ACC Atlantic Players to Watch
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By Jim Johnson
SouthernPigskin.com
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One offensive skill player, from each ACC Atlantic team, to keep an eye out for this spring…
Here is one offensive skill player, from each ACC Atlantic team, to keep an eye out for this spring:
Boston College — Jon Hilliman, Running Back
Its not a matter of whether Hilliman is talented or not, we know he is from his freshman campaign, but rather, how long it will take for him to get back into form after missing most of 2015 with a broken foot. Hilliman is a big, strong, grinding back. His success is dependent upon being able to wear on opposing defenses. It will be interesting to see what kind of shape he is in, how long it will take to shake the rust off, and if theres any tentativeness in his game.
Clemson — Hunter Renfrow, Receiver
With the departure of Charone Peake, it would seem like a natural progression for one of Clemsons best players from the playoff to slide into that WR2 role, alongside Artavis Scott. It was under extenuating circumstances, however, that the former walk-on even got an opportunity on that stage. Mike Williams, the Tigers leading pass catcher in 2014, should be back to looking like a future first rounder before too long, and Deon Cain, whos not participating in spring practice, is still going to work hard to be an impact player in 2016. Renfrow has his work cut out for him to avoid getting lost in this shuffle of elite wideouts.
Florida State — Deondre Francois, Quarterback
I always preach not to fall in love with highly touted quarterbacks, about one in every three five-star QBs pan out. However, those that spend their first year redshirting have a markedly better track record: Jameis Winston, Johnny Manziel, Andrew Luck, and Marcus Mariota are just a few recent examples. Now, Francois has had an entire season to become acquainted with Jimbo Fishers notably intricate, complex offense, and get used to the day to day life of a student-athlete. Plus, Sean Maguire is out for the entirety of Spring Practice, meaning the lions share of the first team snaps will go to the redshirt freshman. Already garnering comparisons to Deshaun Watson, Francois will have ample opportunity to make his case for the starting job. The general consensus is that Sean Maguire will be penciled in as the starter, when the season rolls around, but if Francois has a good spring, Jimbo might start carrying an eraser around with him.
Louisville — James Quick, Receiver
Coming off of a solid, albeit underwhelming junior campaign, Quick is poised to have a big senior year. With the addition of Desmond King, the highest rated commit during this Petrino era, and every single player who caught a pass for the Cardinals coming back, this is a crowded position group. Look for Quick to separate himself from the pack, this spring, and become the ever-improving Lamar Jacksons favorite target.
NC State — Jalan McClendon, Quarterback
Jacoby Brissett is off to the NFL, leaving a void behind center, for the Wolfpack. With a new offensive coordinator set to take over, the starting job is up for grabs. On paper, it looks like McClendons to lose, but Jakobi Meyers will have a fair crack at it. Given the formers frame, which is much more similar to that of Brissett, and the extra year of experience, I think McClendon is poised to sneakily be one of the better quarterbacks in the conference.
Syracuse — Eric Dungey, Quarterback
Dungey lit it up in 2015, when he was on the field, that is. In Dino Babers offense, Dungey could put up nationally great numbers, but he has to take care of himself. Everyone can appreciate what a competitor he is, but there are ways to display that without putting your life in harms way. If Syracuse doesnt do anything else this spring, they need to keep Eric Dungey healthy, and teach him how to stay that way.
Wake Forest — Cortez Lewis, Receiver
With John Wolford coming back, under center, and Lewis biggest competitor for targets gone, the rising sophomore could potentially be one of the ACCs most explosive players. Dont be shocked if Lewis establishes himself as a potential all-conference selection if he has a productive spring.
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