Well here we go. It’s time to start ranking the best players in the ACC for the 2021 season.
Check out the latest edition Lindy’s College Football where @TalkinACCSports (myself) with a big assist from @Hokiesmash_ASD player research helped put together these lists and the Lindy’s All-ACC team with @mattzemek.
As usual we hope you enjoy the rankings.
Previous and Upcoming Rankings
Quarterbacks | Wide Receivers | Offensive Linemen | Tight Ends |
Defensive Linemen | Linebackers | Cornerbacks | Safeties | Special Teams
1) Zonovan (Bam) Knight, North Carolina State
NC State’s Zonovan (Bam) Knight is coming off a 3rd team All-ACC 2020 season. Knight had 788 yards on the ground with 10 TDs. Nationally Knight is underrated, but he shouldn’t be. He’s been extremely productive back while at NC State with over 1500 yards rushing his first two years, and has a nearly 27 yard return average on kickoffs. That’s includes a 100 yard return last season to go along with 20 receptions. He’s a back with top 3 round NFL potential.
2) Jahmyr Gibbs, Georgia Tech
Jahmyr Gibbs is as gifted an offensive player as Georgia Tech has had since Calvin Johnson. He has that kind of talent. The highest rated recruit from Geoff Collins lived up to the hype. Playing in only seven games last year, Gibbs drew comparisons to NFL star Alvin Kamara for his ability to run and catch out of the backfield. Just a sophomore, there’s a good chance Gibbs could top this list at some point in his collegiate career.
3) Mataeo Durant, Duke
Senior Mataeo Durant led the ACC with a whopping 6.8 yards per rush average in 2020 totaling 817 yards on the ground in a breakout season. In a year where the Duke offense struggled to moved the ball consistently, Durant was a bright spot scoring 9 total touchdowns. Departed Deon Jackson actually had more carries last year for Duke, so expect Durant to get the bulk of work at RB this year in a likely 1,000 yard+ 2021.
4) Christian Beal Smith, Wake Forest
Christian Beal Smith has been making some deserved noise pre-season All-ACC noise. Coming off a 700+ yard rushing season, Smith is looking for more in 2021. No longer will Smith split carries with Kenneth Walker III. He will undoubtedly be the feature back for the Deacs this year. He’s gotten better each season he’s been at Wake Forest, and entering his RS Senior year he should be headed towards a big year.
5) Cam’Ron Harris, Miami
In his first full season starting, Miami’s Cam’ron Harris had a solid year. In 2020, Harris had 643 yards rushing with a 5.1 per carry average and 10 touchdowns. After two games in 2020, Harris had 268 yards and a monster season appeared possible. That didn’t quite happen, but if he can harness that into a full season Harris would be in the neighborhood of 1500 yards in 2021. He’ll have to hold off some some talented younger backs at Miami, but the potential is there.
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