ACC Football Preview: Top Five Defensive Linemen

Now that we've completed our look at the best offensive players in the ACC, we can start the roll call of the North Carolina Tar Heel defense. Sorry, I mean ranking the best defensive players in the conference. I can say there are going to be a number of Heels to make these defensive lists.

They have as much top to bottom defensive talent as any team I've seen in the ACC since the early 2000s Florida State defenses. Can the Heels live up to the Hype? Let's begin with the defensive line player rankings.

Completed Rankings at All About Sports

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5) John Graves, Virginia Tech

After losing three defensive line starters, the lone returning starter, SR John Graves will be asked to lead the inexperienced bunch. I think he has the ability to do it if he can stay healthy. Last year, a leg injury limited the DT Graves to just 15 tackles, but he looks to be 100% when the season starts. He was the Hokies defensive MVP in their spring game. Graves is natural leader who has good quickness and is a physical player. In 2010, he'll double his tackles defensive stats from last year.

4) Da'Quan Bowers Clemson

Regarded by many as one of the top defensive players coming out of HS in 2008, Bowers has been good but not great since joining the Tigers. I remember going to the 2009 Clemson spring and thinking "this guy is the best athlete on the field." He's a 6-4 and 280 lbs player that oozes potential at DE. He's had some injury issues his first two season, but if can begin to harness his immense physical gifts there's no telling how good the JR Bowers can be.

3) Marvin Austin, North Carolina

Marvin Austin is the ACC's best pure DT. At 305 pounds, he is the epitome of a run stuffing space eater along the defensive line. As good as Austin is, his critics say he can be a more consistent player. He has the ability to shed blockers and runs well for a man his size. He has First round NFL talent. He had 42 tackles from the DT position, which is an impressive stat. Austin in the middle and Quinn rushing the edges. The Heels are loaded along the defensive line.

2) Allen Bailey, Miami

College Football News called Allen Bailey of Miami, the best returning playing on the entire Hurricane's team. NFL scouts like his athletic ability, and after playing several positions on Miami's defense has settled on DE for his Senior year. That's just an illustration of the 6-4 288 pounder's versatility though. A physical beast, he can squat over 500 pounds and bench over 400 pounds. He's a potential first or second round pick.

1) Robert Quinn, North Carolina

Robert Quinn was bit of an unknown at the start of last year, but by the end of the season, he was a 1st team All-ACC DE. Check out some of these stats from last year for the 6'5 270 lb Quinn. He led the ACC in tackles for loss, was second in the ACC in sacks, and forced 6 fumbles. He the conference's best end rusher and has made several pre-season All-American lists. Quick off the edges Quinn should have a monster season.