(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
1) Mark Herzlich, SR, LB, Boston College Eagles
I know Herzlich is most likely not going to be able to play for Boston College this year. College football fans wish him a speedy recovery from the cancer he was diagnosed with in May. I want show respect for Herzlich, though, by placing him on this list. He is the ACC's best defensive player, and it isn't even close.
Herzlich is the reigning defensive player of the year in the ACC. 110 Tackles, 2.5 sacks and six interceptions were just some of the impressive stats Herzlich accumulated last year. I hope we see him on the football field soon.
Herzlich is the reigning defensive player of the year in the ACC. 110 Tackles, 2.5 sacks and six interceptions were just some of the impressive stats Herzlich accumulated last year. I hope we see him on the football field soon.
2) Morgan Burnett, JR, S, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
With seven interceptions last season, Burnett tied several others for the most interceptions in the entire country. That's very impressive for a sophomore. Obviously he led the ACC interceptions as well.
He also was third in the ACC in passes defended, and was 13th in tackles in 2008. In Tech's young secondary last year, Burnett was the steadying force. With Herzlich out, Burnett might now be the favorite for 2009's ACC defensive player of the year.
He also was third in the ACC in passes defended, and was 13th in tackles in 2008. In Tech's young secondary last year, Burnett was the steadying force. With Herzlich out, Burnett might now be the favorite for 2009's ACC defensive player of the year.
3) Alex Wujciak, SR, LB, Maryland Terrapins
Alex Wujciak's 133 tackles last season were second in the ACC and 13th in the nation. One of the top linebackers in the country, Wujciak is the fifth-leading returning tackler in the nation. Sized at 6-3, 255 lbs, Wujciak is a relentless defensive player, who will have receivers and running backs heading in the opposite direction to get away from this beast.
4) Marvin Austin, JR, DT, North Carolina Tarheels
Marvin Austin was destined to be a great defensive player. He was ranked the No. 1 defensive tackle coming out of high school for the year 2007 and was named to the 2007 Freshman All-American Team. Six-foot-three, 305 lbs and blessed with agility and quickness rare for a man his size, Austin is set to anchor a Tar Heel defensive front four that might the best in the ACC.
5) Jason Worilds, JR, DE, Virginia Tech Hokies
The Hokies always have athletic, hardnosed players on defense, and Jason Worilds is no different. Worilds, named to the Second Team All-ACC Defense in 2008, is set to make the jump to elite player in 2009. Worilds is an extremely quick off the edges defensive end, who will give offensive linemen nightmares. Only a sophomore last season, Worilds had 18.5 tackles for loss to go along with eight sacks.
Defensive line coach for the Hokies, Charley Wiles stated last year that Worilds might be more athletic than former Virginia Tech star Darryl Tapp. That's high praise.
Defensive line coach for the Hokies, Charley Wiles stated last year that Worilds might be more athletic than former Virginia Tech star Darryl Tapp. That's high praise.
This article is also featured on
All About Sports
12 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete