ACC Linebacker Rankings

by Mickey Plyler - Radio Host - Wed Aug 15 13:13:18 GMT-04:00 2012

ACC Linebacker Rankings

1. Florida State

The Seminoles have as much linebacker tradition as any school in the country and this unit fits right into what we are used to seeing in Tallahassee. There is not a superstar in the linebacking corps but there is a lot of depth. Christian Jones and Vince Williams return as starters and both had over 50 tackles each last year. Markuss Eligwe is a newcomer that could fit into the plans this season.

2. Virginia Tech

The Hokies should have one of the nation's best defenses and this group is a major reason. Bruce Taylor is an All-ACC candidate. Tariq Edwards is currently injured and this unit could drop if he is not 100% this season. Bud Foster is known for great defenses and this unit is one of his best.

3. Clemson

The Tigers have a great linebacker tradition but have not had an All-ACC linebacker since 2004. That will change when Stephone AnthonyStephone Anthony
So. Linebacker
#12 6-3, 235
Polkton, NC
View Full Profile steps in at MIKE this season. Clemson does not lose any players from this unit and improvement is expected with the experience. Tig Willard, Corico WrightCorico Wright
Sr. Linebacker
#42 5-11, 230
Milledgeville, GA
View Full Profile , Tony StewardTony Steward
So. Linebacker
#7 6-1, 245
Hastings, FL
View Full Profile , Lateek TownsendLateek Townsend
So. Linebacker
#20 6-2, 215
Bennettsville, SC
View Full Profile , B.J. GoodsonB.J. Goodson
RS So. Linebacker
#44 6-1, 235
Timmonsville, SC
View Full Profile and several others represent a talent upgrade from recent seasons.

4. Maryland

All four linebackers return and three have All-Conference aspirations. Darin Drakefield, Demetrius Hartsfield and Kenny Tate are three returning senior starters who have a ton of experience. This is one of the best linebacker units of any of the teams that play a 3-4 defense as its base.

5. Boston College

The Eagles will have to replace one of the top players in school history in Luke Kuechly but there is still talent on campus. Kevin Pierre-Louis is the next great BC linebacker. Steele Divitto is another returning starter who had over 70 tackles last season.

6. Virginia

The talk in the Commonwealth is about Virginia Tech's linebackers but the Cavs are very proud of this group as well. Steve Greer had a monster junior year that included over 100 tackles. LeRoy Reynolds is a WILL that could receive All-ACC consideration. Kwontie Moore is a highly rated freshman that could get an early look.

7. Miami

The Hurricanes lose one of the best linebackers in the ACC in Sean Spence but this unit could be better this season. Denzel Perryman had a terrific freshman season with 69 tackles and Ramon Buchanon returns from injury. Perryman was one of the nation's best true freshmen last year. Raphael Kirby is a true freshman that might be this year's version of Perryman.

8. Georgia Tech

Julian Burnett and Steven Sylvester are gone from this 3-4 unit. Jeremiah Attaochu is the best talent here and is a legitimate All-ACC candidate. Quayshawn Nealy had over 50 tackles as a red-shirt freshman last year.

9. North Carolina

Kevin Reddick was banged up much of last year but he is healthy and plans on being the best linebacker in the conference this season. There is little experience elsewhere. Travis Hughes is the next star there and he had a good true freshman season but he lacks experience.

10. Wake Forest

Wake returns three linebackers but will have to replace their top guy from last season in Kyle Wilbur who recorded 70 stops a season ago. All three returning starters are seniors with Scott Bertos as their most productive player from last season.

11. Duke

The Blue Devils like their linebackers and feel this unit will be improved in 2012. Kelby Brown and Austin Gamble are returning starters who combined for over 100 tackles a season ago.

12. NC State

State loses Audie Cole, Terrell Manning and Dwayne Maddox from last year. That trio accounted for 260 tackles last year. Sterling Lucas is coming off an injury plagued season but is the most experienced of this unit.

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Defensive Tackle
#98 6-2, 310
Thomasville, GA
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