Ranking the Five Best Cornerbacks in the ACC.

We now move into the secondary in our position rankings starting with cornerbacks. You may not find a lot of household names on this list, but these are the kind of defensive backs that will affect any offensive coordinators game plan.      

Completed Rankings at All About Sports

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1) Brandon Harris, Miami

Brandon Harris was a first team All-ACC selection last season at CB. This season there are whispers he could be an All-American. Harris was near the top nationally of several defensive statistics. He was second nationally in pass breakups (15) and third nationally in passes defended (17). If he turns pro after his junior season, he'd probably be no worse than a second round pick. He's 5-11 and 195 lbs.

2) Kendric Burney, North Carolina

Harris's fellow All-ACC defensive back from last year is Kendric Burny of North Carolina. I gave Harris the slight edge over Burney because Burney is two inches shorter. When you are chasing a 6-3, 6-4 WR, that matters. Don't get me wrong though, Burney is an excellent corner and a first day NFL pick. He returned two interceptions for touchdowns last year. He had five interceptions with and averaged a whopping 40 yards per interception return. 

3) Ras-I Dowling, Virginia

Ras-I Dowling has the highest ceiling of any of the corners on this list. Here's why: It's his size. At 6-2 200 he can cover those big NFL receivers. Dowling doesn't have the polish of Harris or Burney, and he plays for a mediocre Virginia team. One of the knocks on Dowling is that his tackling could be improved, but Dowling has the athletic ability to be a first round NFL pick. A big senior season could have him being a top 25 pick. 

4) Rashad Carmichael, Virginia Tech  

I read an article that said Rashad Carmichael was timed running a 4.26 40. That's approaching Deion Sanders   type speed. I don't know about that, but I think we can easily say Carmichael has really good speed though. He led the Hokies with six interceptions last season. He's 5-11 190 lbs, and is considered a likely second round draft choice. Carmichael is noted for having a solid work ethic.

5) Kenny Okoro, Wake Forest  

Kenny Okoro is our first Wake Forest to make our position rankings, and he's a good one. Okoro had strong freshman season. He was a honorable mention All-ACC selection. Okoro has good size at 6-0 190 and had three interceptions and eight pass breakups in 2010. He also made several national All-Freshman teams.