Well, here we go. It’s time to start ranking the best players in the ACC for the 2023 season.
As usual, we hope you enjoy the rankings.
Previous and Upcoming Rankings
Quarterbacks | Running Backs | Wide Receivers | Offensive Linemen |
Tight Ends | Defensive Lineman | Linebackers | Cornerbacks | Special Teams
1) Kamren Kinchens, Miami
Kamren Kinchens had an incredible sophomore season at Miami. He was a first-team All-ACC selection and an All-American, and now going into this season is garnering plenty of attention as a 2023 All-American candidate. He wasn’t just a good safety, he was a dominant safety totaling 59 total tackles and 6 interceptions. He’s definitely considered an early-round pick, and some mock drafts have him going in the first round.
2) Andrew Mukuba, Clemson
Clemson is loaded on defense and continues at the safety position and Andrew Mukuba. Last season he had 50 tackles with 4 pass breakups and an interception. He’s been good since his freshman year when he made multiple freshman All-American teams. Mukuba has appeared in the 1st round of several NFL mock drafts. He’s a big-time safety talent.
3) LaMiles Brooks, Georgia Tech
Brent Key goes into his first full season as Georgia Tech head coach with one of the best safeties in the league in LaMiles Brooks. Brooks is the 2nd leading returning All-ACC vote getter at safety behind only Kamren Kinchens. His 2022 season saw him have 52 tackles with 3 interceptions and a touchdown. He’s a 6-2 safety and physical tackler, and his All-ACC didn’t even have him starting until the 3rd game of the season. What can he do with a full year?
4) Brandon Johnson, Duke
If you haven’t noticed as we’ve gone through ACC player lists, the Duke Blue Devils have a fair number of players on these lists. Mike Elko has some talent to work with, and he’s got a good one at safety with Brandon Johnson. He was named a Walter Camp Defensive national player of the Week for a 9 tackle, 2 sack, 1 interception performance against Miami last season. He had 55 total tackles, with 5.5 sacks in 2022.
5) Jalyn Phillips, Clemson
If Andrew Mukuba doesn’t get you at one safety position, then Jalyn Phillips will. Clemson has the best pair of safety in the ACC. Phillips had 82 tackles which was second on Clemson’s defense last season. I’m not sure Phillips is as gifted as some of the other players on this list, but he’s experienced, steady, and a rock on Clemson’s defense.
