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Ranking the ACC Units: Defensive Line

Jeffrey Fann

Correspondent Written on June 20, 2009

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DURHAM, NC - NOVEMBER 29: Sheldon Bell #17 of the Duke Blue Devils is tackled by Deunta Williams #27 and Chase Rice #44 of the North Carolina Tar Heels at Wallace Wade Stadium on November 29, 2008 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

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The Blue Devils have an NFL caliber DT in Vince Oghobaase, and an upperclassmen-laden defensive front four. Senior Ayanga Okpokowuruk is a solid defensive end. 6-2 290 lbs senior Kinney Rucker mans the other DT position. Even with some improved talent the Blues still ranked 11th in the ACC in rushing defense, and need to improve that.

11) Boston College Eagles

The Eagles lost two of the best interior players in the country off last year's team. 6'3" 293 lbs junior Damik Scafe and 6'3" 256 lbs sophomore Kaleb Ramsey will replace stud defensive tackles B.J. Raji and Ron Brace. 6'5" 241 lbs senior Brendan Deska will also spend time at the DT position. Seniors Austin Giles and Jim Ramella return at the defensive end positions.

12) Maryland Terrapins

No ACC team has more holes to fill along the defensive line than the Maryland Terrapins. The Terps lose six players off their defensive line depth chart. The only significant experience returning is four-game DT starter Travis Ivey. At 6'4" 325 lbs, Ivey has solid size for a DT.

The other DT Dion Armstrong is working through academic issues, and hopes to be ready for the fall. Jared Harell and Derek Drummond will man the defensive end positions. There's potential there in the two, but not a tremendous amount of experience.

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written on June 20, 2009 Rankings/List