ACC's Top 10 Players

SI Staff | Aug 16, 2006

ACC's Top 10 Players /

ACC's Top 10 Players

Anthony Waters, LB

The 6-3, 245-pound third-year starter has pro size and excellent coverage ability. He's the Tigers top returning tackler, having compiled 109 stops last season. Like teammate Gaines Adams, Waters decided against entering the 2006 NFL draft even though he was projected as an early-round pick.

Micah Andrews, RB

With starting RB Chris Barclay suspended, Andrews had a monster game in last season's opener against Vanderbilt, carrying the ball 34 times for 254 yards (the second-best single-game rushing effort in school history). But he rushed for only 364 yards on 76 carries in the Demon Deacons' final 10 games. With Barclay graduated, Andrews will carry the bulk of the load this season and should excel behind a veteran O-line that includes All-ACC tackle Steve Vallos.

Drew Weatherford, QB

As a freshman starter last season, Weatherford showed great potential by throwing for 3,208 yards and 18 touchdowns, but he also had 18 interceptions. (In Weatherford's defense, FSU experienced extensive injuries on the offensive line, which didn't help him.) With a healthy O-line and returning receivers Chris Davis, De'Cody Fagg and Greg Carr at his disposal, Weatherford should enjoy a prolific sophomore season.

Jon Beason, LB

A former fullback, Beason had a strong sophomore season at linebacker, making 66 tackles, including six tackles for loss. Beason has deceptive speed and playmaking ability. He won the starting role with a highly productive offseason, holding off ultra-hyped LB Willie Williams, who is transferring to Pearl River Community College.

Greg Olsen, TE

He should be the next Hurricanes tight end to be taken in the first round of the NFL draft (following Bubba Franks, Jeremy Shockey and Kellen Winslow Jr.). On top of being a precise route-runner, the 6-5, 252-pound Olsen combines impressive speed with very soft hands. With the maturation of QB Kyle Wright, Olsen should improve on last season's solid stats: 31 catches for 451 yards and four touchdowns.

Buster Davis, LB

With the loss of first-round draft picks Ernie Sims, Kamerion Wimbley, Brodrick Bunkley and Antonio Cromartie, as well as the departure of A.J. Nicholson and Pat Watkins, Florida State needs a huge year from its loquacious linebacker. A vicious hitter, Davis was second on the team last year with 91 tackles.

Vince Hall, LB

As a sophomore Hall headlined a Hokies defense that led the nation in total defense and finished second in scoring defense. He earned second-team All-ACC honors after leading Virginia Tech with 112 tackles. Hall and Xavier Adibi give the Hokies one of the best linebacking duos in the country.

Brandon Meriweather, S

Nicknamed "Hit Stick" and "BWare" by his teammates, Meriweather is one of the country's most punishing tacklers. Last season he led Miami with 115 tackles and added 13 tackles for loss, seven pass breakups, three interceptions and three QB pressures. The durable senior hasn't missed a game in his Miami career.

Gaines Adams, DE

He was projected as a first-round pick in the 2006 NFL draft, but he returned to terrorize ACC quarterbacks for one more season. In 2005 -- his first season as a starter -- the lightning-quick defensive end led the Clemson defense in sacks (9.5) and tackles for loss (15).

Calvin Johnson, WR

Referred to by many analysts as the best all-around wide receiver in college football, Johnson boasts a rare combination of size (6-foot-5, 235 pounds) and speed (4.4 40). He earned second-team All-America status as a sophomore, catching 54 passes for 888 yards and six touchdowns.

Published Aug 16, 2006

SI STAFF