Well here we go. It’s time to start ranking the best players in the ACC for the 2021 season.
Check out the latest edition Lindy’s College Football where @TalkinACCSports (myself) with a big assist from @Hokiesmash_ASD player research helped put together these lists and the Lindy’s All-ACC team with @mattzemek.
As usual we hope you enjoy the rankings.
Previous and Upcoming Rankings
Quarterbacks | Running Backs | Offensive Linemen | Tight Ends |
Defensive Linemen | Linebackers | Cornerbacks | Safeties | Special Teams
1) Zay Flowers, Boston College
It’s splitting hairs between Zay Flowers and Wake Forest’s Jaquarii Roberson who should top this list. I gave Flowers the edge as I think he might a bit more dangerous deep threat. Last season Flowers had nearly 900 yards receiving, with 9 TDs in an All-AC year. He looked ready to go in the BC Spring game catching 2 touchdowns. Zay Flowers is going to cause ACC defenses big problems all year.
2) Jaquarii Roberson, Wake Forest
Jaquarii Roberson led the ACC in 2020 receptions with 60 and receiving yards at 926. That’s over 100 yards per game. He’s been all over the pre-season All-ACC lists, and was a 2nd team All-American by Pro Football Focus last year. I have Flowers at the top of the list at the moment, but Zay Flower’s has the hard charging Roberson right behind him.
3) Mike Harley, Miami
At a school with the pedigree of receivers like Miami, Mike Harley is in position with a big season to leave the Hurricanes as their leader in receptions and and receiving yardage. That would be ahead of players like Michael Irvin, Reggie Wayne, and Santana Moss. Harley is coming off a 57 reception 799 yards with 7 TDs 2020 season. Harley projects anywhere from the 3rd to 5th round of next years NFL Draft.
4) Emeka Emezie, NC State
The Wolfpack have a real weapon at WR in Emeka Emezie. To go along with a top 5 ACC Running Back Bam Knight, they have a top 5 WR. Emezie brings plenty of experience back as he heads into his 5th season in the NC State program. Last year he had 47 receptions for 738 yards and 5 TD. He’ll leave NC State in the top 10 of several receiving categories, and is potential top 3 round NFL pick.
5) Justyn Ross, Clemson
If Justyn Ross can return to his pre-injury form, he isn’t just one of the 5 best ACC receivers, he’s one of the 5 best receivers in college football. Remember the 2018 National Championship game when torched the Alabama defense for over 150 yards? 2019 saw a bit of a slip, and then the injury. Ross is 6-4 with great hands, and he has the potential to be a high NFL draft pick. It all depends on health.
