By Carlos Pineda
SouthernPigskin.com

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Ranking the 2015 recruiting classes in the ACC.

As the 2015 National Signing Day festivities came to a close on Wednesday, the ACC’s top two programs of the past couple of years continued to stand above and beyond the rest.

Florida State (2nd) and Clemson (4th) finished with top five recruiting classes nationally. The league in total had a good showing with seven teams ranked in the top 40, according to ESPN.com. The remaining five teams included Miami, North Carolina and Virginia Tech, which were rated the 23rd, 24th and 25th best classes respectively. Louisville rounded out the top 30, and NC State ranked in at 33.

The conference finished only behind the SEC, which had 12 teams ranked in the top 40, in the rankings. It finished tied with the Pac-12 and the Big 12.

Below we rank how each ACC finished on National Signing Day.

1. Florida State

The Seminoles’ No. 2 ranking gave them their eighth straight top-10 recruiting class, and included the most five-star signings in the country with five. FSU’s class was headlined by defensive backs Derwin James and Tarvarus McFadden, receiver George Campbell, running back Jacques Patrick and defensive end Josh Sweat. The Seminoles’ 20 commitments filled every positional need.

2. Clemson

Dabo Swinney continues to build something special in Death Valley. On the heels of four consecutive 10-win seasons, the Tigers landed 23 commitments, including three five-star and nine four-star prospects. Five-star receiver Deon Cain committed back in 2014 and brings an explosiveness to his new position after being a quarterback all throughout high school. Clemson finished with a superb recruiting class.

3. Miami

There’s no denying there was some frustration with this recruiting cycle. While the Hurricanes lost running back Jordan Scarlett to rival Florida, they were able to come away with four-star running back Mark Walton. UM also signed four-star receiver Lawrence Cager, along with six offensive linemen. The Canes were also able to flip cornerback Sheldrick Redwin and linebacker James King.

4. North Carolina

The Tar Heels struggled defensively last season, but signed four-star defensive end Jalen Dalton, defensive tackle Aaron Crawford, and corner Mike Hughes. Of the 19 players who committed, North Carolina brings in 11 players on offense, including the top-rated player in South Carolina, running back TySon Williams.

5. Virginia Tech

With a signing class of 24, the Hokies focused on getting bigger and stronger along the line. Their wish list was answered, as Virginia Tech nabbed six defensive and five offensive linemen, among them four-star defensive ends Yosuah Nijman and Darius Fullwood, defensive tackle Tim Settle, and offensive tackle Austin Clark. The Hokies also picked up dual-threat quarterback Dwayne Lawson.

6. Louisville

Bobby Petrino got his quarterback despite a strong last-minute effort from the Florida Gators. Four-star Lamar Jackson kept with his commitment and signed with the Cardinals. Louisville received a good mix of weapons, featuring four receivers, three running backs and three linemen. The Cardinals are expected to be a contender in the Atlantic Division race.

7. NC State

The Wolfpack made major strides under Dave Doeren in only his second year in Raleigh. They continued to move forward on Wednesday after picking up one of their best classes in the last 10 years, signing four of the state’s top-10 prospects. The Pack picked up commitments from a trio of four-star running backs, Nyheim Hines, Johnny Frasier and Reggie Gallaspy. NC State is poised to keep improving under Doeren.

8. Georgia Tech

There’s no denying winning the Coastal Division and defeating Mississippi State in the Orange Bowl had a helping hand in securing the largest recruiting class in the Paul Johnson era. Johnson signed 27 recruits, including 17 from in-state. Defensive end Anree Saint-Amour highlights a class that includes offensive lineman Will Bryan, safety A.J. Gray and cornerback Dorian Walker.

9. Virginia

The Cavaliers worked hard to improve the defensive side of the ball, grabbing a pair of four-star linebackers, Jahvoni Simmons and C.J. Stalker, to round out a defense-heavy signing class. London and Co. also signed pro-style quarterback Nick Johns. Virginia is hoping to have its second winning season under Mike London.

10. Duke

The Blue Devils aren’t known for recruiting big name prospects, but that hasn’t stopped coach David Cutcliffe from finding success in Durham. Cutcliffe has turned things around in his seven-year tenure, which includes three consecutive bowl appearance. With 17 incoming players, the Blue Devils focused on defense, signing their lone four-star recruit, linebacker Ben Humphreys, along with five defensive linemen.

11. Wake Forest

With a 23-player signing class, the Demon Deacons are looking to improve the nation’s worst offense from a year ago. Wake signed five receivers, two running backs, two quarterbacks and three offensive linemen to get things going in the right direction. Quarterback Kyle Kearns from California was the team’s only four-star prospect, and running back Rocky Reid should be a big factor early in the backfield.

12. Boston College

The Eagles stuck to their guns, recruiting the state of Massachusetts with fervor. Their hard work succeeded in signing four of the state’s top prospects. In total, BC signed seven players from within the state, and several from the neighboring New England region. Very successful running the football last season, the Eagles added five offensive linemen this cycle.

13. Pitt

Coach Pat Narduzzi welcomed his first recruiting class at Pitt on Wednesday. Although it was a small 14-member group, the Panthers managed to land the No. 1 player in the state of Pennsylvania, four-star cornerback Jordan Whitehead, along with four-star running back Darrin Hall. While Pitt lost several recruits, it was able to hold on to commitments such as a three-star offensive linemen Alex Paulina and Tony Pilato, and receiver Tre Tipton.

14. Syracuse

The Orange finished National Signing Day with 25 commitments, none more important than running back Dontae Strickland. Strickland was among the first players to sign and fax his letter. Syracuse signed seven defensive linemen, including defensive end Jake Pickard who was previously committed to Wisconsin.