Well here we go. It’s time to start ranking the best players in the ACC for the 2017 season. As usual we hope you enjoy the rankings.
Previous and Upcoming Rankings
Running Backs | Wide Receivers | Offensive Linemen | Tight Ends | Defensive Linemen | Linebackers | Cornerbacks | Safeties | Special Teams
1) Lamar Jackson, Louisville
Louisville’s Lamar Jackson is the returning Heisman Trophy winner. That makes it no surprise that he’s the top returning QB in the ACC. At times last year Jackson was unstoppable putting up over 5100 yards of total offense, with 3,543 yards through the air and 1,571 yards on the ground. Jackson may be college football’s most dazzling athlete to play the QB position since Michael Vick. Jackson is a little raw as a passer, but his athleticism is undeniable.
If his offensive line can improve, Jackson could make another run at the Heisman.
2) Deondre Francois, Florida State
If there was a tougher quarterback in college football last year, than Deondre Francois of Florida State than I didn’t see him. Last year often saw Francois as a red-shirt Freshman under constant pressure, but that didn’t stop him from leading the Noles to a 10 win season that included an Orange Bowl win. He threw for 3,350 yards and 20 TDs.
Francois can show some inaccuracy as a passer, but I expect that to improve this season. He’s capable of leading FSU to the national title.
3) Eric Dungey, Syracuse
In a conference that had astonishing depth last year at the QB position, you may have forget about the very talented Syracuse quarterback Eric Dungey. Dungey was a good fit for Dino Babers quick strike offense. With a completion rate of nearly 65%, Dungey showed accuracy throwing for 2,679 yards. Think about the stats he would have last season if hadn’t missed 3 full games to end the season.
4) Daniel Jones, Duke
When you play for David Cutcliffe at Duke, you’ve got a chance to be a really good quarterback. Daniel Jones looks like he’s one his way to being a fine quarterback . Jones set a freshman record at Duke for total offense with over 3300 total yards.
He didn’t throw an interception in his last 4 games, and only 1 in his last 6. He completed almost 63% of passes, and had 2,836 passing yards. How good is he going to be this year with another under Cutcliffe’s tutelage?
5) Ryan Finley, NC State
Ryan Finley has a chance for a breakthrough season at QB for NC State. At 6’4″ he has a good size, and last year had over 3000 yards passing. He also completed 60% of his throws. Through 3 games last year he was completing over 75% of passes. The potential is there for a great year.
