College Football: Five ACC Offensive Players to Watch for in 2010

In 2009 the ACC saw the departure of some their best offensive players of the decade. RB C.J. Spiller of Clemson and WR Demaryius Thomas of Georgia Tech   were first-round picks in the latest NFL draft.

Then we know about returning established stars like Christian Ponder of Florida State, Ryan Williams of Virginia Tech and Josh Nesbitt of Georgia Tech, but who are some of the under the radar players that are ready to make a name for themselves in 2010.

Let's name a few.

Montel Harris, RB, Boston College  

Harris has quietly been one of the ACC's best backs for the last two years. Spiller and Dwyer got all the press, and Ryan Williams was the flashy freshman, but Harris has run for 2,357 in his first two years at BC. He had 132 yards against UNC's strong defensive front and a 264 rushing game against NC State. He looks ready for an All-ACC season.

Anthony Allen, RB, & Stephan Hill, WR, Georgia Tech

For those expecting a dropoff at Back with Jonathan Dwyer now in the NFL, can forget it. Allen gained nearly 700 rushing yards on last year. Barring injury, Allen will easily gain 1200 to 1500 yards rushing in Paul Johnson's triple option offense.

Stephen Hill is a 6'4" WR that you need to pay attention to. He's not yet the physical beast Thomas was, but I think he's faster with potentially better hands.

Owen Spencer, WR, NC State

Spencer has all the physical tools to be a great receiver. He's big at 6'3". He's fast. He runs a sub-4.4 40. Early in his career he had trouble holding on to the ball, but he's improved this each year he's played for the Wolfpack. In each of the last two years he's averaged more than 20 yards a catch. This season might be his first 1000 season at NC State.

Let's just hope coach Tom O'Brien figures out a way to get Spencer the ball.

Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson

A while back I mentioned that I thought Allen could be one of Clemson's next offensive stars . The more I look at Allen and the more I think he could finish the year as one of the best TE's in the ACC. I love his size at 6'3" 255 lbs. Tight Ends coach Danny Pearman said Allen reminds him of San Francisco 49er TE Vernon Davis. That's high praise.

Tyrod Taylor , QB, Virginia Tech

When you think of the ACC's best QB's sometimes Taylor can get lost in the shuffle. With running backs like Darren Evans and Ryan Williams the last two years, sometimes Taylor would get overshadowed in his own backfield, but he'll be the key to Virgina Tech making a run at the national title. He is the most talented quarterback Frank Beamer   has had since Michael Vick .

He's shown flashes of brilliance and last year threw for over 2300 yards last year. If he's consistent he can be as good as any quarterback in the ACC. I have a feeling he's in for a big season.

This article is also featured at All About Sports