10 players to watch in the ACC

As spring practice gets underway, keep an eye on these 10 players in the ACC.

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Mar 3, 2017

10 players to watch in the ACC

Lamar Jackson, Louisville QB

The Heisman Trophy winner returns after racking up 3,543 yards passing, 1,571 yards rushing and 51 total touchdowns last season.

Dexter Lawrence, Clemson DL

David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire/Getty Images

Lawrence wasted no time making a name for himself as a true freshman, recording seven sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss to become the next rising star on the Tigers' defensive line.

Derwin James, Florida State S

His 2016 season was cut short to just two games, but James remains one of the most feared players on any defense in the country. The defensive back can do it all. As a true freshman in 2015 he made 91 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks while forcing two fumbles.

Bradley Chubb, NC State DE

Ethan Hyman/Raleigh News & Observer/TNS/Getty Images

Chubb was a one-man wrecking ball on the Wolfpack's defense in 2016, racking up a ridiculous 22 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks.

Harold Landry, Boston College DE

Landry is back to anchor Boston College's defensive line after leading the nation in sacks in 2016 with 16.5.

Quadree Henderson, Pittsburgh AP

Henderson is a versatile weapon who can burn the opposition no matter how he gets the ball in his hands. In 2016, he led the nation in kick return average among players with 30 returns or more and took three kicks back for touchdowns along with one punt return score. The rising junior also rushed for 631 yards and caught 26 passes last season.

Mark Walton, Miami RB

Walton will be one of the top rushing threats in the ACC this season after rushing for 1,117 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2016. With quarterback Brad Kaaya off to the NFL, Walton should see an expanded role in the Hurricanes' offense.

Duke Ejiofor, Wake Forest DE

Ejiofor was a leader on a stout Wake Forest defense that helped the Demon Deacons snap a four-year bowl drought. He dominated all season with 17 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks.

Micah Kiser, Virginia LB

Kiser passed on the NFL draft after compiling 134 tackles, third most in the country, along with 10 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. He also forced five fumbles.

Deondre Francois, Florida State QB

The redshirt freshman guided Florida State's offense with 3,350 yards passing, 20 touchdowns and seven interceptions, but he also left room for improvement. With star running back Dalvin Cook gone, the Seminoles will look to Francois to lead them to an ACC title and College Football Playoff berth.