Conference Breakdown: ACC
Perennial recruiting powerhouses Florida State and Clemson sit atop the ACC recruiting rankings, but there were some surprises within the rest of the conference. Here's a look at how the ACC stacks up after National Signing Day.
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ACC
Florida StateClick 1Here to view this Link.Click 1Here to view this Link.
Safety Derwin James should make an immediate impact at Florida State.
Headliner: If five-star safety Derwin James isn't starting in the Seminoles' first game, he will get significant playing time.
Sleeper: Former center Bryan Stork won a National Championship in 01 with the Noles and a Super Bowl this year with the Patriots. David Robbins could be the next Seminole to accomplish those feats.
Overview: Florida State doesn't rebuild, it reloads. James, cornerback Tarvarus McFadden, wide receiver George Campbell, running back Jacques Patrick and defensive end Josh Sweat are all five-stars. All could get playing time next year expect for Sweat, who is recovering from a knee injury. There are six other members of the Rivals0 headed to Tallahassee. Rivals0 quarterback Deondre Francois could be the next big-time Florida State signal caller. Getting a commitment from Rivals0 defensive back Marcus Lewis on Signing Day was big. Expect to see him compete at cornerback for the Noles. Jimbo Fisher and his staff filled their needs at defensive back, on the defensive line, at quarterback and reloaded at wide receiver.
ClemsonClick 2Here to view this Link.Click 2Here to view this Link.
Headliner: Of Clemson's three five-stars, Deon Cain looks like he will have the most immediate impact.
Sleeper: Many thought Van Smith was a four-star caliber player and he could see the field relatively early in his career.
Overview: The Tigers landed three five-stars in one of their best recruiting classes of all-time. Cain and Ray-Ray McCloud III will likely make an immediate impact on an already explosive offense and offensive tackle Mitch Hyatt will protect Deshaun Watson's blind side for the next couple years. Defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, defensive end Albert Huggins, linebacker Chad Smith and cornerback Mark Fields will anchor what could be a dominant defense in the future. Watch out for defensive end Clelin Ferrell, who is recovering from a knee injury. He is a pass-rushing specialist who is just scratching the surface of his potential.
Virginia TechClick 3Here to view this Link.Click 3Here to view this Link.
Headliner: Rivals20 offensive lineman Austin Clark originally committed to South Carolina but flipping back to his in-state school was a major win for the Hokies.
Sleeper: Virginia Tech has had a lot of success with bigger defensive backs (see Seahawks Pro-Bowler Kameron Chancellor). Adonis Alexander is on track to fill that role.
Overview: There's no way to sugarcoat it. Virginia Tech did not live up to expectations last year and neither did its 201 recruiting class. The Hokies missed on some big-time in-state talents, but it is amazing that Virginia Tech ended with a top 2 recruiting class anyway. That's a credit to Frank Beamer and his staff. There are eight four-stars that signed with Virginia Tech and four of them are in the Rivals20. One of the biggest commitments for Virginia Tech is quarterback Dwayne Lawson. He is probably the best quarterback the Hokies have signed in the last couple of years. The Hokies will look to Tim Settle, Darius Fullwood, Trevon Hill and Yosuah Nijman, one of the top prep players in the country, for immediate help on the defensive line. Tremaine Edmunds will also surely be a big-time playmaker at linebacker for defensive coordinator Bud Foster. Virginia Tech is sometimes referred to as "DBU" and there are plenty of defensive backs in the class with a ton of potential. Jahque Alleyne, Mook Reynolds, Duwayne Johnson and Adonis Williamson will look to carry on the tradition.
MiamiClick 4Here to view this Link.Click 4Here to view this Link.
Headliner: The Hurricanes could have found their replacement for running back Duke Johnson in Mark Walton.
Sleeper: Hayden Mahoney is a big, mean offensive lineman from northeast Pennsylvania that could have a lot of success at Miami if he develops correctly.
Overview: Miami took some hits toward the end of the 201 recruiting cycle but still filled some needs. Walton will be a big part of Al Golden's offense in the future. Rivals20 wide receiver Lawrence Cager will give Miami a legitimate big target down the field. The Hurricanes are getting a lot of help on the offensive line, led by Tyree St. Louis and Bar Milo. Brendan Loftus, Jahair Jones, Mahoney and Tyler Gauthier will also help plug holes on the offensive line. Opposing offenses will have to watch out for defensive back Michael Jackson.
North CarolinaClick 5Here to view this Link.Click 5Here to view this Link.
Headliner: Rivals0 defensive end Jalen Dalton should immediately improve the North Carolina pass rush.
Sleeper: Charlie Heck is a blank canvas that the North Carolina coaches could turn into a big-time player on the offensive or defensive line.
Overview: This is a very balanced recruiting class for the Tar Heels. Dalton's impact on the defensive line should be felt in the first game. Look for new defensive coordinator Gene Chizik to do big things with Mike Hughes in the defensive backfield. Offensively, the Tar Heels addressed major needs along the offensive line with William Sweet, Tommy Hatton, Mason Veal and Nick Polino. Heck could turn into a difference-maker as well. Wide receiver Juval Mollette gives the Tar Heel quarterbacks a big target who is very good at going over the middle and down the field.
LouisvilleClick 6Here to view this Link.Click 6Here to view this Link.
Headliner: Bobby Petrino may have found his quarterback of the future in Lamar Jackson.
Sleeper: Wide receiver Paul Harris could thrive in the Louisville offense.
Overview: Louisville closed strong with commitments from defensive end G.G. Robinson, wide receiver Devante Peete and offensive lineman Kiola Mahoni. Expect the Louisville offensive line to improve with the addition of Mahoni, Geron Christian, Khalil Hunter, Chandler Jones and Kenny Thomas. This wide receiver class could be special with Peete, Harris, Emonee Spence, Traveon Samuel and Jaylen Smith. The defensive line will get a boost from Robinson, four-star Devonte' Fields, Tim Bonner, Jonathan Greenard and Drew Bailey.
N.C. StateClick 7Here to view this Link.
Headliner: Rivals0 running back Nyheim Hines is one of the most explosive players in the country. He should provide some fireworks as a freshman.
Sleeper: Wide receiver Vernon Grier's measurables won't blow anyone away, but he has a knack for making big catches.
Overview: The Wolfpack pulled in some of the best North Carolina had to offer in the 2015 class. Hines, Rivals250 running back Johnny Frasier and four-star running back Reggie Gallaspy will be a handful for any defense N.C. State faces. The addition of Rivals0 defensive tackle Darian Roseboro to an already active defensive front will make life even more difficult for opposing offensive lines. N.C. State added a big time prospect in Rivals250 offensive tackle Emanuel McGirt. He should be a cornerstone of the Wolfpack offensive line for the next few years.
Georgia TechClick 8Here to view this Link.
Headliner: Linebacker Anree Saint-Amour should help solidify the Georgia Tech defense.
Sleeper: Watch out for KirVonte Benson. He is a major track star who could be dangerous in this offense.
Overview: Georgia Tech did a great job at getting future starters at the linebacker position. Saint-Amour and Tyler Cooksey, both linebackers, are the top players in this recruiting class and Brant Mitchell and Victor Alexander will be big parts of the defense in the future. The Yellow Jackets also got commitments from four defensive linemen and three defensive backs. Georgia Tech is known for its option offense and Paul Johnson is bringing in at least six players who can play running back. Having depth at that position is key for the Yellow Jackets' offense.
VirginiaClick 9Here to view this Link.
Headliner: Rivals250 linebacker Jahvoni Simmons should solidify the interior of the Virginia defense.
Sleeper: Wide receiver Myles Robinson didn't put up huge numbers as a senior, but he has a lot of potential.
Overview: Virginia addressed a lot of its defensive needs and plugged holes on the offense line. Linebackers Dominic Sheppard, Christopher Sharp and Eric Gallon and four-star C.J. Stalker join Simmons at the linebacker position. Defensive linemen Naji Abdullah, Tanner Cowley, Gladimir Paul, Steven Wright and James Trucilla should be ready to play after their first year on campus. Offensive linemen Grant Polk, Ryan Bischoff, Eli Hanback and RJ Proctor will fill in nicely down the road. Nick Johns could be the strong-armed quarterback of the future for coach Mike London.
Boston CollegeClick 10Here to view this Link.
Headliner: Defensive tackle Ray Smith is heading to Chestnut Hill all the way from California
Sleeper: Taj-Amir Torres can absolutely fly and could be a big-time defensive back if he develops his technique.
Overview: Boston College reloaded on its offensive line in a big way, bringing in five players that could end up being starters down the line. The best of the five is Anthony Palazzolo, a big-bodied tackle from Connecticut. Elijah Robinson is a dual-threat quarterback with a big arm who could inject some excitement into the Boston College offense. On the defensive side, BC fans should be excited about the incoming defensive linemen. Smith, Wyatt Ray and Zach Allen could see action during their first year on campus.
Wake ForestClick 11Here to view this Link.
Headliner: Getting four-star quarterback Kyle Kearns was a big-time pick-up for Wake Forest.
Sleeper: Amari Henderson's length in the secondary will give opposing quarterbacks problems.
Overview: Even though Wake Forest's class isn't highly rated, the Demon Deacons still got some big time players, none more important than Kearns. The four-star quarterback will challenge for playing time early in his career in Winston-Salem. Running back Rocky Reid will see plenty of playing time his freshman year. He has the size and the speed to play in college right now. Wide receiver Scotty Washington is going to be one of Kearns' favorite targets. He is a big-time target over the middle and down field and can even score if he makes a catch close to the line of scrimmage. The Demon Deacons are bringing in five defensive linemen. Chris Calhoun is the highest rated of the group, but watch out for Phillip Haynes.
DukeClick 12Here to view this Link.
Headliner: Linebacker Ben Humphreys from California will provide immediate support.
Sleeper: Duke flipped Twazanga Mugala from Purdue in January and he could develop into a difference-maker at defensive end.
Overview: Duke's ability to scout and develop talented players has been proven time and time again. The 2015 class has some gems that will be major contributors for coach David Cutcliffe. The best player and closest to field-ready is Humphreys. He will be joined by Joe Giles-Harris, a tough, instinctual linebacker. Duke really went after defensive linemen this year and pulled in a solid group. Trevon McSwain, Zach Morris, Marquies Price, Brandon Boyce and Mugala will provide excellent depth.
SyracuseClick 13Here to view this Link.
Headliner: Running back Dontae Strickland will get carries his freshman year and could turn into a starter fairly quickly.
Sleeper: Syracuse got offensive lineman Kenny Carter the day before Signing Day, and he could turn into a solid player depending on how he develops.
Overview: Syracuse filled a lot of needs with this 2015 recruiting class. At running back, it signed Strickland, a player that will see immediate playing time, and Tyrone Perkins, a dynamic runner who can score in the blink of an eye. Offensive line was a major focus for Syracuse as it signed seven players. The ones to keep an eye out for are Cody Conway from Illinois, Evan Adams from Connecticut and Colin Byrne and Samuel Clausman from Florida. Tight end Amir Ealey is a complete tight end that will see playing time during his second year on campus. At the linebacker position, Qaadir Sheppard is one to watch as long as he gives consistent effort.
PittsburghClick 14Here to view this Link.
Headliner: Rivals100 defensive back Jordan Whitehead was coveted by many programs from coast to coast.
Sleeper: People in Western Pennsylvania have compared Ben DiNucci's style of play to Johnny Manziel.
Overview: Pitt signed a small class in 2015, but the future is bright with new coach Pat Narduzzi at the helm. Keeping Rivals100 defensive back Whitehead in the fold was a big win and he will play a lot as a freshman. Safety Jay Stocker will also improve the secondary. Darrin Hall could be the next great Pittsburgh running back. The linebackers that committed in late January, Anthony McKee and Stocker, will help Narduzzi improve a defense that really needs some help. Quadree Henderson, Tre Tipton and Gentry Ivery look like the next wave of explosive playmakers that will make sure defenses have their work cut out for them. Pitt's class was last in the ACC this year, but look for the Panthers to be in the top half of the ACC team rankings next year.
