out at a team-high 88 percent blocking while protecting Brynn Renner's blindside.

Oday Aboushi

Lee Coleman/Icon SMI

He's started the last 25 games, including the last 20 at left tackle.

Omoergie Uzzi

Todd Kirkland/Icon SMI

Uzzi paved the way for the nation's No. 2 rushing offense, which totaled 316.4 yards per game in 2011.

Jonathan Cooper

Todd Kirkland/Icon SMI

Cooper led the Tar Heels with 47 regular-season knockdown blocks last year.

Dalton Freeman

David Bergman/SI

Freeman played in 1,044 of the Tigers' 1,055 snaps in 2011, a program record.

Brandon Jenkins

G Fiume/Getty Images

Jenkins has racked up 21.5 sacks and 36.5 tackles for loss in his career.

James Gayle

Jim Dedmon/Icon SMI

Gayle totaled seven sacks despite missing time with ankle injury last season.

Joe Vellano

Randy Litzinger/Icon SMI

The son of former Terps All-America Paul, Vellano recorded 94 tackles in 2011.

Nikita Whitlock

Brian A. Westerholt/Getty Images

He's second among all active ACC players with 24.5 tackles for loss.

Kevin Reddick

Gerry Broome/AP

The four-year starter has recorded 145 tackles over the last two seasons.

Bruce Taylor

Lee Coleman/Icon SMI

Taylor registered 53 tackles and five sacks despite missing six games with a foot injury last year.

Steve Greer

Richard C. Lewis/Icon SMI

Greer led the Cavaliers with 103 tackles, including six for loss.

David Amerson

Lee Coleman/Icon SMI

Amerson's 13 interceptions in 2011 tied for second-most in FBS history.

Kyle Fuller

Ned Dishman/Getty Images

The versatile Fuller started seven games at nickelback/whip linebacker and seven at corner in 2011.

Lamarcus Joyner

John Raoux/AP

Joyner had a team-high four interceptions to go along with 54 tackles a year ago.

Earl Wolff

Gerry Broome/AP

Wolff recorded five double-digit tackle games en route to 113 on the season, along with three interceptions.

Dustin Hopkins

John Raoux/AP

Hopkins needs 68 points to become the all-time leading scorer in Seminoles history.

Dalton Botts

David Bergman/SI

He ranked second in the league with a 42.7 average and booted a 62-yarder.

Sammy Watkins

Simon Bruty/SI

The super frosh averaged 25.0 yards per return and brought one in for a score.