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 | Wide Receivers | Offensive Linemen |
Tight Ends | Defensive Linemen | Linebackers | Safeties | Special Teams
1) Bubba Bolden, Miami
Bubba Bolden started at one year safety, and he’s already the number one safety in the ACC going into the 2021 season. He led Miami with 74 tackles, and forced 4 fumbles. He was a 2020 Jim Thorpe semi-finalist as the nation’s top safety, in a 2nd Team All-ACC Season.
Several mock NFL Drafts have Bolden going in the 1st round of the 2022 NFL draft.
2) Nolan Turner, Clemson
Clemson’s appearance all over the ACC’s best defensive players continues with Safety Nolan Turner. Coming off a 2020 season where he appeared on some All-American list, Turner is back for a bonus year. 2020 saw Turner have 66 tackles and 3 interceptions.
He’s not the pro-prospect Bolden is, but Turner is still a certain NFL pick projected to go anywhere from the 3rd to 6th round.
3) Nick Anderson, Wake Forest
Nick Anderson has gone from Wake Forest walk-on to one of the best safeties in the ACC in just one year. He finished 2020 with 47 solo tackles and 4 interceptions. He had 3 interceptions in an incredible game October 24, 2020 against Vanderbilt. Right after that game he was award a scholarship by Wake Forest. He may the ACC’s most celebrated walk-on since Clemson’s Hunter Renfrow.
4) Chamarri Conner, Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech is going to be sneaky good in the secondary in 2021. Chamarri Conner is coming off an Honorable Mention All-ACC season. He led the Hokies with 81 Tackles with 2 interceptions.
Conner was named to the Lott IMPACT Watch List for 2021, and will be a leader in for Hokies on the defensive side of the ball.
5) Trey Morrison, North Carolina
Trey Morrison is one of the most versatile defenders in the ACC. Like Conner, Morrison finished off an Honorable Mention All-ACC season with 39 tackles and an interception in 2020. He’s played all over the Tar Heel secondary, but seems to have found a home at safety.
His late game interception against Boston College sealed a victory in the final minute of the game.
