We’ve recently taken a look at some of the ACC’s top offensive POY candidates. What about on the other side ball?
Who are the defensive standouts that should contend for the defensive ACC POY?
Calijah Kancy, DT – Pittsburgh
Calijah Kancy is the anchor of the Pittsburgh defensive line finishing in the top 15 of the ACC in sacks and tackles for loss. He was also a first-team All-ACC player.
Bryan Bresee, DT – Clemson
Clemson’s 2022 defensive line might be as good if not better than the 2018 version that featured 4 NFL draft picks. Bryan Bresee is the man in the middle. He was playing dominant football last year until an injury-shortened his season. Fully healthy Clemson’s defensive line was the only unit that completely stopped a Georgia team that went on to win the national title.
Myles Murphy, DE – Clemson
The talented defenders keep coming in waves at Clemson. Murphy like Kancey was in the top 15 of the ACC in tackles for loss and sacks. Along with Xavier Thomas, there might not be a better defensive-end combination in college football.
Drake Thomas, LB – NC State
NC State might have the best group of linebackers in the ACC. Drake Thomas had 99 tackles with 6 sacks last season. He has the most returning ACC DPOY votes from last season.
Payton Wilson, LB – NC State
Payton Wilson was a tackling machine and All-ACC defender in 2020. He entered 2021 on a number of award watch lists. Wilson was another ACC defender whose season was cut short by injury. If he’s healthy he’s one of the ACC’s best defenders.
Tyler Davis, DT – Clemson
Clemson has 3 defenders that could be in the running for the defensive player of the year. Now we get to 1st Team All-ACC player Tyler Davis. We haven’t even mentioned DE Xavier Thomas who may find himself in the mix too. Davis achieved 1st Team honors starting only 8 games.
Mikel Jones, LB – Syracuse
Mikel Jones is the only other returning ACC defensive player outside of NC State’s Drake Thomas with 2021 ACC DPOY votes. He had 110 tackles last year with 10 TFL last season. Thomas also had 4 interceptions in 2020.
