CFB: 2021 Top Five Players in the ACC

The ACC this year might be more balanced than it has been for the past several years. In 2021, Clemson still comes in as the odds-on favorite to win the conference but many schools will be looking to change that. The ACC has an element of rejuvenation with the departure of Trevor Lawrence, there truly is not one poster child for the conference anymore. This list is comprised of athletes from all positions and is based on statistics, the impact that the player has on winning, and experience. If you want to check out my Big 12 rankings, click here. 

5. Nolan Turner - Clemson, Safety

Nolan Turner will be returning for his 5th year as the captain of the defense for the Clemson Tigers. Turner is an elite defender, he hits hard and is a smooth athlete. In 2020, he had 53 total tackles and 3 interceptions, those numbers granted Turner Second-Team all-American status. In the 2019 Fiesta bowl, Turner made the game-saving interception against Ohio State to propel the Tigers to the national championship game. He will look to add to his Clemson legacy in 2021.

4. Zonovan Knight - NC State, Running Back

The best running back in the conference is Zonovan Knight. After a dominant 2020, he will be looking to recreate and improve his numbers to help the Wolfpack have a successful season. Rushing for 788 yards and scoring 10 total touchdowns in 2020, he has the best-returning stats at the position. Knight is a constant threat due to his explosive and elusive running, he also possesses incredible balance making him hard to go down. Knight will be looking to have a breakout year in terms of national recognition as he is approaching being an upperclassman for the 2021 season. 

3. Justyn Ross - Clemson, Wide Receiver

Justyn Ross is the most experienced wide receiver and maybe in the nation, he has been a threat for Clemson since being a freshman in 2018. After not playing in the 2020 season due to a spinal injury, there are plenty of questions surrounding the status of Ross. However, that doesn’t matter as his experience proves his worth. As a freshman, Ross had 1,000 yards receiving and nine touchdowns, in 2019 he put up similar numbers. Ross is an excellent deep threat and he will look to run the offense with a new QB under center.

2. D.J. Uiagalelei - Clemson, Quarterback

D.J. Uiagalelei has all the attributes that qualify a quarterback to be successful but he has enormous shoes to fill. Uiagalelei might be the best player in the conference but his lack of experience puts him at number two on the list. With only starting two games in 2020, Uiagalelei put up big numbers. He threw for 914 yards and five touchdowns in the time that he saw action, leading Clemson to a victory as well. Uiagalelei is built like a defender, he is 6 foot 4 inches and 250 pounds, this gives him an elite pocket presence and he can scramble as well. He will look to take Clemson back to the promised land in 2021.

1. Sam Howell - North Carolina, Quarterback 

The number one player in the conference is Sam Howell and his numbers don’t dispute that. In a combined two seasons of starting, Howell has thrown for over 7,200 yards and has a touchdown-interception ratio of 68-14. Howell is in contention for the Heisman trophy and now that he is paired up with a successful coach in Mac Brown, he is looking to dethrone the Tigers in 2021. Howell is described to have quick hands and a live arm which allows him to succeed, hopefully leading to a conference championship in 2021. 

References: https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/

Writer

-By: Justin Howard