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 | Linebackers | Cornerbacks | Safeties | Special Teams
1) Jared Verse, Florida State
As we move forward in our rankings to the defensive side of the ball, Florida State just keeps landing players on our Top 5 Lists. Now they can boast the top defensive lineman in the ACC and maybe the best defensive lineman in the country in Jared Verse.
The edge rusher has a quick burst of a first step and has all the tools to be a future elite NFL player. From Albany to FSU to a potential top 10 NFL pick, Verse has had quite the journey to be one of college football’s best players.
2) Tyler Davis, Clemson
Clemson doesn’t rebuild at the defensive line, they just reload. In 2023 they will again have one of the very best defensive fronts in the ACC led by DT Tyler Davis. Davis has been one of the ACC’s best defensive linemen for years. This is the fourth straight year, Davis has been among our Top 5 defensive linemen. A gifted athlete that possesses power and explosiveness, he’s projected to go in the 2nd round, but he certainly is capable of being a 1st round NFL pick.
3) Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College
Boston College Donovan Ezeiruaku is the ACC’s premier edge rusher. Last year Ezeiruaku had 60 Total Tackles with 8.5 sacks.
He will be the anchor of the BC defensive line, and Boston College blog BCInterruption calls him a player to watch for this year going into his junior year. He’s been dotting pre-season All-ACC lists and was 2nd team All-ACC player last season. Ezeiruaku is starting to gain buzz as top 4 round NFL talent.
4) Ruke Orhorhoro, Clemson
Clemson has had some much defensive line talent, that Ruke Orhorohoro has been largely coming off the bench during his career at Clemson. Last year saw more starts, but now going into his senior year, he will be front and center on the Tiger’s defensive line in 2022.
He had 28 tackles, 8 for loss, and 4 sacks in 2022. Orhorohorm forms the best 1-2 DT combo in the ACC maybe the country. I’ve seen him projected as high a 2nd round NFL draft pick.
5) DeWayne Carter, Duke
We’ve already seen Duke have one of the best offensive linemen in the ACC in Graham Barton. They also have one of the best defensive linemen in the ACC too with DeWayne Carter. Carter has been on virtually every pre-season All-ACC team I’ve seen this so far this year.
Last season he had 36 tackles with 3 forced fumbles and 5.5 sacks. He’s considered a later-round NFL pick at this time.
