Three class of 2017 recruits who could be headed to the ACC

As spring drills roll on, SI.com is breaking down three of the top prospects that could be headed to schools in each of the five major conferences. We begin with the ACC.

Author:
Chris Johnson
Publish date:
Mar 7, 2016

It’s been a little more than a month since the 2016 recruiting cycle wrapped up on National Signing Day, but that doesn’t mean we can’t start looking ahead to prospects in the class of 2017. As spring drills roll on, SI.com is breaking down three of the top prospects that could be headed to schools in each of the five major conferences. We begin with the ACC. All rankings are from Scout.com.

Hunter Johnson

High school: Brownsburg (Brownsburg, Ind.)
Height/Weight: 6’2"/197 lbs
Position: Quarterback
Position rank: 4
National rank: 54
Status: Committed to Clemson

Scout.com scouting report: “Great arm with the ability to make all the throws. Gets rid of the ball quickly, makes quick decisions and hits his receivers in stride. Can gun it into tight windows but can also drop passes in over the top of defenses and knows when to use touch and when to use velocity. Solid athlete who can escape pressure, make throws on the move and occasionally make plays down field with his feet but is not a true running threat. Can still do a better job of taking care of the ball at times and not over-trusting his arm.”

• BECHT: ACC Spring Primer: Key storylines for each team

Stanford Samuels III

High school: Charles W. Flanagan (Pembroke Pines, Fla.)
Height/Weight: 6’2"/170 lbs
Position: Cornerback
Position rank: 3
National rank: 20
Status: Uncommitted

Scout.com scouting report: “Samuels III is how you draw up big-time corners in todays game. Size can be looked at as a strength or area for improvement because his length is off the charts, but yet he is thin, so he needs to add mass/strength. He gets his hands on a lot of passes and his recovery speed is a real strength. Not afraid to come up and make a play against the run. Very instinctive player, can bait the quarterback, and then make a play on the ball.”

GALLERY: ACC PLAYERS TO WATCH IN 2016

ACC players to watch in 2016

Ben Boulware, Clemson LB

Boulware recorded 81 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, three forced fumbles and two interceptions en route to being named a first team All-ACC performer. The senior linebacker will have to take on an even bigger role in 2016 as the Tigers return just four starters on defense.

Dalvin Cook, Florida State RB

Cook set Florida State record for rushing yards and all-purpose yards in a season en route to first-team All-ACC honors. After finishing seventh in the 2015 Heisman Trophy voting, he'll be on the short list to win the award next season.

Elijah Hood, North Carolina RB

Hood quietly amassed 1,463 rushing yards in 2015 to guide the Tar Heels' ground game. Now with quarterback Marquise Williams gone, Hood is poised to become the focal point on North Carolina's offense.

Lamar Jackson, Louisville QB

Jackson entered elite territory in Louisville's Music City Bowl win over Texas A&M when he rushed for 226 yards, the second-most by a quarterback in FBS bowl history. The dual-threat quarterback finished the season with 1,840 yards passing, 960 yards rushing and 23 touchdowns.

Roderick Johnson, Florida State OT

Florida State's 6'7", 323-pound behemoth of a left tackle started every game in 2015 and won the ACC's award as the conference's best blocker. The preseason All-America selection will clear running lanes for Dalvin Cook again in 2016.

Brad Kaaya, Miami QB

Kaaya threw for 3,238 yards and 16 touchdowns last season, finishing second in the ACC in passing yards behind only Clemson's Deshaun Watson.

Keith Kelsey, Louisville LB

The Cardinals' middle linebacker and team captain decided to return for his senior year after leading Louisville with 107 tackles last season.

Micah Kiser, Virginia LB

Kiser led the ACC and finished 17th in the country with 117 tackles last fall. He made big strides last spring as one of two Virginia players to earn the Rock Weir Award for most improved player during spring drills. Kiser now hopes to take his game to another level this year.

Deshaun Watson, Clemson QB

The reigning ACC player of the year returns for his junior season after leading the Tigers to a 14–1 record and a national championship game appearance last season. Watson has his sights set on surpassing what he accomplished last season, meaning taking home the Heisman Trophy and a national championship.

Jordan Whitehead, Pittsburgh S

The Pittsburgh defensive back recorded 110 tackles as a true freshman last fall and shared the ACC Rookie of the Year award with teammate Qadree Ollison.

Paris Ford

High school: Steel Valley Senior (Munhall, Pa.)
Height/Weight: 6’2"/175 lbs
Position: Safety
Position rank: 11
National rank: 147
Status: Committed to Pitt

Scout.com scouting report: “Ford is being recruited as a receiver and safety, and his development will dictate his path. At this point, he is more advanced as a safety. He is physical and a big hitter, has the ability to run and cover and is effective moving toward the line of scrimmage. He has good ball skills and the athleticism to change direction and close quickly. He needs to get stronger, but that is something that will happen in time.”