For every Trevor Lawrence and Sam Howell in the ACC getting national acclaim, there are some players that are flying under the radar that are quietly having very good seasons.
Here are six such players in this years 2020 ACC
Alex Kessman, Pittsburgh K
What an impressive statistic for the Pittsburgh kicker below. He’s got a huge leg and reminds of Harrison Butker when he was at Georgia Tech. A bit inconsistent, in the shorter ranges but can kick it a mile. We saw what Butker has become a pro at Kansas City. Kessman has a chance to be similar, and has made 4 50+ yard FGs this year. Only three NFL Kickers have more. He leads the ACC in FGs made.
Alex Kessman is the most accurate PK in NCAA history from 50+ yards.
11-for-17 • 64.7%#H2P • @AlexKessman09 pic.twitter.com/Oay4TydtZ6
— Pitt Football (@Pitt_FB) November 21, 2020
Jahmyr Gibbs, Georgia Tech RB
Georgia Tech sits 2-5, hasn’t actually played a game weeks, and has played one competitive game since September. It’s easy to forget that Freshman RB Jahmyr Gibbs is drawing comparisons to New Orleans Saints superstar Alvin Kamara. He’s also second in the ACC in kick returns.
RB Jahmyr Gibbs, Georgia Tech — Gibbs has been exceptional from the start. He has 308 yards and two touchdowns as well as 15 receptions. Gibbs is living up to the hype as a big-time recruit. https://t.co/wytkncstej
— GlennW (@givemeglenn) October 27, 2020
Payton Wilson, NC State LB
Who is the leading tackler in the ACC so far this season? Did you you know it was Payton Wilson LB at NC State at nearly 11 tackles a game? The leader of the NC State defense had 12 tackles in an upset win over #21 Liberty in a game where the Wolfpack defense was outstanding. He had 19 tackle game against Duke.
“If I didn’t put everything on the field, I wouldn’t be able to accept myself.”
Payton Wilson’s “relentless” energy leading the NC State defense this season // Story by @MichaelClarkPP https://t.co/3SWevnaiH1
— Pack Pride (@PackPride) October 22, 2020
Kenneth Walker III, Wake Forest RB
When your offense lose players like QB Jamie Newman and WR Sage Surratt before from 2019, new players have to step up. At Wake Forest one of those players is Kenneth Walker III. The sophomore, is third in the country with 13 touchdowns, and ranks in the top 10 in the ACC in rushing.
Kenneth Walker just out-muscled half of the Virginia Tech defense for this touchdown.
Wake Forest back on top.#GoDeacs @Kenneth_Walker9 #WakeForestpic.twitter.com/KW4OtiOKTz
— From the Stands (@FromTheStandsUS) October 24, 2020
Chris Rumph II and Victor Dimukeje, Duke DE
Duke has had a forgettable season at 1-6 in the and 2-6 overall in the ACC. Five the of the losses have been double digits, but don’t blame the work of these two standout Defensive Ends Chris Rumph II and Victor Dimukeje for Duke. They are tied for the ACC lead with 7.5 sacks and even with the differing games between teams they both average nearly a sack a game which also leads the ACC. They are also both in the top 15 in the ACC in tackles for loss. They were on the pre-season Bednarik Watch List.
Duke’s Chris Rumph II & Victor Dimukeje are tied for #️⃣1️⃣ in the nation for Sacks. Each player has 7.5 Sacks this season.
These two have more Sacks combined than 100+ FBS teams.#DukeGang pic.twitter.com/AgEUBJF2g6
— CFB Home (@CFBHome) November 3, 2020
