Well, here we go. It’s time to start ranking the best players in the ACC for the 2022 season.
As usual, we hope you enjoy the rankings, while you take a break from the realignment news.
Previous and Upcoming Rankings
Quarterbacks | Running Backs | Wide Receivers | Offensive Linemen |
Tight Ends | Defensive Linemen | Linebackers | Safeties | Special Teams
1) Kei’Trel Clark, Louisville
How good of 2021 was Kei’Trel Clark having before his injury in Game 9 last year? Good enough to still be named 2nd Team All-ACC without playing a full season. He had 40 tackles and 9 pass breakups. This was after a 2020 season where he also had a 2nd Team All-ACC season. Clark plays with excellent instincts and is strong in man coverage.
Clark is projected a Day 2 NFL pick, with a chance at Day 1.
2) Josh DeBerry, Boston College
Josh DeBerry has been one of the ACC’s best cornerbacks for a while. He was an honorable mention All-ACC player in 2020, and a 2nd team All-ACC player in 2021. In 2021, DeBerry is looking for 1st team All-ACC honors and maybe more. I think he can get there too.
One word that I keep seeing coming up with Deberry’s name is versatility. He’s capable of covering any pass catcher in your offense. He could end up a 2nd day steal in the NFL Draft.
3) Tyrique Stevenson, Miami
Florida State had an impact defensive transfer from Georgia last in Jermaine Johnson. Miami had one too in CB Tyrique Stevenson. Stevenson had an All-ACC Honorable Mention season that saw him have 43 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and an interception.
He is a competitive, aggressive player, with good instincts. He’s a definite NFL prospect, that could move up draft boards with another solid season.
4) Duce Chestnut, Syracuse
Duce Chestnut had a tremendous freshman season at Syracuse. He was named to several freshman All-American teams and runner-up for ACC Defensive Rookie of the year.
Last season he had 43 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and 3 interceptions. If Chestnut was this good as a freshman, what will be after his sophomore season? He may well top this list eventually.
5) Tony Grimes, North Carolina
North Carolina’s defense struggled mightily last season, but CB Tony Grimes was one of the bright spots. Last season he had a honorable mention All-ACC season. He finished 2021 with 47 tackles and 2 tackles for loss.
Grimes is a player that flashed 1st round potential and even received some 1st round grades. If can be more consistent, the talent is there. He was a 5-Star recruit coming out of school with loads of talent.
