ESPN: Best in the ACC 2012 |
From Heather Dinich of ESPN:
OFFENSE: Clemson. It was a record-setting first season for offensive coordinator Chad Morris. The Tigers finished second in the ACC and No. 24 in the country in scoring offense with 33.57 points per game last year. Yes, the offensive line must be rebuilt, and that will be the key to Clemson's offensive success, but with playmakers like quarterback
Tajh BoydTajh Boyd RS So. Quarterback #10 6-1, 225 Hampton, VA View Full Profile
, receiver
Sammy WatkinsSammy Watkins Fr. Wide Receiver #2 6-1, 200 Fort Myers, FL View Full Profile
and running back
Andre EllingtonAndre Ellington RS Jr. Running Back #23 5-10, 190 Moncks Corner, SC View Full Profile
all returning, you can't go wrong with this pick. COACHING: Clemson. This isn't just about the head coach, it's about three guys -- the main man and both coordinators. And when you factor in Dabo Swinney's recent hire of Brent Venables, and last year's hire of Chad Morris, the Tigers should now have one of the better staffs in the country. Of course, it's up to Swinney to put it all together, but don't forget that he has already won two Atlantic Division titles and the school's first conference title since 1991.
A lot can and will change for each ACC roster between now and the opening kickoff. There are position battles to be won and lost, unfortunately injuries almost always occur, and you never know how teams will adjust to offseason hires and new philosophies. Based on what we know now, though, here are my top picks for the best of the best in the ACC heading into 2012:
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