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 | Running Backs | Wide Receivers | Offensive Linemen |
Tight Ends | Defensive Linemen | Cornerbacks | Safeties | Special Teams
1) Payton Wilson, NC State
If there was an All-ACC team last year, Payton Wilson was on it. Wilson is absolute tackling machine. Last season he led the ACC with nearly 11 tackles per game, and 11.5 tackles for loss.
NBCSports has him as a 1st round NFL Prospect. The rest of college football will find out what ACC observers already know. Wilson is one of the best linebackers in college football.
2) James Skalski, Clemson
When Wilson decided to come back for NC State, it was a very good for Wolfpack fans. Clemson fans got similar good news when 33 year old James Skalski returned for his 15th year at Clemson. Ok it just seems that way, but this is Skalski’s 6th year at Clemson, and he gives the Tiger’s one of better defensive players in the ACC.
The anchor and leader of the Clemson defense has over 200 career tackles in 56 games played. There isn’t much this experienced player hasn’t seen.
3) Isaiah Moore, NC State
Isaiah Moore gives NC State arguably the best pair of linebackers in the ACC. According to this list, they are the tops. The RS- Senior had nearly 100 tackles in 2020. The 240-245 pound LB is effective against the run and the pass.
He was named LB of the week after 13 tackle performance against #21 Liberty last year.
4) Baylon Spector, Clemson
Baylon Spector along with James Sklaski gives Clemson a very formidable linebacking duo known as the “Bruise Brothers”. Spector was a 2nd team All-ACC player last season. He led the Tigers with 72 tackles in 2020 with 10.5 Tackles for Loss.
He won a Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the week after 13 tackle game against Virginia.
5) Nick Jackson, Virginia
Virginia has themselves a really good linebacker in Nick Jackson. Coming off an All-ACC 3rd team season in 2020, Jackson is looking for even higher honors in 2021.
Jackson’s number were very similar to Wilson’s with 10.5 tackles a game. Those numbers were among the best in the country. There’s a good bet we’ll see Jackson playing on Sundays.
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