College Football—The 10 Best Offensive Players in the ACC for 2009

1) Jonathan Dwyer, JR, RB— Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

The reigning ACC Player of the Year, Dwyer, emerged as the one of the country's best running backs last season. He gained 1,395 yards rushing and his 1,775 all-purpose yards rank second most in Georgia Tech history. Dwyer has the rare combination of power and breakaway speed, often out-running defensive secondaries once he got into the open field. In Paul Johnson's triple option offense, Dwyer will have plenty of opportunities for another big season.

2) CJ Spiller, SR, RB—Clemson Tigers

Spiller is simply one of the most electrifying players in the nation. He is capable of scoring anytime he touches the football. In each of his three seasons at Clemson, Spiller has scored at least one touchdown of over 80 yards and has scored a total of 30 TDs during his time with Clemson. With running mate James Davis no longer on the roster, Spiller will become the feature back in Clemson's offense. He is the current active leader in career ACC rushing yards with 2,335 rushing yards

3) Russel Wilson, SO, QB—North Carolina State Wolfpack

Wilson just completed his freshman season and might already be the best quarterback in the ACC. He became the first freshman quarterback to ever be picked to an All-ACC First Team after leading the conference in pass efficiency. Most importantly, by the end of the season the Wolfpack were playing some of the best football in the ACC with Wilson as QB. NC State won their final four regular season games, three of which came against bowl teams. At 5'11", Wilson is the best quarterback to stand under six feet since Woodrow Dantlzer played at Clemson.

4) Darren Evans, SO, RB—Virginia Tech Hokies

Another young talented player in the ACC, Evans is set for a strong sophomore campaign after leading the Hokies with 1,265 rushing yards in 2008. Evans doesn't quite have the speed of Dwyer or Spiller, but at 6'0" and 210 lbs., he's a physical runner with good balance. He had 745 yards in his last six games and was named the MVP of the Orange Bowl after gaining 153 yards rushing against a very good Cincinnati Bearcat defense.

5) Da'Rel Scott, JR, RB—Maryland Terrapins

Somewhat quietly, Da'Rel Scott was one the ACC's best running backs last season. Scott finished second in the ACC to Dwyer with 1,133 rushing yards. In the third game of the season against California, Scott hurt his shoulder. It forced him to sit out the following game, and his shoulder bothered him all season. Healthy once again, it will be interesting to see what he can do for the Terps.

6) Riley Skinner, QB, SR—Wake Forest Demon Deacons

Not heavily recruited out of high school, Skinner has gone on to be one of the most accurate passers the ACC has ever seen. He completed 63.9 percent of his passes, which was the lowest percentage Skinner ever threw for at Wake Forest. Regardless, he led the NATION in completion percentage. As Wake Forest QB for the three last years, the Deacs have an ACC Title, two bowl wins, and haven't won fewer than eight games with Skinner as their starter. With Skinner at the helm once again, don't expect any drop off in the Deac's attack this season.

7) Jacory Harris, QB, SO—Miami Hurricanes

Personally, I believe Jacory Harris was a better quarterback than Robert Marve. Harris, while inconsistent, was clearly the better talent. All you have to do is go back and watch the last minutes of the Miami-Virginia game to know there is something special about Harris. He led a 95-yard, 15-play march, completing multiple 3rd down passes and sending the game to overtime. Harris then threw the game-winning touchdown in the extra frame. This could be a breakout season for Harris.

8) Christian Ponder, QB, JR- Florida State Seminoles

Ponder did not walk into an easy situation last year. Former starter Drew Weatherford was steamed about losing his job, and the Noles were uncharacteristically mediocre the previous three seasons. The result was that Ponder managed to lead the Noles to their first nine-win season since 2004 and was named Florida State's offensive MVP. At 6'2" and 217 lbs., Ponder is surprisingly mobile. He is the first Florida State quarterback since Charlie Ward to run for over 400 yards. The junior also threw for over 2000 yards. 2008 was his first year as the starting quarterback, so I expect to Ponder to continue to get better.

9) Josh Nesbitt, QB, JR—Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

Running back Jonathan Dwyer isn't the only player in Georgia Tech's backfield that opponents have to worry about. Despite missing two games and parts of several other games, Nesbitt led all ACC quarterbacks in rushing and was eight in the ACC in total rushing. As quarterback, Nesbitt was at the controls of Tech's final two regular season games when the Jackets ran for over 400 yards in both games. It was option football at it's finest. Nesbitt still has room for improvement, especially in the passing game. He has a rocket for arm, but his touch could be better. If his arm improves, Nesbitt would move into the Top 5 of this list.

10) TJ Yates, QB, JR—North Carolina Tar Heels

As a freshman in 2007, Yates set a UNC single-season record for passing yards with 2,655. Despite battling injuries in 2008, Yates still threw for 1,168 yards, 11 TDs, and a 60 percent completion rate. At 6'3", Yates has excellent size for quarterback and is a prototype pocket passer. He just can't seem to stay healthy. He sprained his right thumb playing Ultimate Frisbee in April and will need six weeks to rehabilitate his throwing hand. When healthy, Yates is one of the best passers in the ACC.

Others to watch: Jacoby Ford, WR, SR—Clemson Tigers; Tyrod Taylor, QB, JR—Virgina Tech Hokies; Aldarius Johnson, WR, SO—Miami Hurricanes; Thaddeus Lewis, QB, SR—Duke Blue Devils