You know you’ve been waiting for it. It’s time to starting looking at the ACC position rankings for 2013. Quarterbacks, Running Backs…. to Linebackers, Defensive Backs and special teamers. Let’s get right into things with the ACC’s five best quarterbacks for 2013.
1) Tajh Boyd, Clemson
Tajh Boyd was number 1 on this last year. He’s number 1 this year, and why not? He led Clemson to a 11-2 season, and had over 3,800 yards passing with 36 touchdowns. Boyd finished the season by staring down an imposing LSU defense in the 4th quarter of Clemson’s comeback Chick Fil A bowl victory. That is the difference with Boyd now and earlier in his career. He’s always had the physical tools to be a great quarterback, but now he has developed the leadership and intangibles qualities to be one of the nation’s best signal callers. If the Tigers can knock off the Georgia Bulldogs in game 1 of this season, Boyd will be right in the thick of the Heisman Trophy chase.
2) Bryn Renner, North Carolina
Who is the 2nd quarterback to be on both the 2012 and 2013 top 5 quarterback list? It’s UNC’s Bryn Renner. With Renner at the controls, the Tar Heel’s offense looked unstoppable at times. UNC scored more than 30 points 9 times last year. With 3,356 yards passing, 28 TDs, and only 7 interceptions, Renner at 6 foot 3 has really become an intriguing NFL prospect. NFL Scouts like his toughness and intelligence. In year 2 of Larry Fedora’s fast paced offense, Bryn Renner should be even better in 2013.
3) Stephen Morris, Miami
Behind QB Stephen Morris offense wasn’t the problem at Miami last year. Completing nearly 60% of passes for just over 3,300 yards Morris is helping to lead the Hurricanes back to relevance. Last season was Morris’s first season start at QB for Miami, and now more will be expected from the QB in 2013. Morris is mobile and has a strong arm. With Duke Johnson at RB, Morris and Johnson will form one the conference’s best QB\RB combos.
4) Chase Rettig, Boston College
You really wonder what Boston College’s Chase Rettig could do with a legitimate running game and a better offensive line. The Eagles are coming off a 2 win season, but I don’t think you can blame the underrated Rettig. As a junior he threw for 3,065 yards and 17 touchdowns. He’s played through pain. He’s played through multiple offensive staffs and changes in schemes. Rettig has been reliable and steady, and might just be ready for a breakout senior season.
5) Jameis Winston, Florida State
I rarely put players on my top 5 lists that are inexperienced. I almost never put players on these lists that have never played a game in college, but with Jameis Winston I think you have that special breed of player that just has that “it” factor. He did enough in the spring to run off RS JR QB Clint Trickett. He used the baseball season as target practice, throwing out runners from the outfield time and time again. Winston was one of the nation’s top rated QB’s coming out of HS in 2012, and he’s already drawing comparisons to FSU legend Charlie Ward. He’s going to be give ACC defensive coaches nightmares for years to come.
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