By Matt Osborne
SouthernPigskin.com

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With the start of the 2016 season just over three months away, here is a look at five true freshman in the ACC who could have a huge impact this fall.

With the start of the 2016 season just over three months away, here is a look at five true freshman in the ACC who could have a huge impact this fall.

Clemson DT Dexter Lawrence

The Tigers have finished amongst the national leaders in sacks each of the past two seasons, so getting quality play out of the defensive front certainly has not been a problem. Even so, Lawrence is the type of rare talent capable of breaking into a talented rotation as a true freshman. At 6-4, 327 pounds, he already has a frame that is more than ready to withstand the grind of major college football. What is even more impressive, though, is his ability to be an explosive athlete at his massive size. It is difficult to say whether or not Lawrence will be able to crack the starting lineup with such exceptional talent surrounding him, but there is absolutely no question that he will be an important part of Clemsons rotation on the defensive line.

Duke WR Scott Bracey

With the departures of Max McCaffrey (NFL) and Johnell Barnes (dismissed from program), Duke will be without two of its three top wide outs from a season ago. Rising sophomore T.J. Rahming provides explosiveness with his quickness and speed, but he lacks the size to be a consistent vertical threat in the passing game. Bracey bring excellent size (6-3) to Durham, but was also one of the top overall athletes nationally in the 2016 class, being ranked as a consensus four-star prospect. He is a long-strider with great speed and the ability to make defenders miss in the open field. It could take him some time to get adjusted to playing the position in college, as he did spend his final year in high school at quarterback. Regardless, his size and athleticism will likely be enough to earn him a starting role by the time fall camp finishes up.

Florida State CB Levonta Taylor

Even with the loss of top five draft pick Jalen Ramsey, Florida State still returns one of the best defensive backfields in all of college football in 2016. Marquez White, Derwin James and Nate Andrews give the Seminoles an outstanding blend of athleticism and experience in the secondary heading into the fall. But even with a great group of players returning, Taylor solidified his status as an elite cornerback prospect throughout the duration of the recruiting process. He is a freak of nature athletically with his combination of speed and the ability to change direction quickly, but Taylors best attributes very well may be his instincts and his intelligence. Taylor has an understanding of route concepts that is well beyond his years. The Seminoles are known to rotate many secondary players throughout the course of the season, so Taylor will undoubtedly have an opportunity to showcase his talents. Ultimately, he could even compete for a starting job.

Louisville WR Desmond Fitzpatrick

The Cardinals had to rely upon a number of freshmen to contribute in the passing game in 2015, and they will be looking for at least one additional newcomer to make an impact this season. Ranked by the major recruiting services as a consensus four-star prospect, Fitzpatrick seemingly has the best opportunity of the incoming receivers to see the field this fall. Though he might not be the fastest receiver prospect in his class, Fitzpatrick has excellent size at 6-2, and uses his body very well to come down with tough catches, particularly in the vertical passing game. He has also already demonstrated that he is a polished route runner for someone that is so young. Fitzpatrick is easily able to gain separation from defenders to his advanced ability to run routes, and he still has the ability to come down with difficult catches even if he is draped by a secondary player.

Miami LB Shaq Quarterman

Quarterman was already considered to be one of the top prospects in Mark Richts first recruiting class when he signed his letter of intent, but he wasted no time in proving that they hype was more than justified when he arrived on campus. Enrolling in January, Quarterman concluded spring practice as the Hurricanes first-team inside linebacker. Richt singled Quarterman out for his impressive play on numerous occasions during the spring session, saying that he showed maturity well beyond his years for the position. Quarterman is an imposing physical specimen who has already shown that understands how to adjust to a collegiate scheme. There is a very good chance that Quarterman will be in the starting lineup for the Hurricanes season opener, and he very well could finish as one of the leading tacklers on the team.