Best of the Best: ACC Wide Receivers

See my complete list at ACC Blitz.

When compiling my list for the top three receivers in the ACC, I had to take a second and compare it to the experts out there. While my No. 1 is the same across the board, I have to wonder if some of these so-called pros even watched ACC football last season. My No. 2 guy, Torrey Smith from Maryland, barely cracked a few lists and, in most cases, not the top two.

Really guys?

It makes me wonder if they simply copied one another and printed their list. This guy was a second-team All-ACC pick and finished second in the most important receiving category (catches per game). Not only that, he was a dangerous return guy. Anyways, I'm finished ranting. Here's my top three.

3) Leonard Hankerson, Miami

2009 Stats: 45-801, 17.8 AVG, 6 TD

Hankerson is the main guy in a Miami receiving corp that is probably the best in the conference. In 2009, he led the Canes in receptions (45 - most since 2003), receiving yards (801), and receiving TDs (6).

He also had a catch in all 13 games. He's a big target (6'3") and has excellent speed. I think what impressed me most was his eye-popping average of nearly 18 yards per catch.

With Heisman hopeful QB Jacory Harris back, Hankerson should be salivating at the prospect of a massive season.

2) Torrey Smith, Maryland

2009 Stats: 61-824, 13.5 AVG, 5 TD

Few receivers in the game possess the attributes Smith does. He has sturdy hands, lightning speed, and, more importantly, excellent vision. He's a threat to blow up a game given the opportunity. Just ask Middle Tennessee, which Smith lit up for 165 yards.

In 2009, he was named second team All-ACC as a receiver and return specialist. He finished second in the ACC in receptions per game (5.08) and fifth in receiving yards per game (68.7), and also set an ACC record for kickoff return yardage with 1,309. He also set a Maryland school record for all-purpose yardage in 2009 with 2,192.

1) Donovan Varner, Duke

2009 Stats: 65-1047, 16.1 AVG, 8 TD

No, this is not a typo. Yes, a Duke WR comes in at No. 1 for 2010. I can't say many people saw a two-star guy coming out of high school rising to upper tier of the ACC, especially on a Duke team that is a doormat year in and year out.

The 2009 season witnessed Varner emerge on the scene in a big way. He earned All-ACC honors, leading the league in receptions (65), receptions per game (5.42), and receiving yards per game (87.2). Not only did he lead the league in three of the four major receiving categories, he also became the first Duke receiver in 21 years to have a 1,000 yard receiving season.

I think the most impressive stat Varner racked up last year was his three 150-yard receiving games, including a season-high 174 against Wake Forest.