Ranking the 5 Best Cornerbacks in the ACC for 2011

We are in the home stretch of our player rankings. We are hitting the cornerbacks in this set. That leaves safeties and special teams yet to do. After that we’ll have our team predictions. That will lead us right into the college football season.

So who do we have as the top cornerbacks in the ACC for 2011?

Here’s what we have and the state of Virginia is well represented.

Completed Rankings at All Sports Discussion.

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1) Jayron Hosley, Virginia Tech

Jayron Hosley had nine picks last season, and has made several preseason All-American teams. He’s also considered a first-round NFL pick if he comes out his junior year. Hosley is a shutdown corner, so don’t expect opposing teams to throw his way often in 2011.

Virginia Tech defensive coordinator Bud Foster has praised Hosley’s both tackling and instincts and says he’s a really special football player. I agree.

2) Chase Minnifield, Virginia

Here’s a player in Chase Minnifield that wasn’t even considered the best corner on his team the last few years. Ras-I Dowling now departed was that man, but Minnifield has transformed himself into one of the country’s best cornerbacks. 

He had six interceptions last season, and is projected to be a first- or second-round pick. He’s more physical than you would think for a player listed at only 185 lbs. 

3) Xavier Rhodes, Florida State

The Seminoles are loaded at defensive back, and that’s a tremendous advantage, because if one corner doesn’t get you, the other will. Xavier Rhodes was a 2010 Freshman All-American.

He’s got the perfect size for DB at 6'2" and 205 lbs. He’ll only get better and he’s already an outstanding player.

4) Donnie Fletcher, Boston College

You may not be that familiar with Eagle cornerback Donnie Fletcher, but you should be. The senior had five interceptions and had 58 tackles last season. He’s 6'1" and nearly 200 lbs., and is projected as a second- or third-round NFL pick.

Fletcher is obviously a great pass defender, but he is also among the best ACC defensive backs at stopping the run.

5) Greg Reid, Florida State

It just isn’t fair that the Noles have this much talent at CB. Xavier Rhodes, as we’ve said was a Freshman All-American. Greg Reid was the Chick-fil-A Bowl Defensive MVP. He laid out South Carolina star RB Marcus Lattimore during the game.

Reid is only 5'8", which is a little shorter than some other CB’s on this list, but he still had 65 tackles. Just ask Lattimore if Reid can hit.